Are you planning a move from the UK to Europe, or returning home to the UK? Gentlevan Removals is a trusted, family-run European removal company, handling stress-free relocations between the UK and mainland Europe.
Since 2011 we have helped hundreds of families, professionals, and retirees move between the UK and mainland Europe. We handle everything from a single van-load to full house removals across the continent — with shared loads, dedicated vehicles, professional packing, and customs support all under one roof.
With a fleet ranging from 3.5-tonne Luton vans to 36-tonne road trains, we can accommodate moves of any size, to any European destination. Get a free no-obligation quote today and see how straightforward moving to Europe can be.
We run regular removal routes to all major European countries. Click a destination to find out more:
Europe is a continent of very different moves. A modern house with a driveway is straightforward: the lorry pulls up and we load. A fifth-floor Lisbon flat off a cobbled lane, a canal house in Amsterdam, or a hilltop village in Tuscany is a different job, and we plan for it before we set off. Wherever you're headed, we check the access first — on Street View, or from photos and a short video you send us — so we arrive with the right vehicle. Where a full-size lorry can't get in, we tranship to a smaller van and shuttle the last stretch. Here's roughly what to expect country by country.
Our busiest route. Most moves head for the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga), the Costa Blanca (Alicante), or the big cities — Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. Coastal urbanisations and gated communities often have narrow internal roads, height barriers and tight ramps to underground parking.
We size the vehicle to the resort and tranship where the lorry can't reach the door. More on removals to Spain.
From Brittany and Normandy for the short crossing, to the Dordogne and south-west expat belt, Provence and the Côte d'Azur, and the cities. Paris means cobbled courtyards and stairs-only flats; rural properties mean long gravel drives and low farm gateways.
We plan the access before we set off and shuttle the last stretch where needed. More on removals to France.
The Algarve (Lagos, Albufeira, Tavira) leads, followed by Lisbon, the Silver Coast and Porto. Lisbon's old quarters have steep cobbled streets and tram lines; Algarve villas often sit up narrow hillside lanes with tight gateways.
A longer haul, so most moves run as part-loads. More on removals to Portugal.
Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges — one of our quickest routes from the UK. City-centre terraces and apartment blocks are often tall and narrow, so an exterior furniture lift through a window or balcony is common rather than the stairs.
We arrange the lift and any loading permit in advance. More on removals to Belgium.
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven. The classic Dutch canal house is tall, narrow and steep-staired — many were built with a hoist beam at the gable for exactly this reason, and a furniture lift is often the only sensible way up.
We bring the right lift kit and book kerb space where it's controlled. More on removals to the Netherlands.
Tuscany, the northern lakes (Como, Garda), Rome, Milan and Puglia. Historic centres run ZTL restricted-traffic zones with timed access, hilltop towns have stepped streets, and rural farmhouses can sit a fair way off the main road.
We check the ZTL rules and final approach before we travel. More on removals to Italy.
Ideal for customers who have smaller loads and want to share transportation costs with others moving in the same direction. You benefit from cost savings while still receiving the same level of care and attention to detail. Efficient and environmentally friendly.
Best for: Smaller loads, flexible dates, budget-conscious moves
How it works: We consolidate moves heading in the same direction, confirm your collection window a few days in advance, and deliver within the agreed timeframe — keeping you updated throughout.
An agreed-size removal vehicle solely dedicated to transporting your belongings — no stops, no other shipments. Whether moving to Europe or back to the UK, our dedicated load service guarantees a smooth and efficient experience.
Best for: Full house removals, high-value items, fixed schedules
What's included: Fixed date collection and delivery, exclusive vehicle use, fastest available option to your European destination.
A part load — also called a shared load — is the most cost-effective way to move to Europe when you don't have a full van's worth of belongings. Your things travel alongside other households heading the same way, so you only pay for the space you use rather than a whole vehicle. It suits a flat, a studio, a partial move or a second-home top-up, which is why our shared-load prices start from as little as £900.
The trade-off is timing: part loads run on our scheduled bi-weekly routes rather than a fixed day, so they're the option to choose when your dates have a bit of give. We keep every household separate and labelled, and keep you updated along the way. For our busiest routes we've built dedicated pages — part load removals to France and part load removals to Spain — or get a part-load quote for anywhere in Europe.
Our shared (part) load service is the most cost-effective way to move between the UK and Europe: your belongings share the vehicle with other shipments heading the same way, so you only pay for the space you use. Below are typical starting-from guide prices — the exact figure depends on your volume and the access at both ends. The same corridors run in reverse, so we cover the journey home too.
Heading somewhere else, or moving a full house on a dedicated vehicle? Get a free online quote and we'll price your exact route in either direction.
Ensuring the safe and secure transportation of your belongings is our top priority. Here's what sets Gentlevan apart on every international move:
Every international move begins with meticulous planning. Our team works closely with clients to understand their requirements, ensuring a tailored approach that addresses specific needs and timelines.
Navigating international moves requires in-depth knowledge. We handle customs procedures, transport regulations, and border requirements for every European destination — seamlessly and on time.
Our family business ethos means you deal with one dedicated point of contact from quote to delivery. No call centres, no outsourcing — just direct, attentive care throughout your relocation.
We have extensive experience with post-Brexit customs documentation for all European destinations. We guide you through every form and requirement so you can focus on settling into your new home.
If you're moving back to the UK from a European destination, you can rely on Gentlevan Removals. Our UK storage facility ensures secure storage of your belongings until they are ready to be transported to your new address. From packing and loading to transportation and delivery, we handle every aspect of your move with meticulous care — in both directions.
Every year, thousands of UK residents make the move to Europe — drawn by warmer climates, a lower cost of living, retirement opportunities, or the chance to be closer to family. Whether you're relocating permanently to Spain, taking a career opportunity in Germany, or retiring to the south of France, a professional European removals company makes the process far less stressful.
Post-Brexit, moving to Europe involves more paperwork than it once did — but it remains very manageable with the right help. Gentlevan Removals has guided hundreds of customers through post-Brexit European relocations, handling customs declarations, transfer of residence (ToR) relief applications, and border documentation so you don't have to.
Whether you're moving a studio flat's worth of belongings or a large family home, our flexible service options mean there's a cost-effective solution for every budget and every destination.
We cover all major European destinations including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Monaco, Gibraltar, and many more. If your destination isn't listed, just ask — we very likely cover it.
A shared (part) load means your belongings share vehicle space with others moving in the same direction — reducing cost and environmental impact. A dedicated load means the entire vehicle is reserved for your move only — faster, more direct, and ideal for large or time-sensitive moves.
It depends on the destination, the size of your move, and whether you choose a shared or dedicated load. As a guide, shared-load part-loads start from around £900 to Belgium, £1,200 to France and Spain, £1,400 to Portugal and £1,600 to Monaco. Full-house dedicated moves are priced individually. See our starting prices above, or get an exact figure with a free online quote.
Yes. We assist with customs paperwork for all European destinations. Each country has different requirements — we guide you through what's needed to ensure your move complies with current regulations and avoids unnecessary delays or charges at the border.
Yes. If you're returning to the UK from Europe, we prepare your Transfer of Residence (ToR1) application and the UK customs paperwork so your personal belongings clear without unexpected duty or VAT. Because our vehicles regularly run back from the Continent, a move home can often be arranged as a cost-effective return load.
Since Brexit, UK citizens can spend up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area without a visa. For a longer stay or a permanent move you'll usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit, and the requirements differ by country. We're not immigration advisors, but we handle the customs side of your move and plan the timing around your visa or residency dates.
Yes. We offer secure containerised UK storage — ideal if there's a gap between leaving your UK home and completing your European move. Every UK to Europe or Europe to UK move includes 2 months of free storage, with no contract penalty if you need a little longer.
Every move includes our standard limited-liability cover. If you'd like fuller protection, MoveProtect is our optional enhanced cover: you declare a replacement value for your belongings and they're protected against loss or damage in transit and storage, with no excess to pay on a claim. Just ask about it when you request your quote.
We run bi-weekly services between the UK and Europe, so there's rarely a long wait for a slot. For dedicated moves and busy summer dates it helps to book two to four weeks ahead where you can. For shared loads, tell us your flexible window and we'll fit you into the next suitable run.
Transit times vary by destination and service type. Dedicated loads to France or Belgium typically arrive within 1–3 days of collection. Shared loads can take 7–14 days. Destinations like Italy, Spain, or Switzerland may take a little longer. We'll give you an estimated timeframe at the quote stage.
Ready to move to Europe — or return to the UK? Get in touch with our friendly team for a great-value, no-obligation quote today.
Call us on +44 7861 930529
Request Your Online QuoteOr contact us online — we look forward to hearing from you!
We're a family firm, not a booking agent. The person who quotes your move is usually the one who drives it: we run our own road train paired with a smaller transhipment van, so the same crew that packs your home in the UK carries it to the door in Europe.
No brokers, no subcontractors, and no handing your belongings to a stranger halfway across France.
A single shared-load run to the Continent carries several households in one vehicle — one Channel crossing instead of five or six separate trips. We pack with reusable blankets and recyclable materials and plan routes so the lorry rarely runs empty.
It keeps your cost down and the mileage per family low: usually the cheaper option and the lower-carbon one.
The feedback we hear most is about the small things: the office actually answering the phone, clear ETAs on delivery day, and furniture arriving in Europe — or back in the UK — exactly as it left.
Much of our European work is repeat customers and word of mouth. Read the verified reviews and see for yourself.
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