Every move follows the same path: quote, survey, export wrapping, departure, the crossing, then delivery in Spain — typically 2–4 days door to door on a dedicated van, or 3 days to 2 weeks on a shared load. Here’s exactly what happens, and who does what.
Step by step
1. You enquire, we match. Tell us what’s moving, where from and where to, and how flexible your dates are. We connect you with trusted UK–Spain removals specialists — one enquiry, matched to the right service. You deal with that specialist directly from there.
2. The survey. A video or in-person survey confirms the volume, the access at both ends and anything awkward — a piano, a fourth floor, a gated urbanisation. This is what turns an estimate into a price that won’t move on the day.
3. Packing and export wrapping. Furniture is blanket-wrapped with corner protection, upholstery shrink-wrapped, mattresses bagged, glass and mirrors boarded or crated. Export wrapping is heavier than domestic wrapping because the goods are handled more times over 1,500 miles.
4. Loading and the inventory. Everything is listed as it’s loaded. That inventory is both your record and the customs document — it’s why “assorted boxes” isn’t good enough and item-level detail matters.
5. The crossing. Two routes cover most moves: Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander by ferry, which puts the van straight into northern Spain, or Dover–Calais / Eurotunnel and the drive south through France to the AP-7 down the east coast, or the A-4/A-45 for Andalucía. Which one is used depends on your destination and the schedule. Both are included in your quote.
6. Paperwork in transit. Your goods travel under a CMR consignment note — the standard international road-freight contract — accompanied by the customs inventory. Household effects moving with a change of residence generally qualify for duty relief in Spain.
7. Delivery. The crew delivers into the rooms you nominate, not just to the doorstep. Where street access is tight — old-town centres, narrow urbanisation roads — a smaller shuttle vehicle is used, priced in advance rather than sprung on you.
How long it really takes
| Service | Typical door to door |
|---|---|
| Dedicated van | 2–4 days |
| Shared part load | 3 days to 2 weeks |
| Islands (ferry leg) | add 2–5 days |
Shared loads take longer because the van makes several collections and drops. That’s the trade for the lower price, and it’s the honest reason part loads cost less.
Insurance
Moves are covered by goods-in-transit insurance arranged by your removals specialist. Check two things on your quote: the cover limit and whether high-value items need declaring separately. Anything irreplaceable — jewellery, documents, small heirlooms — is better carried personally than shipped.
What we ask of you
Be honest about volume and access, keep passports and visa paperwork with you rather than in the van, empty and defrost appliances the night before, and label anything that must travel upright. Small things, but they’re the difference between a smooth day and an expensive one.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the journey itself, door to door? 2–4 days on a dedicated van; 3 days to 2 weeks on a shared part load, because the van makes several collections and drops. Island deliveries add a ferry leg.
Which route do the vans take? Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander by ferry, or Dover–Calais and south through France — chosen by destination and schedule, and included in the quote.
What is a CMR note? The standard consignment note for international road freight. It travels with your goods alongside the customs inventory.
Do I need to be there for collection and delivery? Someone should be present at both ends to check the inventory and direct where things go.
What insurance covers my belongings in transit? A goods-in-transit policy held by your removals specialist. Check the cover limit on your quote, and declare high-value items separately — irreplaceable pieces are better carried personally.
What happens if the street is too narrow for the van? A smaller shuttle vehicle is used. Tell us about access at survey and it’s priced in rather than charged on the day.