The Costa Blanca has the largest British population in Spain, which means two things for return moves: plenty of vans coming and going, and a lot of small loads rather than full households — apartments being sold, or people downsizing back to the UK after years here.
Both make this an excellent backload route. Typical transit is 2–7 days door to door.
Where we collect
Alicante province, north and south:
- South — Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Guardamar, Santa Pola, Pilar de la Horadada
- North — Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Moraira, Jávea (Xàbia), Dénia, La Nucía
- Alicante city and the coast — San Juan, El Campello, Mutxamel
- Inland — Elche, Crevillente, Aspe
Murcia and Almería are collected on the same runs.
The southern urbanisations are straightforward — low-rise, communal parking, easy access. The northern hillside villas around Jávea, Moraira and Altea are the ones to flag: steep private drives where a full-size lorry can’t turn, so the load transfers via a smaller vehicle.
Why this route suits backloads
Because so many loads out of the Costa Blanca are part loads rather than full households, they slot easily into a returning van that already has space. That’s exactly the cargo a remover wants for the trip home — and exactly why flexible dates get you a better price here than almost anywhere.
If you’re bringing back a one-bed apartment’s worth of furniture, you are the ideal backload customer. Say so.
What it costs
Part loads from around £1,000 for 5m³, less on backload dates; a three-bed household £3,500–£6,500. Full cost guide →
UK customs — apply for ToR1 before you ship
HMRC’s Transfer of Residence relief brings your personal belongings into the UK free of duty and VAT when you’re moving your home back. Apply before the goods travel and pass the reference to your remover.
The distinction that matters on this coast: selling a holiday apartment isn’t a change of residence, so the relief doesn’t apply. Plenty of Costa Blanca property is second homes, and people are frequently surprised by this. Ask before you book. Full ToR1 guide →
Moving back permanently?
Our guide to moving back to the UK → covers the whole sequence — baja del padrón, the Spanish tax exit, pets, the car, NHS registration.
Frequently asked questions
How much are removals from Alicante to the UK? Part loads from around £1,000 for 5m³, less on flexible backload dates; a three-bed household £3,500–£6,500 (2026 guide prices).
Do you collect from Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa? Yes — the southern urbanisations are among the most frequent collections on this route.
Can you reach a villa on a steep drive near Jávea or Moraira? Yes, usually via a smaller shuttle vehicle for the final approach. Mention it at survey so it’s in the price.
How long does Alicante to the UK take? Typically 2–7 days door to door.
I’m selling a holiday apartment — do I get duty relief? No. ToR relief applies to moving your normal residence, not to emptying a second home.
Is a part load enough for an apartment? Usually — a one-bed apartment’s contents is typically around 10m³, which is part-load territory and ideal backload cargo.