Start Your New Life in Italy: Trusted Moving from the UK to Italy Guide by Reloux® Essential Information, Costs & Customs
- reloux®-GB
- 6 hours ago
- 15 min read
Moving from the UK to Italy is an exciting new chapter—whether you’re seeking sunshine, a slower lifestyle, new job opportunities, or a beautiful place to raise a family. Italy offers world-class food, breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and a warm Mediterranean lifestyle that feels worlds apart from the UK.
As experienced European relocation specialists, Reloux® provides reliable, safe and fully managed UK–Italy removals, taking care of all packing, customs paperwork, logistics, and door-to-door delivery throughout Italy.
This guide explains everything you need to know about moving to Italy in 2025: realistic costs, timelines, customs requirements, regional differences, and how Reloux® ensures your relocation is effortless from start to finish.
Moving to Italy: Why It’s One of the UK’s Top Relocation Destinations
Italy remains one of the most appealing countries for UK citizens thanks to:
Mediterranean climate & outdoor lifestyle
Lower cost of living in many regions
Stunning countryside and seaside towns
A strong sense of community and culture
High-quality healthcare
Excellent job prospects in major cities
Authentic food, wine, and daily life
Diverse landscapes from Alps to beaches
From Tuscany’s rolling hills to Milan’s business hub and the dramatic Sicilian coastlines, Italy offers something for everyone.
How Reloux® Manages Your Move to Italy
Reloux® delivers full end-to-end European moving services, ensuring every detail is handled professionally and without stress.
Our UK–Italy relocation services include:
Full export packing & wrapping
Part-load (groupage) and dedicated removals
Door-to-door delivery anywhere in Italy
Professional handling of fragile, bulky or high-value items
Customs documentation & post-Brexit compliance
Short- and long-term UK storage
Unpacking, reassembly & debris removal
Specialist services (pianos, artwork, antiques, motorbikes, cars)
From your initial video survey to final delivery in Italy, the Reloux® team coordinates every stage with precision and care.
Moving Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Move to Italy?
Prices vary depending on the volume, service type and final destination. Below is an accurate 2025 guide:
Move Type | Typical Price Range |
Boxes-only / small move | £1200 – £1,750 |
1–2 bedroom apartment | £1,800 – £3,000 |
3–4 bedroom house move | £2,800 – £6,500+ |
Dedicated vehicle service | £3,000 – £8,500+ |
Part-Load = Best value
Shared space in a truck → lower cost
Dedicated service = Fastest
Private truck → fastest delivery & fixed dates
Every Reloux® quotation is tailored using a video survey so pricing is accurate, fair, and fully transparent.
Delivery Times: How Long Do Removals to Italy Take?
Your delivery timing depends on the transport method:
Dedicated (Fastest)
2–5 days door-to-doorIdeal for urgent or fixed-date moves.
Part-Load (Economic)
7–14 days depending on routingPerfect for flexible schedules.
Islands
Sicily, Sardinia, smaller islands → include ferry time 14–28 days typical for groupage
Reloux® provides clear ETA updates throughout your shipment’s journey.
Part-Load vs Dedicated Service: What’s the Difference?
Part-Load (Groupage) Removals
Most cost-effective
Flexible delivery window
Ideal for small/medium moves
Goods travel with other clients’ shipments
Dedicated Removals
Your own private vehicle
You choose delivery dates
Fastest transit
Best for large homes or time-sensitive moves
Reloux® offers both services to every region of Italy.
Customs Rules When Moving from UK to Italy (Post-Brexit)
All UK–Italy moves now require customs clearance.
You will need:
Passport
Proof of Italian residency or relocation
Detailed inventory list
ToR (Transfer of Residence) documentation
Value declaration for insurance
Reloux® prepares, checks and submits all documents to ensure a smooth clearance. Most shipments clear Italian customs in 24–72 hours.
Moving Into Italian Cities — What to Expect
Each Italian city has unique access challenges. Reloux® coordinates parking permits, shuttles, ZTL permissions, and street access requirements.
Rome
Strict ZTL zones
Narrow streets → often requires shuttle
Delivery to all districts including Trastevere, Monti, Prati
Milan
Excellent access & fast customs
Best for quick delivery
Florence
Tight medieval streets
Shuttle almost always mandatory
Naples
Busy centre
Steep streets + limited access
Turin, Verona, Bologna
Good access + efficient delivery
Venice
No road access
Reloux® arranges transport boat + porter service
Sicily & Sardinia
Road + ferry transport
Longer but predictable transit with proper planning
Rural Italy Moves (Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia, Abruzzo, Sicily Interior)
Many UK families move to Italy’s countryside for peace, scenery and space.
Expect:
Narrow rural roads
Steep hills
Village centres with limited access
Occasional need for shuttles
Longer manual handling
Reloux® uses satellite access checks + local expertise to plan the safest and smoothest delivery.
How Reloux® Protects Your Belongings
Your goods are packed using premium international export materials:
Reinforced moving cartons
Export-grade wrapping
Corner and edge protectors
Padded blankets
Foam cushioning
Wooden crates for high-value items
Every item is labelled, inventoried and handled with care.
Need Storage Before Moving to Italy?
Reloux® offers:
Secure UK storage
Storage-in-transit
Full inventory & barcoding
Flexible short- and long-term options
Perfect if your Italian home is not ready yet.
Why Choose Reloux® for Your Move to Italy?
✔ UK–Italy specialists
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ Fully managed customs clearance
✔ Professional export packing
✔ Regular routes to all Italian regions
✔ Exceptional customer care
✔ Local Italian partners in every major city
✔ Dedicated & part-load solutions
✔ Premium handling for fragile or valuable items
Reloux® ensures your relocation to Italy is organised, protected and stress-free.
Expert Answers to Your Italy Moving Questions
1. How much does it cost to move to Italy from the UK?
The cost of moving to Italy from the UK varies depending on the volume of your belongings, the collection and delivery locations, access conditions, packing requirements, and whether you choose a part-load or dedicated service. With Reloux®, smaller shipments such as a few boxes or a studio-size move typically start from £1200–£1,750, making it an affordable option for individuals relocating with minimal belongings. For larger family homes or full household moves, prices generally range from £2,500 to £6,500+, depending on how much space your items occupy in the vehicle or container.
Part-load services are usually the most economical, as your goods share space on our regular consolidated routes across Italy. Dedicated services, while more premium, offer faster delivery and complete flexibility. At Reloux®, every quotation is tailored precisely to your needs, ensuring full transparency, accurate pricing, and no hidden surprises. We provide an online or video survey to calculate your exact volume and prepare a custom quotation within hours.
2. What is the cheapest way to move furniture from the UK to Italy?
The most affordable way to move furniture from the UK to Italy is by using a part-load (groupage) service, where your items travel as part of a shared consignment with other customers moving to Italy. This allows the transport cost to be divided across multiple shipments, dramatically reducing your overall price while still receiving a professional, export-standard service.
With Reloux®, part-load shipments follow regular weekly and bi-weekly routes across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, ensuring competitive pricing without compromising safety. All furniture is professionally wrapped, protected, barcoded, and handled throughout the entire journey. This method is ideal for smaller moves, single-room relocations, second homes, or those sending a limited amount of furniture.
If time is not urgent and you prioritise value for money, groupage is the most efficient choice. For clients requiring a faster or more flexible schedule, Reloux® also offers dedicated removals, but for pure cost efficiency, part-load remains the number one option.
3. How long do removals to Italy take?
Transit times to Italy depend on the service type, route, and customs requirements. For most customers, delivery takes between 7–14 days when using a part-load/groupage service, as the vehicle carries multiple consignments and follows a planned delivery route throughout Italy. This option is ideal for customers looking for a balance of cost and efficiency.
For clients requiring faster delivery, Reloux® offers dedicated direct transport, where your belongings travel in a private vehicle from the UK straight to your Italian address. Dedicated shipments typically arrive within 2–4 days, depending on distance, ferry schedules, and access at the final destination.
Delays are uncommon, but customs processing and regional restrictions—especially in historic centres or island locations like Sicily or Sardinia—can extend transit slightly. Reloux® provides a predicted delivery window before collection and maintains clear communication throughout the journey, ensuring you always know where your shipment is and when it will arrive.
4. Do I need customs documents to move to Italy from the UK?
Yes. Since Brexit, all moves from the UK to Italy require customs documentation, even for personal household goods. The key documents include your passport, proof of residence in Italy, a detailed inventory list, and Transfer of Residence (ToR-equivalent) paperwork if you are relocating permanently. These documents demonstrate that your goods are personal belongings and not commercial items.
Reloux® provides a full customs checklist and supports you through every step of the process to ensure your documents meet Italian customs requirements. Incorrect or incomplete paperwork is the most common cause of delays, so our team checks and verifies everything before shipment. We also prepare the mandatory export documents on the UK side, submit your file to Italian customs, and coordinate with our destination agents to streamline clearance.
Customs requirements may vary slightly depending on whether you are moving to Italy for work, family reasons, retirement, or returning as an Italian resident. Reloux® ensures everything is handled correctly so your belongings pass through customs without complications.
5. What is the Italian Transfer of Residence (ToR) process?
The Italian Transfer of Residence process allows you to import your used personal belongings into Italy without paying import duties or taxes, provided you are genuinely relocating and the items have been in your possession for at least six months. This exemption is particularly valuable for clients moving their entire household.
To qualify, you must provide documentation proving that you are taking up residence in Italy—this may include rental contracts, property purchase documents, employment contracts, visa confirmations, or declarations from local municipal authorities. Reloux® helps you prepare a compliant inventory list and gathers all required supporting evidence.
Once your documents are checked, Reloux® submits your file to Italian customs before the shipment arrives. Correctly processed ToR applications ensure a smooth clearance process and avoid unexpected charges. Our team will monitor your application, communicate with customs officers, and keep you updated at each stage to guarantee a seamless relocation experience.
6. Can I move to Italy after Brexit?
Yes, you can absolutely move to Italy after Brexit. However, the process now includes additional steps such as applying for the appropriate visa or residence permit, presenting proof of purpose for relocation, and completing customs documentation for your household goods. Although these changes have added more structure to the process, relocation remains entirely possible and is common for UK citizens moving for work, lifestyle, retirement, or family reasons.
Reloux® assists with the moving and customs side of the relocation, ensuring your belongings enter Italy legally and without complications. While we do not handle visa applications directly, our team can advise on the logistics of timing your move, preparing customs paperwork, and coordinating delivery around your travel plan. With the correct documents, moving to Italy post-Brexit is straightforward and manageable with our professional support.
7. What documents do I need for moving household goods to Italy?
To move household goods from the UK to Italy, you will typically need:• A copy of your passport• Proof of residence in Italy (rental contract, property purchase, employer letter)•
A detailed inventory list of your belongings• Transfer of Residence documentation (if applicable)• Codice Fiscale (optional but helpful)• A signed Reloux® packing list if we pack your items• Any supporting paperwork required by Italian customs
Reloux® provides a simple document checklist and supports you through preparing everything correctly. Our team also completes your export forms, handles customs liaison on both sides, and ensures that every item in your shipment is properly logged and documented. With accurate paperwork, clearance is fast and efficient. If anything is missing, we help you correct it before the shipment departs to avoid delays.
8. Do I need a Codice Fiscale to move to Italy?
A Codice Fiscale—the Italian tax identification code—is not always mandatory for your belongings to be imported, but it is extremely useful and often requested for certain customs processes, rental agreements, banking, and everyday Italian administration. If you don’t yet have one, Reloux® can proceed using alternative documentation, as long as you can prove residency or intention of residency.
Many clients apply for their Codice Fiscale shortly after arrival in Italy. Whatever stage you are at, Reloux® will guide you through the customs requirements based on your personal situation and ensure your move remains compliant. Our team works with Italian destination partners who can navigate any additional local requirements on your behalf.
9. How does customs clearance work for removals to Italy?
Customs clearance for moves to Italy involves verifying your identity, your relocation status, and your inventory of household goods. Once your documents are approved, your items are released for delivery. Reloux® handles all customs procedures on your behalf, including completing export declarations, submitting import paperwork, coordinating inspections if requested, and communicating directly with customs officials.
Clearance normally takes 1–3 working days, depending on the accuracy of your documents and the workload at the customs office. If all paperwork is submitted correctly before the shipment arrives, clearance is typically quick and smooth. Reloux® monitors your shipment continuously and updates you as soon as clearance is confirmed, so you always know the exact status of your move.
10. Can I ship my car or motorcycle to Italy from the UK?
Yes, Reloux® provides comprehensive vehicle relocation services for cars, classic vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, and high-value vehicles. You can transport your car as part of your household move or as a standalone service. We offer enclosed vehicle transport, road freight options, and sea freight depending on your preferred schedule and budget.
To ship your vehicle to Italy, you will need the registration document (V5C), proof of ownership, ID, and documentation confirming your relocation. Reloux® handles the customs side, which includes declaring the vehicle correctly and ensuring all paperwork meets Italian import regulations. Delivery can be made directly to your home, even in locations requiring shuttle services. Our experienced teams ensure your vehicle arrives safely, on time, and fully protected.
11. Do I need to pay duties or taxes on used furniture when moving to Italy?
In most cases, you will not need to pay duties or taxes when moving used household goods to Italy, as long as you qualify under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) exemption. This exemption is designed for individuals relocating permanently to Italy and allows for duty-free importation of personal belongings that have been owned and used for at least six months. Reloux® supports you throughout the process to ensure all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted, significantly reducing the risk of customs charges.
If you do not meet the ToR criteria—for example, if you are sending brand-new items, commercial goods, or are unable to provide adequate proof of residency—then Italian customs may apply import VAT or duties. Every case is different, so Reloux® reviews your inventory and paperwork at the quotation stage to ensure you understand exactly what applies to your situation.
Our goal is to ensure your move is compliant and cost-efficient. With the correct documents, the vast majority of Reloux® clients successfully import their belongings into Italy without paying any additional taxes.
12. How long does customs clearance take in Italy?
Customs clearance for household goods entering Italy typically takes 24–72 hours, provided all documents are complete, accurate, and submitted early. Delays usually occur only when paperwork is missing, inconsistent, or doesn’t clearly prove your relocation. Reloux® minimises these issues by preparing all export and import documents on your behalf and ensuring your file is complete before the shipment departs the UK.
Italian customs may request additional information or conduct random inspections; however, this is relatively uncommon for personal household goods. When an inspection is requested, Reloux® coordinates everything through our Italian agents to keep the process efficient and stress-free.
While clearance times can vary between major hubs such as Milan, Rome, Genoa, Florence, and Naples, Reloux® tracks your shipment closely and communicates with customs officers to prevent unnecessary delays. We keep you updated at every step so you always know exactly when your goods will be cleared and ready for delivery.
13. Can I send boxes only to Italy instead of a full move?
Yes — Reloux® specialises in small shipments and “boxes-only” services to Italy. This is a popular option for individuals relocating with minimal belongings, students studying abroad, second-home owners, or clients who need to send personal items separately from a main move. We offer door-to-door services with professional export packing (if required), customs documentation support, and full delivery to any location in Italy, including remote villages, historic centres, and island locations such as Sicily and Sardinia.
Even for small shipments, customs rules still apply. Reloux® manages all necessary paperwork, ensuring your items clear Italian customs smoothly. Transit times for box-only shipments range from 7–10 days, depending on the destination and whether you choose part-load or dedicated transport.
Boxes-only moves are cost-effective, flexible, and ideal for those looking for a simple and secure solution. Whether you are sending one box or twenty, Reloux® ensures your items arrive safely and efficiently.
14. What size removals truck is needed for moving to Italy?
The size of vehicle required depends entirely on the volume of your belongings, the access conditions at both addresses, and whether you choose a part-load or dedicated service. Reloux® offers a full range of vehicle types—from small vans suitable for narrow Italian streets to large articulated trucks for full household relocations. For historic centres such as Rome, Florence, Naples, and Siena, smaller shuttle vans may be required due to tight streets, low bridges, or ZTL (restricted traffic) zones.
Before quoting, Reloux® conducts a video or in-person survey to calculate the exact cubic capacity (CBM) of your move. This ensures we allocate the correct vehicle and prepare for any potential access challenges. If access is limited, we coordinate a shuttle vehicle to transport your belongings from the main truck to your door safely.
By tailoring the vehicle to your property, we ensure smooth loading, safe delivery, and no unnecessary delays.
15. Are shuttle vehicles required in Italian cities?
In many Italian cities, especially older historic centres, shuttle vehicles are common due to narrow streets, limited parking, height restrictions, and ZTL zones where large vehicles are prohibited. Places like Rome, Florence, Venice, Siena, Bologna, and Naples often require smaller vans to complete the final delivery stage.
Reloux® arranges shuttle services whenever needed and includes this in your quotation once access is confirmed. During your survey, we assess your delivery address using street images, maps, and local partner knowledge to determine the best approach. If access conditions change or are uncertain, we can adapt on the day to ensure your belongings reach your home safely.
Using a shuttle vehicle avoids damage, fines, or failed deliveries. This extra step ensures that even the most challenging Italian locations receive a smooth, professional service.
16. Can you handle parking permits and ZTL zones in Italy?
Yes. Reloux® fully manages parking permits and ZTL (restricted traffic zone) permissions through our trusted Italian destination partners. Many Italian cities operate strict traffic controls, especially in historic centres, and incorrect entry can result in significant fines. To prevent this, we arrange all necessary local permits and ensure our drivers follow authorised routes for loading and unloading.
During the planning stage, we review your delivery address and identify any restrictions. If permits are needed, we handle the entire process—saving you the time and complexity of Italian municipal paperwork. Our team works closely with local municipalities, building managers, and Italian transport departments to guarantee compliant and safe access.
This attention to detail ensures a seamless delivery, avoiding unnecessary delays, penalties, or access issues on moving day.
17. Do you offer packing services for moves to Italy?
Yes — Reloux® provides a full professional export packing service designed specifically for international and European relocations. Our trained crews use high-quality materials such as double-walled cartons, export-grade bubble wrap, specialised furniture blankets, and custom wooden crates for high-value or fragile items like artwork, marble tables, and pianos.
During packing, each item is labelled, inventoried, and wrapped to international standards to ensure safe transit across borders. This not only protects your belongings but also ensures your shipment meets customs requirements, as a properly itemised inventory is essential for clearance in Italy.
Most importantly, full packing is required for premium insurance cover. When Reloux® packs your shipment, every item is insured for both loss and damage, giving you complete peace of mind. Whether you are moving a single room or an entire villa, our packing teams guarantee the highest standard of care.
18. Can I pack my own items for a move to Italy?
Yes, you can pack your own items if you prefer. However, it’s important to know that insurance coverage is generally more limited for self-packed boxes. If damage occurs inside a self-packed carton, insurers often do not accept liability because they cannot verify the packing quality. For this reason, many clients choose Reloux®’s professional packing service to ensure full protection.
If you do choose to self-pack, Reloux® provides guidance on best packing practices, including how to label boxes, create a customs-compliant inventory, and prepare fragile items securely. We can supply high-quality packing materials on request.
For furniture, high-value items, and fragile belongings, we strongly advise allowing Reloux® to pack and wrap them using export-grade materials. This ensures safer transport and smoother customs clearance.
19. What items cannot be shipped to Italy?
Certain items are restricted or prohibited from entering Italy due to customs, environmental, or safety regulations. These typically include food products, alcohol, tobacco, flammable substances, aerosols, chemicals, cleaning liquids, paints, cash, precious stones, jewellery, live plants, soil, and prohibited animal products. Firearms, weapons, and certain electronics may also require special permits.
Reloux® provides a full restricted-items list during the quoting process and advises you on what can and cannot be transported. These rules are strictly enforced at customs, and non-compliant items may be confiscated or cause delays.
Our team helps you identify potential issues before packing, ensuring your shipment is fully compliant, safe, and ready for smooth clearance. If you are unsure about an item, we’re always available to confirm whether it can be shipped.
20. How do part-load removals to Italy work?
Part-load removals—also known as groupage—are one of the most cost-effective ways to move to Italy. Your belongings are collected, wrapped, labelled, and consolidated with other shipments travelling along the same route. This shared approach reduces the overall transport cost while still providing a fully professional service.
Reloux® operates regular part-load routes covering key Italian destinations including Milan, Rome, Florence, Naples, Turin, Genoa, Bologna, Verona, Sicily, and Sardinia. After export packing and inventory preparation, your items are loaded into a shared vehicle, tracked throughout the journey, and delivered on a scheduled route.
Transit times are slightly longer than dedicated transport, typically 7–14 days, but for many customers the cost savings are significant. Part-load is ideal for smaller moves, second homes, student relocations, and those not working to strict delivery deadlines.
Reloux® ensures that even in a shared load, every item receives individual care, tracking, and handling, delivering excellent value without compromising quality.
Ready to Begin Your Move to Italy? Reloux® Is Here to Support Every Step
Relocating to Italy is more than a logistical project — it’s the start of a new chapter filled with opportunity, lifestyle upgrades, sunshine, and the cultural richness that makes Italy one of Europe’s most desirable destinations. At Reloux®, we understand that every move is personal, and our mission is to turn what could feel overwhelming into a smooth, enjoyable experience tailored around your needs.
Whether you’re relocating for work, family, retirement, or simply a change of scenery, you deserve a moving partner who knows both the UK and Italy inside out. From London to Rome, Edinburgh to Milan, Manchester to Florence, or Bristol to Sicily — we deliver your belongings safely and handle every detail with care.
Get Your Free UK → Italy Moving Quote Today
If you’re ready to take the next step, Reloux® is here to help.
Click below to schedule your free video survey and receive a tailored quote:
👉Start Your Italy Moving Quote with Reloux®
Comments