Pack it properly and the Channel crossing is a non-event. That’s the whole job.
Cris
Founder of European Removal Experts
Why packing matters more on a European move
A European move involves four to six times more handling than a domestic one: loading, a Channel crossing, motorway miles, and often a transfer vehicle into a building with no lift.
A wine glass that survives a move across London won’t necessarily survive a move to Lyon in a single-walled box with newspaper wrapping. The packing approach is what makes the difference, and it’s why we offer three levels depending on what your budget and your belongings need.
“European Removal Experts provided exceptional service during our London to Paris move, assisting us every step of the way. Quick responses to our questions, transparent pricing—exactly what we were looking for, no hassle.”
Andreas Casey
Barnet | North London
Three ways to pack, priced to match
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Full pack. Our crew packs everything in your home, every room, every item, on the day before or the morning of collection. All materials supplied. Items packed by us are covered under goods-in-transit insurance for breakage.
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Fragile-only pack. You pack the straightforward items, we pack the china, glassware, artwork, mirrors, antiques, and anything with high replacement value. The most popular option for European moves.
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Self-pack with materials supplied. You do the packing using materials we deliver ahead of your collection date. Self-packed items aren’t covered for breakage, but the boxes and wrap are the same ones our crew use.
Materials
| Double-walled boxes | Built to be stacked loaded and survive a cross-Channel lorry run. Small for books and heavy items, medium for general household, large for lighter bulky items, tall for lamps and artwork. |
| Wardrobe boxes | Full-height hanging boxes. Clothes travel on the hanger and arrive ready to hang, no re-ironing. |
| Mirror & picture packs | Double-walled, foam-lined, sized to the piece. The difference between a mirror arriving intact and arriving in pieces. |
| 4-ply paper blankets | 1030mm × 1800mm blankets wrapped around furniture to absorb knocks without marking the surface. |
| Mattress covers | Heavy-duty 2-ply breathable kraft covers. Protect from dirt and moisture without causing condensation. |
| Timber crating | Built to the piece with foam lining, for antiques, original artwork and sculptures. The same standard used for gallery loans. |
Your packing inventory is your customs declaration
Every item packed by our crew is recorded on a bilingual itemised list with declared values, which is exactly what the French Transfer of Residence (ToR1) application requires. The packing job and the customs paperwork are the same document.
If you self-pack, you’ll need to produce a comparable inventory yourself before the vehicle boards. We’ll give you the template and check it before submission.
Five things that make packing day run faster
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Clear a path. Hallways and staircases free of anything that isn’t going on the lorry.
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Separate what’s staying. Anything not travelling should be in a clearly marked room. Anything going to family or charity should already be out of the property.
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Pack an essentials bag yourself. Passport, medications, charger, change of clothes, kettle, mugs. It travels with you, not on the lorry.
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Flag high-value items. Anything worth over £500 individually: tell us before packing day so we can crate it, wrap it specially, or advise you to carry it yourself.
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Don’t pack food, plants or soil. French customs prohibits them. If they’re boxed when the crew arrives, they have to be unpacked, which slows the day.