International Removals

How to choose the ideal date for your international move?

Choosing the right date for an international move is a strategic step that can make a real difference in terms of availability, costs and organisation. Whether you are relocating for work, study or personal reasons, it is essential to plan this aspect well in advance to avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Confirmation and coordination with the removal company

Most removal companies operate with tightly packed schedules, particularly during certain times of the year. That is why, when requesting a quote, it is advisable to clearly indicate your estimated moving date as early as possible.

This information allows the company to check its availability and confirm the service on your requested date. It also facilitates planning for staff, vehicles, packing materials and permits — especially for moves between countries or continents.

Benefits of having flexibility in your moving date

If you have some freedom in choosing your moving date, consider scheduling it outside peak season . Across Europe and many parts of the world, the summer months (June, July and August) see the highest volume of moves, which directly affects both price and availability.

During these months:

• The cost of sea freight or road transport may increase.
• The availability of containers or transport vehicles may be limited.
• Waiting times for collection and delivery of belongings increase.

This surge in demand can push the cost of your move up by as much as 8% compared to the low season (autumn and winter months), not counting additional expenses such as port fees, storage or customs.

Cost factors related to the date of your move

Beyond the season, there are other date-related factors that can affect your budget:

• Local or national public holidays : these may restrict transport or result in customs offices being closed.
• Weekends : some companies apply a surcharge for services carried out on Saturdays or Sundays.
• Personal deadlines : moves prompted by a job relocation or the end of a contract may force you into less flexible and more expensive dates.

✅ Tips for choosing the best moving date

To make the most of your international move, we recommend following these best practices:

• Plan at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance to ensure availability.
• Avoid peak season and opt for lower-demand months whenever possible.
• Request several quotes and compare prices based on your chosen date.
• Factor in customs clearance timelines, international transit times and public holidays at both origin and destination.

Remember: a well-organised move starts with a well-chosen date. This will help you save money, avoid surprises and make your relocation as smooth and efficient as possible.

Documentation required for an international move to the Canary Islands

If you are planning to ship your personal belongings to the Canary Islands from another country, it is essential to know in advance the documentary requirements imposed by customs . This import process requires a series of administrative procedures in order to qualify for the tax exemption known as customs relief .

✅ What is customs relief?

Customs relief allows you to import personal effects without paying taxes (such as IGIC or AIEM), provided that certain requirements are met and the change of residence is properly documented. This procedure is standard for moves from mainland Spain, the European Union or other third countries to the Canarian archipelago.

Documents required for the import of personal belongings

Below we outline the most common documents you will need to present at Canary Islands customs to process your move:

• Consular deregistration:

  Document certifying the cancellation of your residence registration in your country of origin.

• Municipal registration (padrón):

  Registration with the town hall of your destination municipality in the Canary Islands.

• Tax registration:

  Proof of fiscal registration in Spanish territory (Spanish Tax Agency).

• Passport or national ID:

  Valid identity document confirming your nationality and personal details.

• Certificate of residence:

  In some cases, this may be requested to prove your stay abroad and your return.

What if I am also relocating a vehicle?

If in addition to your personal effects you wish to transport your car, motorbike or another vehicle, you will need to prove that the vehicle has been in your ownership for at least 12 months . This can be demonstrated with the vehicle registration document, purchase invoice or sale-and-purchase agreement.

You will also need to submit:

• Vehicle technical data sheet:

  Original document or legalised copy.

• Proof of consular deregistration:

  Certifies the cancellation of your residence registration in your country of origin.

• Sworn declaration:

  Document certifying that you have not sold or transferred the vehicle.

Professional advice

Make sure you have all the documents ready before shipment , as any missing paperwork can delay customs clearance and incur additional costs. A company specialising in international removals can help you prepare and submit all documentation correctly to ensure a smooth, incident-free import.

How long do I have to complete the import after arriving in the Canary Islands?

From the date of your actual arrival in the Canary Islands, you have a maximum period of 12 months to import your personal belongings and benefit from customs relief. However, it is advisable to begin the process as soon as possible to avoid storage problems or extra port costs.

Can I send my belongings before registering on the municipal census?

This is not recommended. To benefit from the tax exemption and process the import without complications, you must already be registered in the municipality of destination . Otherwise, customs may hold your goods until you meet this requirement, or even levy taxes if you cannot prove the change of residence.

What happens if a document is missing or there are errors in the file?

In such cases, customs may:

• Request rectification or correction of documents .
• Hold your container or cargo until the missing documentation is provided.
• Apply taxes (IGIC, AIEM) if it considers that the change of residence has not been adequately justified.
• Generate additional port costs for each day of delay.

Which items are covered by customs relief?

Customs relief covers used personal effects that are not intended for sale. These include:

• Household furniture.
• Clothing, books, kitchen utensils, decorative objects.
• Household appliances, provided they are for domestic and not industrial use.
• Personal work tools (provided they are not intended for commercial activity).

New items, goods intended for sale, or large quantities of the same product that suggest a commercial purpose are not covered.

Do I need professional assistance for this process?

Although it is not mandatory, working with a removal company specialised in international freight can be crucial to avoiding errors, handling permits and speeding up customs procedures. These companies work directly with customs agents and are well versed in the applicable regulations.

Transport insurance for international removals

Taking out transport insurance is not mandatory for an international removal, but it is strongly recommended. During the move, your personal belongings are exposed to various risks that can compromise their condition.

Why is it important to take out insurance for a removal?

International removals involve long journeys and the use of different modes of transport, which increases the likelihood of damage, loss or incidents. Some of the most common risks include:

• Adverse weather conditions: such as humidity, rain or extreme temperatures that can damage furniture and appliances.
• Long distances: which increase the risk of logistical issues and potential damage.
• Handling during transport: transfers between vehicles, warehouses or containers pose an additional risk to your belongings.

Benefits of taking out removal insurance

Having insurance provides financial coverage and professional support in the event of any incident. Its main benefits include:

• Compensation for losses or damage: you will receive compensation for any insured items affected during transport.
• Peace of mind and confidence: knowing that your belongings are protected against unforeseen events.
• Support in handling claims: you will receive assistance to process any claims correctly.

How to take out transport insurance?

At Horizont Atlantic, you can include insurance directly in your removal quote. To do so, simply complete the valued inventory list with a description and estimated value of each item to be insured.

• Content details: specify which items will be transported.
• Value of each item: indicate the estimated replacement cost.
• Signed documentation: accept the insurance terms and conditions prior to the removal.

Professional recommendation

We advise you to insure, at minimum, those items of high monetary or sentimental value. This can save you considerable worry in the event of any incident during transport. Please note that the insurance will only cover items previously declared in the documentation.

If you have any questions about the type of coverage or how to complete the valued inventory list, our team is happy to guide you step by step.

Special considerations for international removals

Before arranging an international removal, it is important to bear in mind a number of logistical, financial and documentary factors that can affect both the cost and the planning of the service.

Price and budget for international shipments

One of the most significant aspects of planning an international move is the high overall cost. We therefore recommend requesting a no-obligation quote well in advance, so you can assess whether the budget fits your means and requirements.

The final price may vary depending on the volume, the destination, the type of transport (air, sea or road) and any additional services required, such as packing or insurance.

Required documentation in advance

It is essential to have all personal and customs documentation in order before starting the process. Missing documents can cause delays or even the detention of goods at the border.

• DNI or NIE:

  Identity document required for all customs procedures.

• Sworn declaration:

  Certifies the origin and ownership of the goods. This document will be provided by our company.

• Customs clearance authorisation:

  Allows our company to act on your behalf before customs. This will also be provided by our team.

Customs management handled by professionals

At Horizont Atlantic we take care of processing all the necessary documentation with customs authorities. Our team of experts handles the forms, coordinates with customs agents and monitors the entire process, so you do not have to worry about the technical details.

Thanks to our experience, we guarantee efficient, hassle-free management, fully compliant with current regulations both at origin and destination.

Items not permitted in an international move

When carrying out an international move , it is essential to be aware that certain customs restrictions prevent the transport of specific items. These limitations are driven by legal, health and international safety regulations.

Prohibited or restricted items

Below we list some of the items whose inclusion in an international shipment is expressly prohibited or subject to specific restrictions:

• Flammable or hazardous substances:

  Such as paints, aerosols, fuels, chemicals or corrosive materials.

• Firearms and ammunition:

  Including real weapons, replicas, military knives or any item considered for combat use.

• Drugs or medications:

  Especially if not accompanied by an official prescription or valid medical justification.

• Perishable foods:

  Products that may deteriorate during transit, as well as animal-origin foodstuffs without the required health certificate .

• Plants or seeds:

  These may be subject to phytosanitary controls and are completely prohibited in many countries.

• Valuables or sensitive documents:

  Such as cash, jewellery, works of art, passports or title deeds. We recommend transporting these personally.

Prior consultation and personalised advice

Customs legislation varies by destination country. We therefore recommend checking the local regulations before preparing your move. At Horizont Atlantic , our team is at your disposal to advise you on which items you can include and which are best left out of the shipment.

This way you will avoid delays, penalties or the retention of your belongings at customs.