International
With the UK’s economic and environmental climate it’s understandable to see so many people looking to emigrate abroad to get away from all the doom and gloom. There are many factors to consider when planning a move overseas including budget, area, language, work, economy, citizenship, schools and much more. In the end though, you get what you pay for in terms of living standards. That has always remained constant.
Trek Removals takes you through the list of the best place to move to in Europe.
10. Majorca, Spain
9. Geneva, Switzerland
8. Munich, Germany
7. Brussels, Belgium
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Frankfurt, Germany
4. Vienna, Austria
3. Zurich, Switzerland
2. Paris, France
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
At Trek Removals we provide a first-class service when it comes to European removals. We’ve been moving people and businesses for the better part of ten years to and from Europe’s biggest destinations.
Our approach has always been completely bespoke and you will find that we usually have all the answers to the questions you may be asking yourself.
For removals to Europe we offer full, part and return loads. There’s container storage options for those of you that need to reserve some things back in the UK or have them brought over at a later date. Our vehicles leave regularly for destinations all over Europe, to holiday homes, apartments and work locations.
European Destinations
The list above mentions plenty of places we trek to every month! Bu here’s some more details:
Removals to France – We have regular trips to destinations all over Northern and Southern France. So whether you’re moving furniture to your holdiay home or you’re packing up for good ask us how we can help.
Removals to Spain – Not just a popular holiday destination, we’ve moved hundreds of clients from the UK to this sunny destination and regularly cover this destination.
Removals to Portugal – For a holiday home or new start, we can move your entire house and possessions with ease.
Removals to Belgium – Whether you’re moving for work or pleasure, we can offer a reliable and cost efficient removal service to Belgium.
Removals to Switzerland – Many people have work committments in Switzerland and we have over ten years experience in moving you to this popular destination. Unlike the rest of the EU there are special arrangements that you will need to make when moving here. We can help you fill out the right forms and work through the Swiss customs system.
Removals to Holland – We leave for Holland regularly and have a long list of very happy clients who have used Trek to move their possessions to Holland. Our prices are very competitive and we can offer full or part-loads depending on your needs.
If you would like removals to other parts of Europe, you can CONTACT our team and they will give you expert advice or click through to our destination pages for some useful advice.
Trek Removals is well travelled and experience in the European removals process and international moving. We carry out removals to key countries and destinations all over the UK and Europe including:
In the current economical climate many people are moving abroad to either save money buying cheaper properties or going for long spells to rent apartments, villas and houses for breaks or for work related purposes.

What’s interesting is the degree in which our services are required. Sometimes we are used for part-load deliveries where only so many belongings are used for the move (which often means the move will not be permanent) and often we get requests for items to be put in storage for safekeeping as they will not be required for transportation to the destination.
There are many options available and many customers who all require different solutions to their removal and storage needs.
In the first few months of a new year many people are financially struggling as it is and it can be a tumultuous time of year for people to take the risky proposition of moving, whether it be for the best or not. However, that doesn’t stop people jetting off in their thousands. We offer a cost effective service, especially seeing as how the time period is particularly a financially baron time for many.
Consider us as the facilitators of your escape to ‘the new world.’
Trek Removals becomes Trek International shipping and storage where we work to moving schedules to meet your requirements. Domestic and commercial moves are a focus for us and a speciality. The trick to doing things the way do them is understanding the defining principle of international removals; no two moves are ever the same.
We have discussed in previous blogs how our particular international moving process works and taken you through it step-by-step. To give a quick recap rundown of the process:
- Shipping containers and crew assigned to your removals
- Exact date and collection/delivery time given
- Storage options are available until you are ready for them to be shipped
- Full or part load options available
- Delivery to anywhere in the world
- Secure, strong units used for storage transportation
- All belongings are fully insured whilst in transit
- Unpacking services available at destination
Essentially, an international move is possible, economical and wholly viable to anyone and everyone looking to fly off into the sunset without having to drag their entire house with them in the cargo haul.
For more information on the European removals process or to get a free moving quote please Contact Us.
The Channel Islands have long since been a choice place to move to. Although it’s surprisingly not the easiest thing to do, as moving there is a bit of a privilege you might say.
However, that said, at Trek Removals we’ve moved people there and know quite a bit about getting clients from the UK to one of the beautiful islands smoothly.
So in today’s blog, we thought we’d give you the run down on what you may want to know about moving you and your family to the Channel Islands.
Key Information about the Channel Islands
Perhaps most important to note is that although the Channel Islands are part of the British Isles they are actually not part of the UK at all. They have special status in fact, which means they are not subject to VAT as we know it.
There are also no restrictions on items that can be imported for the most part, but common sense here is required. For example, firearms and endangered animals are not allowed but subject to paying duty, you can actually take alcohol and tobacco to the Channel Islands.
You don’t really need any specific forms either –but a comprehensive inventory is always recommended to ensure you don’t lose anything.
However, a caveat here is that if you are going to Jersey, you will need to fill out a customs declaration, but we can of course help with that.
How long does it take to get to the Channel Islands
Of course this depends on whether you’ve got a lorry load or a part-load mostly but with twice weekly sailing to the Channel Islands a comprehensive move is relatively easy to manage in good time. We always do try and provide a guide as to how long it will take depending on your specific case.
Can I take my car to the Channel Island?
For many people, leaving a car can be a good thing but if you do want to take your car with you then we can arrange that for you. Vehicles are usually taken via a container but can just as easily be taken via one of the many ferries that sail to the islands.
Benefits of living in the Channel Islands
The Channel Islands are a beautiful destination and offer a truly relaxed lifestyle, less traffic and some wonderful rural areas.
British influence on the Channel Islands is pretty evident so it’s not that much different to the UK, but that said it has its own personality.
It is located in the English Channel, off the French coast and consists of a number of islands including Jersey, Guernsey, Sark to name a few.
Jersey is the largest of the islands where you will find beautiful landscapes, a bit of a, French and British mix in terms of culture and it is no exaggeration to say that if you like cycling it’s an island you can cycle around with ease.
If you are looking to move to the Channel Islands and need some assistance with your move, then do not hesitate in contacting us.
In our latest series of blogs, we thought we would give you some of our expertise and give you a pretty comprehensive guide to moving to a number of destinations in Europe and beyond.
We recently completed our European Removal blog about Austria, so today, we’re looking at moving to Belgium!
Whatever you need to know, you can be sure that there will be a considerable amount of information here for you to get started with, but as usual, if you require any other information just contact us!
Wherever you’re moving in Belgium – be it Antwerp or Brussels and beyond, it can be difficult to know what you can and can’t do and equally what it is you should be considering in your move. At Trek Removals we have spent many years moving people from A to B, so we’ll start with some basics.
Belgium and Importing your possessions there
Most of your possessions can be taken to Belgium duty free if you are in the EU, as long as you’ve owned them for a minimum of six months and you have up to one year to get them to Belgium. You will need to provide your passport and create an inventory, to ensure you keep track of everything. Additionally you will need a residence or work permit possibly, depending on your personal situation. This is something you can check with us of course.
What can’t you import to Belgium?
Obviously things like flammable goods, plants, perishable foods, dangerous goods, offensive goods and you are not allowed to import tobacco or alcohol.
How long will it take to get to Belgium?
Obviously this can very much depend on the type of transport used and any delays at borders / toll roads, but where possible we will try and give you a general time frame for getting your belongings to Belgium on time.
What about the cat?
Obviously as a nation of pet lovers, it’s important to consider how we move the family cat or dog. You should get advice from a professional animal shipper depending on your situation and you should always speak to your vet who will be able to advise of the documentation you will need to get clearance in Belgium.
What’s it like to live in Beglum?
Many people from the UK have moved to Belgium over the years and with good reason. Belgium is an amazing country and boasts a pretty multi-lingual community.
As it borders many countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, many Belgians can speak more than one language, which can be very useful. But mostly, people speak either Dutch or French as a rule.
It is a diverse country with Brussels as it’s Capital and of course boasts beautiful Antwerp, a city with one of the biggest sea ports in the EU and it is also steeped in history.
Belgium is a sophisticated country and has a multitude of artistic delights, as well as a number of beautiful locations to visit such as Bruges.
Obviously Belgium is famed for its chocolate and its beer and it literally has hundreds of them to choose from, making it a massive attraction to tourists through the year.
Some Useful Information regarding Moving to Belgium
If you are an EU or EEA national, you will not need a visa or work permit to enter Belgium, but you will need to register at the town hall within 8 days of arriving.
The education system in Belgium is extremely high in quality with school attendance being compulsory until the age of 18, which is obviously two years later than the UK’s 16 year old threshold.
The cost of living in Belgium can be quite high unfortunately so expect to pay more for housing and general living costs – but also expect a higher average salary.
If you’re interested In moving to Belgium and want some free advice, do contact Trek Removals for years of experience that’s just a phone call or email away!
In our series of country blogs, we thought it was time to give you the full rundown on the ins and outs of major destinations throughout the world.
Today we’re focusing on Austria and all the things you may want to know if you’re thinking of relocating there!
A move to Austria
When you want to arrange a move to Austria, whether it’s in the middle of the countryside or you’ve got an exciting new life planned in Vienna Trek Removals has years of experience that we can offer to help you with your needs.
Importing your possessions to Austria
You may already be aware that Austria is in the European Union and therefore most of your possessions can be imported into the country duty free, as long as you have owned them for more than six months.
It is always advisable in any move to make sure you have an inventory of course but as long as you’re moving from an EU country to Austria you will not need any other paperwork as such. Obviously there are caveats to this so if you’re unsure, feel free to contact us and ask!
What can’t you import to Austria?
You shouldn’t really import things like inflammable substances, firearms or ammunition, plants and plant materials, food items, offensive materials and alcohol / tobacco.
Again, there are lots of regulations in place so if you have anything unusual to take with you in your move to Austria you may want to speak to us first!
How long does it take?
Obviously this can depend very much on the route taken to Austria, delays (if applicable) may occur at toll roads, checkpoints or borders – but where possible Trek Removals will try and give you an accurate estimate with any removal.
What about the dog?
You might have to consider a specialised animal shipper as you will need all the correct documentation in order to take your dog or any of your animals to Austria.
Can I take my car?
There are special compliance rules for importation of a motor vehicle to the country of Austria. You may have to pay duty and tax on your vehicle as well. When you import a vehicle you will need to notify the local fiscal office and like in the UK, you will need to pay consumer tax on your vehicle.
Getting Trek to move you to Austria
We have undertaken a broad range of removals for people moving all over Europe and the rest of the world, so we have the experience to offer door to door removals and shipping and are always happy to deal with any requests you might have.
Living in the country of Austria
Austria is a beautiful country and offers a mix of European culture and Western European standards of living. Therefore, if you’re planning on becoming an expat, you will find it an exciting place to live.
Whether you want beautiful countryside, a historic setting or something a little more sophisticated in a city, Austria is diverse and has so much to offer.
Vienna is the place that Austria’s economy and politics is based and it has a multitude of cultural experiences on offer – such as theatre, opera, jazz, classical music and obviously fine art.
Austria is bordered by the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary and Germany and is deemed to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, so the cost of living can be a little higher than average.
Some essential info’ about Austria
The official langue of Austria is German with almost 90% of the population speaking it.
Austria is eco-friendly. Over 60% of its electricity is provided via renewable resources.
Austria was the home for many of the world’s most famous composers including; Mozart, Schubert and Strauss – possibly on account of the fact that Vienna was the centre of music in Europe back in the day.
Vienna is a World Heritage Site.
Living in Austria
Any EU or EEA citizens can go to Austria without needing any kind of visa or permit to work. However, if you plan on a permanent move you will need to obtain an official residence permit.
The school system in Austria is free and highly revered. Therefore if you have children you may want to consider an international school but also a German speaking school
For many Britons, the idea of moving abroad is a massive attraction. An idyllic lifestyle, lower cost of living and generally a slower pace. However, believe it or not, the costs associated with living in some countries is just as high as it is in the UK and for many, who have had dreams of a better life somewhere else, they have ended up working twice as much.
So in this blog we thought we would give you the low down on the places you could move to that have an exceptionally low cost of living.
Of course there is a diversity in the range of countries that you can move to, but for those who want some adventure, the places further afield offer a different culture but also a very reasonable way of live.
South Africa
Okay, so it’s not really one of the cheapest places you can live, it has exceptionally good weather, some great cities and surprisingly a good industrial core, where jobs are actually available. The country also has very good resources, along with good communications and financial sectors. So those who want something a little exciting, South Africa can offer a very new experience. Living in the developed areas like Port Elizabeth and Cape Town are popular choices, as well as somewhere like Johannesburg, where living costs are lower than London, New York and Paris.
The Phillipines
Many ex-Brits now live here and it’s easy to understand why. With a cultural diversity and stunning locations, the Phillipines is classed as one of the world’s most popular countries. The economy is very good and it has a diverse population. If you’re looking to invest in a new country then you can’t go wrong by giving it a try. The cost of living is exceptionally low with living costs and rent very cheap. It may also surprise you to know that a couple can live on £600 in Manila (the currency) quite comfortably.
Eastern Europe / Central Europe
For those who want to move away but perhaps not so far, then Eastern Europe and Central Europe are attractive options. They have growing economies (although this has been affected by the current economic climate), some stunning locations and of course a very diverse and varied culture. Places like the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia are members of the EU but despite this, the living costs are surprisingly lower than in other countries. This extends to rent, taxes and leisure pursuits.
India
One of the cheapest places to live in the world, India offers a very unique living experience and offers a number of opportunities for ex-Pats, particularly those looking for new business ventures. The most important aspect of living here is finding the best place to live. There is of course well documented poverty in India, so it is important to carefully consider this before you do anything. That said, there are plenty of people who have moved successfully so as long as you do your homework you should be fine!
If you are looking at moving abroad, Trek Removals can offer services to France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria and beyond, so do contact us if you need any advice!