It’s wise to start thinking about how you will manage moving your possessions to your new home in Portugal some time before your big move is imminent.

It is worth giving a lot of thought to exactly what you want to take with you, especially when it comes to large items of furniture. Bulky items can end up costing a significant amount to move, so if some items are past their best it may be best to dispose of them in the UK and replace them with new on arrival in Portugal.

So, a good starting point is to assess each possession on a case-by-case basis, balancing common sense with sentimental value!

There are likely to be a number of items you choose not to take with you, and you may well be able to add a significant sum of money to your moving fund by selling items via eBay, classified ads and car boot sales. (A detailed post about this can be found here on the “Moving to Portugal” blog: http://www.movingtoportugal.org/2010/06/boosting-the-moving-fund/ )

Once you have established exactly what you plan to take with you, it is time to start finding removal quotes. It is good to try to find personal recommendations rather than choosing companies at random, and expat forums can be a good source of this information.

Quotes can vary significantly, so it is worth contacting several companies to make a good comparison. Usually companies will quote in terms of cubic metres, so you will need an estimate of how many cubic metres your possessions amount to.

Insurance is obviously very important, and although some companies won’t insist on a full inventory to support it, it is wise to produce one, along with replacement values, in case of any loss or damage. This will also help with any questions at customs. That said, importation of personal items from the UK to Portugal should be straightforward with no import tax to worry about, as both countries are part of the EU. If you have any doubts about any legal issues, or whether you are allowed to take specific items, check with your removal company and ensure you obtain written responses.

When packing time arrives, you will need plenty of boxes and packaging materials. The logical place to find these is at the well-know self-storage sites, but these places do seem to be aware that they are the logical destination for those seeking such materials, and capitalize on that fact with high prices! Ebay can be a good source of cheaper materials, and asking around friends, family and local shops can pay dividends here too!

Hopefully once you have carried out the gruelling job of packing, the company you chose will do all the hard work upon collection, leaving you to wave off your possessions quietly, ready to meet them again in your new home!

Start your hunt for a home in Portugal here…
If you’re searching for a Portuguese property, a good place to start is the Portugal Buying Guide’s new property search facility. To start your search now visit http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/content/portugal-properties