MetEx House, 496a Great West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW5 0TE  ·  Shipping since 1998
0800 096 38 39
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🇩🇪 Moving to Germany • Luggage Shipping • Est. 1998

Moving to Germany
Shipping Your Belongings from the UK

Moving to Germany from the UK. Air freight in 5–7 working days, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers. German Customs (Zoll). Clear quote before collection. 28 years experience.

📍 Part of our complete Shipping to Germany hub — customs, Transfer of Residence, costs & every service ›
How it works

Shipping personal effects to Germany when you move

If you’re moving to Germany, we can ship your luggage, suitcases, boxes and personal effects door-to-door (subject to your destination) from the UK. We handle your UK customs export entry that a relocation involves and deliver your belongings to Germany — whether it’s a single suitcase, boxes of household items, or a full move.

Moving to Germany from the UK means deciding what travels with you and what ships ahead. For most people — professionals, returning diaspora, retirees — luggage shipping handles the personal effects while furniture follows by sea or stays behind. Here is the process.

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Door collection across the UK. Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00.
Air freight to Germany. Frankfurt FRA or Munich MUC cargo. Transit: 5–7 working days from UK collection.
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Customs: German Customs (Zoll). EU Transfer of Residence (ToR) under EU Reg 1186/2009. German Zoll requires: 12+ months abroad, items owned 6+ months, arriving within 12 months. Must also have lived outside your country of origin for 12 months.
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Sender must equal receiver. The fundamental personal effects rule worldwide. Any name mismatch reclassifies the shipment as a commercial import — full duties apply.
Restrictions

What to know before you pack for Germany

No UK food/meat. German Zoll is systematic — accurate packing list is critical. Always call us on 0800 096 38 39 before packing if you are unsure about any item — a 5-minute call prevents a customs hold at the destination.

ItemShip?Notes
Clothes, shoes, personal items✓ YesUp to 30kg per bag
Laptop / tablet (battery removed)✓ YesRemove lithium battery — carry in cabin
Books, kitchenware, household goods✓ YesWeigh before booking — dense items add up fast
Furniture, appliances✗ NoUse our sea freight service to Germany
Lithium batteries, aerosols, perfumes✗ NoProhibited in air freight — no exceptions
28 years experience

Why customers moving to Germany choose Excess Luggage Co.

Germany is a major destination for UK professionals in tech, automotive, finance and manufacturing. We have been shipping personal effects from the UK since 1998 — operating 2 miles from Heathrow cargo terminals. Community discussions and expat networks consistently cite our confirmed pricing and customs documentation support.

25+
Years
2mi
From Heathrow
FAQs

Moving to Germany — your questions answered

Does EU Transfer of Residence apply moving to Germany for work?
Yes — provided you have lived outside the EU for 12+ consecutive months and items have been owned 6+ months. Your employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag) and Anmeldung (German residency registration) support the ToR claim. German Zoll is systematic — documentation accuracy is the key.
What documents does German Zoll need for personal effects?+
Itemised packing list with declared values, passport, proof of previous UK address (utility bills, bank statements), proof of German residency (Anmeldebescheinigung or employment contract), ToR declaration form. All documents accepted in English or German.
What is the maximum weight per bag?+
30kg per item. This is one of the advantages over airlines — many airlines cap at 23kg and charge heavily for overweight bags. Our 30kg standard means most bags travel without overweight surcharges.
How far in advance should I book?+
Minimum 10 working days for Germany. We recommend 14 working days to allow for customs clearance. Book early — our collection slots fill up, particularly during peak periods (September, December, Ramadan). See our booking lead times guide.
What happens if customs holds my shipment?+
Contact us immediately on 0800 096 38 39 with your Air Waybill reference. A hold is almost always a documentation issue. We advise on the exact documentation needed for Germany customs and the fastest resolution route. See our customs holds guide.
Is there a limit on how many bags I can ship?+
No bag limit. The same quoted rate per bag regardless of quantity. This is a significant advantage over airlines which may refuse extra bags at busy periods.

Ready to ship to Germany?

Clear quote before we collect. No guesswork. Established 1998.

📋 Get a Quote📞 0800 096 38 39💬 WhatsApp
📋 Official Customs Authority — Germany

For official customs requirements, import duties and restricted items guidance, visit the German Customs (Zoll) — the official customs authority for Germany. Always verify current requirements before shipping.

UK Collection

We collect from your door anywhere in the UK

Door collection Monday to Friday from any UK address. Select your nearest city for local collection times and details:

LondonManchesterBirminghamLeedsGlasgowEdinburghLiverpoolBristolSheffieldNewcastleNottinghamLeicesterBradfordCardiffCoventrySouthamptonPortsmouthOxfordCambridgeReading/SloughBrightonLutonMilton KeynesDerbyStokeWolverhamptonSwanseaAberdeenDundeeMiddlesbroughExeterPlymouthYorkBelfastHounslowHeathrow

✍ Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00

Moving to Germany • Excess Luggage Co. • Est. 1998
Get a Quote 📞 0800 096 38 39
💬 WhatsApp