Türkiye → England
House to House Transportation
ToR1 supported reliable transportation from London to Manchester all over the UK
How to Move House from Türkiye to England?
Short answer: House-to-house transportation from Türkiye to England is done by road (ferry/tunnel crossing); The average duration varies between 10-16 days. Since the UK has non-EU status after Brexit, customs declaration is required at both Türkiye and EU borders; Tax exemption can be provided by applying for "Transfer of Residence (ToR1)" for household items intended for personal use and used for at least 6 months.
Even though England has changed its customs procedures after Brexit, it still remains one of the countries that receive the most relocation requests from Türkiye. For transportation to London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh, submitting the ToR1 application on time is the most critical step of the process.
💡 iMove Advantage: We are fully aware of post-Brexit procedures. We advise you during the process of obtaining the ToR1 document (Transfer of Residence) and guarantee your tax exemption.
How Does the Process Work?
- Discovery and volume measurement: The m³ volume of the items is determined.
- ToR1 reference: An application is made to the UK customs (HMRC) with the "Transfer of Residence" form before moving; The approval process can take several weeks, so start early.
- Packaging: Robust packaging suitable for long distance and ferry/tunnel passage is provided.
- Document preparation: Export declaration, packing list, ToR1 approval document are prepared.
- Road + Channel Crossing: After covering the European route, the vehicle passes from Calais to Dover by ferry or Eurotunnel.
- UK customs entry: Tax and VAT exemption is applied to ToR1 approved, fully documented items.
- Delivery: Delivery to the address, assembly service upon request.
Customs Process After Brexit
Before Brexit, transports to the UK were within the scope of intra-EU free movement; Since England is now a third country:
- ToR1 form mandatory: An application must be made to HMRC and approval must be obtained before moving for tax exemption.
- Detailed item list: The value, quantity and usage period of each item must be stated in the list.
- Proof of residence: Proof of residence in the UK must be provided with documents such as visa, employment contract, rental contract.
- Customs declaration: Separate declarations are made for both exiting Türkiye and entering the UK.
VAT (20%) and customs duty may arise for transportation carried out without ToR1 approval; Therefore, it is recommended that the application be made at least 4-6 weeks before the moving date.
⚠️ ToR1 Warning: The Transfer of Residence (ToR1) application to HMRC (UK Customs) must be made by you (the person being moved) or directly on your behalf; It is mandatory to obtain this approval (URN number) before the goods depart without the transportation company.
Factors Affecting the Price
- Item volume: 1+1 flat is around 8-12 m³, 3+1 house is around 25-35 m³.
- Ferry/tunnel toll: The Channel crossing is an additional cost item compared to other EU countries.
- City: Delivery to London may be slightly more costly than other cities due to heavy traffic and parking restrictions.
- ToR1 consulting support: Having the form prepared through the company may require additional service fees, but it reduces the risk of errors.
Insurance
As it is a multi-stage journey, including the Channel crossing, full value declared insurance is particularly recommended. When purchasing a policy, be sure to confirm whether ferry/tunnel crossing is covered.
Transportation to Popular Cities of England
| City | Average Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🎡 London | 10-14 days | Peak demand, traffic/parking restrictions |
| ⚽ Manchester | 11-15 days | Northern England center |
| 🏭 Birmingham | 11-15 days | Middle England |
| 🚢 Bristol | 12-16 days | Southwest region |
| 🏰Edinburgh | 13-16 days | Scotland, longest distance |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ToR1, why is it needed?
ToR1 is the official application made to HMRC so that people moving to the UK can import their personal belongings without paying duty and VAT. Taxes may arise for unapproved transportation.
How long does it take for the ToR1 application to be finalized?
It usually results within a few weeks; It is recommended to apply at least 4-6 weeks before the moving date.
Has shipping time been extended after Brexit?
Yes, the period is slightly longer than in EU countries due to additional customs declarations and Channel crossing.
Are there additional fees for moving to London?
Due to heavy traffic and parking/transportation restrictions in some areas, a "congestion" or special parking permit fee may be required.
Ferry or tunnel preferred?
Both are widely used; The company chooses the most appropriate transition based on density and cost, this choice usually does not change the price significantly.
Common Mistakes When Moving to the UK
- Delaying ToR1 application: There is a tax/VAT risk on items departing before the application is approved; The application must be submitted weeks before the move-in date.
- Missing/incorrect value declaration in the item list: HMRC may place inconsistent declarations under additional scrutiny.
- Ignoring London's parking/access restrictions: Special parking permits may be required in some areas.
- Failure to check whether insurance cover includes Channel crossing
- Assuming that the post-Brexit process is the same as in EU countries
Checklist Before Moving
- Your item volume must be determined by clear discovery
- ToR1 application has been started at an early stage
- Preparation of a complete and accurate packing list
- Confirmation that insurance coverage includes Channel crossing
- Parking/access restrictions at the delivery address have been investigated
- Visa/residence document ready
- The moving date must be planned in accordance with the ToR1 approval period
Practical Notes on Adjusting to Life in the UK
Most transactions in the UK, such as opening a bank account, registering with the NHS and signing a tenancy agreement, require proof of a residential address; Therefore, it may be useful to obtain a temporary address document before your belongings depart.
In some areas of London (particularly central boroughs) a special parking permit/dispensation may be required for deliveries as access to large vehicles may be restricted; This permit must usually be obtained several days in advance from the local municipality. It is also recommended that you be prepared with your belongings for daily life details such as right-hand traffic patterns and different socket standards (Type G).
Timeline in Shipping Process
| Stage | When to Start |
|---|---|
| Company research and getting offers | 8-10 weeks before moving |
| ToR1 reference | 6-8 weeks before moving (considering the approval period) |
| Discovery and m³ calculation | 5-6 weeks before moving |
| Application for parking permit for London delivery | 1-2 weeks before moving |
| Loading and document delivery | 1 week before moving |
| Road + Channel crossing | 10-14 days (complete vehicle) |
| Delivery and settlement | 1-2 days after arrival |
Early initiation of the ToR1 application is the most critical step in this timeline; If approval is delayed, the moving date must be postponed accordingly, otherwise tax exemption is at risk.
✅ Conclusion: Although house-to-house moving to the UK may require additional customs steps after Brexit, it will proceed smoothly if the ToR1 application is made on time and completely. Carrying out the process with an experienced team eliminates tax risks. You can contact us for a detailed offer.
