Discover The Convenience Of Part Load Removals - This is How We Do It
So, you’ve decided to move to Spain? Great choice!
Getting there is easy — just book a flight online.
But what about your belongings? That’s where you might need some help. The good news is that if you find a removal company specialising in removals to Spain, it can save you both time and money. In this article, we’ll explain how our part-load removals work and why it is a smart choice when moving to Spain.
What is Our Part Load Removal Service?
Our part-load or shared-load removal services are perfect for customers who need to transport a smaller amount of belongings — whether it’s a sofa, a bike and ten boxes, or a larger portion of your household items. When you choose this service, your items will be transported in a shared truck, along with other shipments heading in the same direction.
This, as you’d imagine, is better for your wallet and the planet. It’s a smart choice because you only pay for the space you use in the lorry, yet still receive the same high-quality care as with our dedicated services. Plus, our part load services are available throughout the UK and Spain—from London to Madrid, Malaga to Scotland, Cardiff to Zaragoza and beyond—making it an accessible and convenient solution.
What makes our part-load removal service stand out from other options when relocating to Spain?
While each removal company has its strengths and limitations, Gentlevan Removals stands out with its ability to handle restricted-access areas and transport household items regardless of the size or weight of the shipment. Many UK-to-Europe removal services that use luton vans can transport volumes up to 700 cubic feet (or 20 cubic meters), but these vehicles have a weight limit of around 1,000 kg, which may not be sufficient if you’re moving both large furniture items, like wardrobes and beds, along with heavier boxes of books or other belongings.
Larger vehicles operated by some companies can carry both the weight and volume you need, but they often cannot access homes in areas with narrow roads or limited access.
At Gentlevan Removals, we’re fully prepared for any challenges with customised solutions. When necessary, we carry a transhipment vehicle on our lorry, allowing us to seamlessly transfer items even in areas where large vehicles cannot reach. We don’t just cap our load at 1,000 kg or face access issues that delay your move. Instead, we do what needs to be done: efficiently and professionally.
With us, you can relax, knowing your move will go smoothly from start to finish.
Why Customers Trust Gentlevan Removals’ Part Load Services
While the major benefit of a part load service is that it’s more affordable, there’s more to it than just that. Gentlevan Removals services come with a host of additional benefits that all come together to make your move to Spain a hassle-free experience.
Here are just a few reasons why our part load solutions are rated so highly.
It's Flexible
Our part-load removal service offers flexible options for a variety of relocation needs.
Shared load services work just as well for customers moving a small number of boxes as for those relocating an entire household who don't need urgent delivery. Many clients also use this option if they need to store their goods in the UK before final delivery. With our comprehensive containerised storage solutions, you won’t need to hire another company to streamline your part-load move.
It’s Cost-effective
Moving from the UK to Spain can cost between £2,500 and £7,000. Choosing a part-load removal keeps your costs on the lower end of this range, as you share vehicle expenses with other clients. It also helps reduce costs by encouraging you to prioritize only essential items, which can further reduce the volume you need to move.
The final cost of your move depends on several factors:
- The estimated volume of your items, or the space they take up in the van.
- The distance between your starting location and your destination in Spain.
- Additional services, such as packing, export wrapping, crating, dismantling, reassembling, and more.
- Access at both addresses.
- We offer three months of free storage in the UK for customers moving to or from Spain who use our removal services.
It’s Better for the Planet
As sustainability concerns become more critical and individuals work towards minimising their carbon footprints, part-load removals are a blessing. The eco-friendly service allows us to keep fewer vehicles on the road and reduce emissions. At the same time, it allows our customers to rest easy knowing they’re doing the right thing.
It's Safe
As a company with 13 years of experience handling removals across Europe, we’ve invested a lot into advanced technology and efficient practices to ensure our client’s belongings are properly separated, inventoried, and labelled.
Our clients can rest easy knowing that their belongings will always arrive on time, in one piece, and at the right place — no matter which part of Spain they’re moving to.
It’s Professional
When you opt for our part load service, you can expect our team to put in the same level of detail and care that we put into our dedicated removal services. But that’s not all.
Gentlevan Removals provides comprehensive insurance solutions through MoveProtect, upholds high standards for worker safety, and adheres to strict data protection protocols.
Moreover, since we’re a family-run business, you can be sure that we’ll never lose track of your individual shipment, the timelines, and your location. We pride ourselves on our attentive and personalised support.
It’s Convenient
We use a variety of specialist vehicles to ensure your goods are transported safely and efficiently. Typically, your items will travel in a large road train, but we also have smaller panel or Luton vans for areas that are harder to access. These smaller vans are ideal for navigating narrow, winding streets or for delivering smaller shipments quickly. This flexibility allows us to provide highly accurate and reliable door-to-door service, whether you live in the middle of nowhere in Granada or on the busiest streets in Madrid—we've got you covered!
How to Book a Part Load Service to Spain with Gentlevan Removals
Now that you know the benefits, here’s a step-by-step guide to our process—from signing up for a part-load service to receiving your belongings.
- Contact our team by phone, request a callback on our website, or book a video survey to discuss and assess your needs.
- Receive a customised quote based on the assessment.
- Once you accept the quote, call or email us to check availability for your preferred dates.
- Once the route is finalized, you'll receive an estimated timeframe for collection and delivery. For example, collection may occur on Monday or Tuesday of the selected week, with delivery expected between Monday and Saturday of the following week.
- We’ll confirm the delivery date 2–3 days in advance and provide an estimated arrival time the day before your goods are scheduled to arrive. On the delivery day, we can also share our vehicle’s live location so you can see exactly where we are.
It’s as simple as that!
One thing to note, however, is that we operate on very strict timelines. Once the process is set in motion, we cannot change schedules, as this would mean we risk delaying other deliveries. So, all you need to do is make sure you’re ready on time to receive your belongings.
How to Prepare for the Removals Team
After you’ve booked a removal with us, you’re well on your way to calling sunny Spain your new home. Still, a few days before the big move, there are some steps you can take on your end to streamline the process and account for your valuable belongings.
Here’s a handy checklist.
- Consider Your New Space: Homes in Spain are often more spacious, and rent is typically 30% to 50% cheaper. This means your new home might be larger, but that’s not always the case. Be sure to keep the layout and size of your new home in mind as you decide which belongings to bring along.
- Take Stock of the Current Space: Go room by room to ensure you’ve accounted for all the most crucial belongings and appliances. It’s always beneficial to maintain a comprehensive list of the goods you’re sure you want delivered.
- Declutter: Use this opportunity to identify essential supplies and discard or donate goods that have outlived their use and aren’t worth lugging around.
- Categorise: Divide and label your belongings in advance. Sort out the fragile from the durable and the bulky from the miniature. This will help you avoid that last-minute panic and be better prepared for the arrival of our team.
- Get Packing Materials: While Gentlevan Removals offers comprehensive packaging services, it’s worth stockpiling basic packing materials to speed up the process or to add an extra protective layer for your prized belongings.
- Plan Schedules: When the removal team arrives, it’s not ideal to have little children or pets running around. To avoid putting them at risk and ensure the team can do its job efficiently, you may want to arrange for a pet- or babysitter.
- Account for Appliances: Some appliances, like washing machines, have to be disconnected from the main water source, while others need to be unplugged from the gas lines. Make sure you take these factors into account well in advance.
- Keep Essentials Handy: No matter how much you plan ahead, moving can be a mess, with belongings often strewn about the home. Ensure you don’t misplace essentials like passports or licences by keeping them in an easily accessible bag.
Considerations When Moving from the UK to Spain
Moving to a country like Spain can be immensely rewarding but also a bureaucratic nightmare. This is especially true if you haven’t accounted for everything.
While partnering with Gentlevan Removals ensures you don’t have to worry about the actual movement of goods, or struggle with complicated paperwork, there are some factors to consider when planning your move. These include, but are not limited to:
Post Brexit Visas
Since January 2021, when the UK exited the EU, British nationals no longer have freedom of movement across Europe. To move to Spain, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. Spanish work visas are available to UK citizens who work in Spanish companies, are self-employed with a monthly income of at least £2,000, are studying, or are retiring. Moreover, work visas could be offered for seasonal workers or au pairs.
The specifics depend on various factors, but it’s crucial that you understand the various options available and meet all requirements before planning a move with us.
Cost of Rent and Utilities
It’s no surprise that the UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in — and the record number of citizens moving to Spain is evidence that the country is a lot more affordable. Rent is one area where you’ll notice the most major difference.
The average rent in major Spanish cities could range between €500 and €1,500, while the average rent in London crosses 2,000 GBP. Similarly, the cost of utilities could be as much as 118% lower for an 85-square-metre home.
Cost of Goods
Similarly, the cost of products — including groceries, food, and drink — is also significantly lower. In fact, it was recently assessed that the cost of living in the UK is 34.4% higher than in Spain, without even accounting for rent.
Considering this statistic, it may be worth reassessing the goods you’re planning to travel with and identifying if there’s anything that can be bought once you’ve already moved — enabling you to save even more on your part load removal service.
Customs Requirements for Moving to Spain
- Importing Personal Belongings:
From UK to Spain: Items should have been in your possession and used for at least six months. You must also prove you've lived in the UK for 12 consecutive months before moving. - Required Documents:
Passport, proof of prior residence, an itemized inventory with values, and proof of Spanish residency (e.g., residence permit). - Duty and Tax Exemptions:
Personal belongings meeting these criteria are typically exempt from duties, but items like alcohol, tobacco, commercial vehicles, and some professional tools may still incur fees.
- Importing Vehicles:
Vehicles owned and used for six months can be brought with documentation (purchase invoice, registration) and must be registered in Spain, with applicable taxes. - Prohibited/Restricted Items:
Firearms require authorization; drugs are prohibited; and some plants/animals may need permits. Always verify with Spanish customs before importing. - Process and Timeline:
You have 12 months from establishing residency to import belongings duty-free. Importation can begin up to six months before if you provide a guarantee and intend to establish residency. - Recommendations:
Consult customs professionals and stay updated on regulations via Spanish customs or consulate sources.
Ready to Start a New Life in Spain?
Begin your journey with us today!
Gentlevan Removals has helped hundreds of families relocate homes in and out of the UK — from Cambridge to Wales to Scotland. Our services extend across Europe — including France, Italy, Germany, Monaco, Belgium and more. This gives us an upper hand when dealing with clients across Europe.
Our cost-effective and convenient services move goods from door to door across crucial Spanish cities, including:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Malaga
- Murcia
- Bilbao
- Santander
- Alicante
- Almeria
- Zaragoza
Moreover, our tranship vehicles can travel to hard-to-reach destinations with ease, and are capable of moving even heavy goods — including pianos — very safely.
Our part load removal services are designed for individuals who need a professional removal service that operates with care and know-how, but also want to benefit from a cost-effective solution to move their belongings from the UK to Spain.
Customers can buy as much or as little space as they require — and expect their goods to arrive within 7-21 days after collection.
Contact us today for inquiries and for a free online quote.