Deciding what to ship to Portugal and what to leave behind is one of the most practically complex parts of relocating — and one of the most consequential. Get it wrong and you’re either paying to ship things you’ll never use, or spending months rebuilding a household from scratch in a country where IKEA delivery times and appliance availability differ from what you’re used to.
This is our honest take, based on what we did, what we’d do differently, and what we’ve heard from other Porto expat families.
The Core Question: What’s Worth Shipping?
The answer depends on three things: how long you’re planning to stay, what replacement costs in Portugal look like, and the emotional value of specific items. A few general principles:
Almost always worth shipping:
- High-quality furniture you genuinely love — good sofas, beds, dining tables
- Children’s bedroom furniture (familiar surroundings help younger children settle)
- Books, artwork, and personal items that make a house feel like home
- Quality kitchen equipment (stand mixers, good knives, cast iron pans)
- Children’s toys and comfort items — don’t underestimate this
- Bicycles and outdoor equipment
Often not worth shipping:
- Large white goods (washing machines, fridges, dishwashers) — rental properties in Porto often come with these, and Portuguese appliances work on 220V/50Hz like the rest of Europe
- UK or US electrical appliances that run on 110V or have non-EU plugs — adaptors work for some things but not for high-powered appliances
- Flat-pack furniture (IKEA, etc.) — IKEA is in Portugal, and flat-pack doesn’t survive shipping well
- Low-value items where the shipping cost exceeds replacement cost
Consider carefully:
- Cars — importing a car to Portugal involves significant paperwork and cost (ISV vehicle tax can be substantial). Many families sell before moving and buy in Portugal.
- Excess clothing — Portuguese retail is good and reasonably priced; decluttering before the move reduces volume and cost.
Removal Companies for Portugal
Most families use one of two approaches: a full-service removal company (they pack, transport, unpack) or a self-pack container service. Full-service is more expensive but significantly less stressful.
Anglo Pacific
UK-based removal company with strong Portugal experience and good reviews in the British expat community. Full-service and self-pack options. Good for families moving from the UK. anglopacific.co.uk
PSS International Removals
Established UK removal company with regular Portugal services. Shared container options available for smaller moves — good value if you’re not filling a full container. pssremovals.com
Sirelo
Comparison platform for international removal companies — enter your move details and get quotes from multiple firms. Good for benchmarking costs before approaching individual companies. sirelo.co.uk
What It Costs
| Move type | Approximate cost (UK to Porto) |
|---|---|
| Small move / shared container (15–30 cubic metres) | €2,000–€4,500 |
| Medium family move (30–50 cubic metres) | €4,500–€7,000 |
| Large family move / full container (50+ cubic metres) | €6,000–€12,000+ |
Costs vary significantly based on volume, origin, and whether you opt for full packing service or self-pack. Get at least three quotes — prices differ substantially between companies for identical moves.
Portuguese Customs: What to Know
EU nationals moving their household goods to Portugal from within the EU face no customs duties or paperwork issues — goods move freely within the EU single market.
Non-EU nationals (including UK nationals post-Brexit) importing household goods benefit from a customs exemption (Isenção de Direitos) when:
- They are establishing their main residence in Portugal
- The goods have been owned and used for at least 6 months
- The goods arrive within 12 months of establishing residence
To claim the exemption, you’ll need to declare the goods at Portuguese customs and provide proof of prior residence. Your removal company should be familiar with this process — confirm they have Portugal experience before booking.
What We’d Do Differently
We shipped more than we needed to. The things we used our entire first year were the personal items — the children’s toys and books, the artwork, the kitchen equipment we actually cook with. The things that sat in boxes for months were the things we should have left behind or donated.
If we did it again: ruthless declutter before the move, ship the genuinely loved and high-replacement-cost items, buy the rest in Portugal once you know the apartment and what actually fits.
Cost estimates are approximate as of 2026. Get direct quotes from removal companies before budgeting. Some links above are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Planning your move to Portugal? Our free family relocation checklist covers visas, schools, healthcare registration, and everything you need for the first 30 days.