The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your International Relocation Estimate

Moving to another country is a big life change. Knowing the financial details is important for a smooth transition.

One of the first steps is reviewing your relocation estimate, but what actually is a relocation estimate?

A relocation estimate is a detailed quote provided by your moving company outlining the expected overseas moving costs. It includes all services required for your relocation, such as packing, transportation, and customs clearance, depending on your destination. Understanding what this estimate includes is crucial to avoiding surprises later on.

Here’s a guide on what to check for international relocation costs. This is especially important if you are moving from Spain.

What services do providers typically include?

1. Packing and Unpacking Services:

   These services involve professional movers carefully packing your belongings at your current location and unpacking them at your new home. High-quality packing materials, like custom crates, and careful handling keep fragile items and valuables safe during transport.

2. Transportation (Air, Sea, or Land):

   This refers to the mode of transport your goods will take to reach your destination. Depending on the distance and urgency, your belongings may be shipped by air, sea, or land. Each mode comes with different costs and delivery times.

3. Customs Clearance Assistance:

   Navigating customs regulations can be challenging, especially when moving internationally. Your relocation provider will assist you with the paperwork. They will also help you with the steps needed for your goods to pass through customs. This will ensure that everything is done easily and legally.

4. Storage Solutions (If Needed):

   If your new home is not immediately ready or if you need extra time before moving in, storage solutions can be arranged. This service offers secure, short-term or long-term storage for your belongings until you’re ready to receive them.

Customs and VAT Considerations for Spain

Depending on where you are moving to, relocating within or from Spain introduces specific customs and VAT regulations:

Moving within Spain:

• CUSTOMS:
  No customs clearance is required when moving household goods within Spain. Your goods remain within free circulation, so there are no customs declarations and no import duties.

• VAT:
  You may be charged VAT on relocation or moving services depending on the service provider, such as packing, transport, and storage. The standard VAT rate in Spain is 21%. You are not charged VAT on the value of your personal household goods, only on service fees.

Moving from Spain to another country with the EU.

Moving to another EU member state remains within the EU customs union.

• CUSTOMS:
  There are no customs import/export procedures for personal belongings. Your goods move freely, as long as they are used personal effects and not new items intended for resale.

• VAT:
  Moving services are subject to VAT in Spain (21%), unless the invoice is issued to a VAT-registered company in another EU country (reverse charge may apply).

Moving from Spain to a non-EU country (e.g.; UK, USA, UAE)

• CUSTOMS:
  

  Export rules apply, and destination country rules must be followed.

You will need:

• • A detailed packing list/inventory
  • Copy of passport or NIE/DNI
  • Proof you are relocating (e.g., employment contract, rental contract abroad)

Used household goods are usually duty-free for export.

• VAT:
  Exporting household goods out of the EU is zero-rated for VAT in most cases. This means you do not pay VAT on the export of your belongings.

💡 However, be cautious when exporting expensive items such as new electronics or luxury items; VAT refund rules may apply only if they leave the EU in unused condition and follow the tax-free shopping process.

Weather and Seasonality Costs

In Spain, the weather and time of year can significantly impact your move:

• Summer Moves (June-September):
  During the summer months, international moving services are in high demand, which can increase the cost of transportation.

As well as this, temperatures, especially in central and southern Spain (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid), often exceed 38–44°C in July and August. This can slow down processes and require heat-safe packaging for items such as candles, cosmetics, and electronics.

Coastal regions (Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga) are busier in the summer months due to tourism, increasing road congestion. Booking early can help avoid price surges due to high demand.

• Winter Moves (December-February):
  Be prepared for potential delays if you’re planning on shipping your goods via mountain passes (such as the Pyrenees crossings to France).

The Northern and inland parts of Spain (Basque Country, Navarre, Aragón) often see snowy or icy roads in the winter months, leading to delays in road transportation methods. These delays and additional storage or alternative transport route costs must be reflected within your estimate.

• Holidays:

  Spain has the highest number of public holidays of any European country (often referred to as “Red Days”), with up to 14 each year. As well as this, each autonomous community and local municipality have additional public holidays, so keep this in mind when planning your move.

Specific public holidays that impact logistics:

• 6 January (Three Kings Day) – Spain’s biggest gift-giving event; many businesses closed.
• 15 August (Assumption Day)
• 12 October (National Day of Spain)
• 1 November (All Saints’ Day)
• 6 / 8 December (Constitution Day + Immaculate Conception) – often combined into a week-long holiday.

Understanding Temporary Housing and Storage Costs

When relocating internationally, your new home may not always be ready for immediate move-in. In such cases, temporary housing or storage solutions are necessary. It’s common for people moving long distances from Spain to require storage for their belongings or temporary accommodations, both of which can add to your relocation costs. Ensure these are clearly outlined in your estimate.

Summary

Relocating from Spain to a new country can be a seamless experience if you have a clear understanding of your international relocation estimate. Knowing what services are included—such as packing, transportation, customs assistance, and storage—helps avoid unexpected costs down the line.

Additionally, factoring in regional considerations like customs regulations, VAT charges, and weather conditions is essential for an accurate and complete estimate. Whether you’re moving in the peak summer season or tackling a winter move during the holiday period, proper planning and a detailed estimate ensure your international move goes smoothly and stays within budget.

At Crown Relocations, we’re committed to providing clear, comprehensive relocation estimates to make your move as stress-free as possible. Reach out to our team for personalized advice tailored to your specific journey.