How Many Containers Fit on a Ship? From Feeders to Mega-Ships
By Steve Joury / October 23, 2026
How many containers fit on a ship? From 1,000 TEU feeders to 24,000+ TEU mega-ships, what a TEU is, how...
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Last updated: 23 October 2026
Spain is the most popular destination for British movers in Europe. Removals to the mainland usually go by road via France or on the ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to northern Spain. The islands need sea freight. This guide covers 2026 costs by region, the options, and the post-Brexit customs rules.
Removals to Spain: typical costs in 2026| Destination | 2–3 bedroom house (full load) | Part load (about 200–400 cu ft) | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Spain (Cantabria, Asturias, Basque Country) | £2,500–£4,000 | £1,000–£1,800 | 2–4 days |
| Madrid and central Spain | £3,000–£4,500 | £1,100–£2,000 | 3–5 days |
| Costa Blanca, Valencia, Murcia | £3,000–£5,000 | £1,200–£2,200 | 3–6 days |
| Costa del Sol, Andalucía | £3,500–£5,500 | £1,300–£2,400 | 4–7 days |
| Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) | £4,000–£6,500 | £1,600–£3,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote) | £4,500–£7,500 | £1,800–£3,500 | 2–4 weeks |
Indicative prices. Access, packing, insurance and the distance from the main road all affect the price.
Mainland Spain: road removals
Most companies drive through France, or use the overnight ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao. Options include:
- Dedicated full load: a lorry for your home only, with fixed collection and delivery dates
- Part load: a scheduled shared run, often weekly to the costas, and cheaper but less flexible
- Storage in Spain: useful if your property is not ready
The Canary and Balearic Islands
The islands need a sea crossing from mainland ports such as Barcelona, Valencia or Cádiz.
- Balearics: frequent ferries make moves relatively straightforward.
- Canary Islands: the Canaries sit outside the EU VAT area and have their own tax, IGIC. Moves there need extra customs declarations, so choose a mover with Canary Islands experience.
Customs after Brexit
Goods moving from Great Britain to Spain are imports from outside the EU. In practice:
- Change of residence relief: used personal belongings can usually enter Spain free of duty and VAT if you are moving your main residence there.
- Paperwork: an inventory, your NIE number, proof of your Spanish address and residence (TIE or visa), and proof of your previous UK residence
- Restricted items: meat and dairy, plants, alcohol and tobacco beyond allowances, and weapons
Your removals company’s customs agent normally prepares the declarations, but always confirm it is included in the quote.
How to choose a removals company
- Look for regular UK–Spain runs, which mean more part-load options and better prices.
- Check trade memberships, such as BAR Overseas.
- Ask about access to urbanisations, hillside villas and old towns, where large lorries may not fit.
- Get the insurance in writing, at full replacement value.
- Book 6–8 weeks ahead, especially for summer moves.
See our moving to Spain from the UK guide for visas and residency, and international removals from the UK for the basics.
Frequently asked questions
How much do removals to Spain cost?
A 2–3 bedroom house typically costs £2,500–£5,500 to the mainland by road, and more to the islands.
How long do removals to Spain take?
Usually 2–7 days to the mainland with a dedicated load, and 2–4 weeks to the Canary Islands.
Do I pay import duty on furniture when moving to Spain?
Usually not, if you qualify for change of residence relief and have an NIE and proof of residence.
Are removals to the Canary Islands different?
Yes. The Canaries are outside the EU VAT area and need extra customs declarations.
Is a part load cheaper?
Yes. Sharing a scheduled lorry can cost less than half a dedicated load.
Fancy arriving in Spain by sea?
Ask us about sea voyages from the UK to southern Europe.
Explore sea voyages →
Steve Joury
Cargo trip advisor at Cargoholidays
Passionate about slow trip travel and sea. Steve know most shipping route and procedure to discover our beautiful world from sea on a container ship. He have been at most trips from 7 days on cargo travel to 140 days on board.
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