Moving abroad from Poland
A new job in Munich, studies in Vienna, a partner returning to their home town of Zurich – the reasons vary, but the question is always the same: where do you start? We have been handling moves abroad from Wrocław for years, and we know that the most stressful part is not the transport itself, but everything that has to be sorted out before you leave and straight after you arrive. Below is the plan we follow with clients who are leaving Poland for a longer period.
Moving timeline – eight weeks ahead
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks before | get a quote and book a date, give notice on your tenancy in Poland |
| 6 weeks before | check whether your destination country requires customs clearance and an inventory of goods |
| 4 weeks before | decide what goes with you, what stays in storage and what to sell |
| 2 weeks before | report your change of address to your bank and tax office, arrange a parking suspension at your new address |
| a week before | collect boxes or confirm packing by the crew, prepare a hand-luggage bag |
| moving day | meter readings, handing over the keys, signing the loading list |
| after arrival | registering your address in the new country, re-registering your car, health insurance |
What to take and what to say goodbye to
Abroad, every cubic metre of load is a real cost, so before you leave it pays to go round your home with a notepad. Old chipboard furniture is often cheaper to buy at your destination than to dismantle, pack and reassemble. Solid wood furniture, a piano, bikes or a book collection are a different matter – those are worth taking. You can work out the volume with our volume calculator, and we will help you see where the line of cost-effectiveness lies in your case.
- Documents and medicines travel with you, in your hand luggage – never in the lorry.
- Electrical equipment should be checked for plugs and voltage, especially when moving to the United Kingdom or Switzerland.
- Plants, alcohol and food in larger quantities may be subject to restrictions in non-EU countries.
- Items for storage can be left in our warehouse in Wrocław and collected whenever you like.
Leaving Poland – official matters on our side of the border
If you are leaving permanently, you can notify your local municipality of your departure abroad, which puts your registration matters in order. It is also worth informing the tax office of your change of tax residence and checking how long your Polish health insurance remains valid. We provide the documents needed for transport: a contract, a list of the items moved and a VAT invoice, which are also useful when claiming relocation costs from your employer.
When your moving-out and moving-in dates do not match
Your tenancy in Poland ends at the end of the month, but your new home abroad is not available for another three weeks? That is a common situation. We collect your belongings on moving-out day, store them in Wrocław or in our Frankfurt am Main warehouse and deliver them on the day you get your keys.
Moving abroad for good – questions before you decide
How far in advance should I book a move abroad?
Ideally six to eight weeks before departure. In summer and at the turn of the month dates fill up faster, and non-EU countries need time for paperwork.
Can I travel with the lorry?
Our drivers do not take passengers. Most clients fly or drive their own car and meet the crew at the new address on the agreed day.
Do you help with moving a car?
A car usually travels separately – under its own power or on a car transporter. We can add the contents of the boot to the load, and for non-EU countries we tell you which vehicle documents you will need.
What if I do not know my address abroad yet?
We collect your belongings and keep them in storage until you find a home. We plan the delivery once the address is confirmed.
Will I get an invoice for my employer?
Yes. We issue a VAT invoice to you as a private individual or directly to the company paying for the relocation.
Leaving Poland for a longer period?
We will put together a moving timeline with you and quote for the transport even before you sign a contract abroad.
Leaving Poland?
Let’s plan it together
A free quote and a timeline for your move abroad, matched to your departure date.
Free quote