How to Prepare a List of Belongings for an International Move – A Practical Guide

Preparing an accurate and detailed list of belongings is essential in the customs clearance process, especially for an international move. An accurate list not only makes the process easier for customs officers, it also keeps your transport organised and secure. Here are the steps to follow to draw up your list of belongings correctly:

Step 1: Gathering Information About Your Items

Before you start drawing up the list, make a thorough inventory of everything you intend to bring. Note details such as:

• Type of item (furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.)
• Make and model (for appliances and equipment)
• Condition of the item (new, used, antique)

Step 2: Detailed Description of Each Item

For each item on the list, specify:

• Name of the item
• Quantity (number of units of each item)
• Dimensions (where relevant, e.g. for furniture)
• Approximate weight (may be required for transport and customs purposes)
• Value (approximate market value of each item)

Step 3: Describing the Packaging

Note how each item will be packed and protected during transport. This includes:

• Type of packaging (box, bubble wrap, wooden crate, etc.)
• Special packaging requirements (e.g. extra protection for fragile items)

Step 4: Additional Notes

Add any notes that may be relevant to transport or customs clearance, such as:

• Valuable items (e.g. artwork or antiques requiring additional certificates)
• Dangerous items (e.g. flammable materials, chemicals)
• Items requiring special transport conditions (e.g. temperature-controlled)

Step 5: Preparing the Document

Draw up the list as a table or document that is clear and easy to review. Make sure it includes all the required information. This document should be available in both electronic and paper form.

A properly prepared list of belongings is a key document that will make the customs clearance process easier and ensure that the whole move goes smoothly, without unexpected complications.

FAQ:

Gathering Information About Your Items

Question: Do I need to list every item individually, or can I group similar items together?

Answer: It's best to list each item individually, especially higher-value items or those requiring special transport conditions. For lower-value, similar items such as clothing, you can group them together.

Detailed Description of Each Item

Question: Do I need to give the exact dimensions of every item?

Answer: Dimensions mainly matter for larger items, such as furniture. For smaller items, such as clothing or small electronics, dimensions can be left out, but it's worth noting their approximate weight and value.

Describing the Packaging

Question: How detailed should the description of how items are packed be?

Answer: It's worth noting the type of packaging (e.g. box, bubble wrap) and any special protection requirements, especially for fragile or valuable items

Additional Notes

Question: What other information is worth adding to the list?

Answer: You should add information about any valuable items requiring special certificates (e.g. artwork, antiques), dangerous items (e.g. flammable materials), and any items requiring special transport conditions (e.g. controlled temperature).

Preparing the Document

Question: Does the list need to be approved by any special institution or person?

Answer: The list does not need to be approved by any external institution, but it should be clear and contain all the required information. It's important that it is available in both electronic and paper form during the customs clearance process.

Check out the next stages of clearance

• What documents to include with a relocation-goods clearance
• Step-by-step plan for moving from the UK to Poland
• Conditions for duty and VAT relief on relocation goods
• What to do if you're also bringing a car