Moving from the UK to Lithuania: a step-by-step checklist

Eight to six weeks before the move

Start by deciding what is coming with you. Walk through each room and sort things into four groups: take, sell, give away and throw away. Large, inexpensive furniture is often not worth moving, while good appliances, quality furniture, tools and sentimental items usually are. The fewer things you move, the lower the cost.

This is also the time to get a removal quote. Tell us roughly what you are taking, both addresses and your preferred dates. We will suggest a van size and give you a clear price. Early booking matters most in summer, which is the busiest season for family moves.

• Sort belongings: take, sell, give away, throw away
• Request a removal quote and agree a provisional date
• Check your tenancy notice period and give notice
• Start collecting strong boxes and packing materials

Six to four weeks before: paperwork and services

Moving countries means telling a lot of organisations. In the UK, that usually includes your landlord or letting agent, your employer, HMRC, the local council for council tax, your GP and dentist, utility and broadband providers, your bank and your mobile provider. Ask for final meter readings on moving day and arrange for post to be redirected or sent to a trusted friend for a while.

Collect important documents in one folder: passports and ID cards, birth and marriage certificates, children's school records, medical records, employment records, P60s and P45, bank statements and car documents. Keep this folder with you during the move rather than in the van.

Four to two weeks before: packing

Start packing the things you use least: books, seasonal clothes, decorations, spare bedding. Label every box with its contents and the room it goes to in your new home. Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large ones. Keep fragile items well padded and televisions in their original packaging if you still have it.

Make a simple inventory of what you are moving. It helps with planning the van, and a clear list of belongings is useful for customs purposes when moving from the UK to the EU. We advise on the information needed and help prepare the documents.

The last week

Confirm the collection time with us and check access: parking near your building, stairs, lifts and any rules from the building management. Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer at least a day before collection, and drain the washing machine. Dismantle beds and wardrobes and keep the screws in labelled bags taped to the furniture.

Pack a first-night box with what you will need when you arrive: kettle, mugs, phone chargers, toiletries, towels, bedding, a few tools, medicines you take regularly and snacks for the children. This box travels with you, or goes on the van last so it comes off first.

Moving day in England

Our drivers arrive at the agreed time, help to load and secure your belongings, and check the list with you. Take photos of meter readings, hand back keys and do a final walk through every room, cupboard and the loft. Make sure we have the right phone number for whoever will receive the belongings in Lithuania.

Arrival in Lithuania

We call before delivery to agree the time and unload at your new address. Delivery between England and Lithuania usually takes 3 to 7 days, depending on the route and schedule. If your new home is not ready yet, belongings can be stored in the UK and delivered later.

Once you are settled, take care of the Lithuanian side: declaring your place of residence, registering for health insurance, enrolling children in school or kindergarten, and opening or updating a bank account. Our guide to returning to Lithuania covers these steps in more detail.

Moving the other way

The same checklist works in reverse if you are moving from Lithuania to England. We collect anywhere in Lithuania and deliver to your new address in London or elsewhere in our English coverage area, with the same door to door service and the same team.