Moving to the Channel Islands with Britannia Robbins

Britannia Robbins is a UK-based international removals company in Swansea, and part of the Britannia Movers International network. We regularly help people from Swansea, Cardiff and across South Wales who are moving to the Channel Islands, including Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. Our experienced team manages every stage of the relocation process, providing a professional, well-coordinated move designed to minimise disruption and deliver complete peace of mind.

Moving to the Channel Islands is a significant lifestyle change, whether you are relocating for employment, retirement, family reasons, or simply a change of pace. However, with Britannia Robbins your move is handled by specialists who understand the logistics, shipping options and documentation involved in Channel Islands relocations.

Why Do People Move to the Channel Islands?

Many UK residents choose the Channel Islands for their unique blend of British and French culture, together with the benefits of laid-back island living. They are located in the English Channel and operate as Crown Dependencies, so these islands offer a high standard of living within easy reach of the UK.

People move to the Channel Islands for a variety of reasons.
• A relaxed lifestyle with strong local communities.
• Attractive employment opportunities, particularly in finance and professional services.
• Low crime rates and excellent education provision.
• Scenic coastlines, beaches and outdoor activities.
• A mild climate compared with much of the UK.
• Close cultural and economic ties with Britain.

Furthermore, for British nationals, no passport is required for the removals paperwork. However, residency and housing controls vary by island, so thorough research is needed before your move.

If you are moving to the Bailiwick of Jersey, more information on relocating to Jersey can be found here. Alternatively, the States of Guerney website is a great starting point if you’re moving to Guernsey, Alderney, Sark or Herm.

How do removals to the Channel Islands work?

Most people who are moving to the Channel Islands choose to book our sea freight services, supported by professional packing and coordinated delivery at both ends. That means Britannia Robbins manages the process from an initial survey right through to the final placement of your belongings.

If preferred, we may be able to take your belongings directly to your new home via a ferry service instead. However, this would depend on accessibility – roads in the Channel Islands are often a lot narrower than those in mainland UK, and may not be suitable for our vehicles.

Our typical Channel Islands removals process

1. Pre move survey and quotation – we assess your requirements and provide a clear, detailed quotation.
2. Professional export packing – your belongings are packed using export grade materials suitable for sea transport, and loaded into a shipping container.
3. UK transport to port – goods are transported securely to the departure port.
4. Sea freight to the Channel Islands – we organise the shipping to Jersey, Guernsey or another island using the most appropriate service.
5. Local delivery and unpacking – delivery to your new home via our trusted local partner, with all furniture unwrapped and positioned.

With over 100 years of experience, we know that this approach ensures safety and efficiency throughout your move.

Typical timescales for Channel Islands moves

A household removal to the Channel Islands can take anywhere from a couple of days to 3 weeks. However, the timeframe will depend on where you are moving from, the amount of goods you are transporting, and the method of transport. A dedicated road and ferry option (where we take our vehicle all the way to your new property) is the fastest choice, but shipping your goods to the Channel Islands is usually more cost-effective. If you only have a small consignment and the timing is flexible, sharing a container with other customers will further reduce costs, but this will take longer.

What Is the Best Way to Move Household Goods to Jersey or Guernsey?

The most suitable shipping method for moving to the Channel Islands depends on the volume, your budget and your timescale.

Shipping service (most common option)

Your household effects are loaded into a sealed container and transported by sea to the Channel Islands. This method offers excellent value for money and high levels of security.

Road and ferry services

For certain relocations, a dedicated road vehicle combined with ferry transport may be appropriate. This option can provide faster transit for smaller or time sensitive moves.

Our surveyor can provide you with all of the options before preparing a bespoke quote for your move.

Channel Islands removals services

Britannia Robbins provides a comprehensive range of services to support your relocation:
• Export packing and materials tailored for overseas shipping
• Door to door removals management from the UK to the Channel Islands
• Customs and documentation guidance, including inventories and declarations
• Vehicle shipping arrangements for cars and motorcycles
• Pet relocation support via trusted specialist partners
• Short and long term storage solutions in the UK if required
• Transit insurance options for added peace of mind

We plan every move individually to ensure your requirements are fully met.

Who This Service Is For

Our removals service is suitable for:
• Individuals and families who are moving to the Channel Islands permanently
• Professionals relocating for work or secondment
• Retirees seeking a change of lifestyle
• Customers relocating to the Channel Islands from anywhere in South Wales
• Commercial clients seeking a reliable partner for one-off or regular deliveries

Whether you are moving a full household or a smaller consignment, we provide the same high standard of care and coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions about moving to the Channel Islands

Do I need customs clearance when moving to the Channel Islands?

In most cases, household goods moving from the UK to the Channel Islands are not subject to customs duty. However, an inventory and declaration are usually required in order to qualify for partial or complete personal effects relief. Britannia Robbins will advise you on the documentation needed for your specific move.

How long does a move to the Channel Islands take?

Transit times vary depending on shipping method and destination island. Most household removals to Jersey or Guernsey are completed within one to three weeks from collection.

Can I ship my car to the Channel Islands?

Yes. We transport vehicles by container or roll on/roll off ferry services, subject to local registration and licensing requirements on arrival.

Can you move me from Wales to the Channel Islands?

Yes. Britannia Robbins is based in Swansea and regularly handles removals from Wales to the Channel Islands.

Do you offer storage before or after my move?

Yes. Secure short and long-term storage facilities are available in the UK if your property dates do not align. We offer both warehouse storage and more easily accessible self-storage units.

For more general information on the moving process, please visit our Removals FAQs page.
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Start Your Move to the Channel Islands

Britannia Robbins is well-placed to manage your move to the Channel Islands professionally and efficiently. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and provide a tailored quotation based on your needs.

Contact Britannia Robbins in Swansea today to request a no obligation survey and begin planning your move with confidence.

Swansea – 01792 584 229
Cardiff – 02920 668 555
info@britanniarobbins.co.uk