It’s been a few years since Brexit officially took effect, but for many individuals and families planning to move from England to Ireland, the aftershocks are still being felt today. Moving house has always involved logistics and planning—but post-Brexit, a relocation between the UK and EU has added layers of legal and administrative complexity that didn’t exist before. If you’re considering a cross-border move in 2025, it’s essential to understand how the landscape has changed, and what that means for your relocation plans today.
At Browns Removals, we’ve continued to see steady demand for removals from England to Ireland, but the way those moves are handled has evolved significantly since the pre-Brexit days. What was once a seamless domestic-style relocation is now an international move—complete with customs checks, new documentation requirements, and tighter restrictions on certain goods. We now treat every move across the Irish Sea as a border-crossing operation, and that shift affects everything from paperwork to packing timelines.
Customs Paperwork Is Now a Core Part of the Process
Before Brexit, moving personal belongings from England to Ireland was as straightforward as moving between counties. There were no customs checks, no declarations, and no worries about whether certain goods could be transported. That changed at the start of 2021, when the UK officially exited the EU’s customs union. As a result, all goods moving from Great Britain into Ireland are now subject to customs clearance—even if they’re household items being moved for personal reasons.
The biggest shift has been the introduction of the Transfer of Residence Relief process, which allows individuals moving home to Ireland to bring their belongings without paying import duties or VAT—provided they meet certain criteria. To claim this relief, you must complete a TR1 form, provide a detailed inventory of your goods, and include supporting documentation proving your change of residence, such as a tenancy agreement, job offer, or utility bills. In 2025, the process remains much the same as it was introduced, though Irish Revenue has increased scrutiny on new goods or undeclared electronics crossing the border.
Our team now routinely guides clients through this paperwork before collection even begins, ensuring that customs documents are completed accurately and submitted in advance of ferry travel. This has become a non-negotiable step in every international move we handle.
More Restrictions on What You Can Bring
Since the introduction of EU border rules, several categories of items are either prohibited or restricted when entering Ireland from Great Britain. The most affected are animal products—including meat, dairy, and pet food—as well as plants, seeds, and untreated wood products. These items are now strictly controlled under EU biosecurity laws and often require documentation or are banned outright.
For families relocating with pets, the process is now far more complex. Pets must meet the EU’s import requirements, including a valid rabies vaccination, microchipping, and an EU Animal Health Certificate issued shortly before travel. Failure to meet any of these criteria can result in animals being held at the border or denied entry.
We’ve also seen increased customs focus on high-value electronics, alcohol, and tools or equipment that may be mistaken for commercial imports. Even if you’ve owned the item for years, if it’s not properly declared or doesn’t meet Transfer of Residence requirements, it could be subject to import VAT or held for inspection.
Logistics and Timelines Have Become More Complex
Brexit hasn’t just affected customs rules—it’s also had a significant impact on the timing and logistics of moves. In the past, we could plan and execute moves between England and Ireland with only a few days’ notice. Now, with customs paperwork needing to be submitted and cleared in advance, we encourage clients to allow at least 10 to 14 days from booking to delivery.
Ferry crossings are also more carefully timed. Customs clearance windows and potential inspections mean we must plan loading schedules, vehicle contents, and documentation with precision. Our vans carry detailed manifests and sealed inventories, and we stay in contact with customs brokers and port authorities throughout the process. In 2025, delays at ferry ports are not as frequent as they were in 2021 and 2022, but additional checks and paperwork mean moves simply take longer than they once did.
Property Moves Are Now Treated Like International Imports
One of the biggest changes we’ve seen is the mindset shift required when moving from England to Ireland. It’s no longer just a “domestic move” with a ferry journey—it’s an international relocation that involves the same level of documentation, planning, and coordination you might expect when moving to mainland Europe.
As such, customs inventories need to be detailed and accurate. Descriptions should include item names, estimated values, usage notes (such as “used sofa, 3 years old”), and countries of origin when available. Clients who provide vague or incomplete inventories often experience delays, especially when items appear new or fall under restricted categories.
In response to this, we’ve built a comprehensive documentation support service into our removals offering. Our coordinators help you compile the right inventory format, review the required supporting documents, and manage the submission process on your behalf. We’ve found that getting the paperwork right early avoids most common Brexit-related headaches later in the move.
Cross-Border Coordination Is More Important Than Ever
Moving house is stressful enough without navigating unfamiliar customs processes or dealing with transport delays. That’s why cross-border coordination between removals companies, customs agents, ferry operators, and clients has become critical. In 2025, we operate as both a removals company and a logistical liaison—ensuring your paperwork is correct, your timing is realistic, and that your move stays compliant from start to finish.
We also provide real-time updates during the journey, so you know where your belongings are and when to expect delivery. With new customs controls in place, communication has become a vital part of our service. We work directly with Irish Revenue and HMRC when needed to ensure that your move goes ahead without disruption.
Costs and Fees Have Shifted Slightly
Another area impacted by Brexit is cost. While we work hard to keep our pricing competitive, the added admin, customs clearance steps, and occasional duties on restricted items have increased the average cost of international removals since 2021. In 2025, most moves between England and Ireland still qualify for duty relief, but clients should budget for customs admin fees, ferry charges, and possible storage costs if delays occur.
We provide full cost transparency before the move begins and break down exactly what’s included—so you know whether customs documentation, ferry bookings, packing materials, or VAT handling are part of your quote. There are no surprises on delivery day, and we help clients avoid unexpected charges by identifying potential issues before they arise.
Final Thoughts on the Brexit Impact in 2025
Moving from England to Ireland has changed significantly since Brexit—but it hasn’t become impossible. It simply requires more preparation, better coordination, and a deeper understanding of customs requirements. With the right support, your move can still be smooth, efficient, and fully compliant.
At Browns Removals, we’ve adapted our service to meet the realities of post-Brexit moves, combining decades of experience with up-to-date knowledge of cross-border regulations. Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, family, or a fresh start, we’re here to guide you through the process—from form filling and customs clearance to careful delivery of your belongings to your new Irish home.
If you’re planning a move in 2025 and want the latest guidance on removals from England to Ireland, we’d be happy to help you start the journey with clarity and confidence.