Easy, secure international removals with Britannia Smeeton Panton
Thinking about moving abroad from Lincolnshire? You want a team that knows the rules, handles the packing, and keeps your belongings safe from door to door. At Britannia Smeeton Panton (Smeeton’s Removals), we make European and international removals simple, with clear advice, careful packing, and reliable delivery worldwide through the trusted Britannia Movers International network.
Why choose us for your overseas move?
Do you want a smooth, well-planned move overseas with one helpful team managing the details? That’s exactly what we do.
Local team, global reach: Based in Heckington, moving families from Lincoln, Sleaford, Grantham, Boston, Scunthorpe, King’s Lynn, Skegness and Peterborough to Europe and beyond.
Expert export packing: Trained crews use the right materials and methods so your goods travel safely by road, sea, or air.
Customs made simple: We guide you through paperwork (including FIDI-style documentation), insurance, and what you can and can’t take.
Flexible shipping options: Sole-use containers for full households or shared/groupage for smaller loads to reduce costs.
Storage here or there: Secure, heated storage at our Heckington depot — plus options with partner depots overseas until you’re ready for delivery.
Part-loads to Europe: Regular vehicles across the continent help keep prices competitive.
Special items, handled with care: Pianos, safes, chandeliers, snooker tables, hot tubs — we plan and protect them properly.
How your international move works
Free video or home survey
We confirm volumes, access, timelines, and any special items, then talk you through the best routes and options.
Clear Written Quote
You get a detailed plan with what’s included, shipping method (road/sea/air), expected timelines, and optional extras. No jargon. No hidden extras.
Export packing & inventory
Our team packs and wraps your goods for export, then creates a numbered inventory for customs and insurance. Fragile-only and self-pack options are available if you prefer.
Shipping options to suit you
Sole-use container: Fastest door-to-door for full households.
Shared / groupage: Cost-effective for smaller moves; your items share a container with others going the same way.
European road services: Regular departures across Europe via the Britannia network.
Customs & delivery
We guide you through forms, regulations, and restricted items. On arrival, your goods are delivered to your new home and placed in the right rooms.
European removals made easy
Moving to Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe? Our regular part loads and back loads mean you can choose dates and budgets that suit you. If your new home isn’t ready, we can store your goods in the UK or with a trusted partner depot abroad until you are set.
International shipping options explained We’ll advise the right choice after your survey.
Sole-Use Container
Best for a full household.
Quicker transit and fixed sailing.
Door-to-door with fewer touchpoints.
Shared / Groupage
Best for smaller shipments.
Lower cost as you share space.
Leaves when the container is full, so timings are more flexible.
Typical container sizes
20ft container: Good for a flat or small house contents.
40ft container: Good for most family homes.
High Cube options: Extra height for bulky items.
Typical sea transit times (guide only)
Spain/Portugal/Western Europe: ~1–3 weeks (road/short sea)
Mediterranean: ~3–5 weeks
USA East Coast/Canada East: ~4–6 weeks (sole use), longer for shared
USA West Coast/Canada West: ~5–7 weeks
UAE & Middle East: ~4–6 weeks
South Africa: ~5–9 weeks (route dependent)
Australia/New Zealand: ~8–12 weeks
Exact timings vary with sailings, customs, weather, and peak seasons. We’ll match the route to your budget and schedule.
What you can (and can’t) ship
Every country has rules. We’ll give you a clear checklist and FIDI-style guidance so you know what’s allowed, what needs declaring, and what to leave behind. We’ll also explain insurance options in plain English.
Moving your car or motorbike
We can arrange vehicle shipping. We’ll explain the process and any documents needed. Dangerous goods paperwork can be supplied if required by the destination.
Taking pets with you
Bringing family pets? We’ll point you to trusted pet relocation services and share simple guidance on timelines, vaccines, and travel options so your pet’s journey is safe and stress-free.
Storage you can trust — short or long term
Containerised (CT box) storage: We load once, then mechanically move the sealed container into our secure, heated warehouse — no extra handling.
Warehouse and self-storage options: 24/7 CCTV, alarms, and electric perimeter fencing at our Heckington site.
Overseas storage: Partner depots available if you need time before delivery.
Accreditations & peace of mind
Move with confidence. We’re proud members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and part of Britannia Movers International. You benefit from approved standards, experienced crews, and the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee. We also work with the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman for independent ADR, and recognise respected quality schemes in our industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my overseas move?
As early as possible — especially in busy periods. We can still help at short notice.
Is groupage cheaper than a sole-use container?
Usually yes, for smaller shipments. It’s cost-effective but can take longer. We’ll quote both so you can choose.
Do you handle all the packing?
Yes, if you want us to. Export packing protects your goods for long journeys. We also offer fragile-only and self-pack options.
What about customs paperwork?
We guide you step by step and provide the right forms and inventory. We’ll explain everything clearly.
Can you store my goods if my new home isn’t ready?
Of course. Store in Lincolnshire or at a partner depot overseas. We deliver when you’re ready.
Will you move special items like pianos or safes?
Yes. We plan and protect heavy or delicate items so they arrive safely.
Areas we serve for overseas moves
Lincolnshire-wide: Lincoln, Sleaford, Grantham, Boston, Scunthorpe, King’s Lynn, Skegness, Peterborough and all surrounding towns and villages.
Ready to start your international move?
Get your free survey and clear, written quote today. Call 01529 469100, email admin@lincolnshire-removals.co.uk, or click Get a Quote.