Have you been dreaming of moving abroad to enjoy sunnier skies, a slower pace of life, or new investment opportunities? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Brits take the leap to start fresh overseas—and whether you’re planning to retire to the Costa Blanca or purchase a rental property in Portugal, getting there takes more than just a plane ticket.
That’s where we come in.
At Wilkins Removals, we’re a trusted international moving company with over 140 years of experience. Based in Reading, and founded in Henley-on-Thames, we specialise in international home removals from Oxfordshire and Berkshire—offering full-service support to make your move stress-free, efficient, and expertly managed.
Where Are Brits Moving to?
We’ve helped countless people move home abroad, and the most popular expat destinations tend to offer a powerful blend of sun, lifestyle, and convenience.
🇪🇸 Spain – Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol & Balearic Islands
Spain continues to be the top destination for British expats, and it’s easy to see why.
- Costa Blanca (Alicante, Benidorm, Jávea) offers year-round sunshine, affordable property, and excellent healthcare. Brits love the ease of living, with widespread English spoken and a well-established support network.
- Costa del Sol (Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona) caters to retirees and professionals alike, with luxury developments, golf resorts, and a vibrant coastal lifestyle.
- Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) attract second-home buyers and digital nomads who want Mediterranean charm with a touch of exclusivity.
Whether you’re seeking a laid-back lifestyle, bustling nightlife, or scenic seaside towns, Spain offers a diverse range of options.
🇵🇹 Portugal – The Algarve, Lisbon & Silver Coast
Portugal has become a hotspot not just for retirees, but also for families and remote workers.
- The Algarve (Lagos, Faro, Tavira) is renowned for its beaches, golf courses, and relaxed pace of life. Properties here range from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious villas with sea views.
- Lisbon is perfect for young professionals and digital nomads. The capital boasts a dynamic tech scene, excellent transport links, and gorgeous river views.
- Silver Coast (Nazaré, Óbidos, Peniche) is gaining popularity for its surf culture, historical towns, and lower property prices compared to the Algarve.
Portugal’s D7 visa and Non-Habitual Resident tax scheme also make it a savvy move financially.
🇫🇷 France – Dordogne, Provence, Brittany & the Alps
France’s appeal lies in its beauty, variety, and proximity to the UK.
- Dordogne is a top choice for those seeking countryside charm—stone farmhouses, riverside villages, and fresh produce markets.
- Provence offers lavender fields, wine estates, and a sun-soaked Mediterranean lifestyle.
- Brittany is close to the UK, affordable, and popular with families wanting a blend of culture and coast.
- The French Alps attract winter sports enthusiasts, with year-round rental income potential from ski chalets.
The availability of Eurostar and low-cost flights means many UK residents choose France for a second home or semi-permanent retreat.
🇨🇾 Cyprus – Paphos, Limassol & Larnaca
Cyprus stands out for its English-speaking population, Mediterranean climate, and long-standing ties with the UK.
- Paphos is a cultural gem and a favourite among retirees for its peaceful vibe and scenic coastline.
- Limassol is a business hub with a mix of cosmopolitan buzz and coastal relaxation.
- Larnaca offers a central location with easy access to other parts of the island and Europe.
Cyprus also has attractive property prices and relatively simple residency rules, making it a practical and enjoyable place to settle.
🇹🇷 Turkey – Bodrum, Antalya & Fethiye
Turkey is ideal for those who want a more adventurous move or a higher return on investment.
- Bodrum combines bohemian style with upscale marinas and seaside restaurants.
- Antalya offers resorts, Roman ruins, and affordable modern apartments.
- Fethiye is popular with sailors and nature lovers, with its turquoise coast and laid-back atmosphere.
While not part of the EU, Turkey provides great value for money and is especially appealing for holiday home buyers.
What to Know Before You Move
A successful international home removal hinges on more than just packing boxes. Here’s what to consider before making your move abroad:
✈️ Accessibility
Direct flights, international schools, and access to healthcare are essential—especially if you plan to visit the UK frequently or have dependents.
💸 Local Property Market
Each destination has its own market quirks. We often help clients research areas based on not just lifestyle, but also long-term investment potential.
🧾 Legal & Tax Requirements
From residency permits to property laws and double-taxation treaties, legal advice is a must. We’ll point you in the right direction.
👥 Expat Community
Living among like-minded expats can ease the transition, and we’ve helped many families choose locations that offer both comfort and community.
🚧 Hidden Costs
Think shipping, insurance, legal fees, currency exchange fluctuations, and local taxes. Our team helps clients avoid nasty surprises by planning ahead.
Getting to the Airport: Planning Your Departure from Oxfordshire or Berkshire
Moving day doesn’t just end at your front door—it often begins your journey to a new life abroad. That’s why we assist clients in planning logistics right up to airport drop-off. Whether you’re catching a direct flight to Malaga or a long-haul to New Zealand, your access to major UK airports is an important part of your move.
Here’s what that typically looks like:
Proximity to Major Airports
Our clients in Reading, Henley, Oxford, Newbury, and Wallingford benefit from excellent access to multiple international airports:
- Heathrow Airport (LHR): The most common departure point, just 45–60 minutes from Reading and Henley. Ideal for most international removals.
- Gatwick Airport (LGW): Around 1.5–2 hours away, offering strong links to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
- Bristol Airport (BRS): A good option for clients in West Berkshire or near the M4 corridor.
- Luton and Stansted: While further afield, they offer budget airline routes that some movers prefer for second trips or coordinating family travel.
Coordinating Your Departure
We work with you to schedule your home removal and airport travel in sync, so there’s no stress or delay:
- For international shipping, we remove and dispatch your belongings ahead of your flight so you’re not burdened with last-minute logistics.
- We can even recommend trusted airport transfer services or help book larger transport (ideal for families or those with a lot of luggage).
Want to know the best airport based on your new destination? Just ask—we’ve helped people move to Spain via Gatwick, Cyprus via Heathrow, and even France via car ferry and the Channel Tunnel.
Moving Day: What to Expect
Whether you’re leaving for good or setting up a second home abroad, moving day can feel overwhelming. Here’s how we help make it calm, clear, and well-managed.
Pre-Move Preparation
In the days before your move, we’ll provide:
- Packing materials (or pack for you professionally)
- Labels, inventory sheets, and scheduling tools
- Access to our Wilkins Packing Guide 2025 for best practices
We recommend reviewing our Client Instructions for Collection of Packing Materials and Procedure for Unpacked Items Post-Move ahead of time, so you know what to expect after arrival.
On the Day
- Our trained removals team arrives promptly, often in coordinated shifts for larger moves.
- Items are carefully packed, loaded, and logged—especially for international customs and insurance requirements.
- We provide real-time updates, checklists, and last-minute support.
Our team is always on hand throughout to keep things on track. You’ll also have digital access to your customs paperwork and shipping itinerary.
How Wilkins Removals Can Help With Your International Move
As a highly experienced home removals company with a global client base, we provide:
End-to-End International Home Removals
From packing up your property in Oxfordshire or Berkshire, to delivering it safely to your new doorstep overseas, we manage the entire process.
Professional Packing & Crating
We use premium materials, custom crates, and careful item tracking to ensure your valuables are protected during international transit.
International Shipping Expertise
Whether your items are shipped by land, sea, or air, our team handles customs paperwork, insurance options, and destination coordination.
Trusted Local Knowledge
With strong roots in the local area and deep understanding of overseas removals, we offer a rare combination of personalised service and global capability.
Let’s Make Your International Move Easy
When it comes to moving home abroad, you need a partner who understands the stakes. Whether it’s your retirement dream or a strategic investment, Wilkins Removals ensures your international relocation is handled with expertise, care, and total peace of mind.
Whether you’re leaving Reading for rural France, or trading Oxfordshire rain for Spanish sun, Wilkins Removals ensures your international home removal is smooth, strategic, and stress-free—from your doorstep to the airport, and beyond.
Call us today or get a free international moving quote. Your new life abroad starts with a smooth move—and that starts with Wilkins.
