Moving to a new country can be one of the most rewarding moves of your life - although there is a lot to think about. Read below to learn how you can easily transport your belongings to Alderney.
Moving Your Things
Moving Companies
Hiring a good removal firm that specialises in moving to the Channel Islands will make moving your things far less stressful and so much easier. Crucially, they will take care of all the paperwork and navigate the Customs & Excise procedures for you.
A selection of suitable removal companies are listed below:
Removal companies will use Channel Seaways to ship your things across the Channel to Alderney. There is a weekly sailing from the UK to Alderney on a Monday. Door-to-door delivery usually takes between 8 to 10 days.
Moving Things Yourself
If you’d prefer to move your belongings independently, here’s how it works:
Moving from the UK
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Book a container with Channel Seaways in Poole.
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Complete a consignment note listing the items you’re shipping. Keep it detailed but concise (e.g. Christmas decorations, mirrors, paintings, kitchenware, crockery, beds, sofas). No need to list weights - this will be done at the depot.
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Schedule: Trinity, the container ship, loads on Mondays and departs the same evening, arriving in Alderney on Tuesday morning.
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Drop-off: You can deliver your belongings to Channel Seaways any weekday between 7am and 4pm (Mondays are not recommended).
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On arrival in Poole: Visit the office where they will issue or direct you to your container, load it, and leave it ready for shipping.
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Insurance: We recommend arranging insurance, either directly with Channel Seaways or privately, to cover your goods in transit.
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In Alderney: You can hire a van to unload your container yourself, or Alderney Shipping will be able to advise if you need assistance.
Moving from Guernsey
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Book a container with Alderney Shipping (sister company of Channel Seaways).
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Arrange a loading time and complete a consignment note, as advised above.
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Schedule: Trinity, the container ship, loads in Guernsey on Wednesdays and your container will be available in Alderney from Thursday.
Prohibited or Restricted Items
You should know that there are some things that you need to be aware of and which a good removal company that specialises in home moves to Alderney will be able to assist you with.
Certain items are prohibited or restricted from being imported to Alderney from the UK.
- Firearms, ammunition, flick knives, gravity knives, and CS gas sprays
- Inflammable goods & substances
- Narcotics and dangerous goods
- Offensive materials
- Alcohol & Tobacco (over the duty free limit are liable to pay duty)
- Endangered animals and goods made of or taken from them
More information:
Alderney Customs 01481 823573
Remember, that Alderney is not at a loss for shopping. There is a hardware, furniture store, and electronic shop - so you can always pack light and replenish when you arrive!
As an island we foster a deeper awareness of the environment and are good at reusing and recycling. Here are a few links to pages where you can buy and sell items:
Bringing Your Car to Alderney
If you’re bringing your car over from the UK, you can drop it off with Channel Seaways at Poole Harbour for shipping to the island.
Registering Your Vehicle
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On arrival, you’ll need to re-register your car with an Alderney number plate. This can be done in person at the General Office in the Island Hall.
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Once re-registered, you can order your new plates from Blanchard’s Garage or Dave’s Little Garage. Plates usually take 7–10 days to arrive.
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You may drive your UK-registered car for up to 14 days after arrival, giving you time to complete the process.
Buying a Car on the Island
There are often second-hand cars for sale locally, so you may also want to consider selling your UK vehicle and purchase one once you’re here.
To learn more about importing your car to Alderney, click here.
Bringing Your Pet
We love our pets and are excited for yours to join us in Alderney. To learn more about this process, please visit Bringing your pet to Alderney for further reading.