Shipping a piano, antiques or artwork to Germany? Specialist handling and a free quote from one vetted, FIDI-certified partner mover.
In short: Pianos, antiques and artwork need specialist handling, not a standard removal. That means custom timber crating, padding, climate-aware packing and experienced crews who know how to move heavy or fragile pieces safely. FIDI-certified partner movers handle this kind of work as standard.
High-value items are packed and, where needed, crated to measure, with the right insurance and a condition record before they travel. Access for a piano can need planning, sometimes a hoist. Send details for a free quote.
An upright piano can weigh 200 to 350 kg, a grand far more, and both need careful balancing, padding and often specialist equipment to move without damage. Antiques and artwork are just as demanding in a different way, sensitive to knocks, pressure, humidity and temperature. These are sometimes called overseas removals or house removals to Germany, and the removal services described here cover all of them.
A specialist mover uses bespoke timber crates built to the item, soft internal padding, and crews trained to handle weight and fragility together. This is standard work for FIDI-certified movers, which is the kind of partner we match you with.
For a valuable piece, the mover builds a crate to fit, lines it with protective material, and secures the item so it cannot shift. For paintings and framed art, corner protection, acid-free wrapping and rigid outer cases are common.
Insurance matters more here than on an ordinary move. Ask your partner mover about cover levels and whether a professional valuation is worth it. A written condition record, sometimes with photos, taken before the item travels, protects both sides if a claim is ever needed.
Getting a piano or large artwork out of one property and into another is often the trickiest part. Narrow German stairwells, older buildings and tight doorways can mean removing a window sash or using an external hoist. Flag the access at both ends early so it is planned, not a surprise on the day.
On a UK to Germany move, high-value items and artwork may need extra customs detail, and some materials, such as ivory or certain woods, fall under protected-species (CITES) rules. Your partner mover advises on what is needed for your pieces.
This guide is written and maintained by Darren Benjamin, founder of International Removals Companies (DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company number 07425576). Darren has worked in international removals and logistics for over 20 years and has been a director of a UK removals company since 2013.
The international movers and international moving companies we work with hold FIDI FAIM Certified, BAR Overseas, IAM, EUROMOVERS and FEDEMAC accreditations where confirmed. Only FIDI FAIM is an audited certification, checked by Ernst and Young. To hold it, a moving company must pass more than 200 independent quality checks and be re-audited every three years.
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Moving between the UK and Germany means switching between pounds and euros. German landlords normally ask for a deposit of two to three months' cold rent (Kaltmiete) in euros before they hand over the keys, and that is usually the first large euro payment you will make. International Removals Companies can connect you with a trusted currency exchange partner at no charge. Ask about this when you request your Germany removals quote.
Registration and customs are handled locally. The local Bürgeramt handles Anmeldung and the local Zollamt processes customs clearance.
This is a customer convenience only. International Removals Companies does not give exchange rate advice, forecasts, savings claims, urgency claims or instructions to transfer money.
See our verified Germany partner movers for more on the partner network and accreditation details.
Almost all UK to Germany road freight crosses at the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone or by ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. From there the standard corridor runs east through Belgium on the E40, crossing into Germany near Aachen and joining the A4 and A3.
The A3 runs from the Dutch border south-east through Cologne, Frankfurt and Nuremberg to Austria. The A2 runs east from the Ruhr through Hannover to Berlin. The A7 runs the full length of the country from Flensburg on the Danish border south to Bavaria. Most German deliveries use one of these three.
Intercontinental sea freight enters at Hamburg or Bremerhaven on the North Sea. Baltic ferries from Sweden and Finland arrive at Lübeck-Travemünde, Kiel and Rostock. Air freight goes through Frankfurt Airport, which handles more cargo than any other airport in Europe.
The connected partner moving company confirms which corridor and entry point suits your specific route, volume and destination Bundesland.