--- title: Moving from Reno to the United Kingdom: ToR1 Guide url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/united-kingdom/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [International moving through partner carriers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/) - Moving from Reno to United Kingdom # Moving from Reno to the United Kingdom HMRC's transfer of residence relief can remove customs duty and VAT on household goods, but only if you lived outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months and owned the goods for at least 6 months. You apply on a ToR1 form and quote the reference number on the import declaration. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) The United Kingdom has one of the clearest published rules for people moving in with their belongings: transfer of residence relief, set out on GOV.UK. The relief is for individuals, not companies, and it covers a move to Great Britain, or to Northern Ireland from outside the EU. O'Brien's Moving & Storage arranges moves overseas through Bekins and partner international carriers, and the HMRC steps below are the ones to line up with your shipping date. ## The conditions HMRC sets To qualify for normal residence relief, you must have been resident outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months before the move, and you must import the goods within 12 months of coming to live in the UK. The goods may arrive in several consignments inside that year. Each item must have been in your possession for at least 6 months before you moved, and it must be used in the UK for the same purpose as before. You cannot lend, hire out, use as security or transfer the goods within 12 months of the move. ## ToR1 and the reference number HMRC approval comes first. You submit a ToR1 form with details of the goods and supporting evidence, and HMRC replies with a reference number. That number goes on your import declaration, and GOV.UK says to give it to your agent or removal company before the goods are shipped. Without a valid reference you may be charged duty and fees. Late claims exist as well. If duty was already paid and relief is granted later, GOV.UK points to form C285 or form C82 for the refund. ## What is excluded Holiday and secondary homes do not qualify for the relief, and students and people moving for marriage follow separate routes on the same GOV.UK page. - Alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products. - Commercial means of transport. - Non-portable trade or professional instruments. - Animals kept for retail, breeding or competition (household pets can qualify). - Restricted goods such as firearms, which still need licenses. ## Where the estimate and inventory help The ToR1 asks for details of the goods and evidence behind them, and your removal company needs the reference number in hand. An itemized inventory and condition report before packing gives you a numbered record of what is going and what shape it is in. O'Brien's prepares one for every overseas household, along with an itemized written estimate. Start with a free in-home estimate, which includes 10 free heavy-duty boxes yours to keep. See [how our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/), or call 775-359-6683. ## Planning order for a UK move - Confirm that you meet the 12-month residence test. - Choose which household items will ship and which stay in Sparks storage. - Submit the ToR1 to HMRC and wait for the reference. - Give the reference to your removal company before the goods leave. - Keep the 12-month import window in view if goods ship in parts. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [GOV.UK, Transfer of residence to Great Britain](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transfer-of-residence-to-great-britain) - [GOV.UK, Moving personal belongings to the UK](https://www.gov.uk/moving-to-uk) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [International moving through partner carriers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/) - [Moving overseas: how international household moves work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-overseas/) - [How our estimates work: phone ballpark, online request, in-home estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) - [Vault storage: how 7 x 7 x 5 ft wooden vaults work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/full-service-storage/vault-storage/) International moves ## Read next - [Moving from Reno to Germany](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/germany/) - [Moving from Reno to Japan](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/japan/) - [Moving from Reno to South Korea](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/south-korea/) - [Moving from Reno to Philippines](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/philippines/) - [Moving from Reno to Australia](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/australia/) - [Moving from Reno to Italy](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/italy/) - [Moving from Reno to Spain](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/spain/) - [Moving from Reno to France](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/international-moving/france/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I have to live in the UK permanently to use the relief? GOV.UK says you do not need to move permanently, but the home must be your normal place of residence and secondary or holiday homes do not qualify. ### Is there a late claim if I paid duty at the border? Yes. GOV.UK says that if duty was charged and relief is granted afterward, you can claim a refund on form C285 or C82. ### Does the relief cover wine from my cellar? No. GOV.UK excludes alcohol and tobacco products from transfer of residence relief. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070