Safely Packed: Pro Tips for Glass, Art, and Electronics on the High Seas

May 3, 2026

Anyone preparing their belongings for transport to the Canary Islands faces a unique challenge. The sea route involves movement, temperature fluctuations, and multiple handlings. To ensure your most valuable items arrive undamaged, using the right technique is essential. In this article, we share our professional experience to ensure that glass, art, and electronics travel safely in the container. 1. Glass and Porcelain: The Art of Padding Glass is fragile, but with the right layering, it remains well secured. Important: Wrap each piece individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap. Plates should never be placed flat, but always upright in the box – this distributes the pressure much better. Tip: Fill all hollow spaces in the box completely with packing material. Nothing should be able to move when the box is lightly shaken. 2. Art and Paintings: Protection against Pressure and Moisture Artworks are sensitive to external influences. Packaging: Use special picture boxes or build a protective layer from sturdy double-wall cardboard. The corners should be additionally secured with corner protection profiles. Caution: Avoid direct contact between bubble wrap and oil paintings, as this can leave marks. Instead, use acid-free wrapping paper as the first layer. 3. Electronics: Avoiding Statics and Shocks Flat screens and computers are highly sensitive to vibrations. Original Packaging: If possible, always use the original packaging with the matching polystyrene inserts. Alternative: If this is no longer available, wrap the devices in anti-static film and use extremely thick layers of padding. Screens must always be transported upright – never lay TV sets down flat. Important: Due to the risk of fire, many shipping lines no longer accept lithium batteries (such as those from e-bikes, e-scooters, or power banks) in the container. These must be declared in advance or transported via hand luggage. A move across the ocean is not comparable to a move within the neighbourhood. The load must be secured in the container so that it remains stable even in rough seas. Professional packaging is the best insurance for your property. Tip: We at Phoenix know exactly what matters when it comes to stowing your goods. We ensure that your cargo arrives safely. Conclusion: With a little patience and the right material, the sea route is absolutely safe for your treasures. Do you want to bring your belongings to the island stress-free? Phoenix Trans Internacional accompanies your move with expertise and care – from safe packing to arrival at your new home in the Canary Islands.

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Your Car to the Canary Islands: Transport, Customs and the Spanish License Plate

Anyone moving to the Canary Islands or spending an extended period here often doesn’t want to be without their own vehicle. However, the process usually raises many questions: How does the car get to the island? What happens at customs? And why is the Spanish ITV so crucial? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about importing a vehicle. 1. Transport: From domicile, via the port to the destination The journey to the Canary Islands inevitably involves crossing the sea. But even before that, we ensure a worry-free transport from the vehicle’s location to the respective departure port. Shipping: After transport to the port, the vehicle is safely loaded onto the ship and begins its journey to the Canary Islands. Destination ports: Arrival usually takes place at the large terminals of the islands, such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 2. Customs clearance: The infamous DUA Since the Canary Islands are a special fiscal zone, every imported vehicle must clear customs. This involves creating the so-called DUA (Documento Único Administrativo). Important: If you officially move your residence to the Canary Islands, you may be exempt from import tax (IGIC) and potentially registration tax under certain conditions. We help you meet all the necessary deadlines! 3. Registration and the ITV (The Spanish MOT) This is the stage where most private individuals struggle. Before you can receive Spanish plates, the vehicle must pass the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos). This process requires bureaucratic handling in advance. Why the ITV is so important: Without a passed ITV inspection, there is no Spanish registration. Not only is the technical condition checked, but also whether the vehicle complies with Spanish standards (e.g., Certificate of Conformity/COC paper). Tip: We handle the entire appointment process at the ITV. This saves you time, spares your nerves, and guarantees a smooth process. 4. The Finale: Spanish license plates After customs and the ITV, we handle the formalities at the Tráfico (Traffic Department) and the Town Hall (road tax). Only then can the plates be swapped. Conclusion: Bringing a car to the Canary Islands isn’t rocket science if you know the bureaucratic hurdles. Want to register your vehicle stress-free? Phoenix Trans Internacional handles the entire process for you – from transport to the finished license plates on the Canary Islands.