International removals from the UK: compare companies and quotes
Moving abroad is a bigger project than a local move. Know the options, the questions and the paperwork before you ask for quotes.
- Professional, vetted moversRegistered, insured and checked
- Compare the quotesPrice, reviews and what is included
- Free, no obligationYou choose who to book
How international removals work
An international removal is a long journey with customs, paperwork and, for some routes, a sea crossing. Your belongings may travel by road, by sea in a container, or by air for small, urgent loads. The company you choose may handle everything from collection to delivery at your new home, or just part of the journey with a partner at the other end. The price and the timing depend on the destination, the volume, the method of transport and how much help you want with packing and paperwork.
Because the rules and the costs are different for every country, always check the current official guidance before you commit. For customs and import rules at the destination, use the embassy or customs authority of the country you are moving to. For exports from the UK, use GOV.UK.
Ways to ship your belongings
- Road freight (Europe). For countries such as France, Spain, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy, a dedicated vehicle or a shared part-load travels by road, sometimes with a ferry or tunnel crossing. It is common for moves within Europe and is often quicker than sea freight for the same distance.
- Sea freight in a container. For long distances, such as the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, belongings are packed into a container. A full container load (FCL) is for an exclusive container, and a groupage or less than container load (LCL) shares space with other customers and costs less. Sea freight is economical, but transit takes weeks or longer, with port handling at both ends.
- Air freight. Faster but much more expensive per item. It suits a few essentials, such as work equipment or things you need at once.
- Man and van to Europe. For small moves to nearby countries, a man and van can be an economical option, but check insurance and permissions to operate abroad.
What affects the cost of moving abroad
- Destination and route. Distance, ferry or port fees and local delivery charges.
- Volume. You pay by the cubic metre for part loads, or by container size for sea freight.
- Method. Road, sea or air.
- Packing. Export-quality packing is often required and is a significant part of the cost.
- Customs and paperwork. Inventory lists, declarations and, in some countries, import duties, taxes or inspections.
- Insurance. Marine or all-risks cover for the journey. Check the level, as standard UK goods in transit cover may not apply abroad.
- Delivery and unpacking. Door-to-door service costs more than delivery to a port or a depot.
- Storage. If your new home is not ready.
Popular destinations and what to check
Spain and Portugal
A common destination for retirees, remote workers and families. Moves are usually by road in a part load or a full load, and the journey takes several days. Check local rules for importing household goods, and whether you need an inventory list in Spanish or Portuguese.
France
Road transport is usual and the crossing is by ferry or tunnel. Since the UK left the EU, customs paperwork applies to household goods, so use a company that handles it. Check the French customs guidance for your situation.
Ireland
Moves to the Republic of Ireland usually go by road and ferry, and moves to Northern Ireland also include a sea crossing. Check any customs or paperwork rules for the route you are using.
Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the rest of Europe
Road transport is common. Ask about the delivery window, the access at your new address and whether the company has its own partner at the destination.
USA and Canada
Most household goods go by sea in a container. Customs rules, inspections and port fees apply, and the timing can be several weeks. Look for companies that provide door-to-door service and help with customs documents.
Australia and New Zealand
Sea freight is the usual option, with strict biosecurity rules. Items such as wooden objects, outdoor equipment, shoes and food may need cleaning or inspection, and the company should explain what to do. Allow a long lead time.
Country guides
Moving to Europe: the complete guide
- Removals to AustriaAbout 1 to 2 weeks
- Removals to BelgiumA few days to 1 week
- Removals to CyprusAbout 2 to 5 weeks
- Removals to DenmarkAbout 1 week
- Removals to FranceAbout 1 to 2 weeks
- Removals to GermanyAbout 1 to 2 weeks
- Removals to GreeceAbout 2 to 3 weeks, longer for islands
- Removals to IrelandAbout 3 days to 2 weeks
- Removals to ItalyAbout 1 to 2 weeks
- Removals to LuxembourgA few days to 1 week
- Removals to MaltaAbout 2 to 4 weeks
- Removals to the NetherlandsAbout 3 days to 2 weeks
- Removals to NorwayAbout 1 to 3 weeks
- Removals to PolandAbout 1 to 2 weeks
- Removals to PortugalAbout 1 to 3 weeks
- Removals to SpainAbout 1 to 3 weeks
- Removals to SwedenAbout 1 to 2 weeks
- Removals to SwitzerlandAbout 1 week
- Removals to AustraliaAbout 8 to 14 weeks by sea
- Removals to CanadaAbout 5 to 12 weeks by sea
- Removals to New ZealandAbout 10 to 16 weeks by sea
- Removals to South AfricaAbout 6 to 10 weeks by sea
- Removals to the United Arab EmiratesAbout 4 to 8 weeks by sea
- Removals to the United StatesAbout 4 to 10 weeks by sea, depending on the coast
Popular cities
- ParisFrance
- NiceFrance
- BordeauxFrance
- MadridSpain
- BarcelonaSpain
- MálagaSpain
- AlicanteSpain
- LisbonPortugal
- AlgarvePortugal
- RomeItaly
- MilanItaly
- FlorenceItaly
- VeniceItaly
- BerlinGermany
- MunichGermany
- FrankfurtGermany
- AmsterdamNetherlands
- BrusselsBelgium
- DublinIreland
- ZurichSwitzerland
- GenevaSwitzerland
- ViennaAustria
- AthensGreece
- LimassolCyprus
Questions to ask an international mover
- Is the quote door to door, or port to port?
- Is the price for a full container or a shared load, and what is the volume?
- Who handles customs, and is it included?
- What insurance covers my goods for the whole journey, and what is excluded?
- Who is the agent at the destination, and who delivers?
- How long will it take, and what could delay it?
- What is not allowed, and what do I need to declare?
- What happens if there is damage or loss, and how do I claim?
The same checks apply as for a UK move. See questions to ask a removal company and removal scams and red flags.
A timeline for moving abroad
- Three to six months before: check visas and residency rules, compare quotes, and decide what to take, sell, store or give away.
- Two to three months before: book your company, start decluttering and arrange insurance.
- Four to six weeks before: confirm the dates, the paperwork and the packing plan.
- The week of the move: keep your passport, documents and essentials with you, and take photos of valuable items.
- After you arrive: check the delivery against the inventory and report any damage promptly, in writing.
Compare removal companies for your move abroad
Tell us where you are moving and how much you have. Removal companies that cover your route will get in touch with their quotes. Not every UK removal company does international moves, so say where you are going in your request so that the right companies respond. See also our guides on moving house, changing your address and storage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an international move cost?
It depends on the destination, the volume, the method and the services. Sea freight to a distant country is priced differently from a road move to France. Compare quotes for your route, and check what is included.
How long does an international removal take?
A road move within Europe can take a few days to a couple of weeks. Sea freight to the USA, Canada or Australia can take several weeks, or more with customs and port time.
Is my UK removal insurance valid abroad?
Not always. Ask the company what insurance covers your belongings for the whole journey, including shipping, and consider all-risks cover.
Do I pay customs duty on household goods?
Rules differ by country and by circumstance. Check the customs guidance of the country you are moving to and ask your mover what paperwork is needed.
Can I send just a few boxes abroad?
Yes. Small part loads, parcels and air freight exist for small volumes. They cost more per item than a full load.
Planning a move abroad
