Removals to USA

Sea or air freight · 5-8 weeks by sea

The USA is our highest-value international route, driven largely by university and research moves from across the UK. If you have been comparing international moving company quotes, the shipping itself is well-trodden; the variable is which port you clear through and how far inland you are going.

What actually matters on this route

Customs rules change. We confirm the current requirements for your date at survey rather than relying on what was true last year.

How the price is worked out

International moves are priced by volume, not by distance. What matters is how many cubic metres you fill and how the shipment travels - a container does not care whether it started in Abingdon or Aberdeen.

• Survey first. We measure your load in cubic metres, on video or in person.
• Shared or sole-use. Below roughly 24 m³ sharing is cheaper. Above it, a container of your own usually wins.
• Route: New York, Baltimore, Savannah, Houston or Long Beach.
• Transit: 5-8 weeks by sea, plus consolidation before and clearance after.
• Export packing. Every shipment gets export-grade wrap and a customs inventory, itemised as its own line - about 18% added to the shipping cost for packing that has to survive a container and a long transit, not just a van down the road. Full details of our packing service are on its own page.

We are not VAT-registered, so there is no VAT to add to your shipping cost. The figure shown is an indicative estimate; your final written quote confirms the price after we review the route, requirements and applicable charges.

Moving to the UK instead?

If you are bringing a household to the UK, you may be eligible for Transfer of Residence (ToR1) relief on qualifying personal belongings. Apply for HMRC approval before shipping. If you paid import duties but were eligible, HMRC may still approve a late claim and repayment. Check HMRC's conditions and late-claim process. Relief is not automatic; destination-country customs, duties and taxes on outbound moves are separate.