Moving abroad is the most complex type of house removal — involving international shipping, customs clearance, and potentially weeks at sea. Here's a comprehensive guide to what international removals cost and how to plan your move.
Key Points
International removals typically cost £2,000–£15,000+ depending on destination, volume, and shipping method
The two main shipping methods are FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load / groupage)
FCL is fastest and most secure; LCL is cheaper but involves shared containers and slower transit
Post-Brexit, UK to EU moves require customs documentation — Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can exempt household goods from import duty
Always use a FIDI-accredited or BAR Overseas Group member for international moves
Transit times vary from 1–3 days (Europe) to 4–10 weeks (Australia, New Zealand)
Shipping Methods Explained
🚢 FCL — Full Container Load
Your goods fill an entire 20ft or 40ft shipping container. The container goes directly from port to port — no shared handling.
Fastest option — fixed departure date
Most secure — goods not handled by others
Best for 3+ bedroom moves
Higher cost for small loads
📦 LCL — Groupage (Shared Container)
Your goods share a container with other movers going to the same destination. The container departs when it's full.
30–50% cheaper than FCL
Slower — longer transit times
Best for 1–2 bed moves
Goods handled by multiple crews
International Removal Costs by Destination
Destination
Transit Time
1-bed (LCL)
3-bed (FCL)
5-bed (FCL 40ft)
France / Spain / Italy
1–5 days (road)
£1,200–£2,500
£3,000–£5,500
£5,000–£9,000
Germany / Netherlands
1–4 days (road)
£1,100–£2,300
£2,800–£5,000
£4,800–£8,500
USA (East Coast)
3–5 weeks (sea)
£2,500–£4,500
£5,500–£9,000
£9,000–£15,000
Canada
3–6 weeks (sea)
£2,800–£4,800
£6,000–£10,000
£10,000–£16,000
Australia / New Zealand
6–10 weeks (sea)
£3,500–£6,000
£7,000–£12,000
£12,000–£20,000+
UAE / Middle East
3–5 weeks (sea)
£2,500–£4,500
£5,500–£9,500
£9,000–£15,000
Prices are indicative and include origin collection and destination delivery. Import duties, customs fees, insurance, and storage are additional. Prices vary significantly by firm and specific locations.
What's Included in an International Removal Quote?
✅ Typically Included
Collection from UK home
Packing into export-grade cartons
Container loading and sealing
Sea/road freight to destination
Destination customs clearance
Delivery to new home
Basic transit insurance
❌ Usually Extra
Import duties & taxes
Comprehensive insurance (recommended)
Destination storage
Specialist item crating (pianos, art)
Prohibited items handling
Quarantine inspections (AUS/NZ)
Air freight (if required)
UK to EU Moves: Post-Brexit Customs
Since Brexit, moving household goods from the UK to an EU country requires customs documentation. The key relief scheme is Transfer of Residence (ToR):
ToR relief allows you to import your household goods duty-free when permanently relocating to an EU country
You must have owned the goods for at least 6 months before the move
You must have been a resident of the UK (outside the EU) for at least 12 consecutive months
The goods must be for personal use only — not for resale or business purposes
Your international removal firm will usually handle the ToR paperwork as part of their service
Without ToR relief, import duties on household goods can be 3–12% of the declared value
How to Find an Accredited International Removal Firm
FIDI-accredited firms (fidi.org): FIDI is the international federation of removal firms. FIDI members hold the FAIM quality standard — the gold standard for international moves
BAR Overseas Group: The British Association of Removers has an Overseas Group of members specialising in international moves — look for the BAR Overseas logo
Omni (formerly AMSA): The Overseas Moving Network International (OMNI) is another respected trade body
Use a comparison service: Prices for international removals vary enormously — Moving Merchant compares what's included across our specialist partner network and sends you one tailored quote
Check insurance coverage: Basic transit insurance is often included but may only cover a fraction of the value. Comprehensive insurance (All Risks) is strongly recommended for an international move
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I ship or sell? Is it worth taking everything abroad?
For expensive or sentimental items, shipping is usually worthwhile. For cheaper furniture, it's often better to sell locally and replace at destination — especially for long-haul moves like Australia or New Zealand, where shipping costs can exceed replacement value. Most people ship their personal effects, quality furniture, and irreplaceable items and replace basic furniture at destination.
How far in advance should I book an international removal?
For European road moves, 4–8 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. For sea freight destinations (USA, Australia, etc.), book 8–12 weeks ahead — container space is finite and popular routes fill up. The longer the lead time, the more likely you are to get your preferred departure date and the best price.
What can I not ship internationally?
Prohibited and restricted items typically include: firearms and ammunition, hazardous materials (paints, cleaning chemicals, gas canisters), perishable food, live plants, and certain medications. Destination countries also have strict biosecurity rules — Australia and New Zealand require thorough cleaning of outdoor/camping equipment and wood items.
What insurance do I need for an international removal?
Comprehensive All Risks transit insurance is strongly recommended — covering loss, damage, and theft during the entire transit. Basic insurance often only covers total loss (e.g. the ship sinking) and may have very limited per-item cover. Insure at full replacement value, not second-hand value.