How Much Does It Cost to Move Abroad from the UK?
International moves are significantly more complex and expensive than domestic ones. The cost depends on destination, volume, shipping method, and how much you're taking with you.
Average International Moving Costs from the UK
| Destination | 1-Bed (20 boxes + furniture) | 3-Bed (Full household) |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | £800 – £2,000 | £2,000 – £5,000 |
| France / Spain | £1,500 – £3,500 | £3,500 – £8,000 |
| Germany / Netherlands | £1,200 – £3,000 | £3,000 – £7,000 |
| USA (East Coast) | £3,000 – £6,000 | £6,000 – £15,000 |
| USA (West Coast) | £4,000 – £8,000 | £8,000 – £18,000 |
| Canada | £3,500 – £7,000 | £7,000 – £16,000 |
| Australia / NZ | £4,000 – £8,000 | £8,000 – £20,000 |
| UAE / Middle East | £2,500 – £5,000 | £5,000 – £12,000 |
| South Africa | £3,000 – £6,000 | £6,000 – £14,000 |
These prices include collection, packing, shipping, and delivery at destination. Customs clearance and duties may be extra.
Shipping Methods
Road freight (Europe only)
Your belongings travel by van or lorry, usually via the Channel Tunnel or ferry. This is the cheapest option for European moves.
- Shared load — your items share space with other customers' goods. Cheaper but slower (1-3 weeks).
- Dedicated vehicle — you get the whole van. Faster (3-7 days) but more expensive.
Sea freight (worldwide)
The standard method for intercontinental moves. Two container options:
- FCL (Full Container Load) — you get a whole 20ft or 40ft shipping container. Best for 3+ bed houses.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) — your items share a container. Cheaper for smaller moves but takes longer.
| Container Size | Suits | Typical Shipping Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft FCL | 2-3 bed house | 4-8 weeks |
| 40ft FCL | 4+ bed house | 4-8 weeks |
| LCL (shared) | 1-bed / part load | 6-12 weeks |
Air freight
The fastest but most expensive option. Typically used for urgent items, small volumes, or high-value goods. Costs 5-10x more than sea freight per cubic metre.
What's Included in an International Move?
A standard international removal quote usually includes:
- Packing materials and professional packing
- Collection from your UK address
- Transport to port / depot
- Shipping or road transport
- Delivery to your new address
- Basic insurance cover
Often extra:
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Import duties and taxes
- Storage (at either end)
- Special items (vehicles, pets, boats)
- Unpacking and debris removal
Key Factors Affecting Cost
- Volume — measured in cubic feet or cubic metres. This is the biggest cost driver.
- Destination — further = more expensive. Landlocked countries add overland transport.
- Shipping method — air is fastest but costs 5-10x more than sea.
- Access — can a container lorry reach your street? If not, a smaller shuttle vehicle adds cost.
- Time of year — summer is peak season for international moves (especially to Europe).
- Insurance level — basic cover is included, but comprehensive all-risk cover costs 2-4% of declared value.
Customs, Duties, and Documentation
Every country has different rules. Common requirements include:
- Detailed inventory — a full list of everything being shipped
- Proof of residence — visa, work permit, or residency permit at destination
- Customs declaration forms — your removal company usually handles these
- Restricted items — many countries ban certain foods, plants, medicines, or hazardous materials
For EU moves post-Brexit, there's more paperwork than before. Your removal company should handle customs declarations, but check they have experience with post-Brexit EU moves.
How to Save on International Moving Costs
- Declutter aggressively — shipping costs per cubic metre. Every box matters.
- Sell heavy items — it's often cheaper to replace furniture abroad than ship it
- Get 3+ quotes — prices vary dramatically between international movers
- Choose sea freight over air where possible
- Ship LCL if you have less than a 20ft container of belongings
- Be flexible on dates — off-peak months (October-February) are cheaper
- Pack your own boxes — saves on professional packing fees (but check insurance implications)
Choosing an International Removal Company
Look for:
- FIDI or IAM membership — the global associations for international movers
- BAR Overseas Group membership in the UK
- Experience with your destination — customs rules vary significantly
- Clear, itemised quote — no vague "from" pricing
- Marine/transit insurance included or offered
For UK domestic cost estimates before your international move, use our calculator to plan the collection leg.