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Moving to the UK from the US

Post-Brexit customs changes? We have you covered. Ship to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland with confidence.

Door-to-Door 25+ Years on This Route Flat-Rate Pricing

Step 1 of 3 · Shipment

Step 1 of 3: Shipment

Get a free quote

Tell us a bit about your shipment and we'll come back with a flat-rate quote — usually the same day.

10,000+ Shipments Delivered

Tens of thousands of successful international moves from the US to destinations worldwide — including Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

In Business Since 2004

20+ years moving households and freight from the US to destinations across Europe and beyond.

Door-to-Door Service

We collect from your US home and deliver to your new front door. You handle nothing in between.

Flat-Rate Packages

One price covers everything — pickup, ocean transit, customs clearance, and final delivery.

Post-Brexit, done properly

Moving to the UK from the US? This route has changed more in the last few years than in the previous twenty. Since Brexit, Britain runs its own customs regime distinct from the EU, and shipments clear through HMRC on a ToR1 (Transfer of Residence) application rather than the EU form. Most of our consignees are returning Brits, Americans relocating for work or family, and dual nationals settling kids into school. Get the paperwork right or your goods sit on a quay in Felixstowe while someone figures out why.

Shipments sail into Felixstowe, Southampton, or London Gateway, cleared through HMRC using the ToR1 (Transfer of Residence) application where eligible. ToR1 must be approved before arrival to unlock duty and VAT relief, so we file it early and track the URN through to clearance. Northern Ireland consignments follow the Windsor Framework arrangements, which means a slightly different route for goods moving on to Belfast or beyond — we handle the green-lane paperwork as part of the standard service.

On the ground, door-to-door covers everywhere from a mews flat in Kensington to a cottage in the Yorkshire Dales. Our UK partners know the reality of narrow lanes, Sunday parking, permit zones, and the odd listed-building doorway that a normal lorry can't reach. If there's a shuttle or a crane job needed, we price it up front rather than surprising you on delivery day.

Our route

How We Ship to United Kingdom

We deliver to every part of the UK — London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, the Scottish Highlands, rural Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands. Our post-Brexit customs expertise means you do not need to worry about any of the regulatory changes — we handle all HMRC documentation and customs declarations on your behalf.

Most UK-bound clients choose ocean freight for the bulk of their household goods, with a smaller air shipment for immediate essentials. We recommend starting the planning process at least 6–8 weeks before your move date to allow time for packing, transit, and customs clearance.

Our team will help you create a detailed inventory and advise on what to ship versus what to buy new in the UK, particularly given differences in electrical voltage and plug types between the US and UK.

Shipping to United Kingdom
Weekly shipments
to United Kingdom since 2004
Your options

Air Freight vs Ocean Freight to United Kingdom

Many clients use both — air for essentials they need on arrival, ocean for the bulk of their belongings.

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Air Freight

Transit time
3–5 days
Door-to-door
10–14 days
Best for
Essentials for day one — clothing, documents, electronics, medication, valuables

Air freight to London Heathrow or other major UK airports. Includes HMRC customs clearance and delivery to your UK address.

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Ocean Freight

Transit time
10–14 days port-to-port
Door-to-door
4–6 weeks
Best for
Furniture, household goods, large or heavy items

Ports: Southampton, Felixstowe, Liverpool — routed based on your final destination

Ocean freight from US East Coast to UK ports. Includes pickup, export documentation, ocean transit, HMRC customs clearance with ToR1 relief, and delivery to your door. Both shared container (LCL) and full container (FCL) available.

What You Can Ship to United Kingdom

We handle the customs documentation. Here is a quick guide to what travels well on this route — and what doesn't.

Commonly shipped

  • Household furniture and furnishings
  • Personal clothing and shoes
  • Books, photos, and personal documents
  • Electronics (check dual-voltage compatibility — UK uses 230V)
  • Kitchen items — cookware, small appliances, utensils
  • Bedding, linens, and towels
  • Children's belongings and toys
  • Sporting equipment
  • Musical instruments
  • Art and collectibles

Restricted or prohibited

  • Alcohol and tobacco (not covered under ToR relief)
  • Firearms (require UK firearms certificate)
  • Perishable food items
  • Hazardous materials
  • Plants and soil
  • New, unused items still in packaging (may attract duty and VAT)
  • Commercial goods
Customs & duty

Customs Clearance for United Kingdom

Since Brexit, the UK has its own customs regime separate from the EU. HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) handles all import declarations. If you are relocating permanently, your personal effects may qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief via the ToR1 form.

Transfer of Residence (ToR1) Relief

UK ToR relief exempts personal effects and household goods from customs duties and VAT when you transfer your permanent residence to the UK. You must apply to HMRC using the ToR1 form before your goods arrive.

Requirements

  • You must have lived outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months
  • Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months
  • Relief must be claimed within 12 months of your arrival in the UK
  • Goods must be for personal use — no selling or lending for 12 months

Let us handle the customs

Customs paperwork for United Kingdom is included in every package — ToR relief, declarations, all of it.

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From the team

Shipping tips for United Kingdom

01

Start the ToR1 application early

The ToR1 form must be submitted to HMRC before your goods arrive. We handle this, but earlier is better — submit as soon as you have your UK address confirmed.

02

UK uses 230V — check your appliances

US appliances run on 110V. Modern electronics are dual-voltage. Larger items like kitchen appliances and power tools typically are not — a step-down transformer is needed or buy replacements locally.

03

UK homes are compact

Especially in London and older properties. Large American furniture may not fit through doorways or up staircases. Measure your new space before deciding what to ship.

04

Plan for Northern Ireland complexity

If shipping to Northern Ireland, the Windsor Framework creates unique customs arrangements. We handle this seamlessly, but it is worth flagging early in the process.

United Kingdom — Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

Further reading: shipping to United Kingdom

Ready to Move to the UK?

Shipping to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland? Post-Brexit customs included. Flat-rate door-to-door quote within 24 hours.

No obligation. No hidden fees. Just honest, flat-rate shipping.