Removals to the USA from the UK

Here are the moving and shipping costs from the UK to USA.

• Just boxes and bags: From £680
• Small house move: From £1100
• 1 bed flat: From £1,500
• 2 bed flat: From £3,900
• 3-bedroom house: From £7,500
• 4-bedroom house: From £9,000
• 5-bedroom house: From £11,400
• Sole use 20ft container: From £6,800
• Sole use 40ft container: From £8,300

These costs are for budget purposes only. The final price of your move to USA will depend on factors such as how much you are shipping, the value of your belongings (for insurance purposes), your collection and final destination in the USA. To receive an accurate estimate that is tailored to your move, please ask us for a free quote.

The approximate transit time is between 12 and 30 days, depending on your destination in the U.S.

Here is a snapshot of our shipping and transit times from London UK to some of the main cities in the USA:

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our USA schedules page.

Choose our shared container service if you are moving a smaller amount (anything from a few boxes to a one- or two-bedroom flat. It's cheaper as you only pay for the space you use, and everything is professionally packed and palletised for maximum protection in transit.

Opt for a full container if you’re moving the contents of a larger home (three or four bedrooms). You’ll have your own 20ft or 40ft container, faster shipping, and extra peace of mind knowing your belongings stay sealed until delivery in the USA.

We provide a full door-to-door removals service to every state across the USA. Whether your destination is New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Chicago, or a smaller town or rural area, we can arrange safe and reliable delivery.

Shipments from the UK are routed through the country’s major arrival ports of New York, Los Angeles, Miami or Houston. From there, your belongings are transported nationwide, ensuring complete door-to-door coverage across all 50 states.

Yes, we offer a 10% early booking discount for every move to the USA. Booking your move early means we can make savings on transport and packing schedules and pass these savings to you, our customers.

Get that ball rolling and reserve your move in less than 60 seconds here to secure your 10% discount.

Yes. All international moves to the USA can be protected with our Move Protect cover. This specialist policy is designed specifically for international removals and offers far greater protection than standard carrier liability.

With Move Protect, you simply declare the maximum replacement value of your belongings before shipping. This value determines the level of cover for any loss or damage during transit. Choosing Move Protect ensures your items are protected throughout packing, shipping, customs, and delivery.

If you prefer not to take Move Protect, your shipment will still be covered by limited liability, capped at £40 per item. However, most customers choose Move Protect for complete peace of mind and to reflect the true value of their goods.

All claims under Move Protect are handled promptly by independent adjusters and won’t affect your personal home-insurance no-claims status.

Move with confidence. Move Protect is designed for the real risks of moving goods overseas, so you can relax knowing your personal effects are covered from door to door.

Find out more about Move Protect.

When shipping your household goods to the USA, you’ll need to complete a few key documents to satisfy U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.

Our expert team will guide you through every step of the process, but to get a head start, you should prepare the following:

• Copy of your passport (photo page)
• A valid US Visa or Work Permit
• Importers Declaration (Customs form 3299)
• Detailed inventory list of all items being shipped

These documents help U.S. Customs verify your shipment and ensure your goods clear efficiently through border protection upon arrival.

For more details on customs rules, duty exemptions, and downloadable forms, please see our US customs guide.

All documents can be sent directly to us through our secure document upload tool.

If you’re moving to the USA as a permanent resident (immigrant) with a valid visa, you can usually import your personal effects and household goods duty-free, provided you meet the conditions set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

To qualify for duty-free entry:

• You must have owned and used the goods abroad for at least 12 months before your move.
• The goods must be for personal use only, not for resale or commercial purposes.
• Your shipment must arrive in the U.S. within one year of your own arrival as an immigrant.

Exceptions - Duty may apply for:

• New or unused items purchased shortly before your move.
• Alcohol, tobacco, or food items exceeding personal allowances.
• Motor vehicles, unless they meet specific U.S. import and emissions standards.

If you’re unsure whether certain items qualify, our team can guide you through CBP regulations and help prepare the right documentation to ensure a smooth customs process.

Yes, you can take most household and electrical appliances with you when you are moving to the USA from the UK, but there are a few important things to check before shipping:

Electrical Standards

The USA uses a 110-120V, 60Hz electrical system, while UK appliances are built for 220-240V, 50Hz. Many small devices (like laptops or phone chargers) are dual-voltage, but for others, you may need a voltage transformer or plug adapter. Always check the appliance label before packing.

Prohibited or Restricted Items

Certain appliances are subject to import restrictions or may require special preparation, including:

• Cordless phones that don’t meet U.S. frequency standards
• Older televisions with cathode ray tubes (CRTs)
• Fridges, freezers, or air conditioners that contain refrigerant gases

Our team can advise on whether your appliances can be shipped safely and in compliance with U.S. regulations.

Cleaning Requirements

Appliances used for food preparation must be completely cleaned and free of any food residue. Fridges and freezers must also be fully defrosted and dry before shipping to prevent mould and odours during transit.

For more information, please visit our guide to shipping electrical goods from the UK to the USA

Items you are allowed to ship include furniture, clothing, books, electrical appliances and other items for personal use. However, there are certain items that may require further permits, or aren’t allowed to be shipped at all. These include;

• Food Products, including fruits, vegetables etc
• Alcohol
• Medications
• Plants/Seeds
• Weapons and Firearms
• Cultural Artifacts

For anything that you are unsure of, speak with your Move Manager at 1st Move International. To assist us, please send your packed inventory as soon as possible, so that we can check for any items that may need additional attention, or to be removed from your shipment all together.

Take a look at our Customs Guide to the USA for more details and for links to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection Website.

We also provide a comprehensive guide on Prohibited & Restricted Items when Moving to the U.S.

Yes! Once your shipment is in the container and loaded to the vessel, you will receive a tracking number. This will allow you to monitor the progress of your shipment online using our container tracking tool and stay informed about its estimated arrival time.