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Removals to the USA from the UK

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Boxes/bags

Boxes / Bags

Boxes, bags, or personal items. No furniture

Small Move

Small Move

Partial move; Boxes + a few furniture items.

1 Bed

Studio / 1 Bed

Contents of a studio or 1-bed flat

2 Bed

2 Bed Home

Contents of a two-bedroom home

3 Bed

3 Bed Home

Contents of a three-bedroom home

4+ Bed

4+ Bed Home

Contents of a four+ bedroom home.

We are a specialist international removals company providing door-to-door removals from the UK to the USA for families and individuals moving to America. We manage professional packing and shipping for personal effects, furniture and household goods, with shared container and full container services to destinations across the USA, including California, Texas, Florida, New York and Washington State. An accredited BAR member with over 28 years’ experience.

BAR registered Est. 1997 4.5/5 Excellent on Trustpilot

International Removals from the UK to the USA

Planning a move from the UK to the USA? 1st Move International provides fully managed removals services from the UK to the USA, with weekly services to major U.S. destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Chicago and Dallas. Whether you’re relocating your entire household or sending a smaller shipment of personal belongings, our door-to-door service ensures a carefully managed move from start to finish.

Removals to the USA start from £680, with typical shipping times of 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your destination and shipment size. Every move is professionally packed and palletised before being shipped with leading international carriers.

With over 28 years of experience, 1st Move International is trusted by thousands of families, professionals and expats moving to America every year. Our experienced team manages the entire process, from export documentation and customs clearance to insurance and final delivery to your new home.

Get your free quote in just 60 seconds to see how easy moving from the UK to the USA can be.

Why Choose 1st Move International for Removals to the US?

Here's why thousands of customers choose 1st Move for their UK to USA removals.

Faster shipping icon

Get there faster with guaranteed weekly shipping

Safer packing icon

Maximum protection with our unique safer packing

Smarter pricing icon

Accurate measurements & transparent pricing

Dedicated Move Manager Icon

Personal move manager for a stress-free move

Customs clearance icon

Fast-track US customs clearance on arrival

How Much Do Removals from the UK to the USA Cost?

The cost of removals from the UK to the USA depends on the size of your move, the shipping service you choose and your destination in America. Below is a guide to typical door-to-door removal costs, from a few boxes and furniture items to a full household move.

Quick Answer

Removals from the UK to the USA typically cost from around £680 for a few boxes and personal belongings to £12,000+ for a large 4+ bedroom household move.

  • A 1-bedroom flat typically costs around £1,500–£2,500 using a shared container service.
  • A 2-bedroom home typically costs around £2,500–£4,500 using a shared container service.
  • A 3-bedroom house typically costs around £7,500–£9,000 using a 20ft container.

The final cost depends on the volume of goods being moved, the service required and your delivery location in the USA.

Estimated Removal Costs from the UK to the USA

Shipment Size Service Type Estimated Cost
Boxes & personal items only Shared Container £680–£1,200
Studio / small move Shared Container £1,000–£1,500
1-bed flat Shared Container £1,500–£2,500
2-bed house or flat Shared Container £2,500–£4,500
3-bed house 20ft Full Container £7,500–£9,000
4+ bed house 40ft Full Container £9,000–£12,000+
Boxes & personal items
From £680
Service Type
Shared Container
Estimated Cost
£680–£1,200
Studio / small move
From £1,000
Service Type
Shared Container
Estimated Cost
£1,000–£1,500
1-bed flat
From £1,500
Service Type
Shared Container
Estimated Cost
£1,500–£2,500
2-bed house or flat
From £2,500
Service Type
Shared Container
Estimated Cost
£2,500–£4,500
3-bed house
From £7,500
Service Type
20ft Full Container
Estimated Cost
£7,500–£9,000
4+ bed house
From £9,000
Service Type
40ft Full Container
Estimated Cost
£9,000–£12,000+

Last updated: August 2026

These prices reflect typical door-to-door removal costs from the UK to major US destinations including New York, Florida, Texas and California. Final costs vary according to shipment volume, collection and delivery locations, and any additional services required such as packing and insurance.

For an accurate price for your move, complete our moving quote form here.

Popular USA Destinations for UK Removals

We provide door-to-door removals from the UK to destinations across the USA, including New York, Florida, Texas and California. Our weekly services connect with major US arrival ports, with onward delivery arranged to your final address after customs clearance.

Removals to New York

Removals to New York are among the quickest US routes from the UK by sea. Sea transit to the East Coast typically takes 2–3 weeks, with an overall door-to-door removal time of around 5–8 weeks.

We provide removals to New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Syracuse, as well as locations throughout New York State and the wider East Coast.

Once your shipment has arrived and cleared US Customs, onward transport is arranged to your final delivery address.

Removals to Florida

We offer weekly removals from the UK to Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa and destinations throughout the state.

Sea transit to Florida is typically around 3–4 weeks, with most door-to-door removals taking approximately 6–9 weeks.

Your shipment is cleared through US Customs on arrival before final delivery is arranged to your home in Florida.

Removals to Texas

Our weekly UK to Texas removal services cover Houston, Dallas, Austin and destinations throughout the state.

Sea transit to the Gulf Coast is typically around 4–5 weeks, with an overall door-to-door removal time of approximately 7–10 weeks.

After arrival and customs clearance, we arrange onward transport to your final address, whether you are moving to one of Texas's major cities or elsewhere in the state.

Removals to California

We offer weekly removals from the UK to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and destinations throughout California.

California is one of the longest US shipping routes from the UK. Sea transit to the West Coast is typically around 5–6 weeks, with most door-to-door removals taking approximately 8–12 weeks.

Once your shipment has cleared customs on the West Coast, final delivery is arranged to your new home anywhere in California.

Shipping Options from the UK to the USA

There are two main ways to ship household goods from the UK to the USA in a container: shared container and full container. The right option depends on how much you’re shipping, your budget and how quickly you need your belongings delivered.

Shared Container (Most Popular)

Our most popular option for smaller moves, from a few boxes up to a one or two-bedroom home. Your belongings are professionally packed and palletised onto individual pallets, then loaded alongside other UK to USA shipments.

You only pay for the space your pallets occupy, not the whole container. Unlike traditional shared container services, your shipment is loaded onto the next available weekly sailing - there’s no waiting for a container to fill.

On arrival in the USA, your pallets are cleared through customs, unloaded and delivered directly to your door. Prices from £680.

Full Container (Best for Larger Moves)

For larger household moves, you have exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft shipping container.

  • 20ft container: typically suits a 2–3 bedroom home
  • 40ft container: suitable for 4+ bedroom homes

Your belongings are professionally packed and loaded into your dedicated container, which is sealed and remains secure until delivery at your US address, providing added security and flexibility. 20ft containers from £7,500.

Air Freight for Urgent Items

We offer air freight services from the UK to the USA for small, urgent shipments such as essential items or documents. Transit times are typically 3 to 5 days, but costs are significantly higher than sea shipping.

Because we offer faster weekly sailings, many customers find sea freight arrives sooner than expected - reducing the need for costly air freight.

Weekly Shipping Times to the USA

We operate regular weekly shipping services from the UK to the USA, departing from London Gateway and serving major US ports on the East Coast, Gulf Coast and West Coast.

Sea transit times typically range from around 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the arrival port. Your overall door-to-door moving time will also include UK collection and packing, US Customs clearance, and final delivery to your new home.

We normally collect and pack your belongings 10 to 14 days before the planned departure. This allows sufficient time to prepare your inventory and customs documentation, professionally pack and palletise your belongings, complete the required export formalities, and have your shipment ready for loading.

Estimated Shipping Times to the USA

  • New York / East Coast: around 2–3 weeks
  • Miami / Florida: around 3–4 weeks
  • Houston / Texas: around 4–5 weeks
  • Los Angeles / California: around 5–6 weeks

These are typical sea transit times to the arrival port. Final delivery times can vary depending on US Customs clearance and your final delivery address.

Choose a move date that works for you. See our current UK to USA sailing dates.

US Customs Clearance for Household Goods

US customs officer inspecting a 1st Move pallet on arrival at Miami.

Shipping household goods from the UK to the USA requires the correct customs documentation and clearance on arrival. Most customers will need to complete CBP Form 3299, provide a copy of their passport and relevant visa, immigration or residency documents, and supply details of the goods being shipped.

As part of the shipping process, we prepare the detailed inventory, arrange the required Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2), and issue the Bill of Lading or electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) for your shipment.

At 1st Move International, we manage the required documentation before departure and coordinate customs clearance on arrival through our approved US customs brokers, before arranging final delivery to your new home.

1 What is CBP Form 3299?

CBP Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles) is the key customs document required when shipping household goods to the USA. This form:

  • Declares your goods as personal effects
  • Confirms eligibility for duty-free import
  • Is required for customs clearance on arrival

Learn how to complete Form 3299 correctly in our step-by-step guide

We’ll guide you through the process and check all documentation before shipping to help avoid delays.

2 Are there any restricted items?

US customs regulations restrict certain items, including:

  • Food, plants and organic materials
  • Alcohol and tobacco (limits apply)
  • Items contaminated with soil or biohazards

We will advise you in advance on what can and cannot be shipped, helping you avoid delays or additional inspections.

3 How long does customs clearance take?

Most household goods shipments are cleared within a few days of arrival, provided all documentation is in order.

4 Customs inspections and additional charges

Household goods shipments entering the USA may be selected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for inspection. This can range from an X-ray examination to a physical inspection of the shipment.

If an examination is required, additional charges may be incurred for inspection, handling, storage or other port-related services. These charges are determined in the USA and are not included unless specifically stated in your quotation.

We work with our approved US customs brokers to manage the clearance process and keep you informed if your shipment is selected for examination.

Read our full USA customs guide

It's About Trust

Trusted. Accredited. Protected.

Moving your household goods overseas means trusting a company with some of your most important possessions. 1st Move International has been providing international removals since 1997 and is backed by recognised UK and international accreditations and consumer protection.

Established 1997 BAR Member CTSI Approved Code Worldwide APG IAM Premier Member
BAR membership logo

BAR Accredited International Mover

1st Move International is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and is regularly audited and inspected to ensure we meet BAR's professional standards and Code of Practice.

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BAR Membership →
Trading Standards Approved Code Scheme logo

Approved Code Consumer Protection

We follow the BAR Code of Practice, approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, providing recognised consumer safeguards and access to an established complaints and dispute-resolution process.

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Approved Code Membership →
BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee logo

Advance Payments Protected

Your advance payments to 1st Move International are protected under the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee for worldwide moves, giving you added financial protection when booking your move.

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APG Certificate →
International Association of Movers logo

IAM Premier Member

As an IAM Premier Member, we are part of a worldwide network of professional moving and relocation companies, helping us provide trusted destination support in more than 170 countries.

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IAM Membership →

These accreditations mean you can move with confidence, knowing your belongings are in the hands of a professional mover committed to high standards and consumer protection.

What’s Included in Our Removals to USA Service?

Every international move includes professional packing, weekly container shipping, and full end-to-end support from our experienced team. Here’s what we deliver:

  • Trusted & Approved - 1st Move International are proud members of the British Trading Standards Approved Code and the British Association of Removers (BAR), ensuring your move meets the highest standards of consumer protection and professionalism.
  • Unbeatable packing - Every item professionally wrapped, packed, and palletised for maximum protection in transit.
  • Shared or full container options – Choose cost-effective part-load or dedicated 20ft/40ft container shipping.
  • Faster shipping – Weekly departures to major U.S. ports including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and Chicago.
  • Free storage – Secure, short-term storage from collection until your ship date.
  • Customs & documentation – We take care of all export and import paperwork for a smoother move.
  • Shipment tracking – Track your shipment from collection to delivery.
  • Shipment protection – Flexible insurance available for added peace of mind.
  • Nationwide collections – We collect from anywhere in the UK, with flexible dates and next day collections to suit your schedule.
  • Delivery choices – Choose the delivery option that suits your budget and timeline.
Get A Free Quote Now
After Before

Benefit from our unique safer packing. Every move to the US is carefully packed and palletised to provide the ultimate protection for your belongings.

Learn more about our packing process

Your Move in 4 Simple Steps

Here's how we take you from quote to delivery. Clear steps, regular updates, and a professional service at every stage.

1

Get your quote

Fill out our simple quote form. We’ll provide a clear and accurate quote with everything you need to know to book your move.

Typical time: same day.

2

Professional packing

Our team collects and packs at your home. We then palletise your belongings for maximum protection and efficient handling.

Arrives sealed and secured.

3

Ship with weekly sailings

Once packed, we book you on the next available weekly sailing to your chosen U.S. destination. Track your shipment online.

Guaranteed weekly shipping

4

Customs & delivery

We handle fast-track customs clearance in the USA for speedy delivery to your door Stateside.

Stay up to date at every step.

Removals from UK to USA Reviews

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Briana H

London to South Carolina, USA

Every aspect of my move from the UK to the USA went extremely well. 1st Move were professional from start to finish with excellent communication throughout the entire process and every step clearly explained.

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Miranda R

London to South Carolina, USA

Highly Recommend 1st Move International! We used them for our move from London to South Carolina (US) and it was smooth and easy. The team is extremely friendly and in communication the entire time.

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Read All of Our International Removals Reviews on Trustpilot

Frequently Asked Questions about Removals to USA

Yes. We provide door-to-door removals from the UK to destinations across all 50 states, including major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Chicago and Dallas, as well as smaller towns and rural areas. Shipments are routed through the nearest major US arrival port and transported directly to your door from there once we have cleared customs.

We recommend booking as early as possible. As a guide, most customers book 4 to 12 weeks before their intended move date. Booking early gives us time to schedule your home collection, packing and palletising, and to load your shipment onto your preferred sailing. It also qualifies you for our 10% early booking discount.

Yes. We offer a 10% early booking discount on every move to the USA. Booking early helps us plan transport, packing and shipping more efficiently, and we pass those savings directly on to you. Reserve your move in under 60 seconds to secure your discount.

Yes. You can protect your shipment with our specialist Move Protect cover, which is designed specifically for international removals and provides far greater protection than standard limited liability. Simply declare the replacement value of your belongings before shipping and your goods are covered from packing through to delivery at your US address. Find out more about Move Protect.

Yes, most household and electrical appliances can be shipped. However, UK appliances run on 220–240V and the USA uses 110–120V, so many items will need a voltage converter or may not be practical for everyday use. Fridges, freezers and any appliance used for food preparation must be fully cleaned, defrosted and dry before shipping.

Read our full guide to shipping electrical goods from the UK

Most personal effects, furniture, clothing, books and household goods can be shipped without issue or duty charges. Some items are restricted or require additional checks, including food products, alcohol, medication, plants, seeds, weapons, firearms and certain cultural artefacts. Your dedicated Move Manager will review your inventory before shipping and advise on anything that needs attention.

Read our full guide on Prohibited & Restricted Items when Moving to the USA

Yes. We manage the entire customs process through our approved US customs brokers at every major arrival port. To clear your shipment you will typically need a copy of your passport, your visa or proof of US residency, completed CBP Form 3299, and a detailed packing inventory (which our team prepares for you). In most cases, used household goods qualify for duty-free entry provided they have been owned and used for at least 12 months and are for personal use only. Read our full USA customs guide.

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.

Yes. Our sister company Autoshippers specialises in car shipping from the UK to the USA. They can guide you through the strict import requirements, including the USA's 25-year rule, to ensure your vehicle is fully compliant for customs purposes. You can ship personal effects inside your own container, ship your car separately using RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off), or use their unique R-Rak system to ship multiple cars inside a single container. Get a car shipping quote from Autoshippers.

Your Move Packed.
Posted Live on Facebook.

Your life, carefully wrapped, beautifully packed, and protected for the journey ahead.

We are extremely proud of our unique packing process. We are the only moving company in the UK that uses this tried and tested method to ship your treasured personal possessions overseas.

Visit our Facebook page to find a snapshot of each shipment captured as the final pallet is wrapped.