Shipping to United Kingdom from the US
Post-Brexit customs changes? We have you covered. Ship to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland with confidence.
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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.
Air Freight vs Ocean Freight to United Kingdom
Choose the shipping method that works best for your timeline and budget. Many clients use both — air freight for essentials and ocean freight for the bulk of their belongings.Air Freight
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.
Ocean Freight
Furniture, household goods, large or heavy items
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.
Our Most Popular Packages for United Kingdom
Choose the package that best fits your move to United Kingdom.
20 Boxes to UK
Flat-rate shipping to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
[Price TBD]
4-6 weeks (ocean freight)- 20 standard moving boxes (approximately 18" x 18" x 24" each)
- Flat-rate, all-inclusive pricing — no hidden fees
- Door-to-door service from any US address to any UK address
- Full UK customs clearance including post-Brexit paperwork
- Personal effects duty exemption assistance
Student Package
Budget-friendly shipping for students studying abroad
[Price TBD]
4-6 weeks (ocean) or 7-14 days (air freight option available)- 5-15 standard boxes at student-friendly pricing
- Door-to-door service including campus and student housing delivery
- Customs clearance handled for you
- Packing guidelines designed for students
- Insurance options for electronics and valuables
Mini Move Package
Co-load and partial container options for larger relocations
[Price TBD]
5-8 weeks depending on destination- 30-80 boxes plus small furniture items
- Co-load / partial container for cost efficiency
- Door-to-door service from the US to Ireland, UK, or Europe
- Professional packing services available as an add-on
- Full customs clearance and duty relief assistance
Full Container
20ft or 40ft dedicated containers for complete household moves
[Price TBD]
4-8 weeks depending on destination- Choice of 20ft container (~1,170 cubic feet) or 40ft container (~2,390 cubic feet)
- Exclusive use — your belongings only, no co-loading
- Container delivered to your US address for loading
- Door-to-door service to any destination worldwide
- Full customs clearance and documentation
What You Can Ship to United Kingdom
Commonly Shipped Items
- • 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 & Prohibited Items
- • 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
Transfer of Residence (ToR1) Relief for United Kingdom
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.
Not sure if you qualify?
Contact us for a free assessment. We will review your situation and let you know exactly what to expect at customs.
Ask Us About Transfer of Residence (ToR1) ReliefCustoms & Documentation 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.
Key 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
Documents Needed
- → Completed ToR1 form (submitted to HMRC before arrival of goods)
- → Valid passport
- → Proof of overseas residence for the past 12+ months
- → Detailed inventory of all items being shipped
- → Proof of your new UK address
- → Visa or immigration documentation
Important Notes
- ! The ToR1 form must be submitted to HMRC before your shipment arrives — we prepare and submit this for you
- ! Post-Brexit rules mean UK customs are separate from EU — different documentation than shipping to Ireland or mainland Europe
- ! Northern Ireland follows special dual customs rules under the Windsor Framework — we handle this complexity for NI deliveries
- ! Vehicle imports require separate DVLA registration and may need an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test
Official Resources
Shipping Tips for United Kingdom
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.
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.
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.
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.