International Moving Services from the UK
Move your home or personal effects overseas with a managed door to door service. London Moving handles packing, shipping, customs and delivery so your international move stays simple and controlled.
- Door to door international removals
- Sea and air freight options worldwide
- Groupage service to the Middle East
- Expert customs clearance and documents
- IAM, BIFA and FIATA accredited company
Why move internationally with London Moving
- Door to door handling from UK address to overseas home
- Regular groupage services to popular Middle East destinations
- Full container loads for larger homes and full household moves
- Air freight for urgent or smaller consignments
- In house team experienced with UK export and destination customs
- Clear quotes that explain what is included and excluded
Service options for international moves
Door to door international removals
We plan and manage your door to door move. Our team packs, loads, ships and delivers your household goods to the final address overseas.
- Home survey or video survey to assess volume
- Professional export packing and loading
- Delivery and basic placement at destination
Part load and groupage services
Groupage is a shared container option that reduces cost for smaller moves. Your shipment travels with other consignments and you pay only for the space you use.
- Ideal from 3 to 20 cubic metres
- Regular departures from the UK
- Strong focus on Middle East routes
Full container load (FCL) moves
Full 20ft and 40ft container services work best for full home moves or higher volumes. You have dedicated container space for your goods only.
- 20ft and 40ft containers from main UK ports
- Door to port or door to door options
- Suitable for family homes and large apartments
Air freight international moves
Air freight works when time is critical or when you move a smaller but important part of your belongings.
- Transit time usually 5 to 10 days door to door
- Priced by chargeable weight and route
- Useful for first arrival essentials or partial moves
Origin and destination services
We can add origin and destination services around your shipment to fit your plan.
- Packing, dismantling and protection of furniture
- Short term storage in the UK if dates do not align
- Unpacking and basic reassembly at destination where available
Who uses our international moving service
- Families relocating for work or lifestyle change
- Professionals moving on international contracts
- Expats returning home with household goods
- Students and graduates combining baggage and boxes
- Companies moving staff or small office equipment
Related moving and shipping services
These services support different parts of your move. You can combine them with your international moving plan.
- International baggage and luggage shipping for extra suitcases and smaller consignments
- International box shipping for cartons and mixed personal effects
- Groupage services for shared container solutions
- Storage services if you need to hold items before or after shipping
- Car shipping when you want to move a vehicle with your household goods
- Moving to Europe for EU relocations by road and sea
Pricing guide and transit times
These guide prices help you plan your budget. Your exact quote depends on origin, destination, volume, service level and access at both ends.
| Service | Example | Transit time | Guide price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groupage by sea | 5 to 15 m³ from UK to Middle East | 5 to 9 weeks | £850 to £2,200 |
| 20ft FCL container | 2 to 3 bedroom home to UAE or Qatar | 3 to 7 weeks | £3,500 to £5,500 |
| 40ft FCL container | Large family home to USA or Canada | 5 to 8 weeks | £5,000 to £8,500 |
| Air freight household goods | Up to 500 kg essentials shipment | 5 to 10 days | £2,500 to £4,800 |
Rates change with season, fuel and local delivery conditions. We always confirm a detailed quote before you book.
Customs and documentation for household moves
Household goods and personal effects must pass customs at destination. Requirements differ by country. We guide you on the process for your move.
Typical documents
- Copy of passport and visa or residence permit
- Destination address and contact details
- Detailed inventory of items and estimated values
- Employment or relocation letter where required
Some destinations ask for proof that goods are used and for personal use. This may help reduce or remove duties. We explain options when planning your move.
For official guidance on imports and exports you can review the pages on UK customs and international trade and the customs website for your destination country. For travel advice and entry rules you can also check Foreign travel advice.
We help you with
- Export declarations and shipping documents
- Basic customs advice for household goods
- Labelling, packing lists and inventories
- Coordination with destination partners where needed
Packing tips for international moves
- Use export grade cartons and packing materials
- Keep heavier items in smaller boxes to protect handlers
- Protect furniture with padded covers and corner guards
- Separate items you need on arrival into easy access boxes
- Do not pack cash, jewellery or important documents
- Label each box with name, room and destination city
Want a full packing service. See our professional packing services.
“London Moving packed our three bedroom home in the UK and delivered to Dubai with clear updates at each stage. The groupage option kept costs under control and everything arrived in good order.” Family moving household goods from the UK to the Middle East
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between groupage and a full container
Groupage is a shared container service where you pay only for the space you use. A full container gives you exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft unit and suits larger moves.
How far in advance should I book my international move
Four to eight weeks is ideal for sea freight moves. Air freight can be arranged faster, but more time helps secure dates and space.
Can you pack my home for an overseas move
Yes. Our crews provide full packing, partial packing or supply materials if you want to pack some items yourself.
Are there items I cannot ship in my household goods
Yes. Hazardous items, flammables, some liquids, food and certain restricted goods are not allowed. We provide a clear list when planning your move.
Do you offer storage before or after shipping
We can store your goods in the UK before export and work with partners overseas for storage on arrival if needed.
Ready to plan your international move
Share where you are moving from and to, plus an outline of your home size. We send a clear international moving quote and a step by step plan.
