Moving from the USA to the UK. Door to door.
Move from any US state to the UK with one managed plan. We arrange export packing, sea or air freight, UK customs clearance, and timed delivery to your new address.
- US export packing and ISPM 15 crating
- Sea LCL groupage and sea FCL 20ft and 40ft
- Air freight for essentials
- HMRC Transfer of Residence support
- UK storage and unpacking on request
Why choose London Moving for USA to UK
- One coordinator from US collection to UK delivery
- Export packing, inventory control, crating when needed
- Flexible shipping modes to match budget and dates
- ToR guidance to reduce duty and VAT when eligible
- Clear scope and itemised quotes
Service options from the United States to the UK
Sea groupage. LCL shared container
Pay for the space you use. Best for 3 to 12 cubic metres. We consolidate, ship, clear in the UK, then deliver to your address.
Sea freight. Full container load
Your own 20ft or 40ft container. Best for full households. Fewer touches and stronger schedule control.
Air freight
Best for essentials and tight dates. Typical door to door 3 to 7 days. We pack to airline rules and handle documents.
Door to door boxes
Ship cartons only by air or sea. Collection, labels, customs, and UK delivery included. See box shipping.
US origins and hubs
- East Coast ports. New York and New Jersey, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah
- Gulf ports. Houston, New Orleans
- West Coast ports. Los Angeles and Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma
- Air hubs. JFK, EWR, BOS, MIA, ATL, ORD, DFW, LAX, SFO, SEA
Pricing guide and transit times
Use these ranges for planning. Final quotes depend on volume, packing level, pickup access, season, insurance, and UK delivery access.
| Mode | Typical Volume | Transit Time | Guide Price GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea groupage LCL | 3 to 12 m³ | 6 to 9 weeks East Coast. 8 to 11 weeks West Coast | £1,200 to £2,600 |
| Sea FCL 20ft | 28 to 32 m³ | 5 to 7 weeks East Coast. 6 to 8 weeks West Coast | £3,900 to £6,200 |
| Sea FCL 40ft | 55 to 65 m³ | 5 to 7 weeks East Coast. 6 to 8 weeks West Coast | £6,500 to £9,800 |
| Air freight | 0.5 to 2.0 m³ | 3 to 7 days door to door | £8 to £14 per kg |
| Door to door boxes | 1 to 10 cartons | 7 to 14 days air. 6 to 9 weeks sea | From £60 to £85 per box |
If you live in a US apartment, ask building management about elevator booking and a certificate of insurance requirement.
UK customs and Transfer of Residence
Used household goods may enter duty and VAT free under HMRC Transfer of Residence if you meet the criteria. Apply before shipment when possible.
- Lived outside the UK for 12 or more consecutive months
- Used the goods for 6 or more months before import
- Import within 12 months of arriving to live in the UK
Official guidance HMRC Transfer of Residence
Your documents
- Passport. UK visa or BRP if applicable
- ToR approval reference when available
- Proof of US residence for the qualifying period
- Detailed inventory with values
- UK address and contact details
We prepare
- Inventory and packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Insurance certificate if taken
- UK delivery booking and access checks
US export and pickup requirements
- EEI and AES filing where required for ocean shipments
- Certificates of insurance for building pickup when requested
- ISPM 15 compliant wood for pallets and crates
Prohibited and restricted items
- Firearms and ammunition need licences and must be declared
- Food, plants, and animal products are restricted
- Hazardous goods and pressurised cylinders are not accepted
UK personal import rules Personal food, plants, animal products
Moving tips. USA to UK
- Book elevator and loading dock time in advance
- Keep one essentials box for the first week in the UK
- Crate TVs, glass, marble, and artwork for sea transit
- Label boxes by room. Keep a digital inventory
- Measure UK doorways and stairwells before delivery day
- Use groupage for 3 to 12 m³ when dates are flexible
“Packed in Chicago. Delivered in Surrey with clear updates and clean customs handling.” — R. Bennett, moved 2025
Frequently asked questions
How long does USA to UK take
Sea groupage is often 6 to 9 weeks from the East Coast and 8 to 11 weeks from the West Coast. FCL is often 5 to 7 weeks East and 6 to 8 weeks West. Air is often 3 to 7 days door to door.
Can I import duty free under Transfer of Residence
Yes if you meet HMRC criteria. Apply for ToR before shipment when possible. We guide the process and paperwork.
Is groupage safe for fragile goods
Yes when packed correctly. We use export packing, crating, and controlled loading to reduce risk.
Do you offer UK storage
Yes. Short and long term storage is available. See storage services.
Can I ship only a few boxes
Yes. We can collect and deliver cartons by air or sea. Door to door box shipping.
Other popular origins to the UK
Ready to plan your USA to UK move
Send dates and a simple inventory. We reply with a clear plan for packing, shipping mode, customs, and delivery.
Chat with us!