Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 20 2026
Moving from New York to London
Are you moving from New York to London? New York and London are the world’s top two destinations. Whether it’s about tourism or as global economic hubs, the two cities reign supreme. As a result, not many people would moan about trading the sizzling NYC for the British capital. On the contrary, the majority will jump at the opportunity.
Nevertheless, you need to begin by ensuring a smooth relocation process. Otherwise, your excitement could be short-lived, especially with scammers and fraudsters lurking. Read on to find out a few tips to help you relocate smoothly.
The Cost Of Moving from New York to London
The cost of moving from NY to London varies significantly from one mover to the next and depending on the volume of your items, size, distance, services, and the time of the year. The majority of people who make the journey report spending between $17,000 and $22,000, including visa costs, securing a place to live, and pet relocation where applicable.
If you’re only wondering about the cost of renting a container, a 20-foot container costs about $950, while a 40-foot container currently costs just over $1,400.
Perks of Living in London
Once you look past the constant hustle and bustle and occasional train delays, which happen in New York too, you’ll find that London has plenty to offer;
- A diverse culture: London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. You’ll find restaurants serving national dishes from nearly every country in the world.
- The history: There are landmarks everywhere to remind you about the city’s history. More importantly, the city boasts dozens of museums and parks to preserve its rich history.
- The Underground: The Underground is the oldest metro system globally and the third-largest by length. In total, it’s a whopping 404 kilometers, with 207 stops. It serves nearly 1.4 million people.
How to Prepare While Moving to London from NYC?
Now that you know a bit about London, it’s time to start planning for the actual relocation. Consider the following tips;
- Find a place to live
London boasts several exceptional neighborhoods where you can live and raise a family. However, for most people, the top areas include Richmond, Fulham, Bexley, Greenwich, and Chiswick.
- Get mover recommendations
Ask friends and family to recommend movers and go online on social media and industry forums to find more recommendations. You can also ask the state moving association for tips. In the end, you want to have more than five candidates.
- Screen all candidates
You want to make sure that the movers on your shortlist are registered, licensed, and insured. Also, check social media and the Better Business Bureau to gauge the mover’s reputation. Too many complaints are usually a sign of an unreliable mover.
- Compare quotes
Different long-distance movers charge differently. For example, whereas some are flat-rate movers, others charge an hourly rate. Also, some are full-service movers, while others don’t offer extras such as packing, loading, and car shipping. Comparing quotes will help you find the company with the best offer at the best rate.
Remember that moving scams are on the rise, and everyone is a target. If you’re going to evade the fraudsters, you need to be very thorough in your screening.
Three Movers provide worldwide moving services. Are you looking to move from New York to London? You are in the right place. Get the best moving, affordable, stress-less, and smooth moving. If you have any queries about our moving service, feel free and contact us, we will get in touch with you.
Recommended Article: Moving To London From New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving from New York to London typically costs $4,000–$12,000 for a household move. Pricing is driven by shipment size (studio–3BR), container vs shared load, sea vs air freight, packing level, and UK customs handling. Port fees at New York and Felixstowe or Southampton also matter. Full packing, bulky furniture, and peak summer demand increase totals. For broader benchmarks, see international moving costs explained at international moving costs.
Transit from New York to London usually takes 4–7 weeks door-to-door by sea freight. This includes export packing, ocean transit (14–21 days), UK customs clearance, and local delivery scheduling. Air freight can reduce transit to 7–14 days but costs substantially more. Delays commonly come from customs exams, incomplete inventories, or UK delivery restrictions like narrow streets or timed unloading windows.
Most moves use shared container (LCL) or sole-use container (20-ft or 40-ft) sea freight. Shared loads cost less for small apartments, while full containers suit 2–5 bedroom homes. Air freight is reserved for urgent or minimal shipments. Your choice affects price, transit time, and delivery flexibility. A detailed breakdown of overseas shipping methods is available at moving overseas shipping costs.
The UK restricts or bans firearms, certain foods, plants, soil, and untreated wood items. Alcohol and tobacco have quantity limits and may trigger duties. Inventory accuracy is critical, as UK Border Force may inspect shipments. Special items like antiques require age declarations. Professional movers coordinate compliance and documentation as part of an international moving and storage process.
Yes. Required documents typically include a detailed inventory, passport copy, UK visa or residency proof, and a Transfer of Residence (ToR1) form. Errors can delay delivery or cause storage charges at the port. Movers experienced in UK-bound shipments help prepare paperwork correctly and align packing with inspection standards outlined in an international moving checklist.
Late fall through early spring is usually best for cost and scheduling. Summer (May–August) brings higher ocean rates, limited container availability, and UK delivery congestion. Winter moves avoid peak pricing but may face Atlantic weather delays. Booking 8–12 weeks ahead improves container access and customs timing. Seasonal planning tips are outlined in international overseas moving tips.
