Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Feb, 27 2026
Movers USA To England
Moving To England From The USA
If you have decided to haul across the pond to the rainy, eclectic, and history-rich England, you are in for an exciting adventure. Besides the numerous arrangements you will have to make regarding your new home, your work, and making a full transition to a new country, you also have to figure out how to haul all your belongings across the ocean.
Three Movers is an international hauling company with vast experience in international moves, and we have helped hundreds of customers relocate to England from the US. This expertise allowed us to compile a realistic and practical short guide for anyone who wants to make this shift. Having the right information available before you start the international haul process can save you a lot of time and money.
International Delivery Firms
At Three Movers, we take pride in being one of the top-rated international hauling companies in the business. We offer customized international moving quotes, all the logistics support you need to make your haul as smooth as possible, and a customized international shifting plan that will meet your specific needs. Plus, our international shifters are experienced and qualified to handle your haul safely and efficiently.
When it comes to hauling, the cost can be a major factor in your decision-making process. That's why we offer an online hauling cost calculator that will give you an estimate of your shifting costs based on the specifics of your haul. This way, you'll know what to expect before hiring professional shifters.
At Three Movers, we understand that hauling can be a stressful experience. But with our help, you can rest assured that your move will go smoothly, without any surprises. We're here to take care of everything for you, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the process!
Here is what you need to know when moving to England from the US.
Houses In Britain Are Smaller Than American Homes
This aspect is very important in the delivery process of selecting what comes with you and what you will leave behind, sell, or donate. If you already have housing arrangements in England, make sure to know the dimensions of your new home, and adjust the volume of your transportation accordingly.
If you don’t have a house to haul in right away after you get there, be on the safe side and take less voluminous items with you, especially when it comes to beds and other important furniture.
Shipping Your Car To The Area
Three Movers also specializes in auto transportation shifting services, so if you need to take your ride with you in the area, send us its specifications (like the model, weight, size, etc.) and we will include it in your moving price quote.
If you want a full-service shifter that can save money on auto transport, you can consider selling your car in the US and getting a new one in England. Since driving in the UK is done on the other side of the road, you have to decide whether you want to keep your US car or not. Also, it’s good to note that automatic gear cars are not common in the UK.
Making An Inventory Of Your Goods For The Customs
Preparing your transportation is very important, as they will cross important borders between the two countries. You need to make sure you are not shipping anything on the banned list of goods, that you have documents showing that they are yours, and that you have a written inventory of all the items. Packing properly is also more important than you might think, as improper packing can affect the insurance of the items in case anything happens.
Choose The Best Delivery Option For You
Depending on the volume of your belongings, the types of items you will transport, and how long the distance of the haul is, you can choose different types of transportation.
- Shared Container
The most affordable option for you is to choose a shared container service. Because you will share the cost of transportation with other customers using the same container, and because the routes are done with regularity, the price will be lower.
- Exclusive Container
If you have a large shipment, an exclusive container might be the best option for you. This type of transportation gives you the advantage of having more control over the shipment and choosing from a long list of ports available.
- Air Freight Service
Some shipments require special handling or are very urgent. In this case, air transportation is the best option, but it does come at a higher price.
Choose a company that can transport your goods from the origin point to the port of departure and from the port of arrival to your final destination. Having the same company deal with both land and water transportation is going to make your move much easier.
If you have any questions regarding what will be needed when moving to England from the US, contact us and get a free, reliable quote. On our website, you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions we get, and our employees are ready to discuss everything in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving to England from the US typically costs $5,000 to $12,000 for a 3-bedroom home using ocean freight. A 1-bedroom shipment may range $3,000 to $6,500, while a full 40-foot container for larger homes can exceed $15,000. Pricing is driven by move size (studio to 5BR), container type (shared or exclusive), packing level, auto transport, port fees, customs clearance, inland UK delivery distance, and peak-season demand. Air freight shortens timelines but increases costs significantly.
Most shipments arrive in 4 to 8 weeks by sea, port to port. Door to door delivery typically runs 6 to 10 weeks, depending on UK customs clearance and final delivery location. Air freight usually arrives within 7 to 21 days. Transit time depends on origin city, container availability, port congestion in Southampton or Felixstowe, customs inspections, weather, and delivery access restrictions, especially in London buildings with controlled loading windows.
Permanent relocation requires a qualifying UK visa such as a Skilled Worker, Family, or Global Talent visa, followed by eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain after residency requirements are met. Logistically, coordinate documentation, customs inventory, and shipment timing before booking an international moving and storage provider. Planning should account for household volume, prohibited goods, insurance coverage, port routing, storage needs, and final delivery access in your destination city.
Yes. Vehicle shipping generally costs $1,500 to $4,000, plus potential UK import duties and compliance modifications. England drives on the left, and U.S. vehicles may require headlight alignment changes, emissions checks, speedometer adjustments, and DVLA registration. Many expatriates compare shipping costs against selling and purchasing locally. Auto transport is often coordinated alongside car moving services and depends on vehicle size, port selection, insurance, and inland delivery distance.
You will need a detailed inventory list, passport copy, valid visa, proof of UK address, and transfer of residence documentation to qualify for duty relief on used household goods. New items may be taxed. Accurate packing and labeling protect insurance coverage. Working with experienced international moving agencies helps manage export paperwork, customs clearance, port handling, inspections, and coordinated delivery scheduling, reducing clearance delays.
Most households choose either a shared container (LCL) for smaller shipments or an exclusive 20-foot or 40-foot container (FCL) for larger homes. Shared containers reduce costs but may extend transit times. Exclusive containers offer faster routing and more control. Air freight is reserved for urgent or minimal shipments. The best option depends on shipment volume, budget, delivery timeline, storage needs, and final UK access conditions, often arranged through a global moving services provider.
