International Movers: UK's Trusted Service for Moving Abroad

The cost of international removals varies considerably depending on several factors.

Volume is the primary driver: a studio flat moving to Europe will cost far less than a five-bedroom house relocating to Australia. Destination also plays a major role, as sea freight to New Zealand costs more than a road move to France.

As a rough guide for UK customers in 2025, expect to pay in the following ranges:

A single room or studio moving to Europe by shared groupage: £600 to £1,400.

A two-bedroom flat to Europe by full or shared load: £1,800 to £3,500. A three-to-four bedroom house to the USA or Canada: £4,500 to £9,000. A large family home to Australia or New Zealand: £8,000 to £16,000.

These figures cover packing, transit, and standard destination delivery.

They do not automatically include destination customs duties (which vary by country and item value), specialist crating for antiques or artwork, or vehicle shipping.

Groupage shipping, where your goods share a container with other customers, offers good value for smaller moves.

A full container load (FCL) gives you an exclusive 20ft or 40ft container and suits larger households or those with a fixed departure date.

Ask every company for a written, itemised quote after a proper survey.

Quotes based on an approximate room count without a survey are rarely accurate. At Giant Van we carry out a detailed video or in-home survey before giving you a final price, so you know exactly what you are committing to. Call to arrange yours.

The UK's exit from the European Union changed the landscape for international removals in several important ways, and it is worth understanding the current position clearly.

Moves to EU countries now require export customs clearance in the UK and import customs clearance at the EU destination.

For personal effects, most EU countries allow import free of duty and VAT provided you have been resident outside the EU for at least twelve months and the goods have been owned and used for at least six months. Each country has its own specific rules, and documentation requirements vary. Your move manager will guide you through the paperwork for your specific destination.

Moves within the EU (if you are currently an EU resident relocating) follow a similar personal effects relief process, though the documentation required differs from the UK post-Brexit position.

Moves to the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand each follow their own customs frameworks.

The USA allows import of personal effects duty-free provided you are relocating your primary residence. Australia requires a Household Goods and Personal Effects form and a quarantine inspection for certain materials including wood, wicker, and soil.

Popular destinations for UK international movers currently include Spain, France, the UAE, Australia, the USA, Canada, Portugal, and New Zealand.

Each presents its own customs timeline and documentation requirements.

Giant Van works with established partner agents in all major destination countries.

This network means you have local expertise on the ground handling port operations, customs clearance, and final delivery, all coordinated through your single UK point of contact.