UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide → London
UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide to London removals. Fully insured, fixed price.
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UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide
Moving from the UK to the USA is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. If you are relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, shipping your belongings across the Atlantic takes careful planning. Giant Van provides full-service international removals from the UK to the USA, handling everything from packing to customs clearance so your move runs on time and on budget.
Local Expert Answer
Quick AnswerFull door-to-door international removals from the UK to the USA, including packing, sea freight, US customs clearance, and delivery to any US address, with collection from any UK postcode.
£50,000Transit Insurance
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Typical Properties in UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide
Understanding the property mix helps us plan the right crew size, van, and equipment for your move.
Semi-Detached
28%
Terraced Houses
26%
Flats & Apartments
22%
Detached Houses
18%
Bungalows
6%
Average Property Era: Mixed stock
What Does Moving from the UK to the USA Actually Involve?
Moving from the UK to the USA is an international sea freight operation. Your belongings are packed, loaded into a shipping container, and transported across the Atlantic Ocean to a US port, typically arriving in 4 to 6 weeks depending on the destination state.
There are two main shipping methods. A Full Container Load (FCL) gives you the entire container, which suits families moving a full household of furniture and effects. A Groupage or Less than Container Load (LCL) shares container space with other customers, making it a cost-effective option if you have fewer items to move.
Once your goods arrive at the US port, they go through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to provide a detailed packing inventory and proof of residency change to claim duty-free entry on household goods. Giant Van's operations team prepares all the required customs documentation on your behalf, reducing the risk of delays at port.
From the port, your goods are delivered by road to your new address. Depending on where in the USA you are moving to, the inland haulage leg can add a further 2 to 10 days to the total transit time. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami all have strong logistics infrastructure, while more rural destinations may require additional planning.
How Much Does Shipping From the UK to the USA Cost?
The cost of moving from the UK to the USA depends on three key factors: the volume of your goods (measured in cubic feet or cubic metres), the UK collection address, and the US delivery destination.
As a general guide, a one-bedroom flat typically generates around 200 to 300 cubic feet of goods.
A three-bedroom house generates 700 to 900 cubic feet. A large family home can exceed 1,200 cubic feet.
Groupage (shared container) shipments typically start from around £1,500 to £2,500 for a studio or one-bedroom flat.
A three-bedroom house on a full container basis normally ranges from £4,500 to £7,000, though this varies with fuel surcharges, port handling fees, and the time of year. Summer months (June to August) and January see the highest demand and the highest prices.
Additional costs to factor in include:
- Marine cargo insurance (strongly recommended, typically 1 to 3% of declared goods value) - US Customs bond (required for commercial goods, not usually applicable for personal effects) - US port destination charges (typically $300 to $600) - Packing materials and professional packing service if required - Storage in the UK or USA if your move-in date does not align with your shipment arrival
Giant Van provides fully itemised, fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees.
Call for a free, no-obligation assessment.
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UK to USA Removal Cost Guide
Costs vary by volume, origin, and destination. As a guide: a one-bedroom flat on a shared container typically starts from £1,500 to £2,500. A three-bedroom house on an exclusive container typically ranges from £4,500 to £7,000. These figures include sea freight, port handling, and UK customs export clearance but exclude US destination charges (typically $300 to $600), marine insurance, and optional packing services. All Giant Van quotes are fixed-price with full cost breakdowns. Call 020 3129 6180 for your personalised quote.
Property SizeStarting Price
Studio / 1-bed flatFrom £149
2-bed houseFrom £249Most Popular
3-bed houseFrom £399
4-bed houseFrom £549
Man and van (hourly)From £39/hr
All prices include a fully insured crew, van, and moving blankets. Packing services available as add-ons.
Get your exact price10 Tips for Moving to the USA From the UK Without Stress
11 Tips
These practical tips will help you stay in control.
International moves have longer lead times than domestic ones, and bookings fill quickly in peak season.
Shipping volume equals cost. Sell, donate, or dispose of anything you will not genuinely use in your new home.
US Customs requires a detailed list of every item you are shipping. Starting this late is one of the most common causes of clearance delays.
Certain items are prohibited or restricted from import into the USA, including some foods, plants, firearms, and prescription medications. Check the CBP website for the current prohibited and restricted items list.
Trans-Atlantic shipping is safe, but accidents do happen. Insure your goods for their full replacement value, not just their secondhand worth.
Several UK banks offer international accounts or partner products that make this easier while you are still in the UK.
If your visa is delayed, your goods may arrive before you legally can, creating storage costs and complications.
Healthcare, schools, driving licence reciprocity, and state tax rules vary significantly between states.
Avoid gaps that leave you without furniture or paying double rent.
How Removals in UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide Work
- 01
Tell us about your move
Enter your collection and delivery addresses, select your property size, and list any large items. See a fixed price in under 60 seconds.
- 02
Choose your moving day
Pick a date and time slot that works for you. Add packing materials or extra helpers if you need them.
- 03
Relax while we move you in
A fully insured crew arrives on time, wraps and loads your belongings, and delivers everything to your new home.
All Included
What Is Included in Giant Van's UK to USA Removal Service?
Giant Van's international removal service to the USA is designed to cover every stage of your move, from the moment we arrive at your UK home to final delivery at your US address.
Our standard UK to USA service includes: - Pre-move survey and volume assessment at your home or via video call - Professional packing using double-walled cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and specialist wrapping for fragile and high-value items - Furniture dismantling and reassembly where required - Full inventory preparation for US Customs - Container loading and seal at your collection address or nearest depot - Sea freight from a UK port (typically Tilbury or Southampton) to your chosen US destination port - US Customs clearance handling and documentation support - Port-to-door delivery by road within the USA - Unpacking and debris removal on request We also offer optional storage solutions at both ends.
If your UK home completes before your shipment is ready, or your US home is not ready when your goods arrive, we provide climate-controlled storage facilities.
Every shipment is assigned a dedicated move coordinator who is your single point of contact throughout.
You receive regular status updates as your container moves through each stage of the journey, so you are never left wondering where your belongings are.
For peace of mind, all Giant Van shipments include comprehensive liability cover as standard, with full replacement value marine insurance available as an upgrade.
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DIY Move vs Professional Removal
DIY Move
- Van hire: £80–200 per day plus fuel
- No transit insurance for belongings
- Physical effort and injury risk
- Friends needed — plans fall through
- Multiple trips if van too small
Professional Removal
- Fixed price — no surprise charges
- £10,000 goods-in-transit insurance
- Trained crew handles heavy items
- Right-sized van every time
- Furniture blankets and straps provided
How to Book Your UK to USA Move With Giant Van
01
Booking your international move with Giant Van is straightforward.
Here is exactly how the process works from first contact to delivery day.
02
Contact us for a free quote.
Call or complete our online enquiry form. Tell us your collection address, destination city in the USA, and your target moving date.
03
Pre-move survey.
We will arrange a home survey, either in person or via video call, to assess the volume of goods you are shipping. This survey takes around 45 to 60 minutes and is completely free of charge.
04
Review your fixed-price quote.
We will send you a detailed, itemised quote within 24 hours of the survey. The quote covers all services, fees, and port charges with no surprises.
05
Confirm your booking and moving date.
Once you are happy with the quote, we confirm your collection date and assign your dedicated move coordinator.
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UK Collection Coverage: Where We Operate
Giant Van collects from any address across the United Kingdom.
If you are in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, or a rural postcode in between, our teams can reach you.
Our primary collection hubs serve the following regions, with direct container loading available from most major conurbations:
London and the South East: Highest frequency of USA-bound shipments.
Collections from all London boroughs, Kent, Surrey, Essex, and Sussex. Shipments typically depart from Tilbury or Southampton.
The Midlands: Collections from Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, and surrounding areas.
Goods are consolidated at our Midlands depot before onward movement to port.
The North of England: Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, and the wider North West and Yorkshire regions.
Liverpool is also available as an alternative departure port for USA shipments.
Scotland: Collections from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
Goods travel south to port, with transit times of one to two additional days.
Wales: Full coverage including Cardiff, Swansea, and North Wales.
Northern Ireland: Collections from Belfast and across Northern Ireland.
Goods cross to mainland UK before being consolidated for sea freight.
If you live outside these listed areas, please call us on .
We cover the entire UK and can arrange collection from any postcode. There is no location surcharge for most mainland UK addresses, and we will be transparent about any additional cost for remote or island locations before you commit to a booking.
Verified Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Smooth move from start to finish
VerifiedBooked online in under a minute and the crew turned up right on time. Everything was wrapped carefully and nothing was damaged. Genuinely the easiest move I've had.
JT
James T.Fixed price — no nasty surprises
VerifiedThe quote I got online was exactly what I paid. No hidden fees, no extra charges on the day. The two-man crew were professional, fast, and really friendly.
SK
Sarah K.Same-day booking saved our move
VerifiedOur original movers cancelled last minute. Giant Van had a crew available the same day. They handled a full 2-bed flat and had us settled in by evening.
DM
David M.Same-day availability
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A Note From Our UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide Team
Verified DriverUK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide Operations
We know UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide well. Our drivers navigate the local streets daily, handling everything from narrow terraced house access to large detached properties. Every move is treated with care because our reputation in UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide depends on it.
UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide Operations, Giant Van Driver
Why Choose Giant Van for Your Move to the USA?
Hundreds of families and individuals choose Giant Van for their international removals every year. Here is what sets us apart from other removal companies offering UK to USA services.
Experienced international operations team. International shipping involves customs law, sea freight logistics, and multi-leg coordination. Our team has handled thousands of USA-bound shipments and understands every step of the process, including the documentation requirements that catch out less experienced operators.
Fixed, transparent pricing. We quote a fixed price that covers every element of the move. You will not receive an inflated invoice on collection day or hidden charges when your goods arrive at the US port.
Dedicated move coordinator. From the moment you book, you have one named contact who knows your shipment, your timeline, and your circumstances. You do not have to re-explain your situation every time you call.
Door-to-door delivery. We do not hand off your goods to a third-party agent mid-journey. Giant Van manages the full door-to-door service, which means accountability stays in one place throughout.
UK-wide coverage. We collect from anywhere in the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with no hidden regional surcharges for standard mainland addresses.
Flexible service levels. We handle a full packing service, a part-pack, or prefer to pack yourself with our materials and guidance, we tailor the service to your budget and preferences.
Call our team on to discuss your move to the USA and get a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
£50,000
Transit Insurance
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Industry Certified
When Is the Best Time to Move?
UK moving demand follows seasonal patterns. Off-peak months typically offer lower prices and more crew availability.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season (higher demand, book early)
Off-Peak (better availability, lower prices)
Alternatives to a Full Removal Service for Moving to the USA
6 Tips
Understanding the alternatives helps you make the right choice for your situation.
Specialist excess baggage companies offer per-box pricing that can be competitive for very small volumes, though the transit time is usually longer and tracking less detailed than a full removal.
However, the cost per kilogram is much higher, making it practical only for urgent, high-value, or low-volume shipments. Air freight is rarely cost-effective for furniture or white goods.
US furniture prices are broadly comparable to UK prices for mid-range brands, and you avoid customs complexity entirely. The downside is the time and effort involved in furnishing a new home from scratch.
Your goods share container space with other customers' shipments, reducing cost compared to a full exclusive container, while still providing professional packing, customs handling, and door-to-door delivery.
Speak to our team on to find the right option for your volume and budget.
Full Container vs Shared Container: Which Is Right for You?
6 Tips
Moving from the UK to the USA is one of the largest logistical undertakings a person can face.
From customs paperwork to container shipping, the details matter.
Giant Van has helped thousands of people make this journey with confidence.
Our UK-wide collection network, fixed-price quotes, and dedicated move coordinators take the complexity out of international removals so you can focus on starting your new life across the Atlantic.
Call 020 3129 6180 to speak to our team today.
Ready to start your move from the UK to the USA?
Giant Van provides free, no-obligation quotes for all international removals.
Our team is available Monday to Friday and can arrange a home survey at a time that suits you.
Call 020 3129 6180 or complete our online enquiry form to get started.
The sooner you contact us, the more flexibility you will have on collection dates and container availability.
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in Real-Time
Download the Giant Van app to get live driver tracking, instant quotes, and manage your bookings on the go.
- Live GPS tracking on every move
- Instant fixed-price quotes
- Manage bookings on the go
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Other Services in Uk To The Usa: Your Complete International Moving Guide
UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide — FAQs
How long does it take to move from the UK to the USA?
Sea freight from the UK to the USA typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from collection to delivery. East Coast destinations such as New York arrive at the lower end of this range. West Coast destinations such as Los Angeles can take closer to 6 weeks. Groupage shipments may take one to two weeks longer due to consolidation time before departure. Air freight is faster at 5 to 10 days but costs significantly more.
Do I need to pay customs duty when moving my belongings to the USA?
Personal household goods and effects are generally duty-free when imported into the USA, provided you are moving your primary residence and the items have been owned and used for at least one year. You must complete CBP Form 3299 and provide a detailed inventory. New or unused items, gifts, and commercial goods are subject to duty. Giant Van's team prepares all required customs documentation on your behalf to ensure your shipment clears without issue.
What cannot be shipped from the UK to the USA?
US Customs and Border Protection prohibits or restricts several categories of goods, including certain foods and plant products, firearms and ammunition (without proper licences), certain prescription medications, counterfeit goods, and some animal products. Hazardous materials including paints, aerosols, and certain cleaning fluids cannot be shipped by sea. Giant Van provides a full prohibited and restricted items checklist during your pre-move survey so nothing is packed that could delay your shipment at port.
Should I get insurance for my international removal?
Marine cargo insurance is strongly recommended for all shipments from the UK to the USA. While container shipping is generally safe, transit damage, water ingress, and port-handling incidents do occur. Standard liability cover is limited. Comprehensive replacement-value marine insurance typically costs 1 to 3% of your declared goods value and covers your belongings for the full journey from door to door. Giant Van offers marine insurance upgrades at the time of booking.
Can Giant Van collect from anywhere in the UK?
Yes. Giant Van collects from any address across the UK, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands. Our collection network spans London, the South East, the Midlands, the North of England, and all Scottish cities. There is no location surcharge for standard mainland UK addresses. Collections from remote, island, or Northern Ireland locations may carry a small additional charge, which we confirm clearly in your written quote before you commit to a booking.
How do I get a quote for moving from the UK to the USA?
The quickest way to get a quote is to call Giant Van on . Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you within one working day. We will arrange a free pre-move survey, either in person at your home or via video call, to assess the volume of your goods. You receive a detailed, fixed-price quote within 24 hours of the survey, covering all services and fees with no hidden charges.
What is the difference between moving to the USA and moving within the UK?
International removals to the USA involve sea freight, customs clearance, and multi-leg logistics that do not apply to domestic UK moves. You need a detailed inventory for customs, may need to arrange temporary storage at either end, and must plan for a 4 to 6-week transit period without access to your belongings. The planning horizon is also longer: booking 10 to 12 weeks ahead is advisable, compared to 4 to 6 weeks for a typical domestic move.
Can I ship my car from the UK to the USA?
Yes, vehicle shipping from the UK to the USA is possible but is handled separately from household goods. Cars are typically shipped using Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) vessels or in containers. US regulations require that vehicles meet EPA and DOT standards, which means some UK-specification cars may need modifications or cannot be imported at all. Speak to Giant Van on and we can advise on vehicle shipping options and refer you to a specialist vehicle shipping partner if required.
Reviewed by Mubashir Gulab, COO & Co-founder at Giant Van — UK to the USA: Your Complete International Moving Guide operations
Last updated: June 2026Verified pricing
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