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Move to America from the Uk
Planning to move to America from the UK takes real preparation — customs paperwork, shipping timelines, and packing standards all differ from domestic moves. Giant Van co-ordinates door-to-door international removals to the United States, with full goods-in-transit insurance and a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating earned from customers who've made exactly this move.
Local Expert Answer
Quick AnswerMoving to America from the UK costs from £1,500 for a small shared container shipment to £7,500+ for a full 40ft container. Transit by sea takes 14 to 35 days depending on the US port. Giant Van handles packing, customs paperwork, and door-to-door delivery — insured throughout.
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What Moving to the United States from the UK Actually Involves
Moving to the United States from the UK is not simply loading a van and sailing west.
US Customs and Border Protection requires a detailed inventory of every item being imported.
You'll need proof of residency or visa status, and certain goods — food, plants, firearms, alcohol — face strict import controls or outright bans.
Shipping typically travels by sea freight in a 20ft or 40ft container, with transit times running 14 to 28 days depending on the US port of entry.
East Coast destinations (New York, Boston, Miami) tend to arrive faster than West Coast ports like Los Angeles or Seattle.
Giant Van works with vetted freight partners to handle the logistics from your UK address to your new US front door.
Move to America from the Uk Prices
Transparent pricing for move to america from the uk. Your quote is fixed before you book.
ServiceStarting Price
Boxes & small itemsFrom £299
Part load (up to 10 m³)From £799Most Popular
Full container (20ft)From £1,999
Full container (40ft)From £2,999
Vehicle shippingFrom £999
Prices vary by volume, destination, and customs requirements. Get an exact quote for your move.
Get your exact priceWhat You Can and Cannot Ship to the USA
Most household goods travel without issue: furniture, clothing, electronics, books, kitchenware.
The US prohibits importing fresh fruit, vegetables, meat products, and soil.
Alcohol requires an import licence held by the receiving party.
Firearms need ATF approval before they leave the UK.
Prescription medications should travel with documentation from your GP.
For items of high value — artwork, antiques, jewellery — a professional valuation before departure strengthens your insurance claim if anything goes wrong in transit.
Giant Van's team will flag any declared items that are likely to attract customs scrutiny, saving you delays at the port of entry.
Get your Move to America from the Uk quote in 60 seconds
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How Move to America from the Uk Works
- 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.
Costs for Shipping to the USA from the UK
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Giant Van vs Other International Movers
See how we compare on the features that matter.
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- Up to £50k
- International Movers
- Online Booking
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- International Movers
- Same-Day Availability
- Giant Van
- International Movers
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- Giant Van
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- International Movers
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Customs and Documentation for The United States
Moving household goods to the United States requires a customs declaration and a detailed inventory of every item being imported.
US Customs and Border Protection requires proof that the goods are genuinely personal effects, not commercial stock.
You will typically need a packing list itemising contents by box, an inventory valued in the destination currency, and evidence of residency or visa status.
Certain categories — alcohol, tobacco, food, plants, and firearms — face additional restrictions or outright bans.
Giant Van works with vetted freight partners who handle the paperwork on your behalf and flag any restricted items before the container is packed.
Starting the documentation process four to six weeks before departure is recommended.
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
Transit Times to The United States
01
Sea freight to the United States travels in a 20-foot or 40-foot container, depending on the volume of your shipment.
02
Shared container (groupage) services are available for smaller loads at a lower cost.
03
Transit times vary by port of entry and vessel schedule.
04
Most UK shipments depart from Tilbury, Felixstowe, or Southampton.
05
Port-to-port transit averages three to ten weeks depending on destination.
Questions about your Move to America from the Uk move?
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Fixed-price move to america from the uk with insured crews and real-time tracking.
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“Best removal service I've used”
Sarah, London
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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.
From Our Team
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Every job gets the same standard of care: punctual arrival, proper equipment, and goods-in-transit insurance on every item. Our drivers are reviewed after each booking to maintain consistently high standards across every move.
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Shipping to the USA from the UK requires a complete itemised inventory before goods leave British shores.
Fully Insured
Giant Van's removal team packs and lists every item, photographs valuables, and hands the manifest to the freight forwarder in the format US customs expects.
Goods travel insured throughout; if a claim arises, documented condition reports from origin are your strongest evidence.
Call +44 7414 655129 to get a quote based on your actual volume.
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Move to America from the Uk — FAQs
How long does shipping to the USA from the UK take?
Sea freight from UK ports to the US East Coast takes 14 to 21 days. West Coast destinations like Los Angeles or Seattle run 25 to 35 days. Air freight gets items there in 3 to 7 days but costs significantly more — it suits documents, electronics, or a few urgent boxes rather than full household contents.
Do I need a customs broker to move to America from the UK?
For a personal effects shipment as a new US resident, you can self-file with US Customs using CBP Form 3299. That said, most people find a licensed customs broker worth the fee — typically £150 to £300 — because errors in the inventory or form can delay the release of your goods by days or weeks. Giant Van can recommend established brokers used regularly on this route.
Reviewed by Giant Van Moving Experts, Moving Specialist Team at Giant Van
Last updated: June 2026Verified pricing
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Fixed-price move to america from the uk. Insured crews, no hidden fees.
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