Moving from the US to UK and curious about shipping household goods? Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it’s also often expensive. One of the most considerable costs when moving to the UK from the US is shipping your household belongings, which can add up quickly.
In fact, the average cost of shipping household goods to the UK from the USA is between $4,000 and $10,500. However, there are many American things you can’t buy in the UK, so it may be worth the added expense.
But don’t worry; Three Movers is here to help. In this guest post by Three Movers, learn what influences the cost of shipping household goods to the UK from the USA, as well as some tips on how to save money in the process.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about shipping your belongings to the UK.
How much is shipping to the UK from USA?
The average cost of moving from USA to UK is between $4000 to $10,500. A few factors will influence the cost of shipping your household goods to the UK from the USA. These include:
Size of Your International Shipment
The larger your shipment, the more it will cost to ship. This is because larger shipments take up more space in the shipping container, so you’ll have to pay for more space.
Weight of Your Shipment
Heavier shipments will also cost more to ship for similar reasons. The heavier your cargo is, the more it will weigh down the shipping container, and you’ll have to pay for that extra weight.
Distance of Your Shipment
Shorter shipments will cost less to ship than longer ones. This is because it takes less time and fuel to ship a shorter distance.
Shipping Method You Choose: Air vs Ocean
There are two main shipping methods for household goods: air shipping and ocean shipping. Air shipping is faster but more expensive, while ocean shipping is slower but cheaper.
Type of Shipping Container
There are three main types of shipping containers: standard containers, insulated containers, and refrigerated containers. Standard containers are the cheapest, while refrigerated containers are the most expensive.
Your Insurance Needs
If you’re shipping valuable or delicate items, you may want to purchase insurance for your shipment. Of course, this will add to the shipping cost, but it will give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.
As you can see, there are a few factors that will influence the cost of shipping your household goods to the UK from the USA. The best way to get an accurate estimate of your shipping costs is to use a shipping calculator, which you can find online. You can also request a free quote at Three Movers.
Moving from US to London top tip: bring a lot less stuff
Tips for saving money on shipping household goods to the UK
Now that you know what influences the cost of shipping household goods to the UK, here are a few tips on how to save money in the process:
Ship during the off-season
The busiest times for shipping companies are during the summer and winter. If you can, try to ship during the spring or fall when there is less demand. You may be able to get a cheaper rate.
Ship fewer items
The less you have to ship, the cheaper it will be. So, try to declutter your belongings before you move. This way, you’ll only have to pay to ship the items you really need.
Pack light
Not only will this make it easier to move when you arrive in the UK, but it will also save you money on shipping. The lighter your shipment is, the less it will cost to ship. Rather than pack up the weight bench, consider it a great opportunity to buy new after you’ve moved to the UK.
Choose ocean shipping
As we mentioned before, ocean shipping is cheaper than air shipping. So, if you’re not in a hurry to receive your shipment, choose this shipping method to save money. How long is shipping from US to UK? Typically, 6 weeks if there are no delays or interruptions leaving or entering the UK. But delays can happen so plan for up to 3 months.
Get quotes from multiple shipping companies
Don’t just go with the first shipping company you find. Get quotes from numerous companies and compare their rates. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
Research UK customs regulations
Before you ship your household goods to the UK, make sure you research UK customs regulations. There may be restrictions on what you can and can’t ship, and if you don’t follow the rules, you could end up paying hefty fines.
These are just a few pointers to help you save money on shipping your household goods to the UK. Additionally, if you want to ship a vehicle across the pond, research the A-1 Auto Transport guide first on shipping a car to the UK. By following A-1 tips, you can find the best deal while ensuring your automobile makes it overseas safely.
When deciding the container size make sure the street allows (can fit) it
Choosing the right shipping container to move to UK
The two most commonly used shipping containers for household goods are 20ft and 40ft. But which one is right for you?
20ft Containers = 1 Bedroom Apartment or Small Home
A 20ft container is the perfect size for shipping the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or small home. It can hold up to 1,169 ft³ of belongings and fits in a standard parking space.
The average cost for a 20′ container from Miami to Bristol is $5500.
This 20′ size container can also accommodate an automobile if being shipped alone.
40ft Containers = 2 Bedroom Home or Larger
A 40ft container is better for shipping the contents of a two-bedroom home or larger. It can hold up to 2,385 ft³ of belongings and is double the size of a 20ft container. This size container can also fit an automobile with 1 to 2 bedrooms of household goods.
The average cost for a 40′ container from Miami to Bristol is $7000.
If you’re unsure which size container you need, you can always contact a shipping company or Three Movers for help. They will be able to give you a better idea of which size is right for your needs and help you get the best deal on shipping.
Final tips on moving from USA to UK shipping costs
Shipping household goods to the UK from the USA can vary extensively from household to household, but no matter the size there are ways to save money in the process. By following the tips and choosing a suitable shipping container for your needs, you can ensure that your belongings will arrive safely without breaking the bank.
Remember to keep in mind all the factors that affect shipping costs when getting a quote, and always compare rates from multiple companies before making your final decision. Planning ahead and doing proper research will help guarantee a smooth and affordable move to the UK!
Curious how much your shipping household goods to UK from USA will be? Get a Free Quote today.
Looking for more moving to UK resources? Get these.
- Can you afford to live in England? Use this expat salary kit.
- Steps to move to the UK in 1-3 months
- Moving to the UK? Download MOVING TO UK CHECKLIST!
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4 comments
Helpful guide for anyone planning an international move—clear and detailed on shipping costs to the UK!
https://twistlockdynamics.com
Thank you!
Thanks for the blog, but I wish this information was accurate for me. I just moved with a 40 foot container from Chicago to Ireland and it was about $15,000 with insurance. I got about 8 quotes and the company I used was on the low end, but great reviews and good job. There are many things I brought that I can’t use even with converters and so many silly things I wish I did bring that I can’t get here.
Hi Megan! We were on the upper end also. Glad to hear the move itself went well. Did you use my packing post? Curious if you have any feedback. Best wishes getting settled x