Moving Abroad2 min check

International Removals Checklist

Get a tailored ship/ditch/replace shortlist based on destination and household size.

Short answer

International removals from the UK: 20ft container (typical 3-bed) costs £5,000–£9,000 to Europe, £8,000–£12,000 to USA/Canada, £9,000–£14,000 to Australia/NZ (8–12 weeks transit). Smaller "groupage" shipments share container space — cheaper but slower (12–16 weeks). Always use a BAR Overseas or FIDI registered remover.

Step 1 of 10%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Destination region, Household size, Destination voltage.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Moving Abroad. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

How it works

The checklist covers everything in the right order: 12 weeks before (quotes, insurance, customs paperwork), 6 weeks (declutter, sell furniture, gather originals of documents), 2 weeks (pack-day prep, utility cancellations, mail forwarding), move week (inventory check, payment release), and arrival (customs clearance, unpacking, insurance claim window).

Worked example

3-bed semi to Sydney: declutter 30% of belongings, ship 18m³ part-container at £6,800, marine insurance £450 (3% of declared value), Australian quarantine inspection £550, delivery and unpack £400 = £8,200. Door-to-door: 9 weeks.

Who should use this

•Families relocating long-haul
•Anyone shipping high-value or sentimental items
•People comparing 'ship vs sell' decisions
•Returning expats coming back to the UK

Common mistakes

×Skipping marine insurance to save 3% — single damaged claim wipes out savings
×Shipping cheap furniture instead of replacing locally
×Not having originals of birth/marriage certificates in hand luggage
×Forgetting prohibited items (food, alcohol limits, plants — Australia/NZ are strictest)

Frequently asked questions

Door-to-door or door-to-port?▾

Always door-to-door for first-time movers. Door-to-port saves 15% but you handle customs and onward delivery yourself.

Pet relocation?▾

£3,000–£8,000 to Australia/NZ via specialist; £500–£1,500 to most of Europe.

When can I claim damage?▾

Note all damage on the inventory at delivery, then claim within 7–14 days (check your contract).

Related calculators

Moving Abroad Cost Calculator →Visa Eligibility Checker →Relocation Readiness Check →UK Moving Cost Calculator →