You have two quotes for what looks like the same move. One says £4,200. The other says £9,800. Neither is obviously wrong, and neither tells you why the other is so different.
That gap is the most common reason people feel uneasy about international removal costs, and it is almost never about one company being honest and the other not. It is about what each number includes. This guide sets out what an international move from the UK typically costs, how prices change by route and container type, and how to read a quote so you can compare two of them properly.
Quick answer: Most international removals from the UK cost between £3,000 and £15,000. A small move or studio can start around £1,500, and a large family home can pass £20,000. The biggest drivers are how much you are moving (measured in cubic metres), where it is going, and whether you share a container with other customers (groupage) or have a full container to yourself. The headline number matters less than what it includes at each end of the journey.
International removals prices at a glance
The table below shows the prices Gerson Moving Services publishes for individual routes. They are ranges, not fixed prices: a survey of your belongings gives the exact figure. Groupage means your belongings share a container with other customers’ and you pay for the space you use. A full container means a 20ft or 40ft container sealed for your move alone.
Ranges for the USA, Canada and Europe by home size are in the destination section below.
Why do international removals quotes vary so much for the same move?
Published guides do not agree with each other either. One UK price guide puts a three-bedroom move to Australia or New Zealand at £18,000 to £25,000; another puts a sole-use 20ft container to Australia at £7,000 to £14,000 and a shared container at £4,500 to £8,000. Those are not errors. They are different definitions of “the price”. Five things move the number:
- How much you are moving. Prices are driven by volume in cubic metres, so an accurate volume matters more than any other figure. An online estimate is a guess at that volume; a survey measures it.
- Shared or full container. Groupage is usually the cheapest way to move a smaller volume, but your belongings depart when the container is full, so it can take longer than a full container.
- Where the quote stops. Some quotes end at the destination port. Others include customs clearance, delivery to your address and unpacking. A port-to-port price can look several hundred or several thousand pounds cheaper for exactly this reason.
- What is packed and how. Professional packing on collection day is a cost; packing everything yourself is a saving, but it may affect what is covered if something is damaged.
- The destination’s own charges. Duties, port handling and inspection fees (biosecurity in Australia and New Zealand, for example) are set by the destination and are often charged separately.
The practical rule is simple: never compare two totals until both quotes answer the same questions. The checklist below shows which ones.
Comparing Two Quotes For Your International Move?
Send us the quote you already have. Your move manager will work through your inventory, destination and timeline with you and show you exactly what each figure includes at both ends, so the comparison is like for like.
What is usually included in an international removals quote, and what is charged separately?
Use this as a checklist when you read any quote, ours included. If an item is not mentioned, ask.
| Item | Ask this | Why it changes the total |
|---|---|---|
| Packing at your home | Is professional packing included, and are materials included? | Packing can be a significant extra if it is left out |
| Collection and export paperwork | Is the export documentation included? | Usually included, but confirm |
| Sea freight | Is this port to port, or door to door? | Port-to-port prices stop at the destination port |
| Destination customs clearance | Who clears customs, and is it in the price? | Handled by the in-country partner on our moves; some quotes leave it out |
| Destination duties, taxes and inspection fees | Which of these apply to my belongings? | Set by the destination; for example, Australian biosecurity inspection fees are charged separately by the Australian authorities |
| Delivery to your address | Is delivery and unpacking included? | Buildings with lift or time restrictions can add time and cost |
| Storage | Is any storage needed before or after transit? | Often extra if your move dates do not line up |
| Move liability cover | Is cover included, and what does it protect? | See the MoveProtect section below |
What affects the cost of moving abroad?
Six things determine the price of an international move from the UK.
Distance and destination
The further your belongings need to travel, the higher the freight cost is likely to be. Moves within Europe are quicker and cheaper than moves to Australia or Canada, which involve longer sea routes and more handling.
Volume of belongings
International freight is priced by volume in cubic metres. The more you move, the more container space you need. Many people reduce the volume by selling, donating or storing items first. If you are unsure what is worth taking, our guide on goes through it item by item.
Shipping method
Most international household removals use sea freight, which is the most cost-effective option for larger moves. Air freight is much faster but significantly more expensive and is usually used for small consignments or essentials.
Packing and professional services
Professional packing protects your belongings over a long journey. Other services, such as furniture dismantling, customs paperwork support and storage, add to the price but can reduce the risk of delays and damage.
Customs duties and taxes
Some countries charge import duties or taxes on certain items, especially anything new. The amount depends on the destination and the type of goods. Many destinations offer a duty-free allowance for used household goods if you are moving your main home; the rules differ by country and are covered in our .
Cover for loss or damage
Move liability cover protects the value of your belongings in transit. It is explained in its own section below.
Typical costs by home size
As a general guide, international moves from the UK fall into these bands:
| Move size | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small move or studio apartment | £1,500 to £4,000 |
| One to two bedroom home | £3,000 to £7,000 |
| Three bedroom home | £6,000 to £12,000 |
| Large family home | £10,000 to £20,000+ |
Typical costs by destination
Moving from the UK to the USA
The United States is one of the most popular destinations for people leaving the UK. Typical costs are £2,000 to £5,000 for a small move, £6,000 to £12,000 for a two to three bedroom home and £10,000 to £18,000+ for a larger family. Sea transit is usually three to six weeks depending on the port of arrival.
Moving from the UK to Canada
Canada means a longer route and detailed customs procedures. Typical costs are £2,500 to £5,500 for a small move, £7,000 to £13,000 for a two to three bedroom home and £11,000 to £18,000+ for a large household. Transit is typically four to seven weeks.
Moving from the UK to Australia
Australia is one of the longest shipping routes from the UK. Typical costs are £3,000 to £6,000 for a small move, £5,000 to £15,000 for a two to three bedroom home and £12,000 to £20,000+ for a large household. Sea transit usually takes eight to twelve weeks.
Moving from the UK to New Zealand
A smaller household by groupage is £1,800 to £2,500; a full household volume by groupage is £3,500 to £5,000; a 20ft container starts from £4,800 to £5,900, and larger households (40ft or more than one container) run from £7,500 to £14,000. New Zealand’s biosecurity checks are strict, so how your belongings are cleaned and packed matters as much as the freight price.
Moving from the UK to Europe
Moves within Europe are faster and cheaper because of the shorter distances. Typical costs are £1,200 to £3,000 for a small move, £3,000 to £6,000 for a two to three bedroom home and £5,000 to £10,000+ for a larger household. European moves take a few days to two weeks depending on the destination.
Groupage or full container: which costs less?
Sea freight has two forms. Groupage (also called a shared container or LCL, “less than container load”) means your belongings travel in a container with other customers’ and you pay for the space you use. A full container (FCL, “full container load”) is a dedicated 20ft or 40ft container for your move alone.
Groupage is usually cheaper for a smaller volume but may take slightly longer, because the container leaves when it is full. A full container costs more but leaves on a confirmed date and is sealed for the whole journey, which many people prefer for a full household. As your volume grows, ask for both prices side by side.
Air freight can cost three to four times as much as sea freight, but takes days rather than weeks. It is best kept for small consignments, essentials for your first weeks, or documents. Our has the detail.
What are the hidden costs of moving abroad?
They are less “hidden” than “not on the front page of the quote”. The usual ones are:
- customs duties or import taxes, especially on new items
- destination port and terminal handling
- biosecurity or agricultural inspection fees (Australia and New Zealand)
- delivery from the port to your address, including domestic forwarding within large countries
- storage, if your move dates and your new home’s availability do not match
- specialist packing for fragile or high-value items
Our guide on goes through each one.
Do you need cover for an international move?
We recommend additional liability cover for every move. While your removal contract includes a standard level of liability, this will usually be less than the replacement value of your household belongings.
That’s why we offer MoveProtect. It increases our contractual limit of liability, giving you greater protection for your belongings throughout your move. There’s no excess to pay, and if something does go wrong, your move manager will handle the claim with you.
MoveProtect isn’t a separate insurance policy. It’s an enhanced level of liability under our contract with you. The cost is separate from your removal price and is calculated using the declared value of your move, either as a lump sum or a percentage.
If you’re comparing quotes, there’s one important comparison to make: ask each removal company what their standard liability limit is and what they charge to increase it. Find out more on our .
How can you reduce the cost of moving overseas?
- Ship less. Sell, donate or store items you would replace for less than it costs to move them.
- Consider groupage if your volume is small.
- Book early. More time means more choice of sailings.
- Be exact about volume. An accurate survey avoids paying for container space you do not need.
- Compare quotes on the same basis, using the checklist above.
How does Gerson Moving Services price a move?
The process starts with a professional survey by a removal specialist, who measures what you are moving and notes the access at both ends. That survey file goes to your move manager, who becomes your dedicated primary contact from quote to final delivery. Because the move manager holds the whole file, you do not have to explain your move again each time you call.
On collection day a packing crew works at your home. At the destination, our in-country partner handles customs clearance and local delivery. Your quote reflects that whole route, and your move manager will tell you plainly which items are included and which are charged separately, rather than leaving you to find out later.
On deposits: paying money weeks before a service is delivered is normal in this industry, and it is the moment worth being careful. Gerson Moving Services is a standard member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), whose Advanced Payment Guarantee protects advance payments if a member fails. We are also IAM accredited, part of the AGM Group and hold FIDI FAIM. Our guide on explains what to check before paying anyone a deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move abroad from the UK?
Most international moves from the UK cost between £3,000 and £15,000. A small move can start around £1,500 and a large family home can exceed £20,000. The final price depends on volume, destination, whether you use a shared or full container, and how much packing and delivery is included.
Why are international removals quotes so different?
Because they often include different things. One quote may end at the destination port while another includes customs clearance, delivery and unpacking. Compare what each includes at both ends before comparing totals, and ask for the volume each quote is based on.
Is groupage or a full container cheaper?
Groupage (a shared container) is usually cheaper for a smaller volume, though it can take a little longer because the container leaves when it is full. A full container costs more but leaves on a confirmed date. As your volume grows, ask for both prices side by side.
What is not included in an international removals quote?
Commonly excluded items are destination duties and taxes, port handling, inspection fees such as biosecurity, delivery to your address, storage and move liability cover. Always ask whether the quote is port to port or door to door.
What is the cheapest way to move overseas?
Sea freight is usually the most cost-effective way to move household goods, and groupage is usually the cheapest form of it for a smaller volume. Reducing what you ship has the largest effect on cost. The cheapest total is not always the cheapest move if it leaves out charges you then pay separately.
How long does an international move take?
Sea freight to popular destinations takes roughly two to twelve weeks port to port, depending on the route, plus time for customs clearance and delivery. Moves within Europe by road can take a few days to two weeks. Your move manager can give you a realistic timeline for your destination in your first call.
Do I need cover for an international move?
Cover is strongly advisable, because the standard limit of liability is usually lower than the value of a home’s contents. Gerson Moving Services offers MoveProtect move liability cover: an enhanced limit of liability above the standard position, with no excess, priced separately based on the declared value of your move. Your move manager manages any claim on your behalf. Check whether your home contents policy also applies during transit.
Related Topics
Your move manager will give you a realistic price and timeline for your destination in your first call, based on a survey of what you are actually moving, not an online estimate. Get a Move Quote
