Not all movers are created equal
Choosing the wrong international moving company can cost you thousands of pounds and months of stress. Damaged belongings, hidden surcharges, missed delivery dates, and in worst cases, companies going bust with your possessions in transit.
This guide helps you choose wisely.
What international moving actually involves
International relocation is more complex than domestic moving. Your belongings need to be:
- Surveyed — a reputable company visits your home or does a detailed video survey
- Packed — professional export packing for international transit
- Loaded into a shipping container (full or shared/groupage)
- Transported to port and loaded onto a vessel
- Cleared through customs at both ends
- Delivered to your new address and unpacked
Each stage has costs and potential for problems.
Typical costs from the UK
For a 2-3 bedroom house, full-service international moving typically costs:
- To Europe: £2,000-4,500 (road freight, faster)
- To USA/Canada: £3,500-7,000 (sea freight, 6-10 weeks)
- To Australia/NZ: £4,500-9,000 (sea freight, 8-12 weeks)
- To UAE: £3,000-6,000 (sea freight, 4-6 weeks)
Groupage (sharing a container) is 30-50% cheaper than a full container but takes longer.
Air freight is 3-5x more expensive but takes days rather than weeks. Only worth it for essentials you need immediately.
What to ask every moving company
1. Are you a member of BAR (British Association of Removers)? BAR membership requires financial vetting and adherence to professional standards. It is not a guarantee, but it is a meaningful filter.
2. What is included in your quote? Get a detailed breakdown. Packing materials, labour, transport, customs clearance, delivery — each should be itemised. Beware quotes that are suspiciously cheap — they often exclude critical items.
3. What insurance do you provide? Standard transit insurance typically covers replacement value, not retail value. Extended cover is available and recommended for valuable items.
4. How do you handle customs? Your mover should handle customs documentation at both ends. Ask specifically about duties and taxes — some destinations charge import duty on household goods.
5. What happens if delivery is delayed? Get the delay policy in writing. Will they provide temporary storage? At whose cost?
Red flags
- No physical survey. Any company quoting without seeing your belongings (or doing a thorough video survey) will almost certainly revise the price upward.
- Very low quotes. If one quote is 40%+ cheaper than others, something is missing.
- Large deposits demanded upfront. Industry standard is 10-20% deposit. More than 30% is unusual.
- No written terms. Everything should be documented — dates, prices, insurance, liability.
- Negative reviews mentioning the same issues. One bad review is noise. A pattern is a signal.
The decision framework
Get at least 3 quotes. Insist on home or video surveys from all 3. Compare not just price but what is included. Check BAR membership and online reviews. Ask for references from customers who moved to your specific destination.
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A company that costs £500 more but includes comprehensive insurance, proper export packing, and customs handling will save you money and stress.
How WestConnect helps
WestConnect partners with vetted international moving companies who specialise in UK emigrant relocations. Compare quotes, read reviews from other UK movers, and choose with confidence.
Planning your move? Get matched with vetted partners →