Frequently Asked Questions About International Removals

The time it takes for your shipment to arrive depends on the destination, the shipping method and the type of international removals service you choose. 

For long-distance overseas removals, (e.g Australia, UAE, and USA) shipments usually take around 6–12 weeks. A sole use container may be quicker and more direct, while a shared container or groupage service will take longer. 

For European removals, a dedicated service usually takes around 2–4 weeks, while a part-load service typically takes around 4–8 weeks. 

These times are estimates and can be affected by customs clearance, port schedules, shipping routes and final delivery arrangements. United Removals will advise you on the expected timescale for your destination and keep you updated throughout the moving process.

International removals are usually split into three main stages. 

First, United Removals will help you choose the most suitable international removals service based on where you are moving, how much you are taking and how quickly you need your belongings to arrive. This may include options such as sea freight, air freight, a dedicated container or a shared container service. 

Next, your belongings are collected and professionally packed for export, using materials designed to protect them during international shipping. The team will also help guide you through the paperwork needed for your destination country. 

Removals to overseas destinations such as Australia, USA, Canada and Cyprus will by shipping container. Removals to most parts of Europe are by road freight. 

Your shipment is then sent overseas and, once it arrives, local destination agents help with customs clearance and delivery to your new home. United Removals will keep you updated during the process, so you know what stage your move is at.

We recommend starting to plan your international move 3–6 months in advance, especially if you are moving overseas, need help with paperwork or are relocating during a busy period. 

Ideally, you should book your international removals company at least one month before your preferred moving date. This gives enough time to arrange your survey, confirm your quote, plan the right shipping service and prepare your belongings for collection. 

There is more flexibility during quieter times of the year such as December to February. If you’re moving during the busier summer months, then it’s best to book further in advance. 

If your move is more urgent, United Removals will still do our best to help, but booking early gives you more choice over collection dates, shipping options and overall move planning. 

The length of your international move depends on where you are moving, how much you are taking and which removals service you choose. 

As a guide, you should start planning your move around 3–6 months in advance and aim to book at least one month before your preferred collection date. 

Once your belongings have been collected, overseas shipments such as Australia, the UAE or the USA usually take around 6–12 weeks to arrive. 

For European removals, a dedicated service usually takes around 2–4 weeks, while a part-load service typically takes around 4–8 weeks. 

These times are estimates and can be affected by customs clearance, port schedules, shipping routes and final delivery arrangements. United Removals will advise you on the expected timescale for your move and keep you updated throughout the process. 

Yes, United Removals has experienced international removals packing teams across the UK helping customers move to Europe and overseas destinations. We also have depots and warehouses in both the North and South of the country.

United Removals can help with international removals to destinations across Europe and the rest of the world. 

Popular overseas destinations include Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, South Africa, Canary Islands and the UAE, while European removals often include countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Cyprus, Malta and many more. 

If you are unsure whether your destination is covered, simply contact the team and they will advise on the best removals service for your move. 

Yes, United Removals can help with storage if you need extra time before your belongings are shipped or delivered to your new home. Depending on circumstances we can store your belongings at one of secure UK warehouses or with our FIDI FAIM accredited partner in your destination country.  

Storage can be useful if your moving dates do not line up, your new property is not ready, or you want to send some items later. United Removals has warehouse and storage facilities in the UK and can also advise on storage options overseas, depending on your destination. 

Your Move Co-Ordinator can talk you through the best option for your move, including short-term storage, longer-term storage and how storage fits into your collection, shipping and delivery schedule. 

The cost of international removals depends on where you are moving from and to, the volume of goods you are shipping and the service you choose.

As a rough guide, smaller European shipments can start from around £600–£1,700, while smaller overseas moves, such as a one-bedroom property or part shipment, often start from around £1,600–£2,000. Larger household removals to long-distance destinations such as Australia, the USA or Malta can cost more depending on the size of your move, the destination and whether you use a shared container, sole use container or air freight.

The most accurate way to find out the cost is to request a quote or book a home or video survey. This allows United Removals to assess how much you are taking, explain your shipping options and provide a clearer estimate for your international move.

There may be additional charges depending on your destination, shipment type and individual moving requirements.

Your international removals quote will explain what is included in your service, such as collection, export packing where required, shipping, customs clearance support and delivery. However, some costs may not be included as standard because they are charged separately or depend on the destination country.

These can include customs inspection fees, duties, port fees payable on arrival, storage services if needed, and optional maritime insurance or shipment protection cover.

United Removals will explain any expected additional charges before your move where possible, so you have a clearer idea of the overall cost before your belongings are shipped.

Your international removals quote will explain what is included in your move based on your destination, the volume of goods you are shipping and the service you choose.

A typical quote may include collection from your UK address, professional export packing, loading, international shipping, customs clearance support and delivery to your new home overseas. It should also confirm whether you are using a dedicated container, shared container, part-load service or air freight.

United Removals can also advise on paperwork, destination requirements and storage if needed. Optional services, such as shipment protection cover, additional storage or charges set by customs, ports or local authorities, may be listed separately so you can understand the full cost before your move goes ahead.

Once you have accepted your international removals quote, United Removals will explain the payment process and confirm when payment is due.

You will need to pay a deposit of £350 to secure your booking. The main part of your move will need to be paid before shipping.

NB: Your will only be charged for the volume that you actually ship on moving day so your final invoice will be adjusted accordingly.

Once your shipment reaches your destination, our partner will be in contact regarding any destination charges, such as customs fees and duties.

If you have any questions about your invoice, deposit, balance payment or additional services, the United Removals team will be happy to explain everything clearly before your move goes ahead.

The paperwork you need for an international move will depend on the country you are moving to and the type of goods you are shipping.

As a guide, you may need a copy of your passport, visa or residency documents, a detailed inventory of the items you are moving, customs forms, and proof of your destination address.

United Removals will guide you through the paperwork needed for your destination and help make sure the correct documentation is in place before your belongings are shipped. Having your documents ready early can help avoid delays with customs clearance and delivery overseas.

For more information, you can also find some advice for our more popular destinations on our blog by typing your destination country into the search bar.

Shipment protection cover is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended for international removals.

United Removals takes care to pack and handle your belongings safely, using quality packing materials, experienced crews and accredited shipping partners. However, because your goods are being shipped overseas, it is sensible to have extra protection in place in case anything is lost or damaged during transit.

United Removals can offer flexible Shipment Protection Cover for your move. To arrange this, you will usually need to complete a valuation form listing the items you want covered and their value. Your Move Co-Ordinator can assist you with this.

Yes, there are some items you cannot ship when moving overseas, and the rules can vary depending on your destination country.

As a general guide, prohibited or restricted items include illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition, explosives, flammable goods, hazardous chemicals, counterfeit goods, some food products, plants, seeds, animal products and items made from endangered species. Some medicines, antiques, cultural items and high-value goods may also need special paperwork or approval before they can be shipped.

Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity laws, so they have more specific restrictions.

United Removals will advise you on restricted and prohibited items for your destination before your international move. If you are unsure whether something can be packed, it is always best to ask before collection, as restricted items can cause delays, extra charges or issues with customs clearance.

Items that are restricted rather than prohibited may require permission or import certificates, and we usually do not advise shipping them as they can cause delays in customs. These can include items such as medicines, air rifles, alcohol, ivory and other items needing CITES certificates.

Yes, United Removals can help with customs clearance as part of your international removals service. Our packing team will compile a complete customs inventory of your goods on your behalf.

Your belongings will need to pass through customs when they arrive in your destination country. United Removals works with local agents who can handle customs clearance on your behalf and ensure the correct process is followed.

You will still need to provide the required paperwork, such as your inventory, passport details, visa or residency documents, and any destination-specific customs forms. Your Move Co-Ordinator will guide you through what is needed before your shipment leaves the UK.

Having the right documents ready early can help avoid delays, extra charges or issues when your goods arrive overseas.

Yes, United Removals will keep you updated during your international move.

Your Move Co-Ordinator will be your main point of contact and will guide you through each stage of the removals process, including collection, packing, shipping, customs clearance and delivery. They can also answer any questions you have about paperwork, timings or what happens next.

International shipping times can vary depending on the destination, shipping route, customs clearance, and the type of removals service you choose. United Removals will give you an estimated timescale for your move and update you when key stages are reached, so you know where your shipment is in the process.

Yes, United Removals will keep you updated on the progress of your shipment during your international move.

Once your shipment has departed, we will provide you with a tracking number for the container, where available. This allows you to follow the progress of the container during transit, although international removals are not usually tracked in the same way as a parcel delivery.

Your Move Co-Ordinator will also update you at key stages, including collection, shipment departure, arrival at destination, customs clearance and final delivery.

For sea freight shipments, updates may depend on shipping line schedules, port processing times and the type of service you have chosen, such as a shared container or sole use container. United Removals will give you an estimated timescale for your shipment and let you know when important progress updates are available.

Once your goods have arrived in your destination country, they will need to go through the local arrival and customs clearance process before delivery can be arranged.

United Removals works with trusted destination agents who help manage this stage of your international move. They will assist with customs clearance, check that the correct paperwork is in place and contact you about the next steps for delivery.

Once your shipment has been cleared, your belongings will be prepared for final delivery to your new home. If your property is not ready, or you need more flexibility, storage may also be arranged depending on your destination and service.

Your Move Co-Ordinator and destination agent will keep you updated, so you know when your goods have arrived, when clearance is complete and when delivery can take place.

United Removals has several protections in place to help make your international move safer and more straightforward.

Your belongings can be professionally packed using suitable export packing materials, with specialist cartons, crates or antique packing arranged where required. This helps protect your goods during collection, handling, international shipping and delivery overseas.

Your move will also be managed with support at each key stage, including documentation guidance, customs clearance support and delivery through trusted destination agents. United Removals also uses accredited shipping lines for international removals, helping your shipment move through the correct channels.

We also only use major recognised shipping lines such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and ONE. Also, all our destination partners are hand-picked and FIDI FAIM-accredited – the highest international standard for international removals. This ensures that you receive the same high-quality service in your new country as you do in the UK.

For extra peace of mind, United Removals can offer Shipment Protection Cover. This is recommended for overseas removals, as it gives you added protection in the unlikely event that items are lost or damaged during transit.

If something is damaged, lost or delayed during your international move, please contact United Removals or our destination partner as soon as possible so the team can look into it for you.

It is best that you check your items carefully upon delivery.

For damaged items, take clear photos of the item, the packaging and any visible damage, and avoid throwing anything away until you have spoken to us. If you have Shipment Protection Cover in place, we will explain the next steps and what information is needed to support your claim.

If an item appears to be missing, your Move Co-Ordinator can help check the inventory, collection records and delivery paperwork to understand where the issue may have occurred.

Delays can sometimes happen during international removals due to customs inspections, port schedules, shipping line changes, weather or local delivery arrangements. If your shipment is delayed, United Removals will keep you updated and advise you on the expected next steps.

You do not need to have a confirmed removal date before contacting United Removals.

If you are still waiting for a completion date, visa approval, job start date, or travel plans to be confirmed, we can still talk you through your international removals options and provide guidance on the likely timescales.

In many cases, it is better to start planning early, even if your exact moving date may change. United Removals can arrange a home or video survey, estimate the volume of goods you are shipping and advise on the most suitable service for your move.

Once your removal date is confirmed, your Move Co-Ordinator can help finalise the collection date, shipping schedule and next steps.