Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to The United Kingdom from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to the United Kingdom.
Short answer
To move household goods from the U.S. to the UK without paying import duty or VAT, apply online for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief before the shipment lands. You generally need to have lived outside the UK for at least 12 months and to have owned and used your goods for at least 6 months. Most shipments go by sea container to a UK port and then by truck to your door.
Duty-free import rules for the United Kingdom
- Lived outside the UK for at least 12 months before moving.
- Owned and used the goods for at least 6 months (vehicles too).
- Apply for ToR relief online; you receive a ToR reference your mover uses at clearance.
- Goods generally must arrive within 12 months of your move.
- Do not sell, lend or hire out relieved goods for 12 months.
Official source: HMRC Transfer of Residence relief (GOV.UK).
Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.
Ports and delivery
Major container ports include Southampton, Felixstowe and London Gateway. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol.
Good to know
Cars imported to the UK need HMRC notification and DVLA registration. Pets follow separate APHA pet-travel rules.
Getting quotes for the United Kingdom
Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.
City-to-city routes to UK
Leaving from a U.S. city
- Moving abroad from Los Angeles
- Moving abroad from New York
- Moving abroad from San Francisco Bay Area
- Moving abroad from Chicago
- Moving abroad from Miami
- Moving abroad from Houston
- Moving abroad from Seattle
- Moving abroad from Boston
Licensed movers for the United Kingdom
Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay import duty on household goods moving to the UK?
Not if HMRC grants Transfer of Residence relief. Without it, duty and VAT can apply to the value of the goods.
When should I apply for ToR relief?
Before the goods arrive. Apply online on GOV.UK and give your mover the ToR reference.
Can I ship my car to the UK?
Yes. A car you owned and used for at least 6 months can be included in ToR relief, but it must still be registered with the DVLA.
How long does it take to ship household goods to the United Kingdom?
It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.
Which movers can ship my belongings to the United Kingdom?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.