Shipping Your Belongings Internationally: What to Know

Deciding what to do with your possessions is one of the most practically complex aspects of an international relocation. Do you ship everything, store some, sell what you do not need, or start fresh in your new country? How much does it actually cost? What are the customs rules? And how do you protect your belongings in transit? This guide answers the questions expats ask most.

Step 1: Decide What to Ship, Store, or Sell

Before you speak to a single removal company, invest time in a brutal declutter. International shipping is expensive — every cubic metre adds cost, and there is little sense in paying to ship items that will cost less to buy new at the other end.

A useful framework:

• High sentimental value / irreplaceable: ship (antiques, family heirlooms, artwork, books, specific furniture with history).
• Useful in the new country and bulky/expensive to replace: ship (quality mattress, dining table, specialist equipment, large appliances — subject to voltage compatibility).
• Useful but not expensive to buy locally: leave behind and replace locally or buy second-hand (many expat cities have thriving Facebook Marketplace communities with departing expat sales).
• Questionable whether you really need it: sell now. You are not the same person in a new country; your lifestyle will change.
• Appliances: check voltage and plug standards in your destination country. European countries use 220–240V with Type C/E/F plugs; the US uses 120V Type A/B; Australia uses Type I. High-power appliances (kettles, hair dryers, ovens) may not be compatible without expensive transformers. Research before shipping electrical items.

Step 2: Getting Quotes from International Removals Companies

International moves are quoted on volume (cubic metres or feet), distance, service type, and destination customs complexity.

Service levels:

Full Container Load (FCL). You have an entire shipping container to yourself — typically a 20-foot (33 cubic metres) or 40-foot (67 cubic metres) container. Best for large household moves. Offers better security (sealed at your home, opened at destination) and sometimes faster processing.

Less than Container Load (LCL). Your belongings share a container with other customers. Cheaper for smaller volumes but your goods are handled more (loaded and unloaded multiple times), which increases the risk of damage.

Air freight. Significantly more expensive but fast (days rather than months). Useful for a small consignment of essentials you need immediately on arrival — a suitcase's worth of household items, important documents, business equipment.

Groupage / shared container services are a common middle ground — your goods are consolidated with others' in a shared container, with collection and delivery coordination. Cheaper than FCL for smaller moves.

Getting like-for-like quotes:

Get at least three quotes from FIDI-accredited or BAR International Group-approved companies. These industry bodies maintain quality and ethical standards. For each quote, ensure you are comparing:

• Same volume (ask how they arrived at the volume estimate — some estimate generously, others lightly)
• Same service (door-to-door, or door-to-port?)
• Same insurance coverage
• Same customs clearance terms (who handles import customs, and at whose cost?)
• What is included in packing — do they pack for you, or do you pack and they load?

As of 2026, indicative costs for door-to-door services:

• UK to Spain/Portugal (LCL, small move ~15cbm): £1,500–3,000
• UK to Dubai (LCL, small move ~15cbm): £2,000–4,000
• UK to Singapore or Thailand (FCL 20ft): £4,000–8,000
• UK to Australia or New Zealand (FCL 20ft): £5,000–10,000
• UK to USA (FCL 20ft): £4,500–9,000

These are indicative only — actual costs vary significantly by timing, current shipping rates, and specific services.

Step 3: Packing — Professional vs Self-Pack

Professional packing (the removal company packs everything) is more expensive but:

• Significantly reduces the risk of damage claims being denied (insurers often reject claims for damage to items you packed yourself)
• Is dramatically less stressful
• Is essential for fragile, antique, or high-value items

Self-packing saves money but you bear the risk of improper packing. If you self-pack:

• Use purpose-made moving boxes, not supermarket boxes
• Double-box fragile items; use bubble wrap liberally
• Clearly label every box with destination room and contents (important for customs manifests)
• Keep a detailed inventory — you will need this for customs and insurance

Step 4: Customs and Import Duties

Customs is where many international moves encounter delays and unexpected costs. Every destination country has different rules. Key principles:

Household goods relief / duty-free import: Most countries allow you to import your personal effects and household goods duty-free when immigrating, provided:

1. You have owned the goods for a minimum period (typically 12 months; some countries require six months)
2. You are establishing permanent or long-term residency
3. You declare items correctly and provide supporting documentation

What you typically need:

• Your visa / residency permit (proof of new residency status)
• Detailed packing inventory (in the destination country's language, often required)
• Proof of prior residence in the UK (bank statements, utility bills)
• Proof of ownership period where required

Prohibited and restricted items: Most countries prohibit or restrict the import of certain goods — fresh food, soil, plant material (biosecurity), weapons, certain medications, pornography, and politically sensitive materials. Research your specific destination's prohibited items list before you pack.

New goods vs personal effects: New goods (still in original packaging, unused) may attract import duty even if part of a personal shipment. Declare accurately.

Customs delays: In some countries (Brazil, India, parts of Africa), customs clearance can take weeks or months. Budget for storage costs and temporary accommodation without your belongings.

Step 5: Shipping Insurance

Never ship without insurance. Even the most professional removal company experiences damage, loss, and theft — particularly for international moves involving ocean freight.

Types of cover:

All-risks (Comprehensive) cover. Covers loss, damage, and theft from any cause (with standard exclusions like war and seizure). The only cover worth having for household goods.

Total loss only cover. Covers only complete loss of the entire shipment (e.g., ship sinks). Does not cover individual item damage or partial loss. Usually inadequate.

Removal company's own insurance vs independent marine cargo insurance: Most removal companies offer their own insurance, which is convenient but may have lower limits or less favourable claims terms than specialist marine cargo insurance available from brokers like Basler, ARIS, or Roanoke Trade. For high-value items, compare both options.

Key points:

• Declare the full replacement value of everything you are shipping, not the second-hand value
• Check per-item limits — many policies have sub-limits for individual items of high value (jewellery, electronics, artwork)
• Understand the claims process — who do you call, within what timeframe must you notify damage, who assesses the claim?
• High-value individual items (artwork, antiques, jewellery) should be individually scheduled on the policy and may need specialist fine art transit insurance

A typical all-risks transit insurance premium is 1–3% of the declared value of the goods.

Step 6: Storing Items in the UK

Not everything needs to travel immediately. Self-storage in the UK provides a bridge for items you are unsure about — ship your essentials, store the rest, and decide within six to twelve months whether to ship to your new country, sell, or donate.

UK self-storage costs vary by location and unit size. Climate-controlled units (important for wood furniture, electronics, artwork) cost more but protect items better. Major providers include Safestore, Big Yellow, and Access Self Storage.

Ensure items left in storage are covered by a specific policy — standard contents insurance typically does not cover items in commercial storage without an explicit endorsement.

Step 7: Practical Timeline

A typical international shipment timeline:

• 8–12 weeks before move: Get surveys and quotes; choose removal company; book.
• 6–8 weeks before: Finalise what you are shipping; begin declutter and sale of unwanted items.
• 4 weeks before: Confirm move date with removal company; notify insurer; begin self-packing of non-essentials if applicable.
• 2 weeks before: Prepare customs documentation; confirm packing date with removal company.
• Moving day(s): Professional packers arrive; goods loaded; container sealed.
• In transit: Typically 4–10 weeks for ocean freight (closer destinations faster; Australia/NZ 6–10 weeks; Asia 4–8 weeks).
• On arrival: Clear customs; delivery to new address.

How Global Investments Can Help

Shipping and relocation logistics are not within Global Investments' core advisory scope, but they form part of the practical relocation picture we discuss with clients. We can refer clients to trusted relocation companies and project managers who coordinate the full move, allowing you to focus on the financial and legal aspects of your new life abroad. Speak to our team as part of your pre-departure planning conversation.

This guide is for general information only. Customs regulations, import duty rules, and insurance terms vary by country and change frequently. Always research your specific destination's requirements and seek appropriate professional advice. Investments can fall as well as rise in value.