Returning to India after time abroad, or relocating for a new role, involves more than shipping household goods. Indian customs regulations, longer transit distances, and port-specific clearance procedures mean that careful planning is essential to avoid delays and unexpected costs.
Professional removals to India typically take 4–8 weeks door-to-door, with costs ranging from £1,800 to £8,500, depending on shipment volume and destination city. Indian customs processes are detailed and often require accurate documentation and, in many cases, your physical presence during clearance. An experienced international removals company manages TR eligibility, port-specific requirements, and coordination with licensed Indian customs brokers, so the move progresses smoothly while you focus on the transition itself.
Get the best quote and service for your overseas removal from the UK to India – we’ll take care of everything from the initial home survey to delivery to India.
Looking to move to India? We as a removal company believe that moving to India should not be difficult or stressful. Our years of experience mean that our skills are perfected and we will provide you with high-quality overseas removals services to India. This includes helping to move your personal belongings to countries outside the UK.
We handle all kinds of moves. From small International removals services to full household International removals services. Our services also include furniture shipping to India (as well as vehicles, box shipping, and even delicate items such as musical instruments).
Simpsons International Removals specialise in overseas removals and have a reputation for being one of the best removals companies for moving from the UK to India. No matter whether it’s household goods, shipping personal effects or wrapping and packing, we can give you a comprehensive removals quote.
Simpsons is Rated Excellent on Trustpilot 
If you have plans to relocate to India in the near future, it is highly recommended to ship the majority of your belongings rather than replace them locally. The cost of purchasing new items in India can be significantly higher, making shipping a cost-effective option.
Moving to India from the other side of the world involves a complex process, unlike relocating within the UK. However, with Simpsons, a specialist international removal company, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that your personal effects and furniture will be handled with care and expertise. By choosing our services, you not only ensure the safety of your belongings but also save money during your move to India.
The actual transit time for your removals to India will vary depending on whether you opt for air freight service or sea freight service. If you require quicker delivery of your household goods, our air freight service is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if cost-effectiveness is a priority and you are flexible with the arrival time, our sea freight service offers a more economical solution for transporting your belongings to India.
Small removals to India
If you are looking for a small removal service to India from the UK, we can help you. Whether you are looking to ship a couple of boxes or luggage, our removal service will ensure your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
You can have the option of our economy part loads road freight service, shared shipping container or express air freight.
For further information, our International Moving specialists will be able to help with your needs when moving to India from the UK. As part of our India service, we will provide help with India customs, documentation & questions surrounding your India removal
Whether you are looking to move to India for a new job, or to explore the world outside of the UK, Simpsons from start to finish will make international removals to India easy for your household goods.
For a quick quote and to receive more information about our removals service click on our cost calculator or self-survey form to receive a free non-obligated estimated quick quote.
Or, if you would like a free home survey click here and fill out the forms, and our removals to India moving specialists will be on task to help you.
Removal Service To India
Simpsons International Removals is a leading removal company, offering you a comprehensive range of services if you are looking to move your belongings to India, each tailored to meet different needs and budgets.
Sea Freight Service – Container Shipping
For those who might be moving larger quantities of goods or seeking an even more cost-effective solution, sea freight services are also available. Whether that’s a full-load 20ft or 40ft container for larger moves or a part-load container for smaller quantities, sea freight is known for its economic value, especially for substantial moves, and while it may take longer than road transport, it offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting your goods over longer distances.
Air Freight Service – For Small Moves
For the quickest transportation of your belongings to India, air freight is the recommended option. This express courier service is ideal for smaller moves, such as sending boxes or luggage. Air freight stands out for its speed, making it the perfect choice for those who need their items to arrive in India as quickly as possible. However, it is important to note that while air freight is the fastest method, it is generally more expensive than road or sea freight and is best suited for larger volumes of goods.
Contact our International Removals Consultants for advice and to get a quote for removals to India
Our International removals consultant will make your international move to India easier. The international removals consultants will be able to advise you based on your specific needs and requirements. Due to the number of overseas moves we conduct our team is highly knowledgeable about the removals process and will be extremely helpful.
We recommend you book a home or video survey to get a more accurate quote for your international removals from the UK to India For a home survey, our surveyors will provide you with a quote based on the volume of goods and the size of the move.
However, if you wish to receive a quick free quote for moving to India, visit our cost calculator to receive a free quote.
Simpsons is a reliable & trustworthy removal company that you can be sure will offer a great service for your move to India. Contact us today.
Which International Removals Company Is Best for Shipping Household Goods to India from the UK?
While your individual circumstances will always play a role in the selection process, there are clear standards that reliable providers consistently meet when handling international removals to India. Indian customs procedures are more detailed than those of many other destinations, which makes credentials, experience, and local coordination especially important. If you’re looking for a company that carries out removals to India, there are a few non-negotiable qualifications to look for.
Non-Negotiable Qualifications
| Credential | Why It Matters |
| BAR Membership | British Association of Removers membership ensures financial protection and professional standards |
| FIDI-FAIM Accreditation | Global quality certification for international movers with rigorous annual audits |
| India-Specific Experience | Indian customs procedures differ substantially from those of other destinations |
| Established Destination Network | Local partners in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and regional cities |
India presents practical challenges that generalist movers often underestimate. Customs clearance alone requires specialist knowledge, from interpreting Transfer of Residence eligibility rules to handling port-specific processes at locations such as Nhava Sheva and Chennai.
A company worth trusting will:
- Conduct a thorough pre-move survey (in-home or video)
- Provide a detailed, itemised quotation with no hidden charges
- Assign a dedicated move coordinator familiar with Indian regulations
- Offer transparent insurance options with clear terms
- Maintain direct relationships with Indian customs brokers
With over five decades of international removals experience, Simpsons has established trusted partnerships across India’s major cities, ensuring your overseas removals to India proceed smoothly from collection to delivery. Contact us to discuss how we can support your relocation.
How Much Does a Door-to-Door Removal Service to India Typically Cost for a Family Home?
The cost of a door-to-door removal service to India varies because pricing is driven by shipment volume, destination city, and how the goods are shipped. Family homes tend to fall into a few common volume ranges, which makes it easier to estimate costs once container type and destination are known. The table below shows typical price ranges for UK to India removals based on property size and shipping method.
UK to India Removals: Cost Breakdown
| Shipment Size | Groupage (Shared) | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
| 1-bed flat (150–300 cu ft) | £1,800 – £2,800 | Not cost-effective | N/A |
| 2–3 bed house (400–700 cu ft) | £2,800 – £4,200 | £4,200 – £5,800 | N/A |
| 4+ bed house (800+ cu ft) | Not practical | £5,200 – £6,500 | £6,800 – £8,500 |
Prices are indicative for Mumbai and Chennai. Inland destinations such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad typically add £350–£700 for domestic transport.
Additional cost factors specific to India:
- Customs duty: Personal effects owned for 12 months or more usually enter duty-free under Transfer of Residence provisions, while newer items may attract duties of 35–40%
- Port charges: Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) generally offers more competitive handling rates than smaller ports
- Bonding requirements: Certain visa categories require customs bonds during clearance
- Local delivery conditions: Floor level, lift access, and road accessibility can all affect final delivery costs
Estimates for removals to India can vary widely without an accurate volume assessment. A professional home survey confirms container size, shipping method, and likely costs before anything is booked. Request a comprehensive quote from Simpsons Removals.
Are There Reputable Removal Firms That Handle Packing and Customs for Moves to India?
Yes, and for moves to India, choosing a company that integrates professional packing with customs management isn’t an optional extra. It’s essential.
Indian customs authorities carry out detailed inspections and cross-check packing inventories against the physical contents of each shipment. Even small inconsistencies can lead to extended inspections, delays, or additional charges. Professional packing helps reduce those risks by providing:
- Customs-compliant inventories that meet CBEC (Central Board of Excise and Customs) documentation requirements
- Export-grade packing materials designed to protect belongings from tropical humidity and extended handling
- Photographic packing records that support insurance claims and customs queries
- Clear item categorisation separating goods with different duty or clearance implications
“Indian customs can hold shipments for weeks if documentation doesn’t match contents precisely. We’ve seen DIY-packed shipments incur ₹50,000+ in unexpected duties and storage charges because a packing list stated ‘kitchenware’ while electronics were mixed in.”
— Simpsons International Move Coordinator
A comprehensive service for shipping household goods to India typically includes:
- a pre-move survey with accurate volume assessment
- professional export packing using appropriate materials
- preparation of all required customs documentation
- coordination with a licensed Indian customs broker
- marine transit insurance options
- door-to-door delivery with optional unpacking
When packing and customs are handled together, the move is easier to manage and far less likely to stall at clearance.
Speak to our India removals team to plan your move properly →
What Is the Cheapest but Reliable Way to Move Furniture and Personal Items to India?
Groupage (shared container) shipping is the cheapest reliable relocation services to India, provided your shipment volume is small enough. Cost efficiency depends on shipping volume, timeline flexibility, and whether the cost savings outweigh longer transit times. The comparison table below shows where groupage makes sense versus a dedicated container.
Groupage vs. Dedicated Container: Decision Guide
| Factor | Groupage | Dedicated Container |
| Ideal for | Under 500 cu ft | 600+ cu ft |
| Cost structure | Per cubic foot (£5–8) | Fixed container rate |
| Transit time | 6–8 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Departure schedule | Fixed (typically fortnightly) | Flexible |
| Customs clearance | Consolidated with others | Individual processing |
| Best value threshold | Below 450 cu ft | Above 550 cu ft |
Besides your choice of container, there are a few practical ways to reduce overall costs without increasing risk:
- Declutter aggressively
Every cubic foot adds cost. Shipping a low-value item rarely makes sense when replacement in India is cheaper. - Self-pack non-fragile items
Books, clothing, and linens can often be packed safely yourself using quality boxes, reducing labour charges. - Plan timing carefully
March and April are peak months due to corporate relocations, which can push prices higher. - Buy selectively in India
Furniture, appliances compatible with 220V, and household textiles are often cheaper to purchase locally than ship.
Combining groupage shipping with careful planning is usually the most cost-effective way to relocate to India for smaller household moves.
Can I Book a Part-Load or Groupage Shipment with an International Removals Company to India?
Yes. Groupage (part-load) shipping is a practical and cost-effective option for overseas removals to India when you’re not moving a full household. It allows you to pay only for the space you use while still receiving professional packing, customs handling, and door-to-door delivery.
Groupage works particularly well for:
- Returning NRIs sending sentimental items while purchasing basics locally
- Corporate assignees with company-provided furnished accommodation
- Retirees downsizing significantly before relocation
- Students or young professionals with limited possessions
What’s included in groupage service:
- Professional packing to the same standards as dedicated containers
- Full insurance coverage options
- Complete customs documentation
- Delivery to your Indian address (ground floor; stairs/lift may incur charges)
Groupage limitations to consider:
- Fixed sailing schedules (typically every 2–3 weeks to major ports)
- Slightly longer transit times due to consolidation
- Your shipment clears customs with others, occasionally causing minor delays
- Not practical for volumes exceeding 500 cubic feet
For very small shipments (under 100 cu ft), air freight may prove more practical despite higher per-kilo costs.
If you’re unsure whether groupage is suitable for your move, a survey will confirm volume and the most cost-effective shipping method.
Request a groupage quote for your move to India →
How Do I Compare Quotes from International Movers for a Full Container Shipment to India?
Quotes for international removals to India often vary because companies price the move in different ways. One quote may include full packing, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery, while another may leave those costs out. Comparing quotes properly means checking exactly what each price includes, not just the total shown.
Quote Comparison Checklist
| Service Element | Questions to Verify |
| Survey method | In-home, video, or estimate? Is volume guaranteed? |
| Packing scope | Full professional pack? Export-quality materials? |
| Insurance | Basic liability or comprehensive? What’s the excess? |
| Shipping route | Direct sailing or transhipment via Singapore/Colombo? |
| Customs | Documentation included? Indian broker fees covered? |
| Delivery | Port only, city depot, or your door? Stairs included? |
| Hidden charges | Fuel surcharges, currency adjustments, port fees? |
Warning signs when reviewing quotes:
- Vague wording such as “Destination charges TBC” or similar
- No itemised breakdown of services
- Significantly below-market pricing without explanation
- Reluctance to conduct a proper survey
- No mention of customs clearance procedures
- Pressure to commit quickly
Any reputable provider that offers moving services to India welcomes detailed questions and provides written, comprehensive responses, so you know exactly what’s included before you commit.
Which Removals Services to India Provide Insurance Coverage for High-Value Items?
Marine transit insurance matters more when shipping to India because the journey exceeds 6,000 miles, involves multiple handling points, and includes extended transit times. While most removals services include some level of cover, protection for high-value items varies widely between providers and policies.
Insurance Options Comparison
| Coverage Level | Protection | Typical Premium | Recommended For |
| Basic Liability | Weight-based compensation (minimal) | Usually included | Very low-value moves |
| Full Replacement | Current market value replacement | 2–4% of declared value | Most family relocations |
| All-Risks | Comprehensive including accidental | 3–5% of declared value | Antiques, artwork, instruments |
High-value items requiring special consideration:
- Antiques and artwork: Professional valuation recommended; may require separate policy
- Musical instruments: Climate-controlled shipping options; custom crating essential
- Electronics: Document serial numbers; consider voltage compatibility (India uses 220V)
- Jewellery: Generally advisable to carry personally or use a specialist courier
- Wine collections: Temperature variations during sea transit can affect quality
Discuss specific high-value items during your survey, as some pieces may require individual insurance arrangements or alternative shipping methods to reflect their value, fragility, or replacement cost accurately.
What Are the Typical Transit Times for Sea Freight Removals to India from Europe?
Sea freight transit times to India vary by destination port and whether the shipment moves direct or via transhipment hubs. Door-to-door timelines also include packing, customs clearance, and inland delivery, which is why total transit is measured in weeks rather than days. The table below shows typical port-to-port and end-to-end timelines for UK to India removals.
Sea Freight Transit Times: UK to India
| Destination | Port-to-Port | Door-to-Door (Total) |
| Mumbai (Nhava Sheva) | 18–22 days | 4–6 weeks |
| Chennai | 20–25 days | 5–7 weeks |
| Kolkata | 24–30 days | 5–8 weeks |
| Cochin | 20–24 days | 5–7 weeks |
Inland destinations such as Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune typically add 5–10 days for domestic transport and customs transfer after port clearance.
Several factors influence overall transit time:
- Routing: Direct sailings are faster, while transhipment via Colombo or Singapore adds 4–7 days
- Monsoon season: June–September can cause port congestion, particularly Mumbai and Kolkata
- Customs processing: 3–10 days depending on documentation accuracy and inspection requirements
- Festival periods: Diwali, Holi, and regional holidays can slow processing
What Customs Rules Should I Know When Using a Removals Service to Move Household Goods to India?
Indian customs regulations are detailed and strictly enforced. Understanding how clearance works before shipping helps avoid storage charges, delays, and unexpected duty.
Essential documentation:
- Valid passport with appropriate Indian visa (employment, entry, OCI/PIO)
- Detailed packing list with item descriptions, quantities, and values
- Bill of lading (provided by removals company)
- Declaration confirming items owned 12+ months (for duty exemption)
- Letter of undertaking regarding disposal restrictions
Duty Liability by Status
| Importer Category | Duty on Personal Effects | Key Requirements |
| Returning Indian citizen (NRI 2+ years) | Exempt under TR | Items owned 12+ months |
| Foreign national (employment) | Exempt (bonded) | Valid work visa; undertaking |
| OCI/PIO cardholder | Concessional rates | Documentation of status |
| Tourist/short-term visitor | Full duty applicable | Limited quantities permitted |
Critical Requirement: You must be physically present in India, or have appointed an authorised customs clearing agent, when your shipment arrives for clearance. Arriving after your goods incurs significant storage charges (₹2,000–5,000 daily) and complicates the clearance process.
What Items Are Restricted or Prohibited in India?
India maintains strict lists of prohibited and restricted items. Attempting to ship these can result in seizure, fines, or prosecution.
Prohibited items (cannot be shipped):
- Firearms and ammunition (without specific import licence)
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances
- Counterfeit goods and currency
- Pornographic material
- Maps depicting incorrect Indian borders
- Satellite phones (without Department of Telecommunications approval)
- Certain endangered species products
Restricted Items (Permits Required or Duties Apply)
| Item Category | Restriction Details |
| Alcohol | 2 litres duty-free; excess attracts 150%+ duty |
| Tobacco | Personal quantities only |
| Gold/jewellery | Must declare; duty above personal limits |
| Electronics | Serial numbers documented; some items face restrictions |
| Vehicles | 100%+ import duty; rarely practical |
| Plants/seeds | Phytosanitary certification required |
| Medicines | Prescription required; some substances prohibited |
Remember to confirm the acceptability of your package before packing, especially when there is any uncertainty. Shipping restricted items can lead to item seizure, fines, and delays that affect the entire shipment.
How Do I Arrange a Pre-Move Survey for an International Relocation to India?
A pre-move survey is the starting point for any accurate international relocation to India. It allows the removals company to confirm shipment volume, identify packing and access requirements, and assess customs considerations before pricing or schedules are finalised. Without a survey, quotes become based on assumptions, which increases the chance of price changes, delays, or scope adjustments once the move is underway.
Survey process:
- Initial contact: Provide approximate move date, UK address, Indian destination, and rough indication of volume.
- Survey scheduling: Choose an in-home visit (most accurate for large moves) or video survey (convenient and suitable for most relocations).
- Comprehensive assessment: The surveyor catalogues all items to be shipped room by room, identifies special handling requirements for pianos, antiques, and fragile items, and notes access considerations at both origin and destination.
- Detailed discussion: Covering your timeline flexibility, insurance requirements and high-value items, customs eligibility and documentation needs, plus budget parameters and service options.
- Written quotation: Detailed, itemised pricing within 48 hours.
- Planning consultation: Finalise logistics, address questions, and confirm booking.
Accurate planning at this stage prevents changes later and ensures pricing reflects your move, not estimates.
Arrange a pre-move survey with a Simpsons Removals team member to confirm volume, costs, and customs requirements →
Start Your India Move with Simpsons
Moving from the UK to India involves navigating some of the most detailed customs procedures in international removals. Requirements such as Transfer of Residence eligibility, documentation checks, and presence during clearance mean the process needs careful planning from the outset.
The difference between a smooth relocation and a costly nightmare often comes down to documentation accuracy, customs knowledge, and established destination networks. Professional services handle these complexities, allowing you to focus on the exciting aspects of your new chapter.
Simpsons has facilitated thousands of successful international removals to India and its many locales, from metropolitan Mumbai to emerging tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad. Our comprehensive door-to-door service includes everything discussed here: professional export packing, complete customs documentation, marine insurance options, and reliable final delivery through our trusted Indian partners.
Ready to start planning your move to India?
India Removals FAQ Guide & Moving Checklist
How much do International removals to India from the UK cost?
The cost of removals to India obviously varies greatly depending on the quantity you are taking and where in India you are moving to. The good news is that, as so many people move from the UK to India, the cost of removals is surprisingly cheap.
The cheapest removals to India are by sea and costs per cubic feet decrease significantly as volume increases. You’ll certainly find that it is a lot cheaper to ship your furniture and other items than to replace them all when you arrive in India.
We offer a range of removal options depending on your budget. This includes economy part load road freight or shared shipping container, dedicated road freight or full container load by sea or express air freight for small and urgent moves.
You can use our online cost calculator to get an initial price or for a more accurate estimate, we highly recommend booking a home or video survey to get a more formal quote for the cost of your move to India.
Remember our removal quotes are for a comprehensive door-to- door service including packing and standard customs clearance. Our quote does not include customs fees and duties which may be payable to local authorities on arrival.
How long do removals to India from the UK take?
Removals to India usually take 6-8 weeks for our full container service.
Removals to India will take up to 8-12 weeks for our part load (groupage) service.
These shipping times are for delivery to port, you will need to allow additional time for customs clearance on arrival in India.
Furniture removals UK to India
Moving furniture to India from the UK needs far more care and attention than for a domestic removal. Each item is carefully packed using export wrapping before being loaded into the shipping container.
You can take all kinds of furniture to India including sofas, chairs, tables, cupboards as well as white goods such as washing machines and fridge freezers.
When relocating your belongings to India, Simpsons’ comprehensive packing services have you covered. Our expert packing teams excel in export wrapping your furniture and efficiently packing boxes to ensure their safe arrival in flawless condition. Our highly trained packing crews specialise in packing for overseas moves and have years of experience.
We offer a range of export quality double-walled boxes of different sizes including tea cartons, book cartons and bike cartons. Other packing materials include blanket wrap, flow pack, bubble wrap and secure packing tape.
We can also provide bespoke custom wood cases and crates for delicate and special items that need additional protection. Our service also includes specialised antique packing, ensuring these valuable items are meticulously protected.
With our extensive experience in managing delicate and fragile items, we assure that every piece, from everyday furniture to precious antiques, receives the highest level of care and professional handling throughout the moving process.
We provide a range of storage services for your belongings if you moving to India. We have storage facilities across the UK and can also store your goods in India until you are ready to receive them.
We have highly secure warehouses and can offer a range of flexible storage solutions depending on your needs including short term and longer term storage.
As Indians drive on the left side of the road, it could be well worth your while taking your car with you to India – especially if it’s a new, luxury or classic model.
It is often cost effective to send your car in the same shipping container as your house removal so that everything arrives at the same time.
There are some import requirements you need to be aware of before you ship your car to India. We suggest you contact our team to discuss options and the shipping process.
Removal and Shipping Services for India
At Simpsons we offer a variety of overseas removal and shipping services to meet your needs. Do not worry if you are unsure about which is most suitable for you as our advisers will be happy to talk you through the different options.
Full Household Overseas Removal Service
For full household removal of a 3 or 4 bedroom house we would usually recommend a full shipping container for your sole use. These usually come in two sizes –20 and 40 ft.
We will pack the container at your house and it will be secured and customs sealed before heading off to the port.
Shared Container (Part Load) Overseas Removal Service
For smaller moves with furniture, boxes and other items, the most cost effective option is our shared container shipping service, sometimes called part load. In this case, we pack your belongings at your home and take them to one of our depots where they will be loaded into a shipping container with other customers belongings heading for the same part of India.
This is a cheap option for removals to India as the shipping costs are shared proportionally.
Box and Bag Shipping Service
For small moves to India we recommend our box and bag shipping service. This is the cheapest way to move your belongings to India. We provide you with export quality cartons / boxes and packing materials.
We then collect your packed boxes and transport them to India by air or sea freight depending on your preference and budget.
International Removal Insurance for your Move to India
We would recommend taking out Shipment Protection Cover for peace of mind whilst your belongings are on their journey.
Whilst we have expert packers who specialise in international removals and use accredited shipping lines who take special care of personal shipping containers, we cannot control every eventuality.
Just as you will likely have home contents insurance in the UK and travel insurance for your family, we recommend you discuss with your Move Manager the available options for protecting your belongings whist they are in transit.
Although Simpsons will take care of all the details they can for you, this convenient checklist will make preparing for the move as simple and worry free as possible.
Moving out: Before the removal men arrive, be clear in what they are contracted to do and what you are expected to do. If in doubt, ask the surveyor or a member of our staff. Ordinarily, both householder and the removal men have fairly defined responsibilities (though a measure of flexibility on both sides is of course desirable)
Children: Children, who are naturally curious and can easily get in the way, may potentially be injured. The younger ones are best left with a neighbour or friend until it is time to leave.
Swings/Climbing frames: Generally dismantling these is one job you will do yourself, but be careful not to lose the bolts. If you wish us to arrange dismantling please discuss this with our surveyor
Garage/Shed: Tie together garden tools, and prepare items to be lifted straight onto the vehicle.
Self assembly furniture: If you have any furniture of the home assembly type particularly if made of chipboard, please note that we recommend dismantling units before the move, as the joints are seldom strong enough to survive even careful handling if the furniture is moved whilst still assembled.
Washing machines: Secure your washing machine drum, and disconnect from water supply and electric.
Books: Books are very heavy, use our book cartons as they are smaller and easier to manage.
China & glass: Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, packing the heavier items first with lighter pieces on top. Remember that plates and dishes are packed vertically and not laid flat.
Moving in: Make sure that you (or some other responsible person) is on hand to admit the removal men. If no-one is there and a reasonable waiting time expires, you could find yourself landed with storage and re-delivery charges. Enquire how long the vehicle will wait should you be inadvertently delayed on the way. It can also save time and confusion if you stand at the entrance and specify the location of each item as it is carried in.
Helping the move along: If you follow the guidelines suggested on this page you will find the removal men themselves responding to your good sense with extra efficiency and relaxed good humour. You can also help the move along by remembering to pack the kettle last. A cup of tea all round is a gesture always much appreciated.
Tipping: There is, of course, no obligation to tip the men, but, as with all personal services, people like to reward extra attention, willing good humour or a job well done. If you feel that a reward has been earned, the driver or packer in charge will distribute any gratuity given amongst the crew.
Who to tell
Utility Bills: Gas, Electricity, Water & Telephone
Banks/Building Society: Credit cards, standing orders
Doctors: Dentist, Medical Care & Private health care
Insurance: House, Contents, Car & Life insurance
Your Landlord
Your Tenants
Professional Advisors: Solicitors, Accountant
Relatives/Friends
Sky/Cable: TV Licence
TV Rental
Your Employer
DVLA
National Insurance/DHSS
Premium Bonds
Libraries
Post Office: Mail Redirection
Local Authority: Removal from electoral register
Insurance Companies: Household insurance, vehicle insurance
Schools
Your Personal arrangements
Here are the issues that should be addressed well ahead of time to ensure smooth transition to your new life abroad.
Passports and visas: for yourself and your family
Work permit: if needed
Inoculations: for yourself, your family and your pets
Travel bookings completed
Tickets received
Overseas accommodation booked
International driver’s licence
Traveller’s cheques and currency
Charge cards issued
Overseas banking arrangements / funds transferred
Power of Attorney
Income Tax refund arrangements
Personal accident and medical insurance: for yourself and your family
Insurance for your valuable possessions
Arrange care and transportation of your pets: They hate moving more than humans and so need special attention – see Transfur Animals
Currency transfer – FC Global Payments
UK to India removals typically cost between £1,800 and £7,000. The final price depends on shipment volume, destination city, and whether you choose groupage or dedicated container shipping. Coastal port cities like Mumbai and Chennai are generally less expensive than inland destinations, requiring additional domestic transport.
You need a valid passport with an Indian visa, a detailed packing list, a bill of lading, and a declaration confirming ownership of items for 12+ months to qualify for duty exemption. Your international removals to India company prepares most documentation, but you must provide personal information and signatures.
Sea freight to India takes 4–8 weeks door-to-door when shipping household goods to India. Transit times depend on the destination port and whether your goods travel to coastal or inland cities. Mumbai typically offers the fastest clearance, while inland destinations add additional days for domestic transport.
Reputable international movers prepare all customs documentation and coordinate with licensed Indian brokers. However, you must be present in India during the clearance process, or appoint an authorised agent to act on your behalf. This requirement is non-negotiable under Indian customs regulations.
Prohibited items include firearms, satellite phones, and certain maps. Restricted items like alcohol (over 2 litres), gold, and electronics face quantity limits or significant duties. Your removals to India specialist will advise on specific restrictions during the survey process.
Basic liability coverage is typically included in overseas removals to India quotes, but this offers minimal protection based on weight rather than value. Comprehensive full replacement value insurance is strongly recommended and costs 2–4% of your declared shipment value.
The best provider for relocation services to India holds BAR membership and FIDI accreditation, demonstrates specific Indian customs expertise, maintains destination partnerships across major cities, and offers transparent pricing with no hidden charges. Look for companies with dedicated India move coordinators.
Call: 01322 949 557
Simpsons are a long established and quality approved company operating to British Standards across the UK, for all European, International and Commercial removals
WhatClients Say
Please browse our selection of testimonials from recent house moves, relocations and other services used.
