Simpsons provides door-to-door removals to USA from the UK, with full customs support, professional packing, and flexible shipping options. Our experienced team coordinates every detail of your transatlantic move, from initial survey through final delivery at your new American home.
Quick Facts: UK to USA Removals
- Transit time: 2–8 weeks (sea freight) | 5–10 days (air freight)
- Shipping options: Full container, shared container, or air freight
- Service: Door-to-door with customs clearance, export packing, dedicated Move Manager
- Destinations: All US states including New York, California, Florida, Texas, Washington
Get started: Free removal quote or home survey for accurate pricing
Get the best quote and service for your overseas removal to USA – we’ll take care of everything from initial home survey to delivery to your new address.
Removals to the United States of America do not have to be difficult or stressful. At Simpsons International Removals we have years of experience helping people move overseas from the UK and our team are in place to help you have a seamless experience.
Simpsons provide many many helpful removal services such as a packing team who will wrap your furniture and personal effects. They will ensure your goods arrive in perfect condition by using high-quality boxes and packing materials designed for international removals. Whether you are looking look for a small removal service or a large household move, Simpsons has you covered.
We regularly help people move their belongings from all locations in the UK to all the major destinations in USA including Orlando Florida, Las Vegas, Sioux Falls South Dakota, North Dakota Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Diego, Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles California and Chicago. We even deliver to inland destinations such as Idaho, Minnesota, Colorado and Texas!
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 USA. 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 
The cost of removals to the USA will depend on the volume of goods you are looking to send. It will also be dependent on the service e.g. air freight or sea freight.
Air freight service is the quickest service for your house move. For a cheaper service, you can use sea freight.
You will have the option of using both air freight and sea freight. Customers often use an air freight service for goods that are more urgent in their move and use a sea freight service for goods that are not as high priority in their move abroad.
Our experienced international movers’ team will be able to guide you on whether you will need a 20ft container or a 40ft container for your move to the US.
Small removals to USA
If you are looking for a small removal service to USA 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.
International removal service to the USA
- Door to door Service (pick-up and delivery to your new home)
- Personally assigned Move Manager
- Export wrapping and packing service
- Professionally trained international packers service
- Inventory for customs purposes for removals
- Assistance with all USA documentation for moving overseas
- Standard customs clearance included for removals
- Antique and bespoke packing as required
- Use of accredited international shipping lines
- Storage Service in the UK or USA if needed
- Air Freight Service or Sea Freight Service for removals
- Moving furniture to the USA.
- Full container load & part container loads for removals
Removal Service To USA
Simpsons International Removals is a leading removal company, offering you a comprehensive range of services if you are looking to move your belongings to USA, 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 USA, 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 USA 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.
Cost of Removals to USA
Your removal cost depends on shipment volume, chosen shipping method, and additional services such as professional packing or storage.
| Volume / Service | Cost Range | Transit Time |
| Box Shipping (25-50 ft³)- air freight | £400-£1,250 | 5–10 days |
| Small shipment (250 ft³) – shared container | £1,200–£2,500 | 7-10 weeks |
| Part load – shared container (500 ft³) | £2,500–£6,000 | 7-10 weeks |
| 20ft container (1000 ft³) | £5,700–£7,100 | 2–6 weeks |
| 40ft container (2000 ft³) | £8,200–£10,600 | 2–6 weeks |
Prices include door-to-door service, standard customs clearance, and basic marine insurance. Use our cost calculator or book a home survey for precise pricing.
What Affects Price?
- Shipment volume: Measured in cubic metres or container size
- Access conditions: Steps, narrow lanes, or parking restrictions add handling complexity
- Packing level: Self-pack costs less than full professional packing
- Storage needs: Temporary storage in the UK or USA before delivery
- Customs duties: Used household goods are typically duty-free, but restrictions apply to certain items
How Long Does Shipping Take?
| Method | Total Time | Best For |
| Shared container | 7–10 weeks | Budget-conscious moves with flexible timelines |
| Sole-use container | 2–6 weeks | Larger households needing faster delivery |
| Air freight | 5–10 days | Urgent items or small shipments |
Timeline breakdown: Collection in UK (day 1) → Export processing (1–3 days) → Ocean crossing (10–14 days) → US customs clearance (3–7 days) → Final delivery (3–10 days depending on location).
Your Move Manager provides updates at each milestone and coordinates delivery around your arrival schedule.
What’s Included
Before shipping: Pre-move survey · Personal Move Manager · Export wrapping and packing · Furniture dismantling · Detailed inventory for customs
During transit: Secure container loading · Accredited shipping lines · Marine insurance · Customs documentation · Shipment tracking
Delivery in USA: Customs clearance assistance · Door-to-door delivery · Furniture reassembly · Optional unpacking · Packing material removal
Shipping Options
Shared Container (Part Load)
Your belongings share space with other shipments, reducing costs substantially. Each customer’s goods are separated, bar coded and inventoried. Transit takes 6–8 weeks due to consolidation at UK and US ports.
Suits studio or 1–2 bedroom homes, budget-focused relocations, and flexible delivery schedules.
Sole-Use Container (20ft or 40ft)
An entire container for your household provides faster transit and priority scheduling. A 20ft container suits most 2–3 bedroom homes (800-1,000 ft³), while a 40ft handles larger properties (1,800-2,300 ft³).
Best for family homes, time-sensitive moves, and valuable collections requiring dedicated transport.
Air Freight
Express courier service delivers boxes and essential items within 5–10 days. More expensive per cubic foot than sea freight, but ideal when you need belongings immediately.
Perfect for business documents, initial clothing, essential electronics, and urgent personal effects before your main shipment arrives.
Furniture Removals to USA
We ship all standard household furniture, including living room pieces, bedroom furniture, dining sets, office equipment, and outdoor items. Large or delicate pieces receive specialist protection— if required, we dismantle beds, wardrobes, and dining tables in the UK, wrap components individually, and reassemble everything at your US property.
Antiques, pictures and TVs can be custom-crated in wooden boxes for maximum protection during the transatlantic journey.
Note on appliances: Many UK electrical items only work in the USA with voltage converters, so check carefully before shipping. Many customers sell UK appliances and purchase locally to avoid compatibility issues.
Customs and Documentation
Moving household goods to the USA involves specific procedures. Simpsons manages customs on your behalf, but you’ll need specific documents ready.
Required Documentation
- Valid passport for all family members
- US visa or immigration papers (work visa, green card, etc.)
- Detailed inventory with approximate values (we prepare this during packing)
- Proof of UK residence (utility bills or tenancy agreement)
- US destination address
Duties and Exemptions
Used household goods for personal use are generally duty-free when relocating your primary residence. You must have owned and used items for at least one year. New or commercial goods may attract duties.
Restricted items: Some goods require permits or cannot be imported, including plant materials, certain food items, animal products, and alcohol beyond personal allowances. Your Move Manager advises on anything that might cause customs delays.
Popular US Destinations
We provide removals to USA destinations across all states, with frequent shipments to major metropolitan areas:
- East Coast: New York (primary port for Northeast), Florida (Miami, Orlando, Tampa), Massachusetts (Boston gateway to New England)
- West Coast: California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego), Washington (Seattle for Pacific Northwest)
- South and Central: Texas (Houston port serves entire South), Illinois (Chicago for Midwest distribution)
Our network ensures smooth delivery from port to your front door regardless of final location.
Storage Solutions
Need temporary storage during your move? We offer secure facilities in both countries.
When storage helps: UK property sold but US home not ready · Visa processing delays · Phased relocation · Downsizing decisions · Temporary accommodation period
UK facilities are climate-controlled and regularly inspected. US storage is arranged through trusted partners near your destination city, with flexible delivery once you’re settled.
How the Process Works
- Get your quote: Request a free quote online or book a home survey for accurate pricing
- Plan your move: Your dedicated Move Manager coordinates timelines, shipping, and documentation
- Professional packing: Trained packers wrap and protect belongings using specialist materials
- Collection and loading: Goods are loaded and transported to depot or port
- Shipping: Container travels from UK port (typically Southampton or Felixstowe) to your chosen US port
- Customs clearance: We handle all import procedures and paperwork (3–7 days)
- Final delivery: Items delivered to your new address, furniture reassembled, packing materials removed
How much does it cost to move from the UK to the USA?
Removals to USA typically range from £1,200 for small part-load shipments to over £9,000 for large sole-use containers. Your final price depends on volume, shipping method (shared container is more economical than sole-use), packing requirements, and current freight rates. Air freight for urgent small shipments runs £400–£2,500. Book a free home survey for precise pricing tailored to your move.
How long does shipping take from the UK to the USA?
Sea freight takes 2–8 weeks to port. Shared containers need 7–10 weeks due to consolidation time, while sole-use containers arrive in 4–6 weeks. The ocean crossing takes 10–14 days, with additional time for UK export processing, US customs clearance, and onward delivery. Air freight delivers urgent items within 5–10 days.
Do you offer door-to-door removals to the USA?
Yes, our international removals service includes complete door-to-door delivery. We collect from your UK property, manage shipping and customs, and deliver to your US residence. This covers packing, loading, freight, customs clearance, and final delivery with unpacking assistance. Your Move Manager coordinates the entire process.
Can I ship furniture and household goods to the USA?
You can ship virtually all furniture and household items, including sofas, beds, wardrobes, dining furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Items must be for personal use rather than commercial sale. We provide specialist packing for large or valuable pieces, dismantling where necessary and reassembling at your US property. Certain restrictions apply to plants, some foods, and animal products.
What documents do I need to ship to the USA?
You’ll need a valid passport, US visa or immigration documentation (work visa, green card, etc.), proof of UK residence, and your US destination address. We prepare a detailed inventory during packing for customs purposes. You must demonstrate you’re relocating your primary residence and have owned household goods for at least one year to qualify for duty-free entry. We guide you through all requirements and prepare customs paperwork.
Is shared container shipping available to the USA?
Yes, shared container (part load) shipping offers a cost-effective solution for smaller removals to USA. Your belongings share space with other shipments, reducing costs significantly. Each shipment is separated, labelled, and inventoried for security. Shared service takes 7–10 weeks door-to-door due to consolidation at UK and US ports. This suits studio apartments, 1–2 bedroom homes, and anyone with flexible timelines who wants economical international removals.
Contact our International Removals Consultants for advice and to get a quote for removals to the USA
Simpsons is one of the leading removal companies for providing helpful advice to our customers. Our International Removals consultant will be more than happy to help with your move to America and will answer any questions you may have about the removals process to the USA.
Our international removal service includes the USA, however, our comprehensive list of removals includes international moving to Europe and Overseas.
Complete the form below or cost calculator for an estimated cost for your removal to the USA. However, we recommend you book a home survey for an accurate quote for removals to the USA.
USA Removals FAQ Guide & Moving Checklist
How much do removals to USA from the UK cost?
The cost of removals to Amercia obviously varies greatly depending on the quantity you are taking and where in the USA you are moving to. The good news is that, as so many people move from the UK to United States, the cost of removals is surprisingly cheap – especially to areas around the big cities such as Washington, New York, Miami, Orlando and Los Angeles.
The cheapest removals to USA are by sea and costs per cubic feet decrease significantly as volume increases. You’ll certainly find that it is a lot cheaper to use our furniture removal service than to replace them all when you arrive in USA.
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 USA.
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 USA from the UK take?
Removals to America usually take 2-6 weeks for our full container service and 7-10 weeks for our part load (groupage) service. This times can very significantly depending on whether you are moving to the east coast of America, the west coast or one of the Midwestern states.
The times are for delivery to port, you will need to allow additional time for customs clearance on arrival in USA.
When relocating your belongings to USA, 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 Australia. We have storage facilities across the UK and can also store your goods in USA 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.
Removal Services for United States of America
At Simpsons we offer a variety of overseas removal 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 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 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 container with other customers’ belongings heading for the same part of USA.
This is a cheap option for removals to America as the costs are shared proportionally.
Box and Bag Removal Service
For small moves to USA we recommend our box and bag removal service. This is the cheapest way to move your belongings to USA. We provide you with export quality cartons / boxes and packing materials.
We then collect your packed boxes and transport them to the United States by air or sea freight depending on your preference and budget.
Popular states and cities we help people move to include:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Lousiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, North Carolina, Texas, New Orleans, Utah.
Our comprehensive service means we can undertake removals to any destination in the US. Contact us today to start the process of moving.
Furniture removals UK to USA
Moving furniture to USA from the UK needs far more care and attention than for a domestic removal. Each item is carefully packed by our removalists using export wrapping before being loaded into the container.
You can take all kinds of furniture to the United States including sofas, chairs, tables, cupboards and beds.
There are a variety of methods to send your car to the United States. For example in a container or by a roll-on-roll-off service.
It is often cost-effective to send your car in the same 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 send your car to USA. We suggest you contact our team to discuss options..
International Removal Insurance for your Move to USA
We would recommend taking out the shipment Protection Cover for peace of mind whilst your belongings are on their journey.
Whilst we have expert movers and packers who specialise in international removals and use accredited shipping lines that 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
We offer secure storage in both the UK and USA as part of our removals to USA service. If your American property isn’t ready, we can store belongings at our UK facility before shipping, or arrange US storage through partners near your destination. Facilities are climate-controlled with flexible terms. This helps when you’re waiting for visa finalisation, property completion, or staying in temporary accommodation.
You receive regular updates throughout your move at key milestones: container loading, UK port departure, ocean transit, US port arrival, customs clearance, and before final delivery. Your Move Manager maintains contact with shipping lines and destination agents to monitor progress.
All shipments include limited liability cover. We pack professionally to minimise risk, and damage claims are rare. If something arrives damaged, note it immediately on delivery paperwork. However, we highly recommend you take out Marine Insurance or we can assist you with very flexible and cost-effective Shipment Protection Cover. We assist with the insurance claim process. Enhanced valuation cover is available for particularly valuable items.
You or a designated representative must be present at your US property. The delivery team needs access to place furniture in specific rooms, reassemble items, and obtain your signature. If you can’t be there, authorise someone else in advance—they’ll need identification.
We partner with specialist currency transfer services offering competitive exchange rates. Transferring pounds to dollars through a dedicated service can save significant amounts compared to high-street bank rates for removal payments, property deposits, or living expenses.
We can arrange vehicle shipping either with your household goods or in a separate container. Cars ship in dedicated vessels or containers. Your vehicle must meet US emissions and safety standards, which can be complex for UK-spec cars. Import duties apply, and modifications may be necessary. Many customers sell their UK vehicle and purchase in the USA due to these complications.
Certain items are restricted or prohibited: most fresh food, plants and seeds, soil, some animal products, weapons (require permits), hazardous materials, and illegal substances. Alcohol and tobacco have quantity limits. Prescription medications should be carried personally with prescriptions. Your Move Manager reviews your inventory to identify potentially problematic items before packing.
Our air freight service is perfect for boxes, suitcases, or smaller personal effects. This suits temporary relocations, sending belongings to students abroad, or delivering urgent items ahead of a main shipment. Air freight delivers within 5–10 days. While more expensive per cubic metre, it’s cost-effective for small volumes where speed matters.
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.
