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Moving to the UK?
Let us make it easy for you.

From the United States to your new home in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, iLines International simplifies overseas moving with thoughtful planning, reliable shipping options and dedicated destination support.

Get Your Free UK Moving Quote Compare Shipping Options

Door-to-door relocation services20ft & 40ft private containersGroupage with destination port & terminal charges included

Relocation without the guesswork

Moving to Britain, made easier.

A move across the Atlantic is exciting, but organizing packing, ocean freight, customs paperwork and delivery can feel overwhelming. At iLines International, we help turn that long to-do list into a clear, coordinated moving plan. Whether you are relocating for work, joining family, retiring or returning home, our team and UK destination office can guide you from first quote through delivery.

Choose what fits your move

Two smart ways to ship your household goods to the UK

From a few treasured boxes to an entire family home, we offer flexible ocean freight solutions to suit your shipment volume, timing and budget.

Ideal for larger household moves

Private Container Shipping — 20ft & 40ft

Enjoy dedicated container space for your belongings, with 20-foot and 40-foot full-container (FCL) options. A private container is a practical choice when relocating the contents of a full home or shipping larger volumes.

Dedicated space for your household goods
20ft containers for many small-to-medium household moves
40ft containers for larger homes and higher volumes
Professional packing, loading and UK delivery options

Final container size depends on your inventory, access, and shipment requirements.

Great value for smaller shipments

Door-to-Door Groupage Service

Only need to ship part of a household? Our door-to-door groupage service consolidates your goods with other shipments, allowing you to pay for the space you need rather than an entire container.

Ideal for boxes, furniture and smaller moves
Collection, consolidation, ocean shipping and delivery coordination
Destination port fees included
Destination terminal handling charges (DTHC) included

Consolidated shipments travel on shared-container schedules; exact services are stated in your quotation.

More clarity. Fewer destination surprises.

Our UK groupage rates include standard destination port fees and destination terminal handling charges (DTHC), helping you budget more confidently. Customs duties or taxes, inspections, storage, unusual access and other charges are separate when applicable; review your written quotation for full inclusions.

Understand UK customs relief

Moving to the UK? You may qualify to import your belongings duty- and tax-free.

Many people relocating to the United Kingdom may be eligible for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which can allow qualifying household goods and personal effects to enter without import duty and import VAT.

The relief is not automatic. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reviews applications, and customers should apply for ToR approval before their belongings are shipped and provide the approved reference number for customs clearance.

How to apply for ToR relief

Prepare your inventory of the household goods and personal possessions you plan to ship.
Apply online to HMRC using the ToR1 application, with the identity, residency and shipment information it requests.
Receive your unique ToR reference following approval and share it with iLines International and your destination agent before shipping.
Complete customs formalities with your UK destination representative so eligible goods can be declared under the relief.

Apply for ToR on GOV.UK

Official guidance: HMRC Transfer of Residence eligibility and conditions.

Typical eligibility requirements

You will generally need to meet these conditions to qualify:

12 months — you have normally lived outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months before moving.
6 months — you have possessed and used the goods for at least 6 months before moving.
12 months after arrival — your belongings are imported within 12 months of your move to the UK.
Personal use — goods are for the same personal or household purposes, and cannot generally be transferred within 12 months of moving.

Important: HMRC determines eligibility. Alcohol, tobacco and certain other items do not qualify. Special rules and exceptions apply, including to students and those moving for marriage; Northern Ireland has specific rules depending on where the goods originate. Immigration or visa permission is a separate matter.

One team. A clear process.

How iLines International makes it easy

Tell us about your move

We discuss your origin, UK destination, inventory, move dates and preferred container or groupage solution.

Plan & prepare

We coordinate packing and collection options and explain inventory and customs documents, including ToR preparation.

Ship with confidence

We arrange export logistics and ocean transportation, with shipment updates and destination coordination.

Welcome home

Our UK destination office assists with customs clearance and coordinate final delivery once your shipment is released.

A place to feel at home

Why the UK is a favorite destination for a new chapter

There is something uniquely inviting about British life. The UK blends centuries of heritage with creative, multicultural cities, beautiful landscapes and an unmistakable sense of community.

Enjoy the energy of London, the music and football culture of Manchester, the historic streets of Edinburgh, the creativity of Bristol or the coast and countryside of Wales. From afternoon tea and cozy pubs to theater, museums, festivals, universities and weekend train trips, Britain offers plenty to explore.

English-speaking daily life can also make some parts of the transition simpler for Americans, while regional traditions, accents and customs make every place distinctive. With iLines International handling the shipping details, you can spend more time getting excited about your new community.

History & heritageArts & cultureGlobal citiesBeautiful countrysideEducation & innovation

Charming traditional English stone cottages in the Cotswolds countryside

Cotswolds, England • Photography via Unsplash

Landmarks & local culture

Discover the best of Britain

From famous London landmarks and majestic Scottish castles to picturesque villages and treasured British traditions, imagine the experiences waiting beyond your move.

Red double decker bus passing Big Ben in central London — **London's Iconic Big Ben**A classic London scene with a red double-decker bus and the Elizabeth Tower.

London Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames — **Tower Bridge, London**Historic architecture and the River Thames at the heart of the capital.

Edinburgh Castle towering over the historic Scottish capital — **Edinburgh Castle, Scotland**Scotland's dramatic capital is rich in heritage, cobbled streets and character.

Traditional Cotswolds stone cottages reflected in a river — **The Charming Cotswolds**Picture-perfect stone cottages, peaceful villages and the English countryside.

Traditional afternoon tea with teapot scones sandwiches and pastries in Inverness — **Traditional Afternoon Tea**A beloved British ritual of scones, pastries and a warming cup of tea.

Cozy historic pub exterior in London — **British Pub Culture**From historic neighborhood pubs to lively city streets, local traditions make Britain feel like home.

Photography: Unsplash. Photo usage information.

Your questions, answered

Frequently asked questions about moving to the UK

Should I choose a 20ft container, 40ft container or groupage?

Groupage is often cost-effective for smaller household shipments, while a private 20ft or 40ft container offers dedicated space for larger moves. We can help determine the best option after reviewing your inventory and destination.

Does your groupage quote include UK destination port fees?

Yes. Our UK door-to-door groupage rates include standard destination port fees and destination terminal handling charges (DTHC). Customs duties or taxes and other exceptional or excluded costs are not automatically included. Your written estimate identifies the applicable charges.

Do I automatically avoid UK import tax if I am moving there?

No. Eligible customers may receive import duty and VAT relief under HMRC's Transfer of Residence scheme, but they must meet the requirements and obtain approval. Apply before your goods ship and give your ToR reference to the moving team.

How long does shipping household goods to the UK take?

Timing depends on the U.S. pickup location, container versus groupage schedules, sailing, port activity, customs clearance and final delivery address. We provide route-specific estimates during the quotation process.

Can you deliver throughout the United Kingdom?

We coordinate UK relocation services through destination offices, including shipments headed to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, subject to route availability and local requirements. Ask for a tailored door-to-door quotation.

Your new life is calling

Ready to make your move to the UK?

Tell iLines International what you plan to ship. We'll help you compare 20ft or 40ft private containers and our cost-conscious door-to-door groupage service.

Request a Personalized UK Quote

866-898-1841 · Info@iLinesInternational.com

iLines International — licensed and bonded NVOCC, FMC OTI License No. 025472F.

Moving to the UK?Let us make it easy for you.