Removals to the USA from the UK: Costs & Customs 2026

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Shipping your home across the Atlantic is a big step, but removals to the USA follow a well-worn route. Most go by sea in a container from Southampton, Felixstowe or London Gateway to East Coast ports such as New York, Baltimore or Savannah, or through the Panama Canal to the West Coast. This guide covers 2026 costs, transit times and US customs rules.

Removals to the USA: typical costs in 2026

Move size	East Coast (NY, NJ, Boston, Florida)	West Coast (LA, San Francisco, Seattle)
Shared container, small move (100–300 cu ft)	£1,500–£3,000	£2,000–£3,800
1–2 bedroom (shared or 20ft)	£3,500–£6,500	£4,500–£8,000
2–3 bedroom (20ft container)	£5,500–£9,000	£6,500–£11,000
4–5 bedroom (40ft container)	£8,000–£13,000	£9,500–£15,000

Indicative door-to-door ranges. Inland states such as Texas, Colorado or Illinois add trucking or rail from the port.

Container cargo ship at sea — Removals to the US East Coast take about two to four weeks at sea.

How long do removals to the USA take?

Percorso	Sea transit	Door to door
UK to New York, New Jersey or Boston	10–14 days	4–8 weeks
UK to Florida or Georgia	14–20 days	5–9 weeks
UK to Texas (Houston)	18–24 days	6–10 weeks
UK to California or Seattle	25–35 days	7–12 weeks

Shared container moves take longer than a dedicated container, because the container must fill first.

US customs: what you need

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clears household goods at the port.

CBP Form 3299: the declaration for duty-free entry of personal and household effects
Detailed inventory: a packing list of every box, with values
Passport and visa or green card: US citizens returning and new residents are treated slightly differently.
Arrival rule: you generally need to be in the US when your goods clear, or authorise an agent.
Duty-free conditions: used household goods you have owned for a year or more are normally duty-free for residents moving to the US.
ISF filing: your mover files an Importer Security Filing before the ship sails.

Crane loading containers at sunrise — US customs clearance happens at the port before delivery to your home.

What you can’t or shouldn’t ship

Food, plants, seeds and soil
Alcohol beyond small amounts, which brings duty and state rules
UK electrical appliances: the US runs on 110–120V, so kettles and toasters won’t work
Firearms without permits
Items with prohibited ivory or protected wildlife

Choosing your removals company

Get three in-home or video surveys.
Check trade memberships, such as BAR Overseas or FIDI.
Ask for a breakdown of US destination charges, including port fees, customs exams and delivery.
Ask about customs exam fees. CBP sometimes X-rays or opens containers, at your cost.
Insure your goods for the replacement value.

See our moving to the USA from the UK guide, shipping a car from the USA to the UK e moving money abroad.

Cross the Atlantic by ship yourself

Rather than flying, some movers sail with their belongings. Container ships with passenger cabins cross the Atlantic in about 10–14 days. Read boat from the UK to the USA e cargo ship travel from the UK to the USA.

Domande frequenti

How much does it cost to ship furniture to the USA from the UK?

A 20ft container for a 2–3 bedroom home typically costs £5,500–£11,000 door to door, depending on the coast.

How long does it take to ship household goods to the USA?

Usually 4–8 weeks door to door to the East Coast, and 7–12 weeks to the West Coast.

What is CBP Form 3299?

It is the US customs declaration used to bring personal and household effects in duty-free.

Do I pay duty on household goods moving to the USA?

Used household goods you have owned for over a year are normally duty-free for new residents.

Can I take my UK appliances to the USA?

Most won’t work on the US 110–120V supply without a transformer, so many people sell them.

Sail across the Atlantic

Ask us about passenger cabins on container ships from the UK to the USA.

Get a voyage quote →

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Steve Joury

Consulente di viaggio Cargo at Cargoholidays

Appassionato di viaggi lenti e di mare. Steve conosce la maggior parte delle rotte di navigazione e le procedure per scoprire il nostro bellissimo mondo dal mare su una nave container. Ha partecipato a molti viaggi, da 7 giorni di viaggio in cargo a 140 giorni a bordo.