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Planning to move overseas? Container shipping is one of the most effective and efficient ways to transport your belongings internationally. Keep reading to find container moving companies, how the shipping process works, outline your options, and the services removal companies offer.
Find the top shipping container moving companies for your international relocation down below:
A top-rated international moving company based in Northolt, known for its professional service and excellent communication. Customers praise their competitive pricing, attention to detail, and experience with moves of all sizes.
This UK-based international removal company offers a full range of services, including container shipping, packing, and storage solutions. Highly rated for customer service, communication, and competitive prices.
With over 35 years of experience, this global relocation company is known for its efficient, professional, and friendly service. Trusted for international container shipping and full-service removals.
Based in London, Traslo is recognised for its friendly customer service and efficient handling of moves across Europe and beyond. Ideal for those looking for container moving services with great support.
Cos Freight provides reliable international moving services, including container shipping, packing, and long-distance relocation. Known for responsive customer care and smooth coordination throughout the move.
Looking for container shipping companies near you?
Find trusted container moving services across the UK using our international movers directory — compare companies by location, services, and reviews.
Depending on your budget and needs, the shipping container services to hire can vary. From a full-service support – that could include packing, assembling/disassembling furniture, etc. – to more budget-friendly options, it’s key to understand the options you have.
Moving your household items abroad can be a smooth process if you have the right planning and support.
If you’re loading the container yourself, make sure to do it carefully and in the right order to prevent damage during transit. Start placing the heavier furniture pieces (sofas, double beds, and wardrobes) against the walls to create stability.
Fragile items should be secured tightly. You can use ratchet straps, tie-downs, or bubble wrap for added protection. These can be stacked on top of heavier items, placed next to lighter boxes, and away from pressure areas. If possible, minimize any empty space to reduce movement.
Once loaded in the container, you can fill gaps with towels or pillows to absorb potential shocks.
Moving abroad and bringing your car with you? There are two main ways to ship a vehicle internationally, depending on your budget, destination, and level of protection.
Once you’ve settled on the removal company and shipping method, all that remains is to get your documents in order (title, registration and insurance) as well as prepare your vehicle for shipment (cleaning it out, securing any loose parts or draining the fuel tank).
The shipment price of a container from the United Kingdom to preferred locations such as America, Canada, Australia, or Japan ranges from £1,800 to £3,000. Check all the average container shipping costs on our page below:
See Container CostsThe costs can mainly vary according to the distance, volume of your furniture, container size, and container shipping services hired.
Estimate My Furniture’s VolumeThrough Less Than Container Load (LCL) services. Save costs by sharing a container with others who are taking the same or a similar route as you.
FCL (Full Container Load), where you fill an entire shipping container with your items and belongings, can provide more flexibility, but it will be more expensive.
Container shipping companies are available to provide services around the world, making it effortless for you to transport your possessions from one nation to another.
Container shipping is a cost-effective solution for any European destination with well-connected ports and road networks. While shipping by air is faster, sea transport is cheaper and takes less than a week. For instance, shipping your furniture to Germany can cost you around £1,000 – £3,500.
The move can cost around £3,000 – £6,000 depending on factors such as the volume of your furniture. Sea freight is the common method, taking between 3 and 5 weeks. Some may prefer air freight, but prices are higher.
Moving to Australia or New Zealand by air and sea freight varies remarkably from one another. As the former involves traversing an entire ocean, it could take up to a month, while transportation by air can have your items arrive in only seven days.
The range of shipping a container from the UK to Australia or New Zealand is around £7,500 – £10,000.
If you’re in a hurry, shipping your furniture by air will be your best option, as it only takes 1 to 3 days. Sea freight can take up to 4 weeks, but it’s cost-effective. To give you an idea, the shipment can cost you around £3,400 – £5,400.
Shipping a container with your belongings to the USA can cost between £2,500 and £5,500. Similar to Canada, air freight is faster but more expensive, while sea freight is cheaper but slower.
As we mentioned, the type of transport you opt for will influence your container shipping costs.
This is the most common method of transport. If you are completing an international move, which is of significant volume and weight, this is likely to be your only option.
This is a good option if you have a small volume of goods, time is of the essence, and the costs of container shipping are not a concern. If you have the budget, it is a very efficient mode of transport.
Container shipping is a highly cost-effective choice if you’re planning to move overseas or over a long distance. The possibility to move large quantities of items efficiently and the eco-friendly nature of this mode of transport – compared to air freight -makes it the best option to move overseas.
When shipping your belongings overseas, you’ll usually choose between LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load). Your choice depends on how much you’re moving, your budget, and how quickly you need your items.
If you’re uncertain about what size or type of shipping container to select, a range of options is available. Depending on your needs and possessions you have, you may choose between a 20ft or 40ft container.
A 20-foot container can hold the contents of a small apartment or 1–3-bedroom house. This includes furniture, appliances, boxes and two-wheel vehicles.
A 40-foot container can hold larger home belongings or a four-bedroom house. This includes all the items a 20ft can contain (furniture, home appliances, boxes, bicycles, etc.) plus larger ones, like a car.
Shipping containers are available in different sizes and designs to meet specific needs. Open-top containers are ideal for large or bulky items, while refrigerated containers are used for temperature-sensitive goods like food and plants.
After reading this guide, you’ll hopefully have a better idea of what to consider when moving internationally. It can be a daunting project, but don’t be discouraged if it seems overwhelming! With a bit of planning and organization in time, you’ll be on your way to a successful move.
