If you are moving to a new country, you probably have more than just a suitcase. Maybe you are bringing clothes for every season, kitchen tools you love, or personal things that make you feel at home. The big question is: how do you ship it all safely and affordably?
Whether you’re relocating to the UK for work, study, or adventure, or moving abroad from the UK, this guide will help you understand how international shipping works — and which services are worth using.
Do You Even Need to Ship?
Let’s start here. Not everyone needs to ship a lot of stuff when they move.
Ask yourself:
- Are you staying short term (under 6 months)?
→ A couple of suitcases and an eSIM may be enough. - Are you moving with family or long term?
→ You’ll likely want your own clothes, gear, and comforts. - Are you a student?
→ You may only need to ship one box — not a full house.
If you’re bringing 2 to 10 boxes, you’re in the sweet spot for baggage shipping services — not as expensive as full freight, and much easier than paying airline fees.
Option 1: SendMyBag (Best for Students and Light Movers)
If you’re bringing clothes, bedding, shoes, books, or basic household items, SendMyBag is a popular and easy choice. You pack your items in a suitcase or box, and a courier picks it up and delivers it to your new address.
Why we like it:
- Ship from over 100 countries to the UK and beyond
- Prices are clear and upfront
- Door-to-door delivery in 3–7 days
- Online tracking and customer support
- No need to deal with customs yourself (they help)
Who it’s for:
- Students, remote workers, and expats with a few bags or boxes
- People moving without furniture
Option 2: Seven Seas Worldwide (Best for Bigger Moves)
Need to send more than a few boxes? Seven Seas is a global shipping company designed for relocations. They offer something called the MoveCube — a small shipping container that’s delivered to your door. You fill it up, they collect it, and it goes by sea or air to your destination.
Why we recommend it:
- Available in 45+ countries
- Choose air or sea shipping
- You pack it at home with no rush
- Great for sending up to a small flat’s worth of stuff
- Transparent pricing and customs help
Popular with:
- Families
- Long-term expats
- People relocating for jobs
Option 3: Parcel Couriers (Best for Urgent or Small Shipments)
If you just need to send one or two boxes quickly — for example, a laptop, paperwork, or a winter coat — a global courier like DHL, FedEx, or UPS can do it.
Pros:
- Very fast (often 1–3 days)
- Easy to track
- Good for high-value or urgent items
Cons:
- Expensive by the kilo
- You handle customs forms
- Not ideal for big moves
This is a good backup if you forget something important or want to send one extra box later.
Option 4: Airline Extra Baggage (Not Always Worth It)
Airlines allow you to add extra bags, but it can get expensive fast — often £50–£100 per bag, and weight limits are strict. Plus, there’s always a risk your bags don’t arrive when you do.
Better alternative: Use SendMyBag to send those same bags directly to your new home. No airport stress.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices depend on:
- Where you’re sending from
- Weight and size of your items
- How fast you need them
- Air vs sea shipping
But to give you a rough idea:
| Shipping Option | Cost Example* | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| SendMyBag (2 suitcases) | £80–£140 from US/Europe to UK | 3–7 business days |
| Seven Seas MoveCube | £300–£900 depending on size/distance | 2–8 weeks |
| Courier (10kg parcel) | £60–£150 with DHL or FedEx | 1–3 business days |
| Airline extra bag | £60–£100 per bag (varies) | Same day |
*Prices based on 2024 estimates. Always check current quotes online.
What About Customs and Taxes?
Good question — especially if you’re moving to the UK.
UK customs tips:
- You’ll need to fill in a ToR1 form (Transfer of Residence) if you’re bringing your personal belongings and want to avoid import tax
- You should not include brand-new or high-value items unless you declare them
- Shipping companies like Seven Seas and SendMyBag guide you through the paperwork — this is a big help
If you’re coming from outside the EU, customs forms are essential. Make a list of everything you’re shipping and check local rules.
What Should You Ship (and Not Ship)?
✅ Good to ship:
- Seasonal clothing
- Bedding and towels
- Books and study supplies
- Small kitchen items
- Sentimental or personal items
❌ Not ideal to ship:
- Food, liquids, or anything that melts
- Electronics with lithium batteries (check rules)
- Furniture if you’re renting a furnished flat
- Anything irreplaceable (keep that in your carry-on)
Tips to Make It Easy
- Label every box clearly with your name and new address
- Print and keep copies of customs forms
- Pack essentials in your carry-on — shipping can be delayed
- Track everything online — all recommended services offer tracking
- Pay with a card that doesn’t charge foreign fees (e.g. Revolut)
FAQs
How early should I book shipping?
At least 1–2 weeks before your move. Some services let you book months ahead and delay pickup.
Can I ship from one country and receive in another (not my home country)?
Yes. Services like Seven Seas and SendMyBag allow multi-country moves.
What happens if customs holds my items?
The shipping company will contact you. If you filled out your forms correctly, delays are rare.
Will they deliver to student housing or an Airbnb?
Yes, in most cases. Always check the address format and delivery instructions.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your things abroad doesn’t have to be scary or expensive. You just need the right service for your move size.
- SendMyBag is perfect for light moves and students
- Seven Seas is great for bigger relocations
- DHL and couriers work well for urgent items