# Moving to the UK from the USA

> Relocating to the United Kingdom from the USA — sea-freight costs, transit times, post-Brexit Transfer of Residence customs relief and UK visa routes for Americans.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/uk
Direction: USA → the United Kingdom
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- Studio: $2,280–$3,600
- 1 bedroom: $3,480–$5,400
- 2 bedrooms: $4,680–$7,500
- 3 bedrooms: $6,900–$10,800
- 20ft container: $3,570–$5,460
- 40ft container: $5,950–$9,100

## Transit times

- New York → Southampton: 10–18 days
- Miami → Felixstowe: 16–26 days
- Los Angeles → Southampton: 28–40 days

## Customs & import notes

- The UK is outside the EU: used household goods can enter duty/VAT-free under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief.
- Requires you lived outside the UK for 12+ months and owned/used the goods 6+ months.
- Apply for ToR1 with HMRC and obtain a unique reference before goods arrive.
- New items, alcohol/tobacco over limits and vehicles have separate rules.

## Visa & residency options in the United Kingdom

- Skilled Worker visa: Employer-sponsored route for a qualifying job offer.
- Global Talent visa: For leaders in academia, research, arts or digital technology.
- High Potential Individual (HPI): For recent graduates of eligible top global universities.
- Family / spouse visa: To join a UK-based partner or family member.

## Moving companies serving this route

- SDC International Shipping — Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas (https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/)
- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- Seven Seas Worldwide — Budget, Small moves & students (https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/)
- John Mason International — Established carrier, Sole-use containers (https://www.johnmason.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)