Moving to New York from the UK : Guide to Shipping & Relocation
- reloux®-GB
- Dec 31, 2025
- 8 min read
Relocating to New York, USA from the London, UK is an exciting step, whether you are moving for work, family, lifestyle, or a new opportunity in the USA. However, an international move to New York City also comes with complex logistics, strict customs regulations, and unique delivery challenges — particularly when shipping household goods into Manhattan, Brooklyn, or surrounding areas.
At Reloux® International Moving Company, we specialise in door-to-door relocation and shipping to New York from the UK, providing a fully managed service designed to remove stress, control costs, and ensure a smooth arrival in the USA.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about moving to New York from the UK, including shipping options, costs, customs clearance, timelines, insurance, and what to expect on delivery.
Why New York Is One of the Most Popular Relocation Destinations for UK Expats
New York remains one of the most desirable destinations for UK expats thanks to its strong job market, international business opportunities, world-class education, and vibrant lifestyle. From finance and technology to media and healthcare, New York attracts professionals and families from across the UK every year.
However, New York’s dense urban environment also makes international Moving to USA more complex than many other US destinations. Apartment access, building regulations, limited parking, and strict delivery windows all require careful planning — which is why choosing an experienced international moving company is essential.
Reloux® has extensive experience coordinating relocations to New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and New Jersey, working with trusted destination agents who understand local requirements.
Planning Your Move to New York from the UK
Start With a Professional Survey
Every successful relocation starts with an accurate understanding of what you are shipping. At Reloux®, we offer free, no-obligation video surveys or in-home surveys to assess the total volume of your goods, identify special packing requirements, and recommend the most cost-effective shipping solution.
This ensures:
Accurate pricing
Correct container selection
Smooth customs documentation
When Should You Book Your Move?
We recommend booking your move 6–8 weeks in advance, particularly if you are shipping by sea freight. This allows time for surveys, documentation, container scheduling, and coordination with US customs and destination agents.
Short-notice moves can sometimes be accommodated, but early planning offers greater flexibility and cost control.
Shipping to New York from the UK: Your Options Explained
Sea Freight vs Air Freight
The most common way to ship household goods to New York is sea freight, which offers excellent value for full and part household moves.
Sea Freight
Most cost-effective for larger shipments
Ideal for furniture and household goods
Transit time: typically 6–10 weeks door-to-door
Air Freight
Faster but significantly more expensive
Best for small or urgent shipments
Transit time: 7–14 days
Reloux® will explain both options clearly and help you choose the best solution based on urgency, budget, and shipment size.
Full Container vs Shared Container (Groupage)
Full Container Load (FCL)Ideal for larger homes or when you want exclusive use of a container.
Faster transit
Reduced handling
Ideal for 2–4+ bedroom homes
Shared Container / Groupage (part load )Perfect for smaller shipments.
You only pay for the space you use
More economical
Slightly longer transit time
Reloux® regularly consolidates shipments to New York, offering reliable and cost-effective groupage services from the UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to New York from the UK?
The cost of moving to New York varies depending on several factors, including shipment volume, shipping method, packing level, insurance, and delivery access.
Typical Cost Ranges
Small shipment / boxes only: from £1,800–£3,000
Medium household (groupage): £3,000–£6,000
Full container household move: £6,000–£9,500+
Every Reloux® quote is fully itemised and tailored, ensuring transparency with no hidden surprises.
What Affects the Cost?
Total volume (CBM / cubic feet)
Full container vs groupage
Packing requirements
Insurance level
Customs inspections
Building access restrictions in New York
Storage requirements
Our role is to help you control costs while maintaining service quality.
Professional Packing for New York Shipping & Relocations
Proper packing is essential for long-distance international shipping. Reloux® uses trained export packers and industry-approved materials to protect your belongings throughout transit.
We offer:
Full professional packing
Partial packing
Custom crating for fragile or high-value items
Furniture protection and wrapping
Inventory preparation for customs
This not only protects your goods but also ensures compliance with US customs regulations.
Shipping Furniture, Electronics & Special Items to New York
Furniture Shipping
Reloux® regularly ships sofas, beds, wardrobes, dining tables, antiques, and bespoke furniture to New York. Items are professionally wrapped or crated to prevent damage.
Electronics & TVs
Electronics can be shipped, although we advise checking voltage compatibility for US use. TVs and sensitive electronics are often crated for maximum protection.
Fragile & High-Value Items
Artwork, mirrors, chandeliers, and antiques require specialist handling. Reloux® offers custom crating and tailored insurance solutions.
Customs Clearance When Moving to New York
Will I Pay Import Duty?
Used household goods are generally imported duty-free when you are relocating to the USA, provided all documentation is correct.
Required Documents Typically Include:
Passport copy
US visa or residency proof
Detailed inventory
Customs declaration forms
Reloux® assists with document preparation and works closely with US customs brokers to ensure smooth clearance.
What If Customs Inspect My Shipment?
US customs may select shipments for inspection at random. If this happens, Reloux® coordinates the process with our destination agents and keeps you informed at every stage.
Insurance Cover for Shipping to New York
International shipping to USA always carries some level of risk. Reloux® strongly recommends comprehensive marine insurance based on full replacement value.
Insurance protects against:
Loss
Damage
Theft
Transit incidents
We help you select the correct level of cover based on your shipment and risk tolerance.
Delivery in New York: What to Expect
Deliveries in New York require more coordination than many destinations due to:
High-rise apartments
Limited parking
Elevator bookings
Building regulations
Certificates of insurance
Reloux® works with experienced New York agents who handle:
Delivery appointments
Building management liaison
Permit requirements
Careful unloading and placement
Apartment & High-Rise Deliveries
We regularly deliver to apartments throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and surrounding areas. Advance coordination ensures a smooth, compliant delivery.
Storage Solutions in New York
If your property is not ready, Reloux® can arrange:
Short-term storage
Long-term storage
Flexible release dates
Your goods remain secure until delivery can take place.
Why Choose Reloux® for Moving to New York from the UK?
Reloux® is not a volume-driven call-centre mover. We are a specialist international relocation company offering:
Personal move coordinators
Accurate surveys and quotes
Trusted New York partners
Transparent pricing
End-to-end management
UK-based support throughout
Our focus is on quality, clarity, and peace of mind — not rushed, one-size-fits-all solutions.
Moving to New York from the UK FAQs
🇬🇧➡️🇺🇸 Relocation to New York
1. How do I move to New York from the UK?
Moving to New York from the UK involves careful planning, international shipping, customs clearance, and coordinated removals to the USA. Reloux® manages the entire process door-to-door, including a professional video or in-home survey, export packing, sea or air freight, US customs clearance, and final delivery to your New York residence.
2. How long does it take to relocate to New York from the UK?
A typical relocation to New York takes 6–10 weeks by sea freight and 7–14 days by air freight, depending on shipment size, customs processing, and delivery access.
Reloux® provides realistic timelines at quotation stage and keeps you updated throughout.
3. What is included in a door-to-door move to New York?
A Reloux® door-to-door move includes professional packing, export documentation, international shipping, US customs clearance, delivery to your New York address, and optional unpacking. Storage and insurance can also be added if required.
4. Do I need a visa before moving to New York from the UK?
Yes. You must have the appropriate US visa or residency status before your shipment arrives. US customs may request proof of residency or visa status during clearance. Reloux® will advise you on documentation requirements, although visa applications must be arranged separately.
5. When is the best time of year to move to New York?
Spring and autumn are often ideal due to milder weather and smoother logistics. Summer is peak moving season and can be busier and more expensive. Reloux® can move you year-round and will advise on the best timing for cost and availability.
6. How far in advance should I book a move to New York?
We recommend booking 6–8 weeks in advance, particularly for sea freight or larger shipments. This allows time for surveys, documentation, and shipping schedules. Short-notice moves can sometimes be accommodated.
7. Is it better to ship furniture or buy new when moving to New York?
Shipping furniture is often cost-effective for full household moves, especially for quality, bespoke, or sentimental items. For smaller moves, Reloux® may recommend shipping essentials only and purchasing low-value items locally.
8. Can I move to New York with my family and household goods?
Yes. Reloux® regularly assists families relocating to New York and coordinates household goods shipments, timing deliveries around school starts, leases, and temporary accommodation if needed.
9. Can Reloux® manage the entire move to New York from start to finish?
Yes. Reloux® acts as your single point of contact, managing packing, shipping, customs, destination agents, delivery, storage, and insurance—removing stress from your relocation.
Shipping to New York from the UK
10. How do I ship household goods to New York from the UK?
Reloux® arranges professional export packing, secure container loading, sea or air freight, US customs clearance, and final delivery to New York. Every shipment is tailored following a detailed survey.
11. How long does shipping to New York from the UK take?
Sea freight typically takes 4–6 weeks port-to-port, plus customs and delivery time. Air freight is faster but more expensive. Reloux® provides accurate transit estimates upfront.
12. What is the cheapest way to ship to New York?
Groupage (shared container) sea freight is usually the most cost-effective option for smaller shipments. Reloux® will recommend the best balance between cost and transit time.
13. Should I use sea freight or air freight when shipping to New York?
Sea freight is ideal for full or part household moves. Air freight suits urgent or small shipments. Reloux® explains both options clearly during quotation.
14. Can I ship boxes only to New York?
Yes. Reloux® offers box-only shipping services, including packing, documentation, and customs clearance—ideal for smaller relocations or students.
15. Can I ship furniture and large items to New York?
Yes. Reloux® specialises in shipping furniture, pianos, artwork, and bulky items using professional export packing and secure loading methods.
16. Can I ship fragile or high-value items to New York?
Absolutely. We use custom crating, specialist packing materials, and offer tailored insurance for fragile or high-value items.
17. Can I ship electronics and TVs to New York?
Yes, although voltage and compatibility should be considered. Reloux® can crate electronics securely and advise on suitability for US use.
Moving Back to the UK from the USA with Reloux®
Reloux® doesn’t just help clients move to New York — we also specialise in return relocations from the USA back to the UK.
Whether you are moving back from New York, California, Florida, Texas, or anywhere in the USA, Reloux® provides the same fully managed, door-to-door international removal service, including professional packing, shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery to your UK home.
With trusted US partners, UK-based coordination, and a single point of contact throughout,
Reloux® ensures your return move to the UK is handled smoothly, securely, and with complete peace of mind.
Make Your New York Move Stress-Free
Moving to New York from the UK is a major life change, and choosing the right international moving company makes all the difference. With Reloux®, you benefit from experience, precision planning, and a dedicated team guiding you every step of the way.
Whether you are shipping a few boxes or relocating an entire household, Reloux® ensures your move to New York is handled professionally, securely, and efficiently.
Ready to Move to New York?
✔ Free video survey
✔ Door-to-door relocation
✔ Trusted New York delivery
Contact Reloux® International Moving Company today and start your New York relocation with confidence.
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