Moving to UK
New Zealand has strong family and business links with the United Kingdom, and there are more people than ever transferring between to the two countries.
We have a long history of shipping to the United Kingdom, as there are many New Zealanders who can trace their ancestry back to England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland. The United Kingdom is our second largest destination for shipping to the UK from New Zealand.
A popular destination for young kiwis on the 'OE' we cater specifically for you with excess luggage, small carton or baggage shipments. We also see many British citizens returning home for a variety of reasons.
UK Moving Services
With the large volume of shipments heading to the United Kingdom we are able to offer the following reliable and regular 'door to door' moving services at competitive pricing.
New Zealand Movers delivery a level of service you come to expect from a market leader
UK Moving Destinations
We have the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland covered, from the big cities of London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Swansea, Belfast and Dublin and everywhere in between. Including beautiful and historic places such as Cambridge, Oxford, Nottingham, York, The Lakes District, Aberdeen, Cork, the list goes on. We can also deliver those more unusual destinations such as the Island of Man, Isle of White, Channel Islands and the Hebrides. The United Kingdom is also used as a gateway to other Europen mainland destinations for shared container shipments. We have the knowledge, experience and affiliated partners to delivery you a seemless move.
Get a Quote for Moving to the United Kingdom
We don't need much to work out the cost of moving your belongings to your new home in the UK. Whatever your requirements, New Zealand Movers have a variety of quote options to suit your moving needs. To get started simply complete the Free Quote request form on this page and we'll be in direct contact with you.
Moving Your Household Goods to the UK*
When moving to The United Kingdom there is some key information you should know. If you are not a British or EC citizen you will require a visa to live and work there. In order to import your household goods into the United Kingdom (excluding the Republic of Ireland) you will need to be cleared by the British Customs Service. This is a relatively simple process and will require you to complete a declaration called a 'C3' for Bringing your personal belongings to the United Kingdom from outisde the Eurpoen Community, and provide a copy of your passport.
UK Customes Services*
Used household goods and personal effects can be imported into the United Kingdom free of duty and tax so long as you are moving your normal home to the EC, have had your normal home outisde the EC for a continuous period of at least 12 months, have used your goods for at least six months before importing them, and will retain the goods for your own personal use. All alcoholic beverages and cigarettes are subject to duty & tax regardless of quantity. Your shipment can not arrive more than 6 month before your own arrival to to UK or 12 months after your arrival to the UK.
Approximate Transit Times to the UK
Depending on the method of shipping we can advise the following approximate door to door transit times. These times are based on average and given as a guide to assist you in your planning. The transit time for shared containers can vary and are subject to having enough shipments to fill a container.
- Sole Use Container: Approximately 6-8 weeks
- Shared Container: Aproximately 8-12 weeks
- Air freight: 1-2 weeks
Packing your Belongings
It is our recommendation that we professionally pack your goods. We use the best materials available and employ the best techniques to ensure your goods arrive safely. We also have a variety of speciality cartons purpose designed for items such as flat screen TV's, golf clubs, hanging clothes, bikes, and artwork. We also custom build wooden crates for fragile and precious items such as pianos.
Every single item moving will be packaged in some form, thus if it is not packed inside a carton it will be export wrapped. Once packed all goods will be numbered with a label sticker and recorded on a removal inventory. Whilst it is our recommendation that we pack your goods it is not mandatory, you are welcome to pack some or all of your goods yourself. We can assist you in this process by providing you with our packing materials and a handy packing guide.
Storing Your Belongings in NZ or UK
We have storage services available both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Storage costs in the United Kingdom can be somewhat more expensive than here in New Zealand. The advantages or storing in the UK are that when you are ready to receive yours goods they can be delivered quite quicky. Whereas if you store them in New Zealand you will have to plan around shipping transit and wait for their arrival. On the other hand if you are not sure whether your stay in the UK is going to be a permanent one we are able to store your goods here in New Zealand until you are ready to make your decision. This can reduce unnecessary shipping costs if you change your mind.
Insuring Your Belongings
It is very important to consider the protection of your goods during relocation to the United Kingdom as there always an element of risk. Peace of mind is paramount, thankfully, we are able to offer a range of comprehensive insurance options to ensure your personal possessions are well covered should the unlikely happen. You are in good hands with our policies being underwritten by Vero Marine, one of the world's largest and most reputable insurance providers.
Special Moving Services
To make your move complete we can provide house cleaning service after emptying your home, arrange the transferring of your funds to the United Kingdom with foreign exchange services and perhaps even valet unpacking at your destination to really put the finishing touch in place.
Transporting Yours Pets to the UK
Moving pets such as cats and dogs from New Zealand to the United Kingdom is not quite a complicated process as it once was. The Pet Travel Scheme allows cats and dogs to enter the United Kingdom from New Zealand without any quarantine provided all requirements are met. Cats and dogs must be fitted with a microchip, be vaccinated againts rabies, vaccination certificate must have the microchip number on it, a blood sample must be taken by a vet 15 - 30 days after the vaccination to ensure the vaccine was effective. Dogs also need to be treated against Echinococcus tapeworm 24-120 hours before departure.
Foreign exchange transfers with XE Money Transfer
If you require currency exchange, we will introduce you to XE Money Transfer, one of New Zealand's leading Foreign exchange companies, to arrange the transferring of your funds to the United Kingdom. With discounted fees and the best exchange rates available as a benefit to you by moving to the United Kingdom with New Zealand Movers.
Shipping your Motor Vehicle to the UK*
Thinking about shipping your car to the United Kingdom? There are many reasons why people consider shipping their cars to the UK, going to lose too much or the resale here, its your pride and joy, or you're really attached to it. Whatever your reason there is much to be aware of when shipping your motor vehicle to the United Kingdom. Besides the shipping costs of getting it there, you also need to be aware if the Customs regulations and also the associated 'on road' requirements and costs.
Used motor vehicles can be imported into the United Kingdom free of duty and tax so long as you are moving your normal home to th UK, have had your normal home outside the EC for a continuous period of at least 12 months, have possessed and used it for at least six months before shipping, and will retain it for your own personal use. Your vehicle can not arrive more than six months before your own arrival to to UK or 12 months after your arrival to the UK.
For further guidance, the Department for Transport outlines the requirement for being able to register your vehicle for the United Kingdom.
* Disclaimer: All information provided is a general guide only and can change without notice. We suggest making contact with the appropriate authorities for verification.
Moving to UK FAQ