Shipping Furniture UK to the USA

Yes, you can easily ship furniture, household goods and other personal belongings from the UK to the USA using a removals company such as 1st Move International.

The main method of shipping furniture to the USA is by sea freight (container shipping). You can choose between full container or shared container shipping, depending on how much you need to ship.

Air freight shipping is also an option if you need your belongings to arrive much faster, however, we generally recommend sea freight as it is a much more cost-effective option.

To learn more about the process, our unbeatable packing and fast weekly shipping, simply request a free quote today or get in touch.

Shipping furniture to the USA with 1st Move International is a streamlined process designed to ensure your items arrive safely and on time. Here is a quick overview of the furniture shipping process:

1. Request a Quote: Start by requesting a free quote on our website or contacting our team. We will provide you with a detailed estimate for your shipment, along with important information to ensure a smooth shipping process.
2. Book Your Shipment: If you are satisfied with your quote, use our booking form or get in touch to book your shipment. Once booked, your move manager will contact you to start the process and arrange a suitable collection date.
3. Collection & Packing: Once your belongings have been collected and transported to our warehouse, our team of experienced packers will expertly pack your items using our safer packing techniques. Our unique packing methods offer the best protection for your furniture and personal effects, allowing us to ship out on a weekly basis using consolidated container shipping services.
4. Paperwork: During this time, your move manager will assist you with any required paperwork and customs formalities to ensure a smooth shipment. This includes helping you complete all necessary documents for U.S. customs clearance.
5. Shipping: As soon as your shipment is packed, it will be booked onto the next available weekly ship headed for the USA. Once your shipment is on board, we will send you your unique container number and the name of the vessel so you can track your shipment to the USA in real time.
6. Arrival & Customs Clearance: Upon arrival, your shipment will be off-loaded from the shipping vessel and cleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Our experienced team will ensure that all necessary steps are taken for a smooth customs clearance.
7. Delivery: Once your items are cleared and released, you can either collect them from the port yourself or we can deliver your shipment to a chosen address in the USA.

For more tips and information on how to ship furniture overseas safely, please see our furniture shipping guide. We also offer useful guides on U.S. customs regulations and tips for importing belongings when moving to the USA.

Is It Worth Shipping Furniture to the USA?

Whether it is worth shipping furniture to the USA depends on several factors, including the value, sentiment, and practicality of the items you wish to ship. Here are some key considerations to help you decide:

• Sentimental Value: If the furniture holds sentimental value or is irreplaceable, shipping it may be worthwhile regardless of the cost. Heirlooms, antiques, and custom pieces often fall into this category.
• Cost vs. Replacement: Compare the cost of shipping your furniture to the cost of purchasing new items in the USA. For high-quality or expensive furniture, shipping may be more economical than replacing it.
• Quality and Durability: If your furniture is of high quality and built to last, it may be worth shipping. Well-made pieces can be expensive to replace and may not be easily found in your new location.
• Custom and Unique Items: Custom-made or unique furniture that cannot be easily replaced or replicated may justify the shipping costs.

Ultimately, the decision to ship furniture to the USA is a personal one that depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. Consulting with 1st Move International can provide you with a detailed quote and further guidance to help you make an informed decision.

On average, the cost to ship furniture and personal belongings to the USA starts from £1,026 for a small shipment via shared container and from £4,000 for a full container shipment. Your final cost will depend on the size/volume of your shipment, required services and your destination in the USA.

To receive a free, tailored quote for your shipment simply fill out the quick quote form on this page or get in touch with a member of our team today.

Alternatively, speak to one of our shipping experts live on our website, and we'll be happy to help.

The cheapest way of shipping to the USA is by shared container. This service allows you to share container space (and costs) with other customers. Our unique packing means that your furniture and personal belongings will be carefully packed and consolidated onto your own pallets. This ensures that all items are shipped as one unit. Not only does this provide better protection for your goods, but it also drastically reduces handling of individual items and practically eliminates the chances of any mix-ups with other customer's belongings throughout the process.

There are several ways to save money when shipping furniture to the USA:

• De-clutter: Be selective about what you decide to ship. To save on shipping costs, avoid shipping items that do not hold sentimental value or are inexpensive and easy to replace in the USA.
• Choose Sea Freight: Opt for sea freight instead of air freight. While it takes longer, sea freight is much more cost-effective, especially for large or heavy items.
• Plan Ahead: Book your shipping services well in advance. Last-minute arrangements can be more expensive, so early planning can help secure better rates.
• Early Booking Discount:
If you book within 7 days of receiving your quotation, we will provide a 10% discount on all shipping costs.
• Packing:Our professional packers are experts at making the most efficient use of space in order to minimise the final packed volume. If packing yourself, disassemble furniture where possible and make efficient use of space by packing smaller items inside drawers or appliances like washing machines.
• Packing: You can opt to pack certain items yourself to save on packing costs. Our team can advise you on which items are suitable for self-packing and which may require professional packing. Note that items you pack yourself may not be covered by insurance for damages.
• Insurance: Marine shipping insurance covers your items during transit, but you may not need to insure everything. Insurance is best suited for high-value, beloved, and fragile items. Sturdy items are more resilient to knocks or bumps in transit. If packed correctly, they are less likely to be damaged, allowing you to potentially save on insurance costs for these items.

Contact 1st Move International for a customised quote and further advice on cost-saving strategies tailored to your specific shipping needs.

Yes, there are certain restrictions on the types of furniture you can ship to the USA. These include:

• Materials: Furniture made from certain materials, such as untreated wood or items containing hazardous materials, may be restricted or require special treatment and documentation. Wood packaging must comply with ISPM 15 regulations, which means it must be treated and marked to prevent the spread of pests.
• Antiques and Cultural Artifacts: Some antiques and cultural artifacts may require special permits or documentation to ensure they comply with U.S. import regulations. It is important to verify the status of such items before shipping.
• Endangered Species: Furniture containing materials from endangered species, such as certain types of ivory or exotic woods, is subject to strict regulations and may be prohibited from import.
• Flammable or Hazardous Materials: Furniture that includes flammable or otherwise hazardous materials is subject to restrictions and may require special handling and documentation.
• Compliance with Safety Standards: Some furniture items must comply with U.S. safety standards, particularly those intended for use by children. Ensure that any applicable items meet these standards to avoid import issues.

It is important to consult with 1st Move International and check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for detailed information on any specific restrictions or requirements related to your shipment. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

We also provide a customs guide for importing personal effects to the USA, with information about the process and any restrictions.

Several factors influence the cost of shipping furniture to the USA. These include:

• Volume: Your shipment will be charged based on the total packed volume of your goods. Smaller shipments generally incur lower costs.
• Shipping Method: The chosen shipping method significantly affects the final price. Container shipping is the most cost-effective, while air freight is the most expensive option.
• Required Services: Additional services such as packing, storage, and collection/delivery will impact the final cost of your shipment.
• Duties & Taxes: You may have to pay duty on new or unused items. Used items can often be imported duty-free. It's important to consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for detailed information on bringing goods into the USA.
• Value of Items: If you choose to insure any items for shipping, the value of these items will determine the cost of insurance.

Request a free quote to receive a comprehensive estimate for your shipment with all costs included.

Yes, we offer a 10% early booking discount for customers who book with 1st Move International within 7 days of receiving their quotation.

We also offer a 10% student discount to any students who choose to ship their personal belongings to the USA with 1st Move International.

Typical transit times for furniture shipments to the USA range from 12 days to 30 days, depending on your destination in America. Here are some example transit times. More information can be found on our UK to USA container shipping schedules.

• New York: 12 days
• Miami: 14 days
• Los Angeles: 30 days
• Houston: 19 days

When shipping furniture to the USA with 1st Move International, several customs requirements must be met to ensure a smooth process. As registered customs brokers, our knowledgeable team will be on hand to assist with all customs formalities. Here is a quick overview of the customs requirements for shipping furniture to the USA. You can also find more information on our USA Customs Guide for Importing Personal Effects.

• Inventory List: You will need to provide a detailed inventory list of the items being shipped, including descriptions and values. This list helps customs officials understand the contents of your shipment.
• Customs Declaration: A completed customs declaration form is required, detailing the shipment's contents and their intended use. This form must be accurate to avoid delays or complications.
• Proof of Ownership: Documentation proving ownership of the furniture may be required. This can include purchase receipts or other proof of purchase.
• Taxes and Duties: While antiques over 100 years old can often be imported duty-free, other furniture items may be subject to import duties and taxes. Our team will help you understand these potential costs and ensure all necessary payments are made.
• Compliance with Regulations: We will help you to ensure that your furniture complies with U.S. regulations, such as restrictions on materials that may be considered hazardous or banned.
• Pre-Clearance Paperwork: Your dedicated Move Manager will assist you in completing all necessary pre-clearance paperwork, which will be shared with our US Customs Broker to expedite the process.

Yes, you can track your shipment of furntiure and personal effects using our container tracking tool using your unique container number and the name of the vessel provided by our team upon depature.

No, shipping insurance is not always necessary, however we generally recommend our customers to insure any high value, fragile or sentimental items for peace of mind. Our unique packing offers the best protection for shipments of furniture and personal effects to America, however due to the nature of the shipping process it is always best to be covered in the unlikely event of damages.

Learn about our comprehensive shipping insurance here.

Yes, you can ship antiques, high-value furniture, and paintings to the USA with 1st Move International. We specialise in handling valuable and delicate items, ensuring they are packed securely and transported safely.

Our experienced team will assist you with all necessary documentation for Customs clearance, including special declarations required for high-value items. The USA has specific regulations regarding the import of antiques and artworks, and we will guide you through these to ensure compliance.

Antiques, defined as items over 100 years old, can often be imported duty-free into the USA. Proper documentation proving the age of the items will be required to qualify for this exemption. Our team will help you compile and submit the necessary paperwork to facilitate this process.

However, high-value furniture and paintings that do not qualify as antiques may be subject to import duties and taxes. We will help you understand these costs and ensure all paperwork is accurately completed for a smooth Customs process.

Once your shipment arrives in the USA, our trusted agent will manage the Customs clearance and coordinate delivery to your preferred location, ensuring your valuable items arrive in perfect condition. Comprehensive insurance options are also available for added peace of mind.

Yes, you can ship all manner of household goods and personal belongings with your shipment, provided they meet U.S. import regulations. As an international removals company with over 25 years of experience shipping personal belongings, household goods and furniture from the UK to the USA, we've got you covered.

No, you do not need to disassemble furniture yourself. Our staff will disassemble any necessary items either upon collection or during the professional packing process back at our facilities.

When your furniture arrives in the USA from the UK with 1st Move International, our trusted agent will get in touch to arrange Customs clearance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Before your furniture leaves the UK, your dedicated Move Manager will help you complete all necessary paperwork to facilitate a smooth Customs clearance. This documentation is sent to our US Customs Broker ahead of time, ensuring a swift and efficient process.

Once your shipment has cleared Customs, our agent will schedule the delivery on a date that suits you. This service includes delivering your furniture to your home and removing any packing materials, if required.

Yes, we offer free storage for shipments from the date of collection to the scheduled shipping date. Typically, this is between 7 and 12 days. We also offer storage for longer periods for a fee.

Yes, full door-to-door furniture shipping services to the USA are available. We offer nationwide UK collections and upon arrival in the USA, delivery to your chosen address can be arranged through our trusted agents. You also have the option to collect your shipment yourself, if you prefer.

speak to one of our shipping experts live on our website, give us a call on 0117 982 8123 or email us at sales@shipit.co.uk

For a free tailored quote simply complete the quick quote form on our website and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to know.