Overseas Moves

International Removals and Overseas Moving Services

Moving overseas is an exciting milestone, whether you are relocating for work, joining family, retiring abroad, or embracing a new adventure. While the opportunity is life-changing, the logistics of an international move can be complex. Choosing an experienced overseas moving company is essential.

At Britannia Robbins, we specialise in professional international removals from the UK to destinations worldwide. With decades of experience, globally recognised accreditations, and access to a trusted international partner network, we provide reliable, door-to-door overseas moving services designed to minimise stress and maximise peace of mind. Visit our home page to find out more about Britannia Robbins.

Why Choose Britannia Robbins for Your Overseas Move?

BAR Overseas Group Member

Britannia Robbins is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) Overseas Group. This means our overseas removal services are independently inspected each year to ensure we meet strict professional and operational standards for international moving.

Founder Member of Britannia Movers International

As founder members of Britannia Movers International, we benefit from a worldwide network of carefully vetted international removal partners. This allows us to manage your overseas move seamlessly from origin to destination. Britannia’s consolidated shipping services also help us provide highly competitive pricing for international removals.

Which? Trusted Trader

We are approved as a Which? Trusted Trader, having passed a rigorous assessment of our business practices, customer service, and reliability. Our reputation is supported by consistently strong customer reviews.

British Standards Certified

We hold BS 8564 – Overseas Removal Services and BS EN 12522 – Household Furniture Removals. These certifications are regularly audited and demonstrate that our processes, equipment, and expertise meet recognised industry benchmarks for international moving.

Planning an Overseas Move: Where to Start

If you are at an early stage of planning a move abroad, independent research is invaluable. Helpful resources include:
• Government guidance on moving or retiring abroad
• Country specific information from foreign offices
• Expat focused resources such as Expatica
• Employment resources like overseas job boards
• Online forums and social media groups for expats
• Blogs and video channels from people who have already made the move
• Our Removals FAQs will help you get ready for moving day

Once your plans start to take shape, Britannia Robbins can manage the practical side of your overseas relocation. Our door-to-door international removals service ensures your belongings are professionally packed, transported, cleared through customs, and delivered safely to your new home.

The Overseas Removal Process Explained

Moving abroad involves multiple stages, but our structured process ensures everything runs smoothly:

1. Overseas Moving Survey

A trained surveyor assesses the volume of goods, access conditions, destination requirements, and preferred transport method.

2. Professional Export Packing

Our specialist packing teams export wrap furniture, professionally pack cartons, and can provide bespoke wooden crates for fragile or high value items.

3. Detailed Inventory and Insurance

We prepare a full inventory for customs and insurance purposes. We arrange specialist marine transit insurance for complete protection.

4. Shipping and Documentation

Your goods are transported to port and shipped by sea or air. Our team assists with all customs paperwork and keeps you informed throughout transit.

5. Destination Services and Delivery

Upon arrival, our trusted overseas partners manage customs clearance and final delivery to your new address.

How Long Does an Overseas Move Take?

International moving timescales vary depending on several factors, including:
• Your destination country
• Whether you choose sea freight or air freight
• Whether you require a sole use or shared shipping container

A sole use container typically offers faster transit times, while a shared container is more economical but takes longer, as consignments are grouped together before shipment. Our experienced overseas removal surveyors will discuss all available options during your survey and provide realistic timelines tailored to your move.

What Items Are Restricted When Moving Overseas?

Every country has its own import regulations. Some items are commonly prohibited or restricted, including:
• Firearms and weapons
• Drugs and controlled substances
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Explosives and hazardous materials

Certain destinations enforce strict biosecurity rules, requiring shoes, tools, or outdoor equipment to be completely free of soil. Other countries restrict artwork, books, or media that contain religious or adult content.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

We do not accept lithium-ion batteries within our overseas consignments, as they pose a significant fire risk during transport. They are commonly found in:
• E-bikes and e-scooters
• Cordless power tools
• Some children’s toys and electronic devices

Our overseas moving specialists will advise you on all restricted items and destination specific regulations. In the meantime, you can download our guide to shipping lithium-ion batteries for more information.

How Much Does It Cost to Move Overseas?

The cost of an international move depends on several factors, including:
• Volume of goods being shipped
• Destination country
• Sea freight versus air freight
• Access conditions at origin and destination
• Specialist items such as vehicles, pianos, or artwork

An accurate quotation requires a full survey. However, you can obtain an initial estimate using our online overseas moving quote tool or speak directly with our team for tailored advice.

What Is the Most Cost Effective Way to Move Abroad?

For many customers, the most economical overseas moving option is a shared shipping container. While transit times are longer, this method can significantly reduce costs.

We also recommend carefully reviewing what you take with you. Older or easily replaceable furniture may be cheaper to buy locally than to ship internationally. Reducing volume lowers both shipping and insurance costs.

Professional packing is strongly advised, and is actually a requirement in some countries. Self packed consignments can lead to customs delays, insurance issues, or even rejection at your destination.

Countries We Move To

Thanks to our global partner network, we can move customers to almost any destination worldwide. Some of our most popular international removal destinations include:
• Australia
• United States
• Canada
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa
• India
• Brazil
• Singapore
• New Zealand

Can I Take My Pets When Moving Overseas?

In most cases, yes. Pet import regulations vary widely by country and can involve vaccinations, microchipping, blood tests, and quarantine periods. We work in partnership with PetAir UK, specialists in international pet relocation. Visit our Pet Relocation page to learn more about transporting your pets in safety and comfort.

Speak to Our Overseas Moving Experts

If you are planning an international move, Britannia Robbins is here to help. Contact our experienced team to arrange a survey, request a quote, or discuss your overseas relocation requirements in detail.

Swansea – 01792 584 229
Cardiff – 02920 668 555
info@britanniarobbins.co.uk

We carry out international moves from Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Monmouth, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and everywhere in between.