Your Trusted International Moving Company
Moving from San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose or anywhere else in the Bay Area to London, Manchester, Edinburgh or another UK city is a big step: roughly 5,400 miles, an ocean crossing and UK customs along the way. NOR-CAL Moving Services is a Bay Area international moving company that coordinates the whole move for you, from export packing at your door to delivery at your new UK address. We’ve moved households to London, Aberdeen, Bristol and other UK destinations.
An overseas move has far more moving parts than a local one. Your belongings have to be packed to survive weeks at sea, documented for two customs authorities and delivered into a home you may not have seen yet. As a full-service international mover, NOR-CAL manages each of those steps, so you deal with one team from the first estimate to the last box. We work as a direct mover, not a broker, and we are licensed and insured.
Why People Trust NOR-CAL Moving Services for Bay Area to UK Moves?
Experienced Bay Area to UK Movers
Export-Grade Packing and Crating
Customs Paperwork Support
Short and Long-Term Storage
Licensed and Insured Movers
We Make Your Move from the Bay Area to the UK Simple
- Free estimate. We review your home in person or by video and recommend the right shipping method.
- Packing and loading. Our crews pack, label and inventory everything at your Bay Area home.
- Export and shipping. We handle export paperwork and book your shipment by ocean or air.
- UK customs and delivery. Your shipment is cleared in the UK and delivered to your door.
- Unpacking. We can unpack, place furniture and remove the packing materials.
You can follow your shipment with our international shipment tracking.
Bay Area to UK at a Glance
- Distance (San Francisco to London): About 5,400 miles
- Typical shipping method: Ocean freight (full or shared container) or air freight
- Typical ocean transit, door to door: About 6 to 10 weeks
- Customs relief for movers: Transfer of Residence relief (HMRC)
- Electricity: US 120V / 60Hz; UK 230V / 50Hz with Type G plugs
- Driving side: US right; UK left
An International Moving Company You Can Count On
NOR-CAL Moving Services is based in the Bay Area, and our international moves run through the Allied International network of carriers and agents. That means a local team you can meet before the move, and a UK partner team to receive your shipment and deliver it. Our international moving resources explain how the process works from start to finish.
What Makes the Bay Area to UK Route Unique?
Transfer of Residence relief. People moving their home to the UK can often import their used household goods without paying UK customs duty or import VAT under HMRC’s Transfer of Residence relief. It generally requires that you have lived outside the UK for at least 12 months and that you have owned and used the goods before the move. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, so confirm it with HMRC. We prepare the shipping documents that go with your claim.
Smaller homes and tighter access. UK homes and flats are often smaller than Bay Area homes, and older buildings in cities like London can have narrow stairs, no lift, limited parking or parking permits that must be arranged in advance. Tell us your delivery address and we’ll plan the delivery crew and vehicle around it. It is also worth deciding what to leave behind before you ship.
Different electricity. The UK runs on 230V / 50Hz with Type G plugs, while the US uses 120V / 60Hz. Many laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage, but large appliances usually are not, and it is often cheaper to replace them in the UK.
Left-hand driving. If you plan to ship a car, it must meet UK import and registration requirements. We’ll tell you up front whether it is practical or whether selling it makes more sense.
Where we deliver. We deliver across the UK, including London, Aberdeen, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cambridge. For moves from San Francisco to London and the rest of England, see our San Francisco to England page.
Professional Packing and Unpacking for Your UK Move
Everything you ship overseas is handled several times and may spend weeks in a container, so how it is packed matters. We use export-grade materials, crate fragile and high-value pieces, and inventory every carton so your customs paperwork is accurate. Our packing services also include unpacking at your UK home, with packing materials removed afterward.
Storage and Flexibility When You Need It
Lease dates, visa timing and completion dates in the UK don’t always line up with your Bay Area move-out date. We can hold your belongings in household storage before they ship, or arrange storage at the destination until your new home is ready.
Ready to Move from the Bay Area to the UK?
Tell us where you’re moving from and where in the UK you’re headed, and we’ll send a free, no-obligation quote. Get your free quote or call us at (510) 949-8954.
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Question & Answer
How long does it take to ship household goods from the Bay Area to the UK?
By ocean, most moves take about 6 to 10 weeks door to door. That covers pickup, export clearance, the sailing, UK customs and delivery. Air freight is much faster and is often used for essentials, but costs more. Your timeline depends on the shipping method, the port and whether customs selects your shipment for inspection.
How much does it cost to move from the Bay Area to the UK?
The price depends on how much you’re shipping, whether it travels in a full or shared container or by air, the packing you need, access at both addresses, insurance and the UK delivery location. We give a free written quote after reviewing your move, so you know the price before you commit.
Will I pay UK import duty or VAT on my belongings?
Many people moving their residence to the UK qualify for Transfer of Residence relief from HMRC, which allows used personal belongings to come in without duty or import VAT. Conditions apply, for example a minimum period living outside the UK, so check your eligibility with HMRC. This is general information, not tax advice. We prepare the shipment documents that support your claim.
Can I ship my car to the UK?
Often yes, but the car has to meet UK import, registration and roadworthiness rules, and it is left-hand drive in a right-hand-drive country. For older or lower-value cars, shipping costs can exceed what the car is worth. We’ll go through the options with you before you decide.
Will my US appliances work in the UK?
Not always. The UK uses 230V / 50Hz power and Type G plugs, while the US uses 120V / 60Hz. Chargers and laptops are usually dual-voltage and just need a plug adapter, but many appliances, especially those with motors or heating elements, are not. We recommend checking the rating label on each one.
What can't I ship overseas?
Hazardous and flammable items, aerosols, firearms and ammunition, and perishable food are among the items that can’t be shipped. Plants and some other items are also restricted. Our international packing requirements page lists what to leave out, and our FAQs cover other common questions.
Call us today!
(510) 949-8954