Baggage FAQ





Our baggage service is a simple, reliable way to send suitcases, boxes and personal effects overseas without the stress of hauling everything through an airport. It is ideal for students heading abroad, professionals relocating for work, families sending a few boxes ahead of a move, and travellers returning home with more than they left with.

You choose what you want to send, we collect from your door in the UK, and we deliver to your address overseas. You can ship a single suitcase or several boxes, plus bulky items such as sports kit or a pushchair, provided they are safe to carry and packed appropriately. The process is designed to be straightforward, with clear pricing and help with the paperwork so your belongings arrive where you need them, when you need them.

You can send most everyday personal effects such as clothing, books, bedding, children’s items, kitchenware and leisure equipment. Larger or awkward items like skis, snowboards, golf clubs or musical instruments can also travel if they are well protected in a hard case or sturdy carton.

We recommend avoiding extremely fragile or irreplaceable valuables and keeping consumer electronics in original or purpose-made packaging where possible. Foodstuffs, aerosols, pressurised containers and hazardous materials are restricted or prohibited in many countries, so please ask us for guidance before packing those items. If you have something unusual or oversized, tell us in advance so we can confirm the safest packing and the most suitable route for it.

Prices depend on what you send, where it is going and how it travels. For sea services, costs are driven mainly by the volume your shipment occupies, measured in cubic metres. For air services, charges are calculated on chargeable weight, which considers both size and actual scale weight.

Your quote will reflect the collection postcode, destination country, the number and size of items, and any added options such as professional packing or storage. Choosing a shared container service for sea shipments is often the most economical way to move a small number of boxes, while air is quicker but typically more expensive. We will explain every line on your quote so you know exactly what is included before you book.

A standard baggage quote typically covers collection from your UK address, export handling, the main carriage overseas, assistance with customs documentation and delivery to your address at destination.

It will not usually include any duties or taxes that may be levied by the destination country, inspection or quarantine fees, storage caused by incorrect or late paperwork, or delivery surcharges for remote areas or difficult access. If any of these are likely to apply, we will flag them early and explain how they work so there are no surprises later. Our goal is to make the total cost clear from the outset and to keep the process as straightforward as possible. We also assist with the customs forms and insurance arrangements to save you time.

Yes. Industry-standard cartons such as tea chests and book boxes are available, along with packing materials to help protect your belongings. For many baggage shipments these moving boxes are provided free of charge, which keeps things simple and avoids last-minute scrambles for packaging.

If you prefer, our team can also pack for you using export-grade materials to maximise protection in transit.

Both options are available. If you self-pack, please use strong double-walled cartons, tape all seams securely and cushion contents so nothing can move around. Label each item clearly with your name, destination address and the item number.

For delicate or high-value pieces, or if you simply do not have the time, you can book our professional packing service and we will take care of it for you using the right materials and techniques. Either way, we will supply packing guidance so you can be confident everything is ready for the journey.

For safe manual handling we recommend keeping each carton to a sensible lifting weight. Heavier items such as books should go in smaller boxes, while lighter items can go in larger cartons.

Extremely heavy or oversized pieces may need special packing or a crated solution. If you are unsure whether an item is suitable for the baggage service, share its dimensions and an approximate weight and we will advise on the best approach before collection.

We collect from addresses across the UK on a date that suits you. You can choose a self-pack collection, or a crewed pack and collect service if you want professional packing on the day.

If it is more convenient to drop items off, speak to us about options using our main facilities, which include London, Manchester and Glasgow. We will confirm the most practical choice for your location and timeline.

Transit time depends on destination and service. Air baggage typically arrives within one to two weeks once collected, subject to customs clearance. Sea baggage sent on a shared container service takes longer but is usually the most cost-effective option for non-urgent shipments.

As a guide, regional moves within Europe can be comparatively quick, while shipments to the Americas, Asia or Oceania can take several weeks port to port, plus time for local handling and customs at each end. We will provide an indicative timeline for your route and keep you updated while your items are on the move.

Yes. Once booked, you will receive updates at key milestones and you can check progress during transit. You will also have a dedicated contact who coordinates collection, shipping and delivery, and who is available to answer questions about paperwork or local procedures.

If circumstances change, tell us as soon as possible so we can adjust plans and keep everything running smoothly.

Requirements vary by country, but most destinations ask for a detailed inventory, a copy of your passport and visa, and evidence of your right to import used personal effects, such as proof of residence or a transfer-of-residence declaration.

Some countries require additional forms or supporting documents, which we will provide and help you complete. We also assist with insurance arrangements and liaise with destination partners to guide you through local formalities, which helps prevent delays.

Many countries allow used personal effects to enter duty and tax free if you meet certain conditions, for example moving your normal place of residence. New items may attract charges even if shipped with your baggage.

Any duties, taxes or inspection fees charged by authorities are payable by the consignee on arrival unless your quote states otherwise. We will advise what to expect for your specific destination and how to prepare the correct proofs so you can benefit from any available exemptions.

Hazardous materials such as flammables, corrosives and gases cannot travel. Many destinations restrict aerosols, perfumes, paint, lithium batteries and some foodstuffs. Weapons, counterfeit goods, perishable foods and cash are also prohibited.

Local rules can change, so please ask us for the latest guidance before packing anything questionable. If an item is restricted rather than banned, we may be able to ship it under special packing and declaration requirements. When in doubt, check with us first to avoid delays or disposal at destination.

We strongly recommend transit insurance to protect your belongings against accidental loss or damage while in our care and in transit. Although issues are rare, international journeys involve multiple handling points and long distances, so cover provides valuable peace of mind.

We can arrange appropriate protection based on your declared value and the nature of your goods, and we will explain policy terms and the claims process before you commit.

Absolutely. Baggage shipping is perfect for semester exchanges, gap years, temporary contracts, long trips and sending a few boxes of personal items to family abroad. You do not need a full household move to use the service.

If you only have a small consignment, a shared service keeps costs sensible while still giving you door-to-door convenience and help with the paperwork.

If your dates move or your destination changes, contact us as soon as possible so we can update your file and adjust arrangements. If your shipment has not been collected, moving the slot is usually straightforward.

After collection, changes may involve additional costs for storage, re-routing or re-delivery. We will always set out your options clearly so you can decide the most practical next step.