FAQs

Anglo Pacific is a UK-based specialist in overseas removals and shipping. We have over 40 years of experience and handle more than 20,000 shipments annually.

Our services cover door-to-door international moves, including packing up your household goods in the UK, transporting them overseas, and delivering to your new home. Anglo Pacific can ship full household contents as well as smaller consignments, from furniture and personal effects to vehicles or fine art, to virtually any destination abroad. In short, we provide a comprehensive overseas moving service, managing every step of an international relocation for customers moving out of the UK.

Anglo Pacific can ship your belongings to almost any country worldwide. We have the capability to send removals to all corners of the globe, whether you’re moving within Europe or to far-off international destinations.

Popular countries they frequently service include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, South Africa, Hong Kong, India, the UAE, and many more; but in general, no destination is too far for our team. Our global network of partners allows Anglo Pacific to provide service to over 170 countries, so chances are we cover your destination. If you’re unsure, you can always ask for a quotation for your specific country, it’s very likely Anglo Pacific has experience moving customers there.

No, Anglo Pacific specialises in international removals from the UK to overseas destinations. They are an overseas moving company and do not typically conduct domestic house moves within the UK. Their focus is on export moves leaving the UK.

However, if you are moving to the UK from another country, they can assist with those imports through their international network. In other words, Anglo Pacific handles moves from the UK to anywhere worldwide, and can also coordinate shipments coming into the UK, but they are not a domestic UK mover. This specialisation allows them to concentrate on the complexities of overseas shipping (customs, international transport, etc.) rather than local moves.

It’s best to contact and book Anglo Pacific two to three months before your intended moving date, if possible. They recommend securing your international removal company a few months in advance to allow ample time for planning, paperwork, and scheduling. That said, Anglo Pacific can often work on much shorter notice, even just a few weeks ahead, but keep in mind that moving overseas involves many steps. The more advanced notice you provide, the more smoothly everything can be arranged without the pressure of tight deadlines. In short, aim for a couple of months’ lead time, but don’t hesitate to contact them even if your move is sooner; they will do their best to accommodate you.

Getting a quotation from Anglo Pacific is easy and free of charge. They offer a few convenient options to assess your move and provide an accurate price:

• Free Home Survey: If you’re in London or the Home Counties, Anglo Pacific can send an expert estimator to your home. They will review everything you plan to move and discuss your timeline and requirements. After the survey, you’ll receive a detailed, personalised quotation.
• Free Video Survey: No matter where you are in the UK, you can opt for a video survey using Anglo Pacific’s app on your smartphone or tablet. You walk a surveyor through your home virtually, showing what needs moving. This works just like an in-home survey and is very convenient.
• Phone Consultation or Online Form: For smaller shipments or initial enquiries, you can speak to their team by phone or fill out an online form. You’ll indicate what items you plan to ship (even an approximate list) and your destination, and Anglo Pacific will explain the process and prepare a quotation.

All quotations are free and without obligation, and they include a volume assessment of your goods so you know what you’re paying for. Once you have your quotation and are happy with it, you can then confirm the booking and schedule your move.

International removal costs with Anglo Pacific are primarily calculated based on the volume of goods you are shipping. In other words, how much space your belongings take up (measured in cubic feet or cubic metres) is the key factor in determining the price. Anglo Pacific will typically estimate the total volume of your household goods during the survey and use that to formulate your quotation. This volume-based pricing is standard for sea freight removals – it ensures you’re charged for exactly how much you ship.

Other factors can include the shipping method (air freight is priced by weight and is more expensive, whereas sea freight is by volume), the distance/route to your destination country, and any additional services you require (such as packing, insurance, or storage). Anglo Pacific’s quotation will clearly state the volume of your shipment and the services included. They pride themselves on transparency, so you’ll know the breakdown of costs upfront. If your actual volume on moving day ends up slightly different, the price may be adjusted accordingly, but they will explain this in advance.

For private customers, Anglo Pacific typically requires payment in full before your goods are shipped or collected. In practice, once you’re ready to book the move, you would confirm the quotation and then arrange payment prior to the packing and collection date. The company’s standard terms are that private (non-account) customers settle the bill before the shipment leaves the origin country. This ensures everything is in order financially before your belongings are on their way.

If you are a corporate client with an account, different terms may apply (such as 30 days’ invoice terms), but for most individual customers, expect to pay upfront once the final volume and services are confirmed. Anglo Pacific will provide a final invoice and make sure you’re aware of payment timelines. They also participate in an Advance Payment Guarantee scheme (through their BAR membership), which means your prepayments are protected for your peace of mind.

The process typically breaks down into three main stages:

1. Initial Consultation & Quotation: First, you’ll discuss your move with Anglo Pacific (via a home survey, video survey, or consultation) to determine what you plan to ship. They will then provide a detailed quotation and moving plan tailored to your needs. You’ll know the estimated volume, cost, and all services included. Once you decide to proceed, you book your move and a Move Manager is assigned.
2. Booking & Documentation: After booking, Anglo Pacific helps you handle all the necessary paperwork. They’ll guide you through completing any required customs forms, provide instructions on documents like passport and visa copies, and schedule the logistics. Your dedicated Move Manager will be your point of contact, making sure you understand each step and that everything is prepared for shipping day.
3. Packing & Moving Day: On the agreed date, Anglo Pacific’s professional crew comes to your home to pack your belongings safely, using high-quality materials. They will then load everything and transport your shipment to the port or airport. The goods are shipped overseas and, upon arrival in the destination country, their partners handle customs clearance and final delivery. Anglo Pacific arranges for your items to be delivered to your new residence and even assists with unpacking and removal of packing debris at the end. Throughout the move, your Move Manager keeps you updated. You can even track the shipment’s progress online during transit.

In summary, Anglo Pacific manages your move door-to-door from the planning stage all the way to unpacking at destination, making the international moving process straightforward for you.

Among a market of several reputable international removal companies, Anglo Pacific is often highlighted as a top choice.

Anglo Pacific has grown into the UK’s largest international removals and shipping company (handling around 20,000 consignments per year). It’s also one of the largest movers in Europe and is even recommended by leading UK visa agencies; a strong indicator of its trustworthiness. Independent reviewers have praised Anglo Pacific’s reliability; for example, MoveHub named Anglo Pacific World Movers as their top pick for reliability among international shippers. With over four decades of experience (established in 1978) and credentials like membership in the British Association of Removers (BAR) and FIDI accreditation, Anglo Pacific combines experience, scale, and quality service. While other big names also rank highly, Anglo Pacific’s track record and customer confidence set it apart as one of the best in the industry.

When selecting an international mover, a few key factors ensure you’re choosing a reliable company. First, check their qualifications and accreditations – companies that are members of industry organisations (like BAR or FIDI) must meet high quality standards. Also look at the range of services offered: do they handle packing, provide storage, ship vehicles or pets, and assist with customs paperwork? It’s important the company has experience with your destination country, because a mover who has relocated many people to your target country will know local regulations and challenges. Be sure to read independent customer reviews to gauge their reputation, and compare quotations from a few companies to ensure pricing is transparent and competitive. Good communication is crucial too – you want a mover who answers questions clearly and stays responsive. In short, look for an experienced, well-reviewed, and accredited company that offers all the services you need. For example, Anglo Pacific ticks these boxes: it’s BAR- and FIDI-accredited, has specialist teams for packing and customs clearance, and decades of experience on key international routes.

International moving costs can vary widely depending on your shipment size, destination, and shipping method. In general, a small move (just a few boxes) might cost around a thousand pounds, whereas relocating an entire household overseas can cost several thousands of pounds. For example, moving a typical three-bedroom house from the UK to Australia via sea freight might be roughly in the £3,000–£5,000 range, while a similar move to the USA could cost about £3,000–£4,000. (Moves to closer destinations or with fewer items would be on the lower end.) Remember these are ballpark figures – your exact price depends on how much you’re shipping, how far it’s going, and any extra services (like packing or insurance). It’s best to get a personalised quotation from the removals company. Anglo Pacific, for instance, offers free, transparent quotations with a breakdown of costs so you know what you’re paying for. Comparing quotations from multiple companies and considering options like shared containers (if you have a smaller load) can also help you find a cost-effective solution.

The most cost-effective way to ship your goods internationally is usually by sea freight. Sending your belongings by ocean container is far cheaper than using air freight – in fact, air shipping can cost roughly 10 to 15 times more than sea shipping for the same volume. So, if you can allow the extra transit time, a sea shipment will save you a lot of money. Additionally, many movers offer a shared container service (also called groupage), where your boxes share space in a container with other customers’ shipments. This means you only pay for the container space you need, making it an economical choice for smaller moves. Anglo Pacific, for example, lets you send items via groupage – you can ship just a few boxes or part of a container, rather than paying for a whole container by yourself. In summary: use sea freight whenever possible (especially for large or non-urgent shipments), and consider shared containers to keep costs down. Air freight should be reserved for items you need delivered quickly or for very time-sensitive moves due to its high expense.

The transit time for an international move depends on the distance and the shipping method. If you send your goods by sea freight (ocean container), it typically takes on the order of several weeks. From the UK to far destinations like Australia or New Zealand, expect roughly six to eight weeks’ transit time by sea. Closer destinations or regional moves (e.g. within Europe) can be faster, especially if road transport is involved. By contrast, air freight is much faster – usually around seven to ten days for delivery of your items overseas (plus some extra time for customs clearance). So, if you need your belongings urgently, air shipping can have them to you in a week or two, whereas ocean shipping might be two months. Anglo Pacific’s guidelines align with this: their sea shipments to distant countries average about six to eight weeks port-to-port, while their air freight option delivers in a matter of days. Keep in mind these are transit times; you may need to add a bit of buffer for packing, collection, and customs clearance on arrival. Planning your move timeline with these factors in mind will help ensure you’re not caught off guard by how long it takes for your goods to reach you.

As a FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) we work to recognised worldwide standards, ensuring that your goods will be handled carefully and professionally from start to finish. FIDI is the international furniture movers association with over 600 specialist partners, giving us access to services all around the world. Each member has been audited and has been accredited the same standards conforming to strict financial, operational and administrative standards.

We are members of the Overseas Group of the British Association of Removers, the UK’s most prestigious moving organisation. This organisation also audit their members every year to ensure the highest standards are attained and upheld.

Anglo Pacific hold Quality Standard ISO9001 which recognises Quality Management Systems within international removals and storage and comply with the Trading Standard Institute.

Anglo comply with the Trading Standard Institute guidelines.

Anglo Pacific is represented within the British Association of Removers, the leading professional UK organisation. The members of this highly respected associated are audited annually to ensure the highest standards in all aspects of international moving

A lot of people moving abroad from the UK tend to go to a handful of popular destinations. Historically and today, top choices include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and South Africa; these countries consistently rank among the most common destinations for UK expats. There are many reasons these are popular: English is widely spoken, there are strong job markets and communities of British expats, and often favourable visa opportunities or family ties. Since so many people relocate to these countries, major international removal companies have developed specialist expertise in these routes.

Anglo Pacific is particularly well-known for handling moves to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, the USA (and even others like Cyprus). They understand the logistics and customs regulations for those countries well, which helps when you’re navigating a big move. Of course, the UK-to-Europe moving corridor is also busy (Spain and France are popular for Britons), and places in Asia or the Middle East attract expats too. But if you haven’t narrowed down a destination yet, the five countries above are perennially popular and worth considering, and plenty of services exist to help you move there.

Yes, you don’t need a full container load to use an international removals service.

Reputable movers will accommodate even small shipments, and often have special services for that scenario. For instance, Anglo Pacific offers a baggage shipping or small moves service that is perfect if you only have a few boxes, luggage, or personal items to send abroad. In these cases, your items can go in a shared container (groupage) with other customers’ shipments, so you’re only paying for the space/weight you use rather than an entire container. This makes it cost-effective for students, solo travellers, or anyone who isn’t moving an entire household. Despite being a smaller shipment, the moving company will still handle it professionally – they can provide packing materials, collect the boxes from your home, manage the customs paperwork, and deliver to your overseas address. So even if you’re sending, say, just two or three suitcases to another country, an international remover like Anglo Pacific can take care of it door-to-door.

It’s highly recommended to take out insurance when moving your belongings overseas. While professional movers handle items very carefully and the vast majority of shipments arrive safely (about 99.99% of container cargo reaches its destination without incident), there’s always a small chance of unforeseen events. Long-distance shipments can be affected by things like extreme weather at sea, accidents, or accidental damage during handling. Having transit insurance means that if something does go wrong, you can be financially compensated for loss or damage to your goods. Most international removal companies offer moving insurance or can direct you to a third-party insurer. Anglo Pacific, for example, provides shipment protection options to cover your items during transit. The extra cost of insurance is usually a tiny fraction of your move expense, but it buys peace of mind.

In short, yes, insuring your international move is a wise decision to protect your valuables, even though problems are rare.