Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage before and after shipping
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
There's more to the United Kingdom than fish and chips and football. Covering England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the UK is a melting pot of different cultures spread across spectacular scenery and vibrant cities. So, it's no surprise the country receives millions of visitors every year, whether they're off on holiday, meeting up with family, studying overseas or moving permanently. However, lugging your most treasured belongings overseas on a long-haul trip can be stressful and expensive.
Luckily, Seven Seas Worldwide's international shipping services are here to help. Convenient, affordable and hassle-free, our trusted team specialise in shipping boxes, luggage and household items worldwide. We can transport everything from suitcases to sports gear to destinations across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton, Newcastle and Belfast. With over 25 years of experience and thousands of happy customers, you can rest assured your possessions are in the capable hands of one of the country's most trusted international shipping companies.
A trusted team, shipping to the UK for over 25 years
At Seven Seas Worldwide, every customer matters, whether we're shipping a couple of boxes or the entire contents of your home, and we always go the extra mile to ensure your international shipping experience is hassle-free and seamless. Here are just a few benefits of sending luggage to the UK with our team:
- Quick and easy online booking: arranging to ship boxes and bags overseas shouldn't involve pages of forms or hours on automated phone lines. Instead, our online booking tool only takes a couple of clicks, allowing you to get the shipping services you need when you need them. Start by getting a completely free instant quote today!
- Free secure storage facilities: we understand travelling can be complicated, and you might not always be going directly to the United Kingdom. Fortunately, if you need a safe place to store your goods until you're ready to receive them, we offer two weeks of free storage in both the origin and destination countries, so you don't have to rush.
- No nasty hidden fees: nothing dampens the excitement of a trip more than being hit with additional costs as soon as you land. With our easy-to-use online quote tool, all the charges involved with shipping to the UK, such as warehouse handling and transportation, are clearly listed. Plus, we never charge one lump sum — rather, we stagger costs by asking for payments in instalments.
- We handle the customs documents: our friendly team of overseas shippers have years of experience in global logistics and in-depth knowledge of customs regulations, meaning you don't have to worry about a thing. We'll collect the shipment from your door, deal with the necessary customs procedures and transport your goods to your chosen address. Simple!
How we ship luggage and boxes to the UK in 5 steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
What kind of shipping boxes and packaging do I need?
When sending luggage and personal belongings overseas, it's only natural to worry about them arriving in one piece — after all, international shipping can be a bumpy journey. To put your mind at ease, we offer durable, built-for-transit shipping boxes and packing materials so you can wrap your goods securely.
While we also provide bespoke containers for unusually shaped or exceptionally fragile items, our most popular box sizes are Large, best for bulky belongings like pillows and blankets, and Standard, ideal for books, appliances and other heavy objects. Plus, all our boxes are made to our precise measurements from double-walled, chemically-hardened cardboard, providing your goods with the utmost protection on their trip. Please remember to weigh your containers before handing them over, though, as, for everyone's safety, our drivers can't accept any exceeding 30kg/66lbs. Instead, order plenty of boxes to distribute the weight of your shipment, and we'll take back any left over (as long as they are in a good reusable condition!) for no extra charge.
Need a larger shipment transporting? Then take a look at our International MoveCube® page.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
Bespoke boxes for international shipping to the UK
The Seven Seas Worldwide international shipping team has years of experience efficiently transporting awkward or bulky items overseas. From antiques to surfboards, DJ decks to pushchairs, as long as it's not on the UK customs prohibitive goods list, we can ship it, helping you avoid excessive oversized baggage fees or needing to rent equipment once in the country.
Alongside our Large and Standard shipping boxes mentioned above, here are a few of the specialist containers we also supply (although for sizeable shipments, we suggest having a look at our International MoveCube® service):
- We have reinforced cartons to protect both adult and child-sized bikes (although part dismantling is required), so you can explore some of the UK's many scenic cycle routes, such as Box Hill Olympic Circuit in Surrey or the Lake District's Lakeland Loop.
- Fancy swinging a hole-in-one on one of Scotland's legendary golf courses? No problem — our protective cardboard containers will suitably accommodate your golf clubs and bag.
- Catch some waves in Cornwall or along the Welsh coast during your trip by shipping your surfboard in our specially strengthened box.
FAQs about our international shipping services
As specialists in transporting personal effects from A to B, we've finetuned our international shipping process, making it as affordable and stress-free as possible. Here's how it works in three simple steps:
- First, use our quick and easy online quote tool to get costs for shipping to the UK from Ireland. Then, place your order and pick convenient packing material delivery and shipment collection dates. Please wrap your goods securely and write your name, job number and destination country and city on at least two sides of each box before our driver arrives to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Secondly, complete the online documentation available through your Seven Seas Worldwide account, including a detailed inventory of the items you're shipping, optional insurance forms and scanned copies of your passport and visa. Once we've collected your boxes and bags on the designated date, sit back and relax — our team will handle the rest.
- Finally, our expert overseas shippers will transport your shipment to the UK, acquire customs clearance, and deliver your belongings to your chosen destination, whether a home address or one of our depots or a port for you to collect.
And don't forget, if you have any questions along the way, our dedicated customer support team speak several languages, including Thai, Afrikaans, Cantonese, Mandarin and English, and are always happy to help.
At Seven Seas Worldwide, we ship luggage internationally by sea. Sea shipping to the UK from Ireland is the best option for your wallet and takes 10 days.
You'll also have access to an online tracking tool to keep an eye on your international shipment's journey, giving you even further peace of mind.
Enter a few quick details into our no-obligation quote tool to find the most accurate shipping costs for sending boxes and luggage to the UK. Unlike other international shipping companies, we offer complete transparency, clearly itemising our quotes by breaking down all the charges involved in the process, including warehouse handling, customs clearance, transportation and other related fees.
To avoid taxes when shipping household goods and personal effects to the United Kingdom, both Irish and British citizens must first complete a Transfer of Residence Relief (ToR01) form on the HMRC website. They'll then assess whether you qualify for duty-free entry based on your fulfilment of the following criteria:
- You're returning to the UK as your country of residence;
- You've been living outside of the UK continuously for at least twelve months;
- You've owned all the items you're planning to import for at least six months;
- You haven't bought or received any of the goods in your shipment through a duty/tax-free scheme;
- You intend to keep all the items for personal use and won't sell, hire out or give them away for at least twelve months after importing;
- If the HMRC grant you a tax exemption, you can't import your belongings earlier than six months before your arrival or later than twelve months after you enter the country.
Please note that if your shipment does qualify for duty-free importation, you'll need to provide Seven Seas Worldwide with your ToR Authorisation Code so we can arrange customs clearance into the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, failure to supply this will result in your shipment being liable for importation tax. Take a look at our UK Customs Advice page for more information.
Restricted items are those banned from importation to protect a country's citizens and environment, and they vary depending on the destination. To ensure your shipment clears customs, we recommend reading our comprehensive Prohibited Goods page before you start packing your belongings for shipping to the UK.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
What are the transit times for shipping from Ireland to the UK?*
By sea
10 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
Packing tips: How do I ship my goods securely?
International shipping isn't always smooth sailing — your boxes and bags will pass between many different hands and vehicles on their journey, and knocks and bumps are likely to occur. But, wrap your possessions securely, and there's no need to worry. Learn how to pack with confidence by following these four easy steps (read more on our Excess Baggage FAQs):
Always use high-quality shipping boxes:
Shipping boxes need to be sturdy enough to withstand handling during transit — bin liners, laundry bags and battered containers with rips and tears simply won't do the job. Luckily, we can provide brand new cardboard cartons, purpose-built to protect household items on overseas trips.
Also, before you start packing, please review our Prohibitive Goods page and check the items you're sending meet UK customs regulations.
Take extra care when wrapping fragile items:
First, cushion your container's interior by lining it with crumpled newspaper, towels or foam sheets. Then, wrap each item in plenty of bubble wrap secured by parcel tape, taking extra care with breakable goods such as mirrors, glassware and framed photos.
While this might feel like a chore, a little extra effort equals a lot more protection, so ask a friend to lend a hand, whack up the radio and get wrapping. It's easier than you think!
Strengthen your containers with parcel tape:
For extra security, use heavy-duty brown tape to reinforce the bottom of your containers and any seams. Then, clearly write your name, job number and destination country and city on at least two sides of each box.
Also, remember to accurately detail the items you're shipping to the UK in your online inventory, as customs officials will refer to this document during their inspections.
Pack your belongings before collection:
To help the process run smoothly, move your shipment to the front of your address before your allotted slot on collection day. Alternatively, if you're sending your goods from one of our depots, please arrive in good time, so our staff are available to help.
And don't forget to weigh your boxes on bathroom scales before handing them over to the driver, as any over 30kg/66lbs will need unpacking and their contents distributed.
I had a very positive experience using Seven Seas on my recent move to the UK. The whole process was very seamless, and the boxes were well taken care of. Nothing was broken at all. The booking, organisation and communication were very good, and I'd highly recommend using them.
Danielle Brooks
Best places to visit in the UK
Don't let the weather put you off. The United Kingdom is a one-of-a-kind destination boasting an excellent standard of living, opportunities aplenty and many world-renowned educational institutions — not forgetting the country's awe-inspiring countryside, vibrant cities and 47,000+ pubs! Here are a few of Old Blighty's most popular destinations and attractions that are well worth a spot on your itinerary:
London
With a fascinating history stemming back as far as the Romans, in England's capital, every street tells a story and each brick whispers of the past. Even a born and bred Londoner would struggle to visit all the iconic landmarks and hidden gems this bustling metropolis offers.
Eat your way around Borough Market: London's oldest food market offers a cornucopia of gourmet goodies to guzzle, from Colombian coffees to Jamaican jellies, Baltic bread to Punjabi pickles. Prepare to leave very full.
Ponder free art at the Tate Modern: Situated in what was once Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern is the perfect place for a culture fix. Inside you'll find pieces by Warhol, Matisse, Picasso and countless other contemporary masters.
Be a 'groundling' at Shakespeare's Globe: Stay on your feet to get an up-close view (and cheaper tickets!) of one of the great Bard's plays at the Globe, an almost identical reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theatre that burnt down in 1613.
See the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London: One of the country's finest historical monuments, this real-life medieval castle has housed many notorious prisoners, including Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes and Sir Walter Raleigh, and now protects Queen Liz's fancy bling.
Admire the view from The Shard: Cop a look at the city in all its glory, perched 244m above ground level at the top of The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building. While its floor-to-ceiling windows can be daunting for those scared of heights, the views are well worth the vertigo.
Edinburgh
Home to the world's largest arts festival called the Fringe, Edinburgh is a bustling hive of creative energy and an excellent gateway to the rest of Scotland. Visit the Old Town for cobbled streets and cosy cafes and the New Town for luxury boutiques and lush botanical gardens.
Get a history lesson at Edinburgh Castle: Sat atop an extinct volcano overlooking the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle has acted as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress during its centuries-old existence.
Stroll through Holyrood Park and climb Arthur's Seat: A public park like no other, pop on your hiking boots or grab yourself a bike and roam the dramatic hills and crags of this stunning windswept landscape.
Enjoy a wee dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience: Even if you can't tell your malt from your mash, a tutored tasting at this renowned distillery will surely wet your whistle and give you a taste for Scotland's most famous spirit.
Explore the city's spooky side on a haunted tour: Learn about Edinburgh's ghoulish past by taking a tour of the city's underground vaults and be regaled with chilling tales of apparitions, witches and grave-robbers.
Admire the architecture along the Royal Mile: Stretching from Castle Hill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is the capital's main thoroughfare and the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Here you'll fill your social feed with snaps of picturesque passageways and charming squares.
The Cotswolds
Characterised by chocolate-box cottages, regal manor houses and rolling emerald hills, it's no surprise the Cotswolds is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it the perfect escape from the fast pace of urban life.
Marvel at the splendour of Blenheim Palace: The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace's sumptuous interiors and sprawling grounds will make you feel as if you've just stepped into a period drama.
Hike the Cotswold Way National Trail: Covering 102 miles (164km) with lots of shorter walks for those who don't fancy doing the whole stretch, the Cotswold Way will lead you through bucolic countryside and cute-as-a-button villages with plenty of pubs along the way.
Inhale the heavenly aroma of lavender: Visit during June and July, and you'll be treated to the soothing scents and purple hues of the region's local lavender fields in full bloom — best enjoyed over a cuppa and cake at the Cotswold Lavender tearoom.
Get your glad rags on for a day at the races: Have a flutter on the horses at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse, then pop into town for gorgeous Georgian architecture, designer stores and five-star restaurants.
Explore Westonbirt Arboretum's rare foliage: Spread over 600 acres, this woodland is meticulously designed with stately avenues of exotic and endangered trees and shrubs and often hosts music concerts, guided walks and workshops.
Brighton
Best known for its welcoming atmosphere and free-spirit vibe, Britain's hippest beachside city is a fabulous collision of kitsch and culture and a magnet for all those in search of fun, frolics, and fresh sea air.
Play the penny arcades on Palace Pier: This Grade-II listed pleasure pier stretching out into the English Channel is packed with arcade games, fairground rides, and chippy stands and offers a good old-fashioned day out at the seaside.
Snap up vintage treasures down the Lanes: Fill your suitcase with knickknacks bought from the antique dealers, jewellery boutiques and vintage emporiums lining this maze of narrow alleyways.
Be wowed by the spectacular Royal Pavilion: With its spiralling minarets and bulging domes, this fantastical palace would look more at home on the banks of the Ganges than in the middle of a city centre. Take a peep inside for replica Regency rooms and regular art exhibitions.
Take a trip on the Volks Electric Railway: Running from the Palace Pier to Black Rock, this charming narrow-gauge railway will take you on a pleasant jaunt past coastal views and banks of wildflowers.
Indulge your inner child at the Toy and Model Museum: This quirky little museum's vast collection includes everything from diecast cars to Meccano kits, puppet theatres to model trains and is guaranteed to give you a hefty dose of nostalgia.
More information about international shipping to the UK
Prohibitive goods
Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Shipping terms glossary
This jargon-busting page provides definitions of common shipping and delivery terms such as personal effects and transit times.
Insurance
If you’re shipping your prized possessions with us, it will be worth you having a quick look at the insurance packages we offer.
MoveCube®
Our MoveCube® self-load moving container makes home and overseas removals easy and affordable.