International Removals

Moving to Europe

We treat our customers' possessions as if they were our own

Moving overseas requires more planning than a UK or European move, and that’s where experience makes all the difference. Ballards has been managing international removals worldwide for decades, helping families and businesses relocate safely and smoothly beyond Europe.

From destinations such as the USA, Canada and Australia to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and further afield, our international removals service is designed to handle long-distance transport, export packing, customs requirements and global shipping arrangements with care and precision.

Our international removals service covers destinations across the globe, including:

  • North America
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Asia
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • South America and worldwide locations.

If you’re unsure whether we cover your destination, just ask – we regularly arrange moves to countries around the world.

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Disney Wonder Cruise Ship with a Ballards Removals Truck in front of it waiting for its Ship for International Removals

How International Removals Work

  • Every international move begins with a detailed pre-move survey, where we assess your belongings, destination country and shipping requirements. From there, we plan the most suitable transport method, schedule packing and collection dates, and prepare the documentation needed for international customs clearance.
  • International removals often involve sea freight or air freight, depending on your destination and timeframe. We explain your options clearly, so you know exactly how your belongings will travel and when to expect delivery.
International removals with ballards. Image shows a ballards lorry on a ferry

Export Packing, Documentation and Customs

  • International removals require specialist export packing to protect your belongings during long-distance travel. Our trained team uses purpose-built materials and techniques designed for overseas shipping, ensuring everything is packed securely for transit by sea or air.
  • We also guide you through international customs requirements, preparing inventories and paperwork specific to your destination country. This helps avoid delays and ensures your shipment complies with local regulations on arrival.
Ballards removals lorry in a dockyard

International Shipping and Transport Options

We arrange safe and reliable global shipping through trusted international partners, selecting the most suitable transport method for your move.

  • Sea freight for larger household shipments and cost-effective long-distance moves
  • Air freight for urgent or smaller consignments requiring faster delivery

We’ll recommend the best option based on your destination, budget and timeline during your survey.

International Removals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. We arrange international removals to destinations across the globe, including North America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. If you’re unsure whether we cover your destination, just ask, we regularly organise moves worldwide.

International removals involve long-distance transport, export packing, shipping schedules and country-specific customs requirements. Unlike UK or European moves, overseas relocations often use sea or air freight and require more detailed planning and documentation, which we manage for you.

Yes. Export packing is essential for overseas removals. Our trained team uses specialist materials and packing techniques designed to protect your belongings during long-distance sea or air transport, ensuring everything arrives safely at your destination.

Yes. We prepare the required inventories and paperwork and guide you through destination-specific customs requirements. While customs clearance times vary by country, our experience helps minimise delays and ensures your shipment meets local regulations.

We offer both sea freight and air freight, depending on your destination, volume and timescale. Sea freight is typically used for full household moves, while air freight suits smaller or time-sensitive shipments. We’ll explain the best option during your survey.

International removals insurance is available to protect your belongings during overseas transit. We’ll explain the level of cover available and discuss optional insurance upgrades for high-value or specialist items during your survey.

Yes. If your travel dates or property availability don’t align, we can place your belongings into secure UK storage before shipping. This provides flexibility while your overseas move is finalised.

In many cases, yes. We can arrange international transport for vehicles and certain specialist items, depending on destination regulations. This will be discussed during your survey.