International Removals & Shipping

International Removals made easy

We know that when you move overseas that relocating your personal belongings is just a small part of what you need to organise. By the time you get to arranging International Removals services a friendly team that will guide you through the process, every step of the way, really helps to take away some of the stress as moving day approaches. That’s why our team focuses on providing a great customer experience from the moment you pick up the phone to the moment your removals crew wave goodbye.

A range of flexible services to help you meet your moving goals whether that’s low cost, removing stress or extra protection for key items.

Dedicated move manager to guide you through the process, assist with customs documentation and keep you up to date with your move.

Clear, up front prices with no hidden costs or nasty surprises.

Award winning customer service and outstanding customer feedback.

Independently pre-vetted for quality assurance by the British Association of Removers, FIDI FAIM and Which?

Financial protection through the British Association of Removers Advance Payment Guarantee.

Expert, knowledgeable teams from a company established in 1875.

"I found the service exceptional. When we had a slight challenge (nothing to do with Bournes) Leon took ownership and kept us fully informed as the matter was resolved addressing out of normal hours to accommodate the time difference. Brilliant service from start to finish will definitely use again."

Customer feedback for International Removals services from the UK to Toronto, Canada

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"I honestly cannot believe (having SEEN the boxes of my expat friends in tatters and torn) that our boxes were so pristine upon arrival. The delivery guys on this end could not have been better. They were A#1 super, as was everyone I've dealt with during this process. It isn't often that one is SO positively surprised by customer service these days, but this is one of those occasions."

Customer feedback for International Removals services to Connecticut, USA

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"We were very impressed by the professionalism and politeness of all your team, both for packing and unloading. In particular the driver Julian was very proficient at manoeuvring your truck into two very tight parking spaces which contributed to the ease of both loading and unloading. The final walk road and assisting in moving furniture within the rooms was a very good touch."

Customer feedback for European Removals services to Haywards Heath to France

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"From the point when I first approached Bournes through all the changing circumstances in my personal situation affecting dates and my decision making, Bournes were very patient and helpful. Chess [Harmony Relocation Network member], the people at the Australian end of the process were very good as well."

Customer feedback for International Removals services from UK to Victoria, Australia

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"Hi Robert, We are now settled in Australia. All our goods arrived here at our rental house about 3 weeks ago. We just wanted to say how very impressed we have been with the service you & Bournes have provided. It was faultless – you and everyone we dealt with have been very helpful. Very impressed with Bournes!

As we will be moving from our rental house to our new house in 3 months’ time, we have only unpacked the items that were crated and the china horse – all of which have survived the journey intact. "

Customer feedback for International Removals services from the UK to Australia.

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How much does a Removal Company cost?

Your cost for removals and storage will vary depending on your individual move circumstances including:

How much you have to move (volume)
Where you are moving from and to (including access)
Mode of transport (shared or exclusive containers and speed required)
Your move dates and flexibility
Services you need (including special care items or dismantling)
Import fees (including any Customs charges applied by the government of your destination country)

The best way to get a fixed quote for your move is to get in touch with us so we can understand more about your personal requirements and provide a tailored quote.

You can find out more about how the costs of international shipping are calculated here.

Why should I use a FIDI Removal Company or a BAR Member for International Removals?

Accreditations and certifications are a good way to determine the professionalism and credibility of a company. With a little money and a web expert any moving company can get a good position in your search engine listings, but how do you know they are reputable?

Organisations like FIDI (who certify international removal companies to the FAIM standard) and the BAR (British Association of Removers) pre-vet moving companies for you, and only let those who meet their standards become a member and display the badge. BAR companies also offer an advance payment guarantee so if anything happens to the removal company whilst your move is in progress you are financially protected. So, if you want to be sure you’ve chosen a reputable Removal Company, look for the badges. Find out more about International Shipping company accreditations here.

How will my move work?

Every move is different so when we’ve talked through your personal move situation and requirements, we will suggest our recommended services and move plan. Typically, this includes:

Free Home survey and quote
Booking and payment
Move planning including documentation preparation
Packing and loading
Transport
Customs clearance
Delivery and unpacking

If something we suggest doesn’t quite work the way you’d like it to or if you want to explore alternative solutions that’s no problem, just let us know and we’ll be happy to customise the plan so that you’re most comfortable. Our services are completely flexible, it’s your move and we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you.

Find out more about the international removals process

How do I get a quote for International Shipping?

Fill in the quote form to submit a web enquiry and we’ll get in touch to find out more about your move, alternatively you can call us on 01797 228000..

For larger moves we usually like to arrange a Move Consultation (sometimes known as a ‘survey’). This allows us to talk through your personal requirements further, explain your options and how your move might work, highlight anything you might find useful to know (like what you can and can’t take to specific countries based on their customs regulations) and to assess the technical aspects like the volume of items you’d like to move, the access to your property, any special packing or handling requirements that might be involved. We will send your quote over as soon as possible afterwards.

Typically we will visit you at home for the move consultation, but if you don’t have time, need an out of hours appointment or would just prefer us not to visit we can offer a range of other options like a Live Video Survey (available 24/7) using your smartphone, a telephone survey, a written self survey form or a self survey app that allows you to take photos of your home and submit them to us for a quote.

International Container Shipping

Door to door full container and shared container shipping services to and from any worldwide location. Fully supported by your dedicated move coordinator to help with planning, advice and documentation who will keep you up to date every step of the way.

Small Shipping Containers

If you aren't moving the volume of belongings to fill a whole shipping container we offer two great services enabling you to pay only for the space you need.

Individual wooden container (LCL)

We will load your items into your own wooden container which will then be shipped within a shared steel container to your destination. With LCL services you only pay for the space you use and with frequent departures still benefit from a speedy door-to-door transit time if that's important to you.

Groupage

Your items are labelled and loaded in a shared container with other customers of Bournes moving to the same destination. As with LCL shipments this means you only pay for the space you need, but it can take a little longer door-to-door as we need to collect and load all the consignments sharing your container first. If speed isn't so important to you this is our most cost effective service for smaller moves.

European Road Removals

Door to door Removals services by road throughout Europe. Dedicated trips or part loads for smaller moves with flexible dates, all fully supported by your dedicated move coordinator to help with planning, advice and documentation who will keep you up to date every step of the way.

We offer four different levels of service for Road Removals to Europe to suit a range of budgets and time schedule requirements.

Dedicated Service
Priority Service
Premium Economy
Economy

Find out more about our European Removals Services.

Airfreight

Airfreight is ideal for small shipments that you need urgently, or for an advance shipment of just a few items to help you settle in quickly.

Storage

Secure, flexible short and long term storage in the UK and overseas for whatever reason you need it whether that’s as part of your removal or to keep everything safe while you’re away.

Moving Vehicles

Shipping your car, motorbike or other vehicle with your household goods can be convenient and cost effective.

We use special loading equipment to ensure everything is secured safely and protected for transport. We will help you understand the full shipping and import costs as well as help you with the paperwork you need to complete.

Relocation Assistance

A little extra help with your move, from Home Search and School Search to setting up bank accounts, learning about a new language or culture and lots more.

Ask your Move Consultant about how Bournes can help you with:

Home Search
Education Assistance
Area orientation and preview trips
Settling in services
Tenancy management and lease renewals
Furniture rental
Serviced temporary accommodation
Cultural training
Language training
Family assistance programmes and partner support
Currency transfer
Departure services
Airport meet and greet

Insurance and Protection

Comprehensive International Removals and Storage insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re financially protected if the unexpected happens.

Our crews are fully trained and will take care to move all your belongings safely and securely. However, we all know accidents and situations can happen that are sometimes outside of our control and yours. That’s why we offer comprehensive specially designed International Removals Insurance with no excess to give you peace of mind that you’re financially protected if the unexpected happens.

Pet Transportation Service

We know your family isn’t always just the human members. We can handle the research, planning and preparation and provide a caring service to make the journey as stress free as possible for you and your pet to make sure the whole family can happily join you in your new home.

Find out more about Bournes Pet Relocation services

Handyman

If you don’t have the time, skills or desire to undertake all those extra jobs that come with moving house our Handymen can help.

From dismantling swing sets and taking down light fittings on the move out to hanging pictures and curtains or putting together your new furniture in your new home, they have the skills to make moving out and settling in quick and easy.

Packing

Your specially trained crew can expertly pack your belongings for you to make sure they are safe during transport. Full and part packing options available.

Moving Employees

Our Relocation Solutions division provide dedicated services to Corporate clients. Visit Bournes Relocation Solutions to find out more about how we can help you achieve your international mobility goals.

Special offers

We’ve teamed up with industry experts that we are proud to recommend who can save you money on services related to your move.

Special offers for Moving House

As well as providing household removals services Bournes have partnerships with a number of other complimentary service providers that can help assist you in ensuring your move comes smoothly and often offer special discounts or offers for Bournes customers

As your move consultant about our special offers:

Moneycorp

If you are moving overseas it's likely you'll be needing to convert your assets into a foreign country to 'move' it with you. Moneycorp can help you to achieve the best rates of exchange and make the most of your money.

WORLDWIDE DOOR TO DOOR INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS

We move families to and from over 180 different countries and as part of the Harmony Relocation Network have services centres across the world, so wherever you need to be, we’re already there.

Our UK service centres based across the South East mean we ware ideally placed to provide coverage throughout London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, but don’t worry if you aren’t in these areas - we provide our services throughout the UK.