MetEx House, 496a Great West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW5 0TE  ·  Shipping since 1998
0800 096 38 39
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💼 Expat Relocation • Work Contract • UK Departure • Est. 1998

Moving Abroad for Work
What to Ship and How to Ship It

Moving abroad on a work contract is a different move from a full family relocation. Company-provided furnished accommodation, a 1–3 year contract, and a defined list of personal items that need to travel with you. Luggage shipping is almost always the right answer — here is why and how.

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The work relocation scenario

Why luggage shipping is usually the right answer for work relocations

A full removals company makes sense if you are moving a household — furniture, white goods, everything. For a work contract with a furnished apartment, you are moving personal effects: clothes, personal items, books, laptop, some kitchen gear. That is exactly what luggage shipping is designed for.

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No minimum volume. One bag or fifteen bags — quote per bag. Removals companies have minimum charges that make them expensive for personal effects only.
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4–9 working days air freight. You land, your bags arrive within the week. No 8-week sea freight wait wondering if your clothes have arrived.
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Quote before collection. Many employers cover relocation shipping costs — a quote means a clean invoice for HR or expenses.
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Established customs documentation. Personal effects for an employee establishing residency abroad get favourable customs treatment in most countries. We prepare the right documentation at booking.
Top work relocation routes

Most common work relocation destinations from the UK

DestinationAir freight transitKey customs note
Dubai / UAE4–8 working daysUAE FCA — no alcohol. Personal effects duty-free.
Doha / Qatar5–8 working daysAlcohol strictly prohibited.
Singapore5–9 working daysSingapore Customs — very organised. Packing list essential.
Lagos / Nigeria5–9 working daysNCS — detailed itemised list essential.
New York / USA5–8 working daysCBP Form 3299 may be required.
Toronto / Canada5–8 working daysCBSA B4A form — complete before arrival.

Call 0800 096 38 39 with your destination and we give you a clear quote and exact lead time requirements.

28 years experience

Why employers and expat relocation teams choose Excess Luggage Co.

From Hounslow, 2 miles from Heathrow cargo terminals, we have been shipping personal effects for UK-based professionals relocating abroad since 1998. Confirmed pricing, customs documentation support, and a phone number that is answered — these are the things that matter when HR is managing a relocation.

25+
Years operating
2mi
From Heathrow
FAQs

Your questions answered

How many bags can I ship when moving abroad for work?−
No bag limit. Most work relocations involve 5–15 bags of clothes, personal items and work equipment. We provide a quote per bag before collection. Call 0800 096 38 39 with your postcode, destination and estimated bag count.
How early should I book before my relocation date?+
Book at least 10–14 working days before you need your bags at the destination. Air freight takes 4–9 working days depending on destination, plus customs clearance time, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers. For Gulf state, Asian and African destinations, allow 14 working days minimum.
My company is paying — can I get an invoice?+
Yes — we can invoice your employer or provide documentation for expense reimbursement. Call 0800 096 38 39 to discuss. Many UK employers cover personal effects shipping as part of the relocation package.
Do I need to be at the destination to collect?+
You collect from the destination cargo warehouse with your passport and Air Waybill reference. If you are arriving after the shipment (which is common on fast bookings), an authorised representative with a letter of authority can collect on your behalf.
Can I ship work equipment — monitor, keyboard, documents?+
Yes — work equipment is commonly shipped as personal effects alongside clothing. Remove batteries from laptops (carry in cabin). Declare everything on the packing list with realistic used values. Large or specialist equipment may need separate advice.
What about customs duties on my personal effects?+
Most countries grant duty-free entry for personal effects (used goods for personal use) when you are establishing residency. The key requirement: sender equals receiver, items are demonstrably used personal goods, not new commercial items. We advise on your specific destination at booking.

Ready to ship your belongings to your destination?

Clear quote before we collect. No guesswork. Established 1998.

📋 Get a Quote 📞 0800 096 38 39 💬 WhatsApp
Related:🌎 Moving abroad guide🚗 vs Removals🛃 Ship to Dubai🛃 Ship to Singapore📅 Booking lead times
Excess Luggage Co. • Est. 1998 • Moving abroad specialists
Get a Quote 📞 0800 096 38 39
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