Moving to the UK

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Moving From NZ (International Move)

Move to the UK with NZ's Premium Moving Company

Every year many Kiwis are looking to take the leap and move to the United Kingdom. They are receiving a warm welcome as UK employers are clamouring to get their hands on skilled workers from New Zealand.

While this new wave of departures is predominantly ‘first timers’ on working holidays or taking up longer term employment, there is also a steady stream of Kiwis, UK citizens and other nationalities relocating to the United Kingdom.

Moving to the UK from New Zealand – NZ Van Lines, Your Perfect Moving Partner

Whether you are planning to live in the UK for only short term or forever, NZ Van Lines is the perfect partner for your forthcoming move. Every year our removals group manages the highest number of relocations in the industry, both into and out of the UK. For over 35 years we have consistently delivered quality overseas moving services to our customers making the move to London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and everywhere in between.

In addition to our company fast facts, here are 5 reasons why New Zealand Van Lines is your perfect moving partner to the United Kingdom.

Moving with NZ Van Lines

1. We will get you there on time

You will be aware that the global pandemic has exposed New Zealand’s vulnerability to supply chain disruption, within the international shipping industry. At its worst containers were left in the wrong locations, ports were missed, and capacity was reduced due to new vessel routings and container shortages.

NZ Van Lines are in the best position to get you there on time and on budget. Our moving group are New Zealand’s biggest volume mover to the United Kingdom. These volumes give us the certainty to forward plan and pre-order container slots, even before our customers have booked.

2. We have a full range of services

After 35 years of building our United Kingdom partner network NZ Van Lines can deliver a ‘door to door’ service to every post code in the UK. For customers only moving for a few years, a popular option is to have us pack and store a portion of their household goods in New Zealand, while moving the balance by either air or sea freight. Others may like to have the storage portion internationally packed and call for it later if they decide to stay longer or permanently settle.

Whether you’re moving with just a few items, or a full house load we treat all customers as a priority. If your consignment is a smaller one, less time sensitive or you’re on a tight budget, our shared container ‘groupage’ service is a popular option. You still receive the same personalised packing and delivery services, but only pay for your share of the container costs.

Of course, our service includes much more than moving your household goods. We can get you there by either air or sea, or a combination of both, depending on your needs. In addition, we provide secure storage options (at both origin and destination), pet moving, motor vehicle and motorbike relocations, fully comprehensive marine insurance, and a range of settling in programmes at destination.

3. We have the expertise

Moving your household goods to the United Kingdom is not something you should leave to chance. After all, you will be over 18,000kms from home when you take delivery in the UK.

Our shipping service starts at home with the appointment of a dedicated moving consultant to assist and guide you every step of the way. This includes everything from the packing and uplift of your shipment, the preparation and lodgement of key documents right through to a full customs clearance and delivery service in the UK. We recommend you start the online customs application process early (at the initial enquiry stage) so you have your Unique Reference Number issued, before your personal effects leave New Zealand. While the moving of family pets and motor vehicles is very popular, we also advise you to be well versed in the pre-approval and clearance processes, prior to making those decisions.

No matter your circumstances you can be assured our international relocations team are experts in their field, they know the exact regulations and will provide you with the correct advice and documentation to facilitate a stress free and seamless hand over to our UK destination service partners.

4. We set the standard

NZ Van Lines provide our customers with ‘peace of mind’ by partnering them with some of the world’s best international moving companies, to clear and deliver their effects upon arrival in the UK.

Unlike our multi-national competitors who are obliged to use their own internal networks or franchises (irrespective of coverage, quality, and suitability) we only partner with companies that meet the highest industry standards and regularly exceed our customer’s expectations. These relationships are not new, they have been developed over 35 years of NZ Van Lines moving customers into and out of the United Kingdom.

For additional security, all NZ Van Lines customer files and personal information are transferred seamlessly to our destination service partners, via the same integrated move management platform. This enables essential staff full access to the correct information at both ends of the relocation process. We retain visibility over our customer files so we can monitor the complete ‘lifetime’ of each service. In addition, you can be assured that personal information is only available to third parties on an individual ‘need to know’ basis.

5. We are Premium not pricey

As New Zealand’s Premium Moving Company our business has been built on the concept of being ‘premium not pricey’. You will find us to be reasonably priced. Importantly, we include all standard clearance and delivery charges in our ‘door to door’ quotations. There are no hidden costs or unexpected surprises when you arrive.

One of the primary reasons we can provide a cost-effective, premium service is the volume of personal effects we are moving to all corners of the UK. Having such a vibrant corporate and private moving business enables us to route all our shipments directly into the most logical port city, not an isolated clearing centre on the opposite coast.

Due to limited volumes many of our competitors are unable to operate a timely shared container (groupage) service. Their customers can experience long delays, which then results in additional cost and inconvenience. Even for customers moving within tight timeframes we can generally provide a firm groupage sailing date. We will explore and present all the options, rather than ask customers to pay for a full container that may only be half or a quarter full.

Thank you for taking the time to find more about NZ Van Lines and why we are considered the very best in the moving business. Our award winning team is excited to be of service. Request a free, no obligation moving quote to the UK online or call us on: 0800 362 236

International Shipping to the United Kingdom

If you are looking for an international mover to the UK, we will provide a seamless door-to-door process. As New Zealand’s biggest volume international mover you can be assured that NZ Van Lines has the best options for shipping from New Zealand to the UK to meet even the tightest deadlines.

Air Freight

Air Freight shipments are generally needed when there are specific personal effects required, within a short time frame. Many customers will have a smaller air freight shipment arriving in advance of their sea freight. This is a popular option for customers moving into longer term transit accommodation while they wait for their primary shipment, or self-employed workers setting up their home office.

Sea Freight Sole-Use Container

Sole-use 20’ or 40’ shipping containers are most often used for complete house loads, and can include additional items e.g. motor vehicles. They are the most efficient and quickest option for a direct door-to-door service. In some instances, we can deliver your personal effects from the same container that was loaded at residence.

Sea Freight Shared Container

Shared or Groupage Containers are a popular choice, often being used for small shipments or when two to three households of personal effects can be consolidated into the same container. Generally, a shared container is very cost effective, as you only pay for the space you use. They are especially popular with less time sensitive customers.

Our Services

International Packing

As New Zealand’s premium worldwide moving company, our removals and packing team are the best in the industry. Our professional moving staff are trained to international packing standards, and have years of experience in export wrapping and packing, stowing, storing, and moving household goods. We will pack everything using materials that are specifically designed to protect your household effects in transit. 

Inventory

NZ Van Lines will prepare a detailed inventory of all your items prior to loading; numbering, describing and labelling each item. This document key to ensuring the safe transit of your effects as it is checked and cross-checked while your shipment progresses from uplift through to delivery.

Loading and Transport

Your consignment will be loaded into a secured shipping container for shipment by sea or a customised airfreight container for transportation to the UK. NZ Van Lines will transport the consignment to the departure port / terminal.

Vehicles / Boats

Cars, motorbikes, trailers, boats etc. are received at our depot for loading, unless collection has been requested. A vehicle condition report will be completed upon arrival at our facility.

Vehicles will be secured in the container; in some instances these will be framed within the container when loaded along with household effects. Motorbikes will have custom built crates.

Documentation

NZ Van Lines will prepare all the export documentation and arrange outward Customs clearance procedures, and manage payments of freight, port or terminal charges at origin and destination.

Clearance

We will manage the clearance of the shipment, excluding Customs duties or taxes or any subsequent treatments ordered as a result of inspection.

Delivery

Your household effects will be safely transported from the port of arrival to your residence. Please note this will be via store to meet local Customs and Quarantine inspection and clearance requirements.

Vehicles will be collected from our UK partners facility, alternatively delivery can be arranged.

Unpacking

All items will be placed in the appropriate rooms in your new residence, furniture items disassembled by NZ Van Lines will be reassembled.

Items will be unwrapped and placed on a flat surface such as a bench top or table top. 

We will assist with the removal of waste packing materials following delivery.

NZ Van Lines Movers Insurance

Moving from one location to another involves navigating many challenges, and one of them is concern for the safe transport of your household goods and personal effects.

NZ Van Lines provide a complete range of marine transit insurance options, while your possessions are under our care. You will have full protection for damages, partial or total loss, from the moment our packers arrive at your home, until you take delivery and are unpacked, at your destination.

Secure storage solutions

NZ Van Lines provides a broad range of storage solutions for both short and long-term requirements. We can assist with secure and affordable options in either New Zealand or the UK before or after your household goods are shipped to the United Kingdom.

our standards and accrediations

FIDI large Logo

FIDI is the world’s largest global alliance of international moving and relocation companies, with members in over 100 countries. All FIDI affiliated companies have one thing in common: their high level of quality service - and we prove it.

IAMX logo

IAM (The International Association of Movers) is the moving and forwarding industry's largest global trade association. With more than 2,000 members, it comprises companies that provide moving, forwarding, shipping and logistics in over 170 countries.

OMNI Logo

OMNI (Overseas Moving Network International) is a network of the world's finest corporate moving and relocation companies operating on every continent. Represented worldwide by companies that have demonstrated the excellence of their service, market influence, financial security and innovation.

NZOMA Logo

NZOMA (New Zealand Overseas Movers Association) is a national organisation for members who are quality accredited with a global industry specific standard, whose objectives include delivering high professional, financial, ethical, operational standards, and leadership for the New Zealand international moving industry.

Popular UK destinations

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London

If you are considering a moving to London for only a few years or forever NZ Van Lines is the perfect partner for your forthcoming move.

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Manchester UK

New Zealand Van Lines has been helping Kiwis relocate to Manchester and all over the United Kingdom since 1986.

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Liverpool UK

Liverpool city is a top destination, after all it has it all! Job opportunities, history, arts and culture, education, diverse neighbourhoods and plenty to do.

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Belfast UK

Many Kiwis are looking to take the leap and move to the United Kingdom. They are receiving a warm welcome as UK employers are clamouring to get their hands on skilled workers from NZ.

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Glasgow

Glasgow, a city rich in culture and a gateway to Scotland’s magnificent scenery. Move to Scotland with NZ’s Premium Moving Company, NZ Van Lines

Frequently Asked Questions - all you need to know before moving to the UK

Once you have made the decision to move to the UK from NZ there will be a lot of planning. NZ Van Lines, a premium international moving company, offers seamless overseas shipping to the UK from New Zealand. We are committed to partnering with our clients to deliver a high-quality and stress-free moving experience, facilitating a smooth transition to the UK. Request a free quote online.

This varies a great deal and depends on numerous factors, but typically we recommend providing us with 6 to 8 weeks’ notice. However, we understand it doesn’t always work this way and we will always strive to accommodate your move even if at short notice! As New Zealand’s largest privately owned household removals company we have access to a large pool of resources to try our best to meet our customers’ requests.

For New Zealanders who intend to reside and work in the UK for longer than six months various visa are available, including ancestry visas, UK family visas, and UK work visas. Among these, the ancestry visa is commonly sought by New Zealand citizens with family connections to the UK. To find out more visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk

New Zealand Van Lines have partnered with XE Money Transfer, a trusted global payment and foreign exchange specialist to provide highly competitive exchange rates and tailored currency advice to both private individuals and businesses alike. XE is the world’s trusted currency authority used by more than 300+ million people a year.

XE Money Transfer makes international payments fast, easy and highly secure.

Relocating to the United Kingdom is a significant undertaking for many New Zealanders, whether as a temporary change of scenery or a long-term lifestyle solution. To ensure a seamless transition, it is crucial to be thoroughly prepared and equipped with an understanding of the essential requirements for living in the UK as an international citizen. As the foremost and most well-resourced moving company in New Zealand, specialising in local, inter-city and international moves, we have compiled a list of important actions to take when planning your international move to the UK.  Read our blog about all your need to know before moving to the UK from NZ.

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