International removals from Dorset
1st Choice Removals provides international removals from Dorset to destinations worldwide, including Australia, the USA, Canada, South Africa and Dubai. We give you a free home visit in BH postcodes and DT11 or an online quote from anywhere else, pack your belongings for export and help you prepare the inventory and paperwork your destination requires. Partner agents at the destination handle customs clearance and delivery.
Worldwide removals from a local family firm
1st Choice Removals has been moving Dorset homes since 1990, and our work regularly takes customers far beyond the UK. We are a family-run business based at Canford Business Park near Wimborne, and we survey, plan and manage every overseas move. Partner agents at the destination handle customs clearance and delivery.
Fiona and Chris, who run our removals, hold International Certificates of Professional Competence. Fiona also holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures, so you have people who understand the paperwork on your side.
Destinations we move to
Moving within Europe? See our European removals page for France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and more.
Customs clearance and delivery abroad
For worldwide moves, partner agents at the destination handle customs clearance and delivery to your new home. 1st Choice surveys and plans your move, export-packs your belongings in the UK and arranges the shipment.
Unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly are available as optional extras, charged on top of your quote.
Packing for a long journey
Goods going overseas spend longer in transit and are handled more than on a UK move, so packing matters. Our teams wrap fragile items properly, protect furniture, and can build bespoke wooden crates for antiques, artwork and other valuable pieces.
We also prepare the detailed inventory that customs authorities expect. You can use our full packing service or buy packing materials individually and pack some items yourself. Unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly are available as optional extras, charged on top of your quote.
Marine insurance: please read
Our moves are fully insured for goods in transit. When your belongings are shipped abroad by sea, marine insurance must be arranged by you, the customer. We do not provide it.
Arrange cover before your goods leave the UK and make sure the policy value reflects what you are shipping. Your inventory will help you work this out.
Planning your move
If you live in a BH postcode or DT11, Book your free home visit. Everywhere else, Get an online quote by sending short room videos or photos from your phone, or call 01202 570970.
If you need somewhere to keep belongings while you settle in, we offer short and long-term storage in the UK. For sending money overseas, see our currency exchange partner, and use our moving abroad checklist to plan the rest.
Your questions answered
Do you offer international removals from Dorset?
Yes. 1st Choice Removals moves customers from Dorset to worldwide destinations including Australia, the USA, Canada, South Africa and Dubai, as well as across Europe. We are a family-run company near Wimborne, trading since 1990, and our team includes staff trained in customs export and import procedures. Call 01202 570970, Book your free home visit in a BH postcode or DT11, or Get an online quote to get started.
Who handles customs clearance and delivery at the destination?
Partner agents at the destination handle customs clearance and deliver your belongings to your new home. 1st Choice surveys, plans and manages the move, export-packs your belongings in the UK and arranges the shipment. You receive a written quote that sets out exactly what is included, and unpacking is an optional extra.
Can you unpack and reassemble my furniture abroad?
Yes, both are available as optional extras, charged on top of your written quote. Unpacking at your new home and dismantling and reassembling furniture can be added to a worldwide move when you book. Tell us what you would like at your free home visit or when you send your online quote, and we will include it.
Who arranges marine insurance for an overseas move?
You do. When goods are shipped abroad by sea, marine insurance must be arranged by the customer, not by 1st Choice Removals. We recommend arranging cover before your belongings leave the UK and basing the value on your detailed inventory. Our own insurance covers goods in transit, but it is not a substitute for marine cover.
What documents do I need to ship my belongings abroad?
Most countries ask for a detailed inventory of your household goods, a copy of your passport and evidence that you are moving your residence, such as a visa, work permit or new address. Some destinations have extra rules for items like food, plants, wooden goods or alcohol. We explain the typical requirements, but always check with your destination country's authorities.
How much does an international removal cost?
We do not publish prices for removals because every international move is different. The cost depends on the volume of your belongings, the destination, packing needs and access at your home. Book your free home visit if you live in a BH postcode or DT11, or Get an online quote with short room videos or photos from your phone. We then give you a written quote.
Can you store my belongings while I move overseas?
Yes. We have around 1,000 storage units across four local sites in the UK, offering containerised storage for short or long periods. It suits people who want to ship only part of their home, or who are renting abroad before buying. Please note our storage is in the UK only; we do not offer storage overseas.