The removals industry in the UK is changing fast. One major trend stands out this year: a sharp rise in international relocations. More and more UK-based removals companies are expanding their services overseas. But why now?

Let’s take a closer look at the key reasons behind this shift — and what it means for businesses, families, and the removals industry itself.

What’s Driving This Trend?

Several forces are pushing UK removals companies to look beyond the domestic market. These include:

• Changing migration patterns
• Economic shifts in the UK and abroad
• Improved international logistics
• Rising demand from remote workers and retirees
• Increased competition at home

Each of these factors plays a role. But together, they tell a bigger story — one of adaptation, ambition, and global opportunity.

More Brits Are Moving Abroad

Are more people really leaving the UK?

Yes — and the numbers prove it.

• According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), emigration from the UK hit 557,000 in 2024, up from 498,000 in 2023.
• The top destinations? Australia, Spain, the UAE, and Canada.
• Many movers cite lifestyle, cost of living, or family reasons.

As demand for overseas moves grows, removals firms are stepping up to meet it. Companies that once focused on local or national jobs are now investing in international shipping, customs support, and multilingual staff.

British Expats Are Calling in the Professionals

Gone are the days when expats tried to manage moves with a few suitcases and a shipping pallet.

Today’s international movers want:

• End-to-end support
• Help with paperwork and customs
• Safe transport for pets, vehicles, and heirlooms
• Clear timelines and guaranteed delivery

This shift is creating space for UK removals companies to specialise in high-quality, door-to-door international services.

Example: Britannia Movers International reported a 22% increase in overseas jobs booked in Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Cost of Living Is Changing Everything

Why are so many people relocating?

Rising prices in the UK have made some people rethink where they live — and how they spend.

• Food inflation remained high in early 2025, particularly for essentials like dairy, vegetables, and cereals.
• Energy prices, though stabilised, are still significantly higher than 2021 levels.
• House prices and rent in major UK cities continue to climb.

Countries like Portugal, Thailand, or Greece offer lower living costs, warmer climates, and increasingly welcoming visa programmes.

UK removals firms are following this flow of people and tapping into new revenue streams.

Brexit Still Matters

Although the UK left the EU years ago, Brexit still shapes international movement.

• Some Brits with EU roots are now reclaiming citizenship to regain free movement rights.
• Others are taking advantage of bilateral agreements for easier relocation to countries like France, Italy, or Ireland.
• Businesses are shifting staff to EU bases to reduce red tape or access talent.

UK removals companies with EU expertise or partnerships have an edge. They’re offering:

• Help with post-Brexit customs processes
• EU-wide storage and warehousing
• Cross-border legal support

Question: Has your company updated its logistics to meet post-Brexit regulations?

Remote Work Is Creating Global Nomads

Who says you need to stay in one country?

The rise of remote work means more people are choosing where to live based on lifestyle, not just career.

• Digital nomads are moving from London to Lisbon or Manchester to Medellín.
• Families are relocating temporarily, working while exploring new cultures.
• Tech companies are supporting international moves for staff retention.

Removals firms are adapting by:

• Offering flexible schedules for uncertain plans
• Supporting moves with shorter notice
• Partnering with global relocation platforms like Jobbatical and SafetyWing

Stat: A 2025 survey by HSBC Expat found that 1 in 4 UK workers under 35 plans to live abroad within the next five years.

Retirees Are Driving Long-Term Relocations

The UK has an ageing population. And many older people are using retirement as a chance to start fresh — overseas.

Why?

• Warmer weather and cheaper healthcare in places like Spain and Cyprus
• Affordable property options in Turkey, Portugal, and Costa Rica
• A strong pound in some foreign markets

Removals companies are responding with tailored services:

• White glove handling of valuables
• Insurance packages designed for longer transit
• Support with visas, pets, and downsizing

Case Study: A family-run removals firm in Kent reported that over 40% of their international bookings in 2025 were for retirees moving to Spain or Portugal.

Logistics Technology Has Evolved

International moves used to be risky and complex. But that’s changing.

Modern logistics tools have transformed the process:

• Real-time tracking of shipments
• AI-powered route planning
• Automated customs document generation
• Cloud-based client dashboards

Companies that invest in tech can now offer transparency, speed, and reliability that was once impossible.

Example: A UK-based moving platform, recently added global tracking for international moves — boosting customer satisfaction scores by 17%.

Rising Domestic Competition

Not every move is going abroad. But the domestic removals market is more crowded than ever.

• Lower barriers to entry mean more local firms offering cheap services.
• Online comparison platforms drive prices down.
• Margins are tightening, especially in big cities.

As a result, international work offers a more profitable niche. It demands more expertise, but also earns higher fees and longer contracts.

Question: How can removals firms stand out in a saturated UK market?

Government Policy Is Opening Doors

Some international opportunities come from policy shifts.

• The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (2023) made it easier for UK citizens to live and work down under.
• Canada’s Express Entry visa system fast-tracks skilled UK workers.
• Portugal’s D7 visa welcomes non-EU residents with passive income.

These visa schemes are fuelling demand for international moves — and removals companies are building specialist teams to support them.

Tip: Companies that understand each country’s visa logistics can market themselves as relocation experts, not just movers.

People Want Peace of Mind

Moving abroad is stressful. People want a removals partner they can trust.

• Will my belongings arrive safely?
• What happens if something goes wrong at customs?
• Can I contact someone during transit?

Removals companies that offer peace of mind — through insurance, clear communication, and proven experience — are winning long-term clients and referrals.

Customer review example:

“We moved to Dubai with a full household of furniture, and our UK removals team handled everything — including customs clearance and pet transport. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
– Emma, London to Dubai, April 2025

What Does This Mean for the Industry?

The removals sector is evolving. Those who adapt to global demand are thriving.

Key changes happening right now:

• More investment in international training and staff
• New partnerships with shipping and freight companies
• Expansion of insurance, visa, and customs services
• Greater focus on customer experience and tech

UK removals firms that ignore international opportunities may fall behind — not just in revenue, but in reputation.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Go Global?

The UK removals industry is no longer just about moving boxes from Bristol to Birmingham.

In 2025, it’s about helping people start new lives in Berlin, Brisbane, or Bali.

So, if you’re a removals business owner, ask yourself:

• Have you explored new markets abroad?
• Do you have the right logistics partners in place?
• Are you offering services that today’s global movers actually want?

And if you’re planning a move yourself:

• Would you trust your belongings to a company that’s done this hundreds of times before?
• Do you want a stress-free relocation or a DIY disaster?

The world is moving. So are your customers. The question is — will your company move with them?