Santa Fe Relocation provides tailored overseas moving solutions. From Full Container Load (FCL) in 20ft or 40ft containers to cost-effective smaller-move options like Groupage (GRP), AIR and ROAD shipments. A 20ft container typically fits a 2–3-bedroom home, while a 40ft suits larger 3-4 bedroom moves with roughly double the space.
We guide you on transit times, prohibited items, and shipment protection, supported by a global network. Our team coordinates everything from collection to delivery for a safe, seamless international relocation. Moving to a new home can be exciting but figuring out how to transport all your belongings can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you understand container sizes and what they mean for your move.
“We understand that shipping your household goods overseas seems like a pretty daunting task. At Santa Fe Relocation we support you right from that first phone call to packing your items ready for the trip abroad. I work with our logistics teams directly across the world as well as ensuring the group at a global level is always striving for the highest quality of customer service.” Henk says.
Article reviewed by Henk Schutte, Group Move Supply Chain Manager
Henk brings more than 20 years of industry experience and a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. Since joining the company in March 2013 as International Freight Manager, Henk has continually taken on broader responsibilities and delivered outstanding results.
What does a Full Container Load (FCL) mean?
FCL stands for Full Container Load. This means you have exclusive use of an entire shipping container for your goods, even if you don’t fill it completely.
- More space and flexibility
- No sharing with other people’s items
- Better protection for your belongings
While it might cost a bit more, it’s often worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you have a lot to move.
How much can I fit in a 20ft Container?
If you’re moving from a smaller home, a 20ft container might be just right for you.
Here’s what you need to know:
- It can typically hold the contents of a 2–3-bedroom home
- Internal space of 20ft: about 30 cubic meters (or 1,060 cubic feet)
- Dimensions of 20ft: 5.89m long, 2.35m wide, 2.39m high (that’s about 19’4″ x 7’8″ x 7’10”)
A 20ft is big enough for the contents of a cozy apartment or a small family home into this container. It’s surprisingly roomy!
40ft Container: For Larger Homes and More Stuff
Moving from a bigger place? A 40ft container might be your best bet. Here’s the scoop:
- Suitable for 3–4-bedroom homes or larger
- Internal space of 40ft: about 60 cubic meters (or 2,119 cubic feet)
- Dimensions of 40ft high cube: 12.02m long, 2.35m wide, 2.39m high (that’s about 39’5″ x 7’8″ x 7’10”)
Think of it as having more than double the space of a 20ft container. It’s great for larger families or if you have lots of furniture and belongings.
Depending on your origin country you also have a slightly bigger 40ft container available called a “40ft high cube”
- Internal space of 40ft high cube: about 67 cubic meters (or 2,389 cubic feet)
- Dimensions of 40ft high cube: 12.02m long, 2.35m wide, 2.7m high (that’s about 39’5″ x 7’8″ x 8’10”)
If you’re moving internationally and searching for “shipping container movers near me”, comparing shipping container moving companies can feel overwhelming. Our international container shipping service supports you all the way to your new home.
With nearly 70 years of experience, we have the expertise to make your journey seamless. With a global footprint this allows us to support you both in your origin country as well as your destination.
We handle domestic removals in the UK and international removals, and our experienced movers streamline the process from collection to delivery.
Smaller Moves
Not every move fills a truck or container. Whether you’re relocating a few items, downsizing, or shipping a compact shipment overseas, we can help. We have efficient, cost-effective options tailored for smaller moves.
LCL
LCL sea freight (Less‑than‑Container Load) is a sea fright method where your goods are palletised or crated and share a container with commercial cargo, and you pay only for the space you use. It’s ideal when your shipment is too small to fill a full 20ft or 40ft container and helps keep costs down for lower‑volume freight
Groupage
Groupage is very similar to LCL and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. With groupage, smaller shipments from different people moving overseas are collected and loaded together in one container. Unlike LCL the shipment does not have to be palletised or crated, only export packed.
It’s like a ride-share for your belongings – everyone shares the cost and space.
Road Shipments
Road shipments mean your belongings are transported by truck or van over land, either within the same country or across borders in places like Europe.
FAQs
While we take every precaution, international transit involves many moving parts. We highly recommend looking into our Shipment Protection options. This covers your belongings from the moment we begin packing at your home right up until they are safely delivered to your new doorstep, giving you total peace of mind during your relocation.
As one of the most highly rated container removal companies, we understand the importance of shipment protection. Read more about our options here.
For safety and legal reasons, certain items are prohibited. These include flammable liquids, pressurised cans, perishable food, and hazardous materials. When moving across borders, customs regulations also vary by country regarding alcohol, tobacco, and plants. We provide a detailed “What Not to Pack” guide tailored to your specific destination.
The delivery times can greatly differ depending on where you’re shipping to and your choice of FCL (Full Container Load) or Groupage.
FCL is generally faster because the container goes straight to the port. Groupage may take slightly longer as the container needs to be filled before it departs. Our team provides real-time tracking, so you always know exactly where your belongings are on the high seas.
FCL (Full Container Load) grants you the sole use of a whole container, even if it’s not entirely filled. This means no sharing is involved.
This offers more flexibility, better protection, and generally faster transit. Groupage combines multiple smaller shipments from different customers into one container, sharing cost and space. This is more budget-friendly for smaller moves but can take a bit longer because the container must be filled before departure.
Choose a smaller-move solution. Groupage lets you share container space and costs for overseas shipments. For overland moves, road shipments transport your goods by truck or van within a country or across borders (for example, within Europe). Both options are designed to be efficient and cost-effective when you’re sending fewer items.
Yes. Santa Fe provides real-time tracking so you always know where your belongings are.
The team takes care of everything from start to finish, including collection and delivery. We use a global network and local experts to support you throughout the process. We continuously monitor schedules, collaborate with partners, and provide personalised assistance throughout your relocation.
Absolutely. Santa Fe handles both domestic removals within the UK and international shipping container removals. With nearly 70 years of experience and a global footprint, we support you at both origin and destination.
Our Commitment to You
Our aim is always to ensure the safe delivery of your belongings.
Our team is always watching the situation. This way, we can keep track of any changes to the schedule. We collaborate with our partners and make every effort to confirm if your shipment is affected in any way. We’ll provide tailored support and handle any questions you might have during the moving process. Contact your local office today to get a free no-obligation quote.