Shipping Guides7 min read

Relocating to Nigeria from the UK: How to Ship Your Belongings

Moving home is a big job. Here is a simple plan for deciding what to ship, how to send it, and when to book so everything arrives when you do.

Written by

R-Zone Cargo Team

Published on

20 October 2026

Quick Answer

Ship most of your household by sea (4 to 6 weeks) and send a small air shipment of essentials (typically 5 to 10 working days) so you are not waiting. Book 8 to 10 weeks before you fly, keep a full itemised inventory, and pack valuables and documents in your own luggage.

Bulk of your move: Sea, 4 to 6 weeks
Essentials: Air, 5 to 10 working days
Book: 8 to 10 weeks before you fly
Keep with you: Documents and valuables

In This Article

1.Moving back to Nigeria
2.Decide what to ship and what to sell
3.Air, sea or both
4.A simple moving timeline
5.Packing a household move
6.Paperwork for relocation shipments

Moving back to Nigeria

Whether you are returning after years in the UK or relocating for work, shipping your life across is easier with a plan. This guide covers what to take, how to send it, and a simple timeline so your belongings arrive close to when you do.

Decide what to ship and what to sell

Ship: clothing, bedding, kitchenware, books, small furniture you love, tools, and electronics that are expensive in Nigeria.
Consider selling: large cheap furniture, old white goods and anything heavy that is easy to replace locally.
Carry yourself: passports, certificates, jewellery, cash, laptops and anything you cannot replace.

UK appliances generally work in Nigeria, which runs on 230V with UK-style plugs widely used. Budget for a voltage stabiliser.

Air, sea or both

	Sea freight	Air freight
Use for	Furniture, appliances, most boxes	Essentials for the first weeks
Transit	4 to 6 weeks	5 to 10 working days
Cost	Lowest per kg	Higher, from £5.50/kg

The usual approach: send the bulk of the move by sea and a small air shipment of essentials such as bedding, work clothes and kitchen basics.

A simple moving timeline

10 weeks before: get a quote, decide air and sea split, start sorting.
8 weeks before: book your sea shipment and collection date.
6 weeks before: pack, label and list every box.
4 to 6 weeks before: sea shipment departs.
2 weeks before: send your air shipment of essentials.
After you land: receive your deliveries at your new address.

Packing a household move

Number every box and keep a master list of what is in each one. It is the most useful thing you can do for customs, delivery and unpacking.

Use strong double-walled boxes and wardrobe boxes for clothes.
Wrap furniture legs and corners, and remove glass where possible.
Drain and dry appliances such as washing machines before they go.
Read our full packing guide.

Paperwork for relocation shipments

Have a copy of your passport, your new address in Nigeria and an itemised inventory with approximate values ready. Used personal effects of someone relocating can be treated differently from goods for sale, so tell us you are moving and we will check what applies.

Shipping a car too? See our car shipping guide. Call +44 (0) 800 772 0864 or WhatsApp +44 7915 647119 and a member of our UK team will help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I ship my household goods by air or sea?

Sea is far cheaper for furniture, appliances and large volumes, and takes 4 to 6 weeks. Many people also send a small air shipment of essentials so they have what they need in the first weeks.

Will my UK appliances work in Nigeria?

Nigeria uses 230V mains like the UK and UK-style three-pin plugs are common, so most UK appliances work. A good voltage stabiliser is worth buying to protect electronics from power fluctuations.

Do I pay duty on my used personal belongings?

Used personal and household effects belonging to someone who is relocating are treated differently from new goods for sale, and some may qualify for concessions. Tell us you are relocating and we will check what applies to your shipment.