Shipping an entire kitchen overseas might sound complicated, but thanks to smart planning, expert logistics, and years of experience, it can be surprisingly effortless…
"Logistics is a bit like chess," says Lyam Thorpe, Naked’s Head of Operations. "You have to think several moves ahead, anticipate the obstacles, and make sure everything arrives exactly where it should, exactly when it should. Oh, and preferably in one piece."
Fortunately, Lyam has spent the last few years refining the delicate art of moving entire handcrafted kitchens – not just across the UK, but across continents. From a workshop in Norfolk to apartments in New York, beach houses in Miami, and ski chalets in the Alps, he and his team ensure that each delivery is as seamless as possible.
It’s a challenge, but the Naked team love one of those…
Step One: The Art of Packing
“The moment a kitchen leaves our workshop, it stops being a kitchen and becomes a collection of beautifully engineered parts that need to withstand thousands of miles of movement,” Lyam explains.
To the untrained eye, packing might seem like a secondary detail – just a means of getting things from A to B. But in reality, it’s a science – and, just as with our paint sprayline or biomass boilers, packing is an area where Naked have made massive investments in state of the art tech.
Every panel and cabinet is carefully wrapped in U-shaped protective foam, a material designed to absorb impact and prevent movement. The pieces then pass through a spiral wrapping machine, ensuring they’re cushioned for the journey ahead.
Doors are always shipped separately in plywood crates rather than attached to their cabinets, to make sure there’s no chance of chipping or paint scratches. "We learned early on that it's better to take that extra step rather than risk even the smallest blemish on a freshly painted finish," Lyam notes.
Larger cabinets are palletized, while smaller ones are stacked with precision to minimize wasted space in the container – because every cubic inch counts when shipping internationally.
The goal? A kitchen that arrives looking as perfect as the day it left.
Step Two: The Logistics Puzzle
At the end of every month, a shipping container departs either Felixstowe or Tilbury ports in the UK , bound for New York and beyond. This steady rhythm is the backbone of Naked Kitchens’ international deliveries, but within that structure, there’s plenty of flexibility.
“We always know in advance when the next container is going, so we align production schedules accordingly. That way, we don’t end up with a kitchen sitting around for weeks waiting for a boat,” says Lyam.
For US customers in particular, the process is remarkably smooth. Once a kitchen leaves the workshop, it typically takes about 10 weeks to arrive at its final destination. Customers on the East Coast benefit from the most direct route, while those further afield – whether in California or Canada – may see slightly longer transit times.
But for Lyam, planning isn’t just about speed. “It’s about managing expectations. If we say 10 weeks, we’ll do everything possible to hit that mark. It’s better to be upfront than to overpromise.”
Step Three: Customs, Clearance, and Keeping It Simple
For most people, the thought of navigating international customs is enough to cause a headache. But Naked Kitchens has partnered with The British Shop, a specialist in moving high-value goods across borders, to ensure the process is as painless as possible.
“They’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and they know the system inside out,” Lyam explains. “They handle the paperwork, the customs clearance, and keep both us and the customer updated throughout. It means we’re not stuck playing middleman, and customers aren’t left wondering where their kitchen is.”
Once a kitchen reaches the US, customers are given a two-week delivery window, followed by a confirmed date. Whether they opt for curbside delivery or white-glove service (where the cabinets are carried inside), everything is arranged with minimal fuss.
Step Four: The Final Mile
By the time the kitchen arrives, every detail has already been accounted for. Customers have their installation guides, 3D plans, and soon, even professional video tutorials walking them through the process.
For those assembling their kitchens themselves, Naked Kitchens provides step-by-step support. “We’re always on hand for calls or video chats if needed. The time zone difference can be a challenge, but we work around it,” says Lyam. “The goal is to make sure no one feels like they’re on their own once the kitchen arrives.”
Some customers opt for their kitchens to be delivered flat-packed, which reduces costs. Others prefer them fully assembled, ready to be lifted into place. Either way, the process adapts to suit each project.
“Every customer, every site, every country is different. But that’s what makes it interesting,” Lyam adds.
From Norfolk to Anywhere
The first time Naked Kitchens shipped a kitchen internationally, there was a certain nervous anticipation. Would it clear customs smoothly? Would it arrive undamaged? Would the process work as planned?
It did.
Since then, kitchens have been shipped to places as various as Paris, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Dubai, the Outer Hebrides and Ohio. In fact, Lyam points out, getting a kitchen to Jersey or Guernsey is often more expensive than shipping one across the Atlantic. “Distance isn’t the issue a lot of the time, which can seem crazy. For example, the ferry costs to the Channel Islands can be as much as a full container going to New York.”
But challenges like these are what make the job satisfying. “There’s always a way to make it work,” says Lyam.
And whether that kitchen is heading to a Manhattan brownstone, a mountain lodge, or a lakeside retreat, the same principles apply: plan ahead, pack smart, and make sure everything gets there in perfect condition.
And after all, it’s not just about shipping cabinets. It’s about delivering a unique, bespoke space, built here in England for your life – wherever in the world your life happens to be.
See also:
From our place to yours – an interview with the Everett family
The English Kitchen – what it is, and how to get the look
Shipping containers photo by Venti Views on Unsplash