Moving to the USA from the UK is life changing and can seem daunting at first. Though with the proper information, this relocation can be navigated with better understanding. Whether you’re relocating for a job opportunity, education, or a change of scenery, the transition involves meticulous planning and adaptation. Through this guide we hope to help make your move from the UK to the USA streamlined and clear as you make this major journey across the pond.
If you are already ready to move, fill out our quote form at the top of the page and we look forward to helping you.
Immigrating to the US from the UK
Find out Which Visa Fits Your Situation
Before you pack your bags, understanding the intricacies of the visa process is paramount. For a UK citizen, the U.S. offers various visa options and selecting the right one is crucial for your immigration. From the H-1B for skilled workers to the L-1 for intracompany transfers, each visa has specific requirements.
Immigration Procedures
From filling out the necessary forms to attending interviews, the immigration process demands meticulous attention. Stay informed about the latest updates and ensure compliance with all requirements. Consultation with immigration professionals ensures a smoother journey through this bureaucratic landscape.
Securing a Home: Housing Options in the USA
Researching Locations: From Coast to Coast
The United States is vast and diverse. Research potential cities or states that align with your lifestyle, career goals, and climate preferences. Whether it’s the bustling streets of New York or the sunny shores of California, there’s a place for everyone.
Navigating the Real Estate Market
Once you’ve pinpointed your destination, delve into the local real estate market. Explore rental and purchase options, considering factors like neighborhood safety, amenities, and proximity to your workplace.
How to Move from the UK to the USA
Once you have found a home in the US, you may want to ship your household goods from the UK to America. No matter where you are moving across the 50 states from the UK, Schumacher Cargo Logistics can ship your household goods.
With over 40 years of international removals experience, Schumacher Cargo is a premier overseas mover. Your goods will come into the US through the nearest port. Operating with 6 warehouses across the US we can move your goods from the UK to any state you choose.
Schumacher Cargo US Warehouse Locations:
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- New York, NY
- Miami, FL
- Houston, TX
- Savannah, GA
Cost to Move to the US from the UK
The cost to move your household goods overseas to the US will greatly depend on the size of your move, the services you choose, and the destination. You can use our household goods volume calculator to help determine the size of your shipment. Then use this information to get a quote for your specific move.
Get a free estimate for your move from the UK to the US using our online quote form.
You can also speak with one of our international moving specialists at 1-800-599-0190.
Moving Services to the USA from the UK
Shipping household goods overseas via shipping container is the most popular method for moving to the USA from the UK. Along with any shipping method you choose our international moving specialists will make sure your paperwork is in order. You can have your goods delivered from the UK to a US port and pick them up yourself or we can deliver them right to your door. No matter whether you’re from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, Schumacher can get your move to anywhere you need in America.
Shipping Methods for a Move from UK to USA
Shipping goods to the USA from the UK is done in a variety of ways with Schumacher. We take care of the whole shipment so both the export from the UK and the import into the USA is simple no matter which method you choose.
- Exclusive container service – Your goods will be loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container depending on the size of your move. Since this service is exclusive, the container is shipped to the USA with only your goods and as soon as they’re ready to move.
- Shared container service – You also have the popular option of using a consolidated container for moving your goods from the UK to the US. Shared container services are great if you cannot fill a full container yourself. You can share the container with other shipments that will be going to the same US port from the UK. With consolidated container shipping, you pay for the space you use in the container which brings down the cost to move to the USA from the UK compared to exclusive container.
- Air Freight service – When moving to the US from the UK air freight is the fastest way to move your goods. With the speed comes a higher price. Air freight will have the highest cost to ship to the UK from the USA. With the high cost, it is generally reserved for high value items like antiques and art.
Additional Moving Services
- Door to Door full service moves
- Enclosed storage
- Packing and wrapping
- Pickup and delivery from anywhere in the UK
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Surveys for accurate quotes of your volume
Considerations When Moving to the US from the UK
When planning your move, consider the items you want to ship versus buy when you get to the US. Some goods don’t get imported into the US that often, so are worth shipping. On the other hand, some goods have bad compatibility in the States.
Electrical Outlets in the US
For most electronics you can purchase an adapter that will allow you to use them in a US outlet. For larger items like appliances you will want to purchase those new when you get to the States. If you plan on renting first when arriving in the US, many homes and apartments have large appliances.
Shipping Cars to the US from UK
While many of the cars we import to the US from the UK are classic or antique cars you can use our auto import tool to check the eligibility of your vehicle. In the US you will drive on the right side of the road, though expats are usually able to adapt to this rather quickly. With Schumacher you can ship your car and household goods in the same container together depending on the size of your move for added convenience.
Shipping Furniture from UK to USA
Shipping furniture from the UK to the USA is as easy as packed boxes, though there are some extra considerations. The most common thing that happens with furniture is there may be additional costs with moving it. Additional costs can occur when furniture is located on a high floor or is especially heavy. If the particulars of your furniture shipment are properly shared with your representative, issues like this won’t be surprising.
How Long Does a Move from UK to the US Take?
There aa plethora of factors that affect the overall amount of time your move will take. In most cases, time on the water from the port in the UK will be around three weeks. To the east coast base ports of the US it is usually 30 days. Generally, from door to door, moving from the UK takes about 8-10 weeks, but there are shipments that are shorter or longer.
As international movers, we do everything that we can to meet our estimate, but these should serve as a guide rather than exact times.
Additional UK Moving Info
- For information on Visas and Immigration contact the UK Embassy
- Moving to the USA
- Moving to the UK
Our overseas shipping specialists can work with you to help determine the best method of shipment for your time frame and budget. Call us now at 1-800-599-0190 to get started or fill out the moving quote form to get a free estimate for your move from the UK to USA.
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