US
Moving to America
from the UK
An international move checklist for moving to America
An international move checklist for moving to America
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The Sterling Lexicon Promise Book with confidence. Book to reserve your move date and if things change you can move your dates. Sterling Lexicon is an accredited international mover who provide professional support throughout your move from here in the UK and at destination. FIDI protected. |
International removals are very different from moving house within the UK. Look for a removals company that specialises in international moving:
Ask if your moving company guarantees your international move
The moving company you choose should guarantee the delivery of your household goods to the US. Make sure that they are a registered international removalist, are certified, and have the necessary insurances.
Check your moving company's accreditations
Choose a moving company that is approved by the British Association of Removers and is FIDI certified. FIDI is the primary association for certifying international removers. It audits its members regularly and awards those that pass with FAIM or FAIM Plus, the highest certification level.
After you find a removals company, the next step is to ask for a free moving quote. With Sterling Lexicon, you can request a quote using our online Move Quote Form. Removals companies in London like Sterling Lexicon can also be reached by telephone or email.
Have a home survey
Your Move Specialist will need to survey your home contents in order to provide you with an accurate quote.
This may be conducted by virtual survey or in person. Your survey should cover:
Top tip! Some companies offer ballpark quotes over the phone. These are estimates and the final price you pay might be considerably higher. Always ask your mover to do a virtual or in-person survey to accurately estimate the size of your shipment.
Sterling Lexicon Video Survey AppWe offer Covid-safe, quick and easy video surveys. |
When you receive your international move summary and quote, check the details. If you get more than one quote, make sure you have a like-for-like comparison. For more information, read our guide: FCL, LCL and Air shipments – How your move quote is calculated.
Once you have selected your house mover, complete and submit your booking form to secure your move date.
Payment can usually be made by credit card over the phone or online. If you have booked house removals with Sterling Lexicon, you can pay online here.
In order to ship household goods from the UK to the US you may need to provide:**
**This list is provided for awareness purposes only. Consult with your Move Specialist to determine which forms and documents are required for your move.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry. If you book your house removals with Sterling Lexicon, your Move Specialist will help you with the documentation process.
If you haven't already, start to prepare your home and family for your move.
Before your moving crew arrives, go through your home room by room. Set aside or discard any items that cannot be taken with you (e.g. prohibited items). Consider selling or donating items that you no longer want. Need some guidance? Use our guide: Moving Overseas - What to Pack, Store and Give Away.
Check the list of prohibited items
According to the US Customs and Border Protection agency, you may not move the following items with you into the USA. If you have any questions, refer to our customs guides or ask your move specialist.
Absinthe (Alcohol) and Alcoholic Beverages
Biologicals
Drug Paraphernalia
Firearms
Fish and Wildlife
Food Products (Raw and Prepared)
Fruits and Vegetables
Game and Hunting Trophies
Gold
Medication
Merchandise from Embargoed Countries
Soil, plants and seeds
Pack a “bits box” for your first day in your new home
Your moving crew will pack loose nuts, remote controls, and hardware from disassembled furniture into a single box marked accordingly. You may also want to fill a box with items for your first evening at your new place. Include cutlery, plates, cups, blankets, etc. Clearly mark the box Pack Last, Open First.
Set aside important items that will travel with you
Put your passport, visa, phone, charger, power pack, adaptors, documents, items of jewellery, medication and other other important items aside in a clearly identifiable container so they do not get packed. Keep your important documents such as your insurance, lease for the new home, mortgage letter, etc in a wallet. Make sure you have physical and digital copies to hand.
Talk to your children about moving
Moving can be stressful! Help your children adjust with our guide Moving with Children Guide and Checklist.
Find a safe place for your pet to stay on moving day
Ask a friend or family member to look after your pets on the day(s) when your home is being packed. If you are importing your pet to the US, ask for information about Sterling Lexicon’s safe and sound Pet Relocation services.
On the first day of your move, walk your moving crew through your home. Discuss which items will be sent by sea or air as well as items that need storage or special care. Set aside and clearly mark items you are not taking before the moving crew arrives.
Professionally trained international packing crewsSterling Lexicon’s professional international packing crews are some of the best in the business and have been working for the company for many years. We only use people we would trust in our own home, so we know they will be professional and respectful in yours too. Their experience ensures all your personal possessions are packed perfectly to withstand being handled and transported over thousands of miles. |
Eco-friendly export packing materials
Check the packing materials being used are sustainable and are to the required standard. Reputable companies like Sterling Lexicon will use packing materials that offer the highest level of protection and are kind to the environment. For example, sustainable and eco-friendly 4-6 ply export wrap, thick-walled specific packing boxes, acid free tissue paper, cornering for furniture and thick carding. Expect the packing crews to use specialist export wrapping techniques, operate safely and take measures to protect your home from damage. They should also recycle as much as possible.
Check your packing inventory
Once the packing has been completed, your mover will generate an inventory list, itemising everything that has been packed. Keep it until your possessions have arrived in America and are unpacked in your new home.
Take out international transit protection
Your possessions will be transported roughly 4,000 miles (7,000 kms) between the UK and the USA. Protect your move by taking out transit protection, which will cover your personal items, furniture, art, collections, etc. Be sure to declare the full replacement value of your belongings, especially for items that are in sets. Ask your Move Specialist if you have any questions.
Track and manage your move online
After your home is packed, you may be able to track the progress of your move online. Check if your international removal company offers this option.
As much as possible, make your travel day(s) easy.
Your international mover should provide support for the customs clearance of your possessions at destination. If you choose Sterling Lexicon, our offices in the United States of America will handle the import process for you and will let you know when everything is complete.
Once your shipment has cleared customs, your international removal company will contact you to arrange a delivery date to your new home.
Congratulations! Welcome to your new home.
If you haven’t already, don't forget to get your utilities connected, register for a local doctor and dentist, and arrange for a local bank account. Speak to your move specialist at the early stages of your move to see if you can set some of these items up before you arrive.
Settling-in and orientation supportIf you have moved with Sterling Lexicon and would like any local advice on places to help you settle-in, or you need additional support for the practical things such as utilities, local expat club introductions, schools, or anything else. Simply contact your Sterling Lexicon Move Specialist. |
If you need to exchange GBP to USD before you move to the US, we recommend Currencies Direct.
Currencies Direct is multi-award-winning foreign exchange company. They have been helping people save time and money on their currency transfers since 1996.
They offer Sterling Lexicon clients:
Contact Currencies Direct today!
*see the Currencies Direct website for details
We have been moving classic cars and motorcycles to America from the UK since 1990. Check out our Door-to-Door car shipping guide.
If you are taking your pet to the US, you will need proper crating, veterinarian documentation and the safest airline itinerary.
We have been moving pets to the US for more than 30 years. Read our safe and secure Pet Relocation Guide or request a pet relocation quote today
Our specialist advisory team, art technicians, fine art crating and shipping services will ensure your fine artworks and collections receive exceptional care. Please contact us for a consultation.
Our Move Specialists average 12 years in the business and can answer your questions clearly and simply. Call us today.
