Whether it’s a job in New York, family in California or a fresh start in Texas, moving to the United States is a big undertaking. The distances are huge, the customs rules are strict and there’s a lot of paperwork. The good news is that with the right preparation, shipping your home across the Atlantic is very manageable.
Start with your visa
Everything depends on your immigration status, so sort this first. The US has many visa types, including work visas, family-based green cards and investor visas, and each has its own timeline. Apply through the official US Embassy in London website and read GOV.UK’s Living in the USA guide.
Don’t book a firm shipping date until you’re confident your visa will be ready in time.
Sea freight or air freight?
- Sea freight is the usual choice for a full household. Your belongings are packed into a container, either your own (a full container load) or shared with other customers (groupage). It takes several weeks door to door, but costs far less per cubic metre.
- Air freight is fast but expensive. It works well for a small shipment of things you’ll need straight away, such as clothes, kitchen basics and work items.
Many families do both: a small air shipment to tide them over and the rest by sea.
What to take and what to leave
Shipping is priced on volume, so it pays to be selective.
- Electrical items – the US uses a 110–120V supply and different plugs. Many UK appliances won’t work without transformers, so it’s usually better to sell kettles, toasters and similar items before you go. Laptops and phone chargers are generally dual voltage, but check.
- Furniture – good-quality and sentimental pieces are worth shipping. Large, cheap flat-pack furniture usually isn’t.
- Beds and linen – US mattress and bed sizes differ from UK sizes, so your bedding may not fit new beds.
US customs: what you need to know
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clears every household shipment. Used personal and household effects can often come in duty-free if you’ve owned and used them abroad and aren’t importing them to sell. Typically you’ll need:
- a copy of your passport and US visa;
- a detailed, accurate inventory of the shipment;
- CBP’s declaration for unaccompanied personal effects;
- your US address and contact details.
Some items are restricted or banned, including most food, plants and soil, and products made from protected species. Alcohol can be taxed and limited by state law. Clean outdoor items such as garden furniture, bikes and tools before packing, because soil can lead to inspections and delays.
Your removals company will tell you exactly what’s needed for your shipment.
Packing for a long sea journey
A container crossing the Atlantic goes through loading, port handling, the voyage and unloading. Everything needs to be packed for that:
- Furniture is blanket-wrapped and often shrink-wrapped.
- Fragile items are double-wrapped and packed in strong boxes.
- Artwork and mirrors may need custom crates.
- Every box is numbered and listed on the inventory.
A professional packing service is strongly recommended for international moves. Customs and insurers may treat owner-packed boxes differently, and good packing really does reduce damage.
Pets
Taking a dog or cat to the US needs planning. The rules for dogs were updated in recent years and include microchip and documentation requirements, plus airline rules for travelling pets. Check the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Agriculture guidance, and speak to a pet transport specialist early.
Your moving timeline
3–6 months before: start your visa process, get removal quotes and decide what to ship.
2 months before: book your mover, arrange pet travel and start decluttering.
1 month before: confirm shipping dates, apply for a parking suspension at your UK address and arrange storage for anything you’re not taking yet.
Moving week: packing and loading, final meter readings, and carry your passports, visa and paperwork with you.
On arrival: customs clearance, then delivery to your new home. Delivery to apartment buildings in big US cities may need to be booked with building management, just like in London.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ship household goods from the UK to the USA?
Sea freight usually takes several weeks door to door, depending on the port, the US destination and customs clearance. Air freight is much faster but far more expensive, so many people send a small air shipment of essentials and the rest by sea.
Do I pay import duty on my belongings in the USA?
Used household goods and personal effects can often enter the USA duty-free if you have owned and used them abroad, and you aren’t bringing them in to sell. You’ll need to complete US Customs and Border Protection paperwork, including the declaration for unaccompanied articles. Your mover will guide you.
What can’t I ship to the USA?
Restricted items include most fresh food, plants and soil, some meat and dairy products, and items made from protected wildlife. Alcohol and tobacco may be taxed or restricted. Check US Customs and Border Protection guidance and ask your mover before you pack.
Should I take my furniture or buy new in the USA?
It depends on the value and sentiment of your furniture, the size of your new home and the cost of shipping. Many people ship good-quality furniture and family items, and leave bulky low-value pieces behind. We can help you weigh it up.
Can K1 Removals pack and ship my home to the USA?
Yes. We can pack and inventory your home, prepare it for export and arrange shipping to the USA.
Moving to the USA with K1 Removals
K1 Removals helps families and individuals move from London and the rest of the UK to destinations all over the world. Find out more about our international removals, or read our guides to moving to Australia and moving to Dubai.
Planning your move to the US? Get a free quote or call 0330 103 0041.