Every shipment of household goods to the USA goes through US customs. If you are moving there to live, your used personal things can often come in without duty. You will usually need a full list of what you are sending, a copy of your passport and visa, and proof of your US address.
Some items need extra care. Food, plants, alcohol and items made from wood or animal products can have strict rules, and some are not allowed at all. Rules change, so always check the latest advice from the US authorities before you pack.
We help you build the inventory as we pack, so the list matches what is in the container. If customs ask questions, we work with our partners in the USA to answer them and keep you updated.
Most moves to the USA go by sea. For a full house, your things can fill a container of their own. For a smaller move, they can share a container with other customers, which costs less but can take a little longer to arrive.
We collect your things from your home, pack and load them, and take them to the port. When the ship arrives in the USA, the goods clear customs and are then driven to your new address. Our partners there unload, place items in the right rooms and put back together any furniture we took apart.
If you need a few things fast, such as work papers or clothes, think about sending a small box by air. Everything else can follow by sea.
Start by deciding what to take. US homes use a different power supply, so many UK electrical items will not work without a converter. It is often better to sell or give away things like kettles and toasters and buy new ones there.
Think about the size of US homes and rooms, too. Some UK furniture fits well, but very large or very old pieces may not be worth the cost of shipping. Measure the rooms in your new home if you can.
Keep your passport, visa papers, bank cards, medicines and anything you need in the first weeks in your hand luggage. If your new home will not be ready when you land, ask us about storage in the UK before shipping. Call us on 07428474474 and we will help you plan each step.