Moving to the USA: Your Complete Relocation Guide by Reloux®
Considering a major life change? Moving to the USA from the UK is one of the most popular choices for British expats. Each year, over 20,000 British citizens make the move, and around 600,000 now call the United States home.
Known as the “land of opportunity,” America offers everything from buzzing cities to vast open countryside. With English as the main language and the growth of remote working, the US has become even more appealing for UK professionals and families looking to start a new chapter.
Why Move to the USA?
The United States offers a vast and dynamic economy, providing excellent career opportunities across industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and entertainment. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago each have unique cultures and lifestyles.
For many Britons, relocating to the USA is achievable thanks to the familiar language, strong UK–US ties, and well-established expat communities. While some cultural adjustments (like driving on the right or using miles and pounds) are needed, the rewards are significant — both professionally and personally.
Getting the Right Visa
To move permanently, you’ll need a valid immigration visa or Green Card. The visa process can be lengthy — often taking over a year — so it’s important to start early.
Short visits (up to 90 days) may be possible on an ESTA visa waiver, but for working or long-term residence, you’ll need a specific visa category such as an employment-based visa, investor visa, or family sponsorship.
Planning Your Move
Organising an international relocation requires careful preparation. Reloux recommends starting your planning at least 3–6 months in advance.
Key Steps:
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Visa & Finances: Ensure your visa is approved and arrange safe international banking or fund transfers.
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Declutter: Sell, donate or recycle items you no longer need. It’s often cheaper to replace appliances and furniture in the USA.
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Book Early: Reserve your international removals service well in advance — ideally 2–3 months before departure.
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Notify Organisations: Inform HMRC, your council, GP, banks, and utility providers about your move.
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Housing & Schooling: Research your destination area and arrange temporary or long-term accommodation before you arrive.
Reloux International Moving Service to the USA
Reloux® is an experienced UK-based international removals company specialising in moves from the UK to the USA. With over 40 years of expertise, Reloux provides a comprehensive, door-to-door service — managing every stage of your relocation, including export packing, customs documentation, shipping, and delivery.
Each customer receives a dedicated Move Manager who personally oversees the process, ensuring every detail is handled professionally. Reloux is IAM and EuRA accredited, giving you peace of mind that your move is managed by trusted experts.
Moving to USA Packing & Customs Clearance
Correct packing and customs compliance are vital when shipping household goods to the USA.
Reloux’s professional packing team uses export-grade materials, including double-walled cartons, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, and custom wooden crates for delicate or high-value items.
USA Move Customs Tips:
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Appliances must be empty, clean, and dry.
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Create a detailed inventory — Reloux uses this to prepare your US Customs Form 3299.
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You must arrive in the USA before your shipment. Customs can delay or return goods if you’re absent.
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Items owned for over 12 months are usually duty-free.
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Prohibited items include perishable foods, plants, and untreated wooden materials.
Reloux’s team handles all paperwork and liaises directly with US customs to ensure smooth clearance.
Shipping Options for Moving to USA
Sea Freight
The most cost-effective and popular option for UK-to-USA moves.
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Full Container Load (FCL): Exclusive use of a container — best for larger households.
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Groupage (Shared Container): Economical for smaller loads; you only pay for the space you use.
Air Freight
Ideal for urgent or lightweight shipments, though more expensive per kilo.
Transit times vary by route:
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Full container: 2–4 weeks to East Coast ports such as New York or Miami.
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Shared container: 7–10 weeks.
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Air freight: 5–10 days, depending on customs and flight availability.
Reloux provides real-time shipment tracking and handles customs clearance and final delivery to your new US address.
Moving Day and Delivery
On collection day, Reloux’s professional crew will:
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Carefully wrap and pack your items.
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Load everything securely into your container or truck.
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Handle export documentation and insurance.
Upon arrival in the USA, Reloux’s trusted partners manage customs clearance and local delivery, including optional unpacking and debris removal services.
Costs of Moving to the USA
The cost of shipping household goods to the USA depends on volume, destination, and service level.
Typical UK-to-USA removals costs range from:
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£1,000–£2,000 for small shipments (a few boxes or furniture pieces).
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£3,000–£6,000 for medium moves (1–2 bedroom homes).
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£7,000–£9,000+ for full house moves or high-volume shipments.
To save money, Reloux offers shared (groupage) shipping, letting customers pay only for the space they use. Every quote includes transparent pricing, insurance, and all customs fees, with no hidden costs.
Shipping Furniture to the USA
Reloux specialises in furniture shipping from the UK to America — whether you’re moving a single sofa or an entire household.
Large items are professionally packed, crated, and handled with care. Before export, furniture must be cleaned to meet US customs regulations (no soil or bark).
Transit & Costs:
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6 – 9 weeks: Full container to East Coast.
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8–12 weeks: Shared container.
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Costs from £1,000–£9,000, depending on size and service.
Your Move Manager provides regular updates and support throughout the process.
Settling in the USA
Once you’ve arrived, focus on settling into your new life. You’ll need a US address, Social Security Number (SSN), and local bank account. Many UK expats choose international banks like HSBC or Barclays for convenient transfers.
Reloux stays in touch after delivery, offering support and advice to help you adjust smoothly. Their goal is to make your relocation stress-free from start to finish.
Get Your Free Quote from Reloux
Relocating to the United States is a major milestone — but with Reloux International Moving Service, you’re in safe hands.
Reloux offers expert, door-to-door removals from the UK to the USA, handling packing, shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery with precision and care.
Contact Reloux® today for a free, no-obligation quote. Their friendly moving consultants will guide you through options, costs, and timelines to ensure your move to America is seamless and worry-free.
Reloux International Moving Service – Moving You Beyond Borders.