Removals to the United States from the UK
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Moving to the United States
East Coast destinations are quicker by sea than the West Coast. Many US apartment buildings require a certificate of insurance and booked elevator time for deliveries.
The move at a glance
| Usual method | Sea freight (shared or full container), or air freight |
|---|---|
| Typical transit | About 4 to 10 weeks by sea, depending on the coast, door to door |
| Customs | Full customs clearance at the destination |
How your belongings get there
For long-haul moves you can choose a shared container (groupage), paying only for the space you use, or a full container: usually 20ft for a small home or 40ft for a family house. Many people also send a small air freight shipment so that essentials arrive within days.
Customs and import rules
US Customs needs a detailed inventory and identity and visa documents. Some items such as certain foods, plants and goods made from protected species are restricted. Your mover will tell you which forms to complete.
Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with your mover and the official government or customs website for the United States before you pack. For exports from the UK, use GOV.UK.
Popular destinations in the United States
- New York
- Boston
- Washington DC
- Florida
- Texas
- California
Questions to ask an international mover
- Is the quote door to door, or port to port?
- Is it a dedicated load, a shared load or a container, and what volume is it based on?
- Who handles customs paperwork, and is it included?
- What insurance covers my goods for the whole journey, and what is excluded?
- Who delivers at the other end, and how long will it take?
See our guides to removals insurance, getting accurate quotes and what removal companies will not move.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a move from the UK to the United States take?
About 4 to 10 weeks by sea, depending on the coast door to door is typical, depending on whether you choose a dedicated or shared service and how quickly customs clearance goes. Your mover will give you a timeline for your route.
How are belongings shipped to the United States?
Most moves go by sea freight (shared or full container), or air freight. A shared container is cheaper for smaller moves; a full 20ft or 40ft container suits a whole house.
What paperwork do I need to move to the United States?
Expect to provide a detailed inventory, a copy of your passport and evidence of your right to live there, such as a visa or residence registration. Your mover will tell you exactly what they need for customs.
Is my UK removal insurance valid abroad?
Not always. Ask the company what insurance covers your belongings for the whole journey, including any sea crossing, and consider all-risks or marine cover.
Other destinations
