The cost of removals to the United States will depend on a number of factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

As a rough guide, expect to pay £1500 – £3400 for an apartment move and £7900 – £9700 for a full household removal to Canada.

Additional costs will also need to be considered, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and U.S. customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removals quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs to get the cheapest removals to the USA.

NB: As prices are regularly changing, we highly recommend you contact us to get an estimate of current removal costs and book a free home or virtual survey so that we can give you a more accurate removals quote.

We offer a fully comprehensive removals service to the USA, which will take care of everything for you. The removals service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service.

Additional fees not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties and port fees payable on arrival in America, storage services and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Beware of cheap removals quotes to the United States which do not include all the costs.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to the U.S. via a sea freight service. The overseas removals service can be quite complicated, but with United Removals’, our expert teams will make the process as easy and stress free as possible. You can sit back and let us do all the heavy lifting!

Our USA removals service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) If you require a full-load container (either 20 ft or 40 ft), the shipping container will be delivered to your property and loaded by the packing crew.

6) For shared or part load containers, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removals van to one of our depots for loading onto the shipping container as groupage.

7) The container will then be sent by sea freight to the USA.

8) On arrival at the port (we ship to all major ports in the United States), our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

9) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or to storage if required. Our partner, American removals service, will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in the United States.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

Often it will be more cost effective for smaller shipments to be sent by our air frieght service.

It does not, however, include large items of furniture.

Preparing for a move to the USA is no small feat, and it involves far more than just packing your favourite clothes and cherished mementoes. The United States has a comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted items that can’t be imported. Whether you’re visiting temporarily or making a permanent move, it’s essential to know what you can and can’t bring with you.

Prohibited Items:

1. Illicit Substances: This includes narcotics and certain medications, as well as absinthe unless it is thujone-free.
2. Soil and Livestock Pests: If you’ve got children’s items like wellies or outdoor gear, give them a good clean before you pack them. The USA has strict rules about importing soil or potentially harmful animal pests.
3. Biological Specimens: You’re going to need a permit from the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service if you want to bring any biological cultures and specimens with you.
4. Endangered Species: Any products made from endangered wildlife species, such as clothing or accessories made with tusks or skins, are strictly off-limits.
5. Cultural Artefacts: Certain cultural artefacts and property are restricted, so do your homework before packing anything that might fall into this category.
6. Counterfeit Goods: Any items infringing on trade and copyright regulations should be left at home.
7. Certain Firearms: While the USA is known for its liberal gun laws, there are restrictions on importing certain types of firearms.
8. Prohibited Material: This includes photographic film containing prohibited material such as violence or content of a graphic nature.

Restricted Items:

1. Food and Drink: The USA has strict rules about what food and drink you can bring into the country. Be sure to check these out before you start packing your favourite snacks.
2. Plants, Seeds, Vegetables, and Fruits: If you’re a green thumb, take note. The USA has strict restrictions on importing these items. Leave the plants as a parting gift with a neighbour.
3. Fish and Wildlife Products: Importing fish, fish eggs, and certain wildlife products may require special permission.
4. Hazardous Articles and Substances: There are regulations on importing any hazardous items or substances.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, so we strongly recommend checking the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or getting in touch with them directly for detailed, up-to-date information about what you can and can’t bring with you on your big move to the States.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to the U.S., then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your own bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removals service but also the most expensive. Many people, therefore, use a combination of both air freight and sea freight shipping services.

You can check out our more detailed American International Removals Guide below, or why not call one of our advisers on 01942 557102?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices and arrange a home survey consultation to provide a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to America and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items in the U.S. if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are a lot of belongings.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or the United States?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period of time once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, which we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in the U.S. after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

If the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in the States to ship your belongings to, then we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in America whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to the USA. The journey is lengthy, and they will be moved from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is a chance that items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential, so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers are expertly trained to deal with all the issues encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your articles. This includes custom-built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to the USA
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Complete inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export quality cartons and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

You will need to ensure all your belongings are clean and in condition before they are packed. It is also essential that they are dry to avoid mildew and mould forming on the long journey.

Take time to consider what items to take and what delicate and valuable need extra care when packing.

Our international removals service is perfect for shipping your furniture to the United States from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces, including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables and cupboards, can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky, you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in the U.S. have built-in wardrobes, so shipping these might not be worthwhile.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to the USA from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in the U.S. We can help you with this. You may find the following helpful information when planning your move.

If you are a returning U.S. citizen or a migrant with a permanent visa who has been away from the USA for over 12 months, there will be no Customs Duties or GST to pay on any household effects you ship. It is important to check if you meet these criteria. However, other customs-related charges, fees and duties may need to be paid.

United States regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

In the event that you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.
On arrival in America, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from U.S. Customs before they are allowed into the country.

For your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any customs duties, inspection fees, and also any other charges. These will be payable locally. Our agents in the United States will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to America and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

This information is essential as it can help minimise customs inspection and quarantine fees that the American Customs Service may change.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest levels of service.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend Shipment Protection Cover that is highly flexible and will offer you lots of advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is the completion of a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value that you want to cover and are based on whether you have packed the items or they have been packed professionally.

Shipping your car or other vehicles in a 40 ft container alongside your house contents is possible.

However, the United States does have strict import criteria for cars, so speak to our team to ensure that importing your vehicle is feasible and cost effective.

Some paperwork will be required, but we can help you ensure it is all completed correctly, and our agents will take care of customs clearance for you.

Navigating the real estate market in the USA can seem intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the country’s property landscape. While property prices in major city centres can be higher than in the UK, venturing into suburban areas or smaller towns can reveal affordable and attractive housing alternatives.

The USA property market is dynamic, with values fluctuating across different regions. For instance, the median home value in New York City can exceed $1 million, while in cities like Chicago or Houston, median home values hover around $350,000 and $240,000, respectively.

The process of purchasing property overseas can be intricate, making the guidance of a local real estate agent invaluable. They can help you navigate unique aspects of the American property market, such as the home inspection process, property taxes, and more, which might differ significantly from the UK.

While homeownership may be your ultimate objective, it’s often prudent to consider renting initially upon arrival. This allows you to acclimatise to different neighbourhoods, identify essential amenities, and choose an area that aligns with your lifestyle before making a long-term commitment.

If you plan to relocate your pet, there are several specific requirements to follow. First, your pet must be microchipped compatible with ISO standards. Consult your vet to confirm the presence and compatibility of an existing microchip or implant a new one. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have strict regulations on pet importation.

You’ll need a health certificate from a vet, and depending on your pet’s species and the state you’re moving to, other requirements may apply. All pets entering the USA need an import permit issued by the CDC. Quarantine regulations vary by state, but most pets, particularly dogs and cats, do not require quarantine if they have valid health certificates and meet specific requirements.

If you’re moving to the USA and already have a job secured, your transition is likely to be smoother. In such situations, your employer or recruitment agency will usually manage the detailed aspects of your relocation, ensuring all the necessary paperwork and visa requirements are handled on your behalf. This kind of support can alleviate a lot of pressure, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move, such as house hunting and settling into your new surroundings.

However, if you’re moving to the USA and searching for employment, conducting thorough research into the current job market is critical. The demand for specific roles and skills can fluctuate based on various factors, including the state of the economy, industry developments, and immigration policies.

Some industries, like technology, healthcare, and financial services, tend to have a consistent demand for skilled workers, but these trends can vary by region. For example, technology jobs are abundant in areas like Silicon Valley and Seattle, whereas financial roles are concentrated in cities like New York and Chicago.

Lastly, consider the cost of living in different regions when searching for jobs. Salaries can vary widely across the USA, and what might seem like a generous salary in one area might not go as far in another, particularly in major urban centres or cities with high living costs.

You must secure a visa, a Green Card or have US citizenship before moving to the USA. Numerous visa options are available, often granted based on factors such as skill set, experience, or family connections. Before moving, apply for the visa type that best suits your needs. Work visas, such as the H-1B for specialized occupations or the L-1 for intra-company transfers, are common.

If planning to start a business, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa could be a suitable choice. Resident visas or Green Cards are another major categories. These can be obtained through various pathways, such as employment, family sponsorship, or the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (often known as the green card lottery).

Click here to view all of the US visas available.

While there’s no limit on money transfers to the USA, consulting a foreign currency specialist is advisable for large sums like house sale proceeds. Well-timed transfers and favourable exchange rates can yield substantial savings.

If you’re looking to relocate to the USA, our experienced team stands ready to assist you with every stage of your move, from packing to removals.