Moving to the UK from the USA sounds simple enough, same language, right? Well, mostly. You’ll quickly learn that “pants” mean underwear, and if someone invites you for “tea,” they might actually mean dinner. While the cultural differences can be charming, the logistics of moving your belongings across the Atlantic are far from simple without expert help. Shipping your belongings, clearing customs and coordinating delivery in a centuries-old city like London takes the precision of a Downton Abbey butler and the stamina of a royal tour. This guide covers five essential logistical steps to ensure your international move is as smooth as a perfectly poured cuppa.
1. Choose a Reliable International Moving Company
You wouldn’t ship the Crown Jewels in a cardboard box, and you shouldn’t send your household goods across the Atlantic without a trusted professional either. Start your search with FMC-licensed movers who have a proven track record in US-to-UK relocations.
Do your homework:
- Make sure they are licensed and insured. International movers should have a FMC license number from the Federal Maritime Commission. This license is an assurance that a mover is legally approved to ship goods overseas, legitimate and trustworthy for international moves. You can verify an international moving company’s FMC license here.
- Confirm that the moving company is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR). This century-old trade body requires members to pass rigorous annual audits and follow a Trading Standards-approved Code of Practice.
- Read client reviews on trusted review sites like Yelp and the BBB. Look for companies with repeat customers and detailed testimonials.
- Look for companies with years of experience, the kind of longevity that rivals Big Ben’s chimes or the Queen’s love of corgis.
- Choose movers who know UK customs and import rules inside and out, so you don’t have to fret about forms, declarations, and restricted items.
A mover’s reputation is as valuable as their packing skills. The right international moving company will guide you through every stage, from packing to customs clearance.
2. Understand Your Shipping Method Options
International moving isn’t one-size-fits-all. Knowing your shipping options will help you balance cost, speed, and convenience. Consider your consolidation options:
- Full Container Load (exclusive container): This means your belongings travel in their own container. An exclusive container is faster, more secure and ideal for large households or time-sensitive moves.
- Less than Container Load (shared container): This option means you share the container space with other shipments. A shared container is more affordable for smaller moves, but may take longer.
International moving quotes can differ drastically. To avoid surprises, confirm whether the price reflects full door-to-door service or just port-to-port service. What’s the difference?
- Port-to-port service means the moving company ships your belongings from the US to a UK port or airport, but once your shipment arrives at the port, you’re responsible for everything else, clearing customs, hiring local movers, and arranging transport to your new home.
- Door-to-door service, on the other hand, is full-service. The mover handles every step, including pickup from your US home, customs paperwork, overseas transport, and final delivery straight to your new address in the UK.
That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what’s included in the quote you receive. Although port-to-port pricing may look lower at first, it leaves customs, movers and final delivery in your hands. Door-to-door service covers the entire journey. At NorthStar Moving, we recommend door-to-door service because it places the whole process in the hands of professionals, giving you one point of contact, one clear price and peace of mind that every detail of your international move is managed.
3. Create a Detailed Packing & Inventory Plan
In the world of international moving, a detailed inventory is your golden ticket through customs. Whether your mover is packing or you are packing yourself, remember to label every box clearly.
Leave fragile items, electronics and high-value goods to the pros. International movers are experts at wrapping, padding and securing your belongings with the precision of a Harrods gift wrapper. Not only does professional packing protect your treasures, but it also reassures customs officials that your shipment is in good order.
When it comes to large appliances, consider selling or donating them before you move. Voltage and plug requirements in the UK differ from those in the US, and it’s often easier (and more cost-effective) to buy new appliances once you arrive.
Finally, pack an “essentials” shipment or luggage for things you’ll need right away. These essential items include clothes, important documents, chargers and maybe that favorite teapot you can’t bear to wait six weeks for. A little planned packing and detailed inventory ensures that, once you land, you can start your new adventure without rummaging through a sea of mystery boxes.
4. Arrange Storage in the US Until You’re Settled in London
If you don’t yet have a confirmed UK address, a storage plan can be your best mate. Think of it as a safe holding pen for the belongings you’re not ready to ship just yet.
The key is to choose an international moving company who offers integrated moving and storage packages, so the same trusted team manages your items from start to finish.With the right setup, you can fly across the pond knowing that the rest of your household is secure, organized and ready to join you when the time is right.
5. Schedule Delivery & Prepare Your New Home
If you’re moving to London or another busy city in the UK, confirm whether you’ll need parking permits for the moving truck. Narrow streets, historic buildings and bus lanes aren’t exactly designed with transatlantic moves in mind, so a little planning here saves a lot of headaches. Before delivery day, make sure your new home is ready for delivery of your belongings. Older historic architecture makes carrying heavy furniture through narrow hallways, staircases, and lifts complicated. Make sure to measure beforehand.
Ready to Start Moving to the UK from the US?
With the right preparation and international moving company, your transition from the US to the UK can be as perfectly timed as the trooping of color. The takeaway? The best way to ensure a stress free move to the UK is choosing a reliable mover. The right international moving service will manage all the nitty-gritty moving logistics. At NorthStar Moving, our team takes care of the entire process, allowing you to focus on settling into your new chapter in the UK. Let us make your move across the pond seamless from start to finish, give us a call (800)ASK-PROS.