For a friendly, reliable local removals company with a personal touch… Make It a Good Move!
Are you considering moving to the USA? America is regarded as the great ‘land of opportunity’, where everyone can achieve their d everyreams and desires if they put their mind to it.
Despite recent economic turbulence there is good reason to believe the ‘American Dream’ is alive and well. The economy is growing and the USA remains one of the most popular places to move to for work.
One of the most challenging aspects of moving to the USA is transferring your household belongings. If you are going to be emigrating to America you will likely need to enlist the services of a reliable removals company with a sterling reputation when it comes to international relocation.
With over 35 years’ experience moving families around the world, GoodMove can transfer your personal effects to any destination across the American continent. From Arkansas to New York, we can wrap, pack and move your possessions with minimum fuss, including handling all required customs and export documentation.
GoodMove can also offer long term storage. Lots of our customers moving to the USA choose to store their personal effects while they rent or seek permanent housing. Storing your personal effects is safe, clean and affordable and you can even arrange for us to deliver it once you’ve settled.
To find out more about moving to America or any of our removals to USA services don’t hesitate to contact us using the number listed above. Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form and a member of our customer service team will be in touch with you shortly.
Moving with GoodMove couldn’t be simpler. Our experienced and friendly team will be on hand to guide you throughout the process and will tailor your move to your time and budget.
We pack your belongings using a bespoke range of packing materials and deliver them right to your new home using our extensive fleet of vehicles. We can supply the following materials so all your items can be packed properly and avoid any damage in transit:
Once we ascertain the volume of effects being moved we will send you a free no obligation written quotation. If satisfied we will then provide you with a full schedule detailing every aspect of your move, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.
We also offer a range of flexible storage solutions should you wish to take advantage of them.
The United States of America has long been associated with the ‘American Dream’. This is the ideal that any person can get on and achieve their goals in life if they work hard enough for it.
Every year thousands of Brits emigrate to the USA in order to pursue their version of the American Dream. From landing a well-paying position in the Big Apple, or being at the centre of the tech revolution in Silicon Valley, the USA is awash with opportunity.
Despite this reputation for hard work, its not all nose to the grindstone. This country certainly knows how to have a good time. Whether you’re partying down in Nashville, music city, or taking in a Broadway show in NYC, you’re never short of things to do in America.
Life in America is extremely diverse with 50 amazing states spread out across an entire continent. Being home to immigrant populations from around the world, each state has its own unique character and aspirations.
It is often remarked that it’s the people that makes the USA what it is. The country’s rich historical and cultural tapestry can be observed in the various languages and dialects you will hear throughout.
The USA is often depicted as an expensive place to live but the cost of living in many cities is relatively low compared with many parts of the UK. You will be surprised also by just how much cheaper and spacious land is in the more far flung corners of the States.
The US economy has shown strong signs of recovery following the global recession and remains the world’s superpower. Unemployment is falling, and several industries are expecting significant growth over the next few years.
The biggest prospects for expats in the USA exist in high technology or niche markets. The US Department of Labour has forecast a need for many engineers in fields such as biomedical, software and life sciences.
Financial services, as ever, continues to be an important source of jobs, particularly in the largest cities in the North West. There is also heavy demand for healthcare professionals such as nurses, carers, nursing assistants and medical secretaries.
Before making the move across the Atlantic, it is essential that you first secure a residential visa, commonly referred to in the States as a ‘Green Card’. The USA has very strict immigration laws and failure to enter on the right visa or working on the wrong one is a serious offence.
There are various ways to acquire a Green Card. It is important to weigh up which option you think you might be eligible for. Most UK nationals moving to the US secure their visa through a job offer, but others obtain them through family members.
Employers are willing to look overseas for the very best talent to boost their business. If you have a skill that a US company needs, they will often help in any way they can, from organising visas to helping you find a home.
Once there, you can enjoy good job security and satisfaction. Provided you demonstrate a good work ethic your career can flourish.
The USA does not impose legal restrictions on the purchase of property by foreigners. Due to its vast size, the country is not short of land. What’s more, expats who are willing to live outside the major cities will find they can get a lot more for their money property-wise than they can in the UK.
As with all large countries, prices, styles and property size will depend on where exactly in the USA you decide to settle.
It’s important to research your options thoroughly and weigh up other important factors, such as local schooling and working opportunities.
The average sales price of homes sold in the USA rose by about 4.3% by the end of 2017 and is currently US$398,900 (£303,652), according to the US Census Bureau.
Mortgages are usually favourable and easy to obtain provided you have a good credit score. You will need to open a US bank account and make sure you report accurately all of your income on tax returns. Tax receipts are often used by lenders to decide how much you can afford.
Even if you plan to buy eventually, it is advisable to rent first before you buy. That way you can take time seeing what is available and where you would like to live before you make a commitment.
As a guide, the weekly rent for a three-bedroom unfurnished apartment ranges from US$1575 (£1198) outside of the city centre to US$ 2034 (£1548) in the centre.
The USA has a first-rate education system and is home to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including Harvard, Yale and Browns.
Compulsory education in the USA begins at the age of five., Although, schooling, from elementary through to high school, varies from State to State.
Most children attend pre-school (Kindergarten) from the age of three or four. While kindergarten falls under the public education system, and is therefore free, pre-schools are run privately, and parents will be expected to pay fees.
In most school districts, the system is divided into three levels: elementary, middle and high school. In most states, it’s compulsory for children to attend school until at least the age of 16. However, in many cases, children will continue their education until they graduate.
There are also several international schools and colleges that offer a good education for short-stay expats. Students at international schools in the USA can be taught in English and a foreign language and can follow their curriculum back home. However, these schools charge fees and tend to be expensive.
The standard of most healthcare facilities in the US is generally excellent. However, the US, unlike the UK, does not have a universal system of healthcare.
The USA does not require citizens to have health insurance, but it is certainly wise to take out cover. As such, if you’re moving to the USA, it is imperative that you have adequate medical insurance.
Anyone who does not have appropriate insurance runs the risk of paying colossal bills.
If you are moving to the states for work purposes, your employer should arrange health insurance cover, or pay contributions as part of your relocation package.
If this is not the case, there are many companies providing international private medical insurance.
Driving in the US can be quite an alien experience for UK expats at times. The most important point to note is that Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Overall, driving in the US is pretty easy compared to many other worldwide destinations. The road netowrk is extensive and has wide-open highways and urban ”blocks’.
Road signs are all written in English, and besides the different units of speed, are easy to read and follow. Note however that driving laws may differ quite substantially from state to state.
Mass transportation systems in the USA include buses, trolleybuses, trams, ferries. There are also a variety of high-speed trains, including rapid transit, light rail, and commuter rail. Intercity public transport is dominated by airlines and intercity rail.
The USA’s unit of currency is the US Dollar (US$). All major credit cards can be used in USA, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely.
Finding an ATM should not pose a problem. There are over 400,000 ATMs in the USA. You’ll likely find them in bank lobbies, on street corners, or at supermarkets. There are plenty also appearing in shopping malls, petrol stations and even in bars and restaurants.
GoodMove, has over 35 years’ of experience moving people to destinations all over the world, including the USA and Canada.
We can arrange a free no obligation home survey and quotation to be carried out by one of our qualified surveyors. The surveyor will be able to answer any of your questions or concerns and offer advice where necessary.
The purpose of the survey is to determine the volume of effects you will be shipping.
The total cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in the container. Following the visit, you will receive a free written, no obligation quotation.
Rest assured that with GoodMove your possessions will be treated with the utmost respect and care throughout your door-to-door service. Our experienced teams located across the UK will pack and prepare your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture ready for export.
We use a modern range of environmentally friendly, purpose-made packing materials and can pack everything for you prior to your move. All china and glassware will be wrapped in special paper and then packed in double-thickness cartons.
Furniture can be wrapped in bubble blanket for extra protection. Items requiring specialist care, such as antiques, can be packed in made-to-measure wooden crates.
Upon arrival at your residence in the USA, our trusted agents will deliver your belongings and place boxes and furniture in appropriate rooms as directed. They will then unpack your belongings onto flat surfaces and dispose of all packing materials.
You may find you need to store some or all of your possessions for a period of time prior to moving abroad.
Goodmove has storage facilities at its site in Horkesley, near Colchester. Each offers secure containerised storage in personal dedicated storage containers.
All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European standard BS EN 14873. Just speak to our surveyor for further information.
Our partners in USA can also offer you storage. You may be renting for a while and therefore not need all of your effects to be delivered immediately. If so, you can arrange for certain items to be delivered and once settled in your new home, the rest can follow. Please note that storage rates may apply.
For further information on our removals to USA service, or any other international destination, contact our international office on the number listed above.
Alternatively, complete the form below with your details and we will contact you.
Our experienced team of removals specialists have been relocating customers all over the world since 1984.
With a reputation for outstanding customer service, there's no better choice of removals firm for your next move.
Our friendly support team are always on hand to offer help and guidance, whenever when you need it.