After years of co-ordinating moves to and from the USA, we’ve compiled a ‘moving to the USA’ checklist to cover the salient points of making the move across the pond.
As soon as you can:
-Have your US visa in place. Don’t underestimate how long this can take to obtain for the US. You’ll need to make sure that you opt for the right kind of visa or green card.
-De-clutter and sort through your household belongings, categorising what you wish to take with you, what needs to be donated to charity and what, if anything, needs to go into storage.
-Check passports are valid and in date.
A few months before:
-Research international moving companies that are experienced, reputable and have FIDI and BAR accreditations and obtain an accurate quotation for export packing, shipping and delivery of your household effects and vehicles.
-An experienced international moving company will advise on, and guide you through, the required documentation for moving to the USA.
-If you require storage also, ask you removal company about this too.
-Book your own travel arrangements.
-Inform GPs, dentists etc of the impending move and speak to them about the process of having medical records transferred.
-Make contact with your bank regarding your move abroad.
One month to go:
-Have the shipping of your goods in place and liaise with your remover regarding the required paperwork.
-Arrange the cleaning of your belongings that will be making the move with you.
-Contact utility companies and make sure they are aware of the relocation and all bills have been paid.
Two weeks to go:
-Ensure bank accounts are closed or transferred.
-Change your currency to US dollars. Our surveyors can advise you on ways of avoiding bank charges.
One week to go:
Work through any food remaining in the freezer and once it’s empty defrost it.
Compile a folder of information such insurance documents, flight boarding passports, train tickets, passports and visa paperwork that you’ll need at hand during the move.
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