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Which Electrical Appliances Should I Ship When Moving to the USA?

Mar 11. 2022

When it comes to planning a move to the USA from the UK, you’ll need to factor in the process and the cost of shipping your household goods to your new home. It maybe that you want to ship your entire household or that you want to take some items but not all. You’ll need to plan ahead and decide on what is making the journey. Taking at least some of your own personal possessions with you will help to make your new home in the USA so much more familiar and homely. It maybe that some items have sentimental value and you don’t want to part with them, they maybe family heirlooms and some household effects are essential to ensure that are able to settle into your new property as quickly as possible once in the USA.

It’s also worth considering what can be used in the states as they is no point shipping items which can’t be used once you’re out there. This is particularly pertinent when it comes to electrical items, for example. It’s worth researching which of your appliances would be compatible in the USA before including them in your shipment.

Top tips:

  • The power supply in the states is 110-120v @ 60hz. This is half of that in the UK. The American system also differs in that the plug sockets don’t feature a power switch (as we have in the UK). This means that electricity is fed constantly to the power socket and this can affect the way that some electrical items perform.
  • As a word of warning, even if you use an adapter for your device, it may not be the proper current needed. Using an appliance that does not fall into the range for U.S. voltage can damage your electrical appliance beyond repair.
  • Whether your UK TV is compatible with the US will depend on the model and specifications so again it’s worth checking it out prior to shipment. Some TV sets can have adaptations made to them to work abroad, but not all will work.
  • Computers tend to be a little more straightforward. Most desktop computers will have a switch at the rear which can just be switched over at the point when you install the computer in its new destination in America. Laptops should also start up just fine in the States. Just bear in mind that you may need to purchase a new lead for both your desktop and your laptop.

If you would like any further advice on the process of shipping household effects and vehicles to any part of the USA, please contact our International Department on 01902 714555 or via sales@burkebros.co.uk. More detail on the process of shipping to America can also be found on our dedicated webpage.

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