The United States is one of the most popular destinations for British expats. Every year, thousands of UK citizens pack up their lives and relocate to America for work opportunities, family reasons, lifestyle changes, or retirement. With 50 states, a vast and diverse culture, and endless opportunities, the USA offers something for everyone — whether you’re dreaming of New York’s skyscrapers, California’s beaches, or Texas’ wide-open spaces.
If you’re planning moving to United States from UK, there are many steps to consider: choosing the right visa, arranging international removals, navigating customs, understanding healthcare and taxation, and getting settled into expat life. This page serves as a complete relocation guide — and explains how Advance Moves can help with the moving process by giving you an instant online removals quote through our Quick Quote system.
The USA has always attracted Brits, and for good reason:
Work Opportunities – From finance in New York to tech in Silicon Valley, there are career paths across industries.
Quality of Education – Many families relocate to give their children access to world-class universities and private schools.
Lifestyle Diversity – From high-energy city living to quiet suburbs or rural ranches, there’s a style of life for everyone.
Retirement – Warm-weather states like Florida and Arizona are especially appealing to retirees.
Family Connections – Many British expats have relatives in the US and move to reunite with them.
In short, the USA is a land of opportunity, and relocating to USA from UK can open up new possibilities in work and lifestyle.
International removals are complicated — but Advance Moves makes the process much easier. With our Quick Quote system:
You enter the basic details of your move (your UK location, destination in the USA, estimated move date, and type of property).
You instantly receive a guideline price and estimated shipping volume for your belongings.
Your details are matched to up to 5 of the best international removal companies.
Each company provides you with a tailored quote.
You compare, choose, and book the best option.
This saves you time (no chasing multiple quotes) and money (competitive pricing from trusted movers). Whether you need a small shipment to Boston or a full household relocation to Los Angeles, Advance Moves connects you with the right movers for your needs.
Unlike moving within Europe, British citizens cannot simply arrive in the USA and start living there. You’ll need a visa or permanent residency permit.
H-1B Visa – For highly skilled professionals, especially in IT, engineering, and medicine.
L-1 Visa – For employees of multinational companies transferring to US offices.
O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, or business.
K-1 Visa – For fiancés of US citizens.
IR-1/CR-1 Visa – For spouses of US citizens.
Immediate Family Sponsorship – Children, parents, or siblings of US citizens may be eligible.
F-1 Visa – For full-time academic students.
M-1 Visa – For vocational training.
J-1 Visa – For exchange programmes, internships, or temporary work-study.
Granted through employment sponsorship, family sponsorship, asylum, or the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Provides indefinite right to live and work in the USA.
The USA does not have a retirement visa. Many retirees move under family sponsorship, or if they have investment/wealth visas available. Some also hold long-term tourist visas but spend part of the year outside the USA.
👉 For official visa info:
International shipping from the UK to the USA involves more than packing boxes. Customs clearance is a vital step.
Household Goods – Items you’ve owned for 12+ months are usually duty-free.
Restricted Goods – Firearms, alcohol, food, soil, and live plants are subject to strict regulations.
Paperwork – Passport, visa, inventory list, bill of lading, and proof of residence abroad.
Vehicles – Imported vehicles must meet US emissions and safety standards.
Professional movers arranged via Advance Moves handle this for you, ensuring your shipment clears customs quickly.
The cost of an international removal varies depending on the size of your move, your shipping method, and your chosen destination.
Full Container Load (FCL) – £5,000–£8,000 for a three-bed house.
Shared Container (Groupage) – £1,500–£3,000 for smaller moves.
Air Freight – Faster, but usually £5,000+.
Packing services and materials
Insurance for your goods
Storage before or after shipping
Customs duties (if applicable)
Advance Moves’ Quick Quote system gives you a clear estimate upfront, allowing you to plan your relocation budget confidently.
With such a large country, where you live in America makes a big difference to your expat experience.
Bustling hub of finance, media, and culture.
High cost of living but endless job opportunities and entertainment.
Popular for young professionals and families who love city life.
Famous for Hollywood and tech industries.
Mediterranean climate with beaches, mountains, and outdoor living.
Expats in LA enjoy a creative, dynamic lifestyle.
Home to many British retirees thanks to sunshine and lower taxes.
Miami offers vibrant nightlife and international culture.
Orlando and Tampa are popular for families.
Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston offer lower housing costs and high job growth.
Known for friendly communities, diverse industries, and wide open spaces.
The centre of the global tech industry.
Expensive housing but very high salaries for those in the sector.
A major business hub with more affordable living than New York.
Known for arts, culture, and great food.
Each location offers something different, and British expats tend to choose based on career, climate, and lifestyle preferences.
Adjusting to American life can be exciting but requires some changes:
Healthcare – Unlike the NHS, healthcare is private. Insurance is essential.
Taxation – Federal and state taxes vary widely. States like Texas and Florida have no income tax, while California and New York are high-tax states.
Cost of Living – Big cities are expensive; smaller towns and suburbs are more affordable.
Cultural Adjustment – Americans are friendly but more formal with work relationships.
Driving – Public transport exists in some cities, but most people rely on cars.
Expat communities exist across the USA, making it easier for newcomers to connect.
Many British families move to the USA for education opportunities.
Public Schools – Funded by taxes, quality varies by district.
Private Schools – Expensive but often provide excellent education.
Universities – Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and many others attract global students.
Tuition costs can be high, but scholarships and financial aid are available.
The USA has a strong job market for skilled professionals. Popular sectors include:
Finance – New York and Chicago.
Tech – Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin.
Healthcare – Nationwide demand for doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Entertainment – Los Angeles.
Energy – Texas and Houston.
Networking and having the correct visa are crucial for finding work.
Moving across the Atlantic is a big step, and you need a reliable removal partner. Advance Moves offers:
Instant Online Quotes – Get a guideline price in seconds.
Multiple Options – Compare 5 different removal companies at once.
Customs Support – Help with documentation and clearance.
Cost Savings – Competitive rates by comparing movers.
It’s the simplest way to arrange your removals to USA from UK with confidence.
Whether you’re moving for work, family, or retirement, relocating to the United States from the UK is a life-changing decision. With the right preparation, your move will be smooth and stress-free.
👉 Get started today by clicking the yellow Quick Quote buttons at the top or bottom of this page to receive your instant online removals estimate and begin your journey to the USA.
Email: info@advancemoves.com
Address: Parcela 9, calle rio mula, pol ind marimingo, bullas, Murcia, 30180, Spain
Tel: +34968654667
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