Removal Companies UK to USA

[JLDNNYC 2]

Hello everybody,

My wife and I received our NOA2 not too long ago and I am slowly but surely preparing for matters with regards to the physical move of my personal belongings. Since I have quite a bit that will need to be moved stateside I was wondering whether anyone can suggest a good and reliable UK based removal company that does removals to the US. I have googled my query and have found quite a few entries and have contacted one company but I am rather looking for people that have already made the move and have either had a positive or maybe a rather negative experience with a company. Any suggestions are welcome and good luck to all of you that are hanging in there in the last stages of this process!

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hello everybody,

My wife and I received our NOA2 not too long ago and I am slowly but surely preparing for matters with regards to the physical move of my personal belongings. Since I have quite a bit that will need to be moved stateside I was wondering whether anyone can suggest a good and reliable UK based removal company that does removals to the US. I have googled my query and have found quite a few entries and have contacted one company but I am rather looking for people that have already made the move and have either had a positive or maybe a rather negative experience with a company. Any suggestions are welcome and good luck to all of you that are hanging in there in the last stages of this process!

I have used United Van Lines on a move to and from GB and they were excellent. They packed the entire household at the origin and unpacked at the destination, both ways. In addition I also shipped the car in the same container, so everything arrived at the same time and in less than 4 weeks. I would highly recommend them.

[Lisa-O 8]

I have used United Van Lines on a move to and from GB and they were excellent. They packed the entire household at the origin and unpacked at the destination, both ways. In addition I also shipped the car in the same container, so everything arrived at the same time and in less than 4 weeks. I would highly recommend them.

This is something I'm looking into too. I don't have quite so much but still a couple of boxes worth, so Ive been looking at Royal Mail International and DHL, and also googling some 3rd party companies...does anyone know if I have to pay duty on my stuff or would I get a small stereo and lava lamp through customs in a suit case??

[JohnR! 5,495]

This is something I'm looking into too. I don't have quite so much but still a couple of boxes worth, so Ive been looking at Royal Mail International and DHL, and also googling some 3rd party companies...does anyone know if I have to pay duty on my stuff or would I get a small stereo and lava lamp through customs in a suit case??

You should be OK with the stuff you are bringing, since you're moving here. You will not be charged duty on your personal stuff. (I brought an entire household and two cars from England when I moved back to the US...)

Let me remind you that electricity in the US is 110-125/60Hz (versus UK 220-230/50Hz) so if your stereo has a clock, even if it is dual voltage, there is a chance your clock will run faster in the US. Make sure it is dual votlage and Hertz-age as well. The lava lamp may be wired for 230 so check them out before you ship them...

Other than that, I would trust the Royal Mail. Send it via slow boat and it should not cost you much although it may take a while to get here.

[Ryan H 3,796]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to UK regional forum; topic is not a K1 process topic.

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

This is a much-discussed topic in the UK forum, and there's an old (but still useful) thread full of info: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/128548-yes-its-another-shipping-thread/

Personally, I used Excess Baggage to move 30 boxes of varying sizes (from book boxes to wardrobe boxes to a huge bike box) door-to-door from North London to Connecticut via sea freight. They provided all the boxes and packing materials, and we packed everything up for them to collect. They were helpful at every stage of the game, and nothing was broken or missing. We didn't need to pay any duties or other fees that some have reported when using other companies. And by packing (and unpacking) the boxes ourselves we didn't pay for services we didn't need or want. I have recommended them to others on VJ who were similarly happy.

Regarding electronics, we got rid of a lot of stuff before we moved unless it had dual voltage already or was worth going through the hassle of having a converter for. We had been collectors of vintage hi-fi equipment in London, so everything that wasn't interesting or worth quite a bit got sold. We still ended up shipping three turntables, a tape deck and a hugeazz reel-to-reel player.

It's probably cheaper to replace a small stereo and lava lamp over here than to ship them and get converters, unless they are of great sentimental value to you or can't be replaced with similar items.

[MattandMolly 0]

This is a much-discussed topic in the UK forum, and there's an old (but still useful) thread full of info: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/128548-yes-its-another-shipping-thread/

Personally, I used Excess Baggage to move 30 boxes of varying sizes (from book boxes to wardrobe boxes to a huge bike box) door-to-door from North London to Connecticut via sea freight. They provided all the boxes and packing materials, and we packed everything up for them to collect. They were helpful at every stage of the game, and nothing was broken or missing. We didn't need to pay any duties or other fees that some have reported when using other companies. And by packing (and unpacking) the boxes ourselves we didn't pay for services we didn't need or want. I have recommended them to others on VJ who were similarly happy.

Regarding electronics, we got rid of a lot of stuff before we moved unless it had dual voltage already or was worth going through the hassle of having a converter for. We had been collectors of vintage hi-fi equipment in London, so everything that wasn't interesting or worth quite a bit got sold. We still ended up shipping three turntables, a tape deck and a hugeazz reel-to-reel player.

It's probably cheaper to replace a small stereo and lava lamp over here than to ship them and get converters, unless they are of great sentimental value to you or can't be replaced with similar items.

Ooooh i'm so glad i've found this thread! Honey Crumpet, I have some Technics SL1200 mk2s, I don't suppose you know if they'd work on US power? I'm wondering if my dj mixer would too? If you don't know the answer, thanks anyway

Regards

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

Ooooh i'm so glad i've found this thread! Honey Crumpet, I have some Technics SL1200 mk2s, I don't suppose you know if they'd work on US power? I'm wondering if my dj mixer would too? If you don't know the answer, thanks anyway

Regards

I'll ask the ex -- he's the one with all the hifi know-how.

[LeedsUK 4]

This is a much-discussed topic in the UK forum, and there's an old (but still useful) thread full of info: http://www.visajourn...hipping-thread/

Personally, I used Excess Baggage to move 30 boxes of varying sizes (from book boxes to wardrobe boxes to a huge bike box) door-to-door from North London to Connecticut via sea freight. They provided all the boxes and packing materials, and we packed everything up for them to collect. They were helpful at every stage of the game, and nothing was broken or missing. We didn't need to pay any duties or other fees that some have reported when using other companies. And by packing (and unpacking) the boxes ourselves we didn't pay for services we didn't need or want. I have recommended them to others on VJ who were similarly happy.

Regarding electronics, we got rid of a lot of stuff before we moved unless it had dual voltage already or was worth going through the hassle of having a converter for. We had been collectors of vintage hi-fi equipment in London, so everything that wasn't interesting or worth quite a bit got sold. We still ended up shipping three turntables, a tape deck and a hugeazz reel-to-reel player.

It's probably cheaper to replace a small stereo and lava lamp over here than to ship them and get converters, unless they are of great sentimental value to you or can't be replaced with similar items.

I'm using Excess Baggage I think. They gave me a reasonable quote & I love that they take care of everything for you, from packing to delivering at your US address. Exactly what I was looking for. I was about to review them on here. I know, no shipping company is going to have 100% positive feed back but it's good to know you shipped so much & it was all intact. That's what I'm hoping

[GDHB 3]

I'm using Excess Baggage I think. They gave me a reasonable quote & I love that they take care of everything for you, from packing to delivering at your US address. Exactly what I was looking for. I was about to review them on here. I know, no shipping company is going to have 100% positive feed back but it's good to know you shipped so much & it was all intact. That's what I'm hoping

We used Excess Baggage for table, chairs, wardrobe, large mirror, china, etc. Very happy with their service, which was door to door. We shipped the goods out before the visa approval so had to pay for storage until we could fax them the visa. Our experience was that everything was in good order.

[LeedsUK 4]

We used Excess Baggage for table, chairs, wardrobe, large mirror, china, etc. Very happy with their service, which was door to door. We shipped the goods out before the visa approval so had to pay for storage until we could fax them the visa. Our experience was that everything was in good order.

Great, thank you

[MattandMolly 0]

I'll ask the ex -- he's the one with all the hifi know-how.

that would be great if you could!

Many thanks

[sara80 17]

I have just booked with Excess Baggage, hoping they'll do a good service on my stuff too. I don't have much (6-7 boxes) mainly clothes, some books and some various personal effects. The only "big" thing is an overlocking sewing machine, which is almost new therefore I will get a proper converter once in US, rather then leaving it behind or sell it.

Do you know, since my shipment will be arriving from a week to few days earlier than I do, altho they say they'll try to get it there at about the same day I arrive, if my fiance' can clear customs for me? I will be sending my passport and visa copies along with docs to them. I read on this website https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/354/~/moving-to-the-u.s.---duty-free-entry-of-unaccompanied-goods,-firearms,-gift the following:

"When you come to CBP to enter your goods, you must complete CBP Form 3299 Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles to give to the CBP Officer. If you cannot come to the CBP office yourself, you may designate a friend or relative to represent you in CBP matters. You must give that person a letter addressed to "Officer in Charge of CBP" authorizing that individual to represent you as your agent on a one-time basis to clear your shipment through CBP"

Does it mean that it is fine or will I need to pay for storage until I arrive to the US?

[Owen_London 65]

I have just booked with Excess Baggage, hoping they'll do a good service on my stuff too. I don't have much (6-7 boxes) mainly clothes, some books and some various personal effects. The only "big" thing is an overlocking sewing machine, which is almost new therefore I will get a proper converter once in US, rather then leaving it behind or sell it.

Do you know, since my shipment will be arriving from a week to few days earlier than I do, altho they say they'll try to get it there at about the same day I arrive, if my fiance' can clear customs for me? I will be sending my passport and visa copies along with docs to them. I read on this website https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/354/~/moving-to-the-u.s.---duty-free-entry-of-unaccompanied-goods,-firearms,-gift the following:

"When you come to CBP to enter your goods, you must complete CBP Form 3299 Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles to give to the CBP Officer. If you cannot come to the CBP office yourself, you may designate a friend or relative to represent you in CBP matters. You must give that person a letter addressed to "Officer in Charge of CBP" authorizing that individual to represent you as your agent on a one-time basis to clear your shipment through CBP"

Does it mean that it is fine or will I need to pay for storage until I arrive to the US?

Your quote looks crystal clear to me. It's fine, providing you provide a letter written according to the CBP's instructions, and signed by you.

[LeedsUK 4]

I thought the company took care of this for you at the first port that the goods entered? Customs clearance should be included in the quote you were given. As far as I was told, you fill in the forms & give them to the company. I was told it was better to be there before your goods arrived but I know a lot of people have had their family or partner receive the goods for them. As I understood, if your goods were selected for a search, then they would contact you to pay the inspection fee & then they could be transported by road to your destination. Otherwise you shouldn't incur any other charges.