Specialists in Shipping from the UK to the USA
At John Mason, we have a wealth of experience in Shipping to the US and other worldwide destinations. Whether you’re considering relocating to the US or Australia, we can handle your move in a professional and friendly manner. We provide a complete international removal door to door service, including full export packing and loading. This service is carried out through origin, shipping, customs clearance, delivery and unpacking at your chosen destination. If you are looking for storage at either your origin, or delivery destination, we can also provide this.
Now is better than ever to consider relocating from the UK to the USA. Providing great opportunities for emigrants from the UK, the US truly does offer the opportunity to live in a culturally diverse society.
Moving to the US Post Covid-19
Established in 1884, John Mason International Movers has seen the world around us change daily. As a business, we are continuing to evolve to ensure we deliver a first-class international removal service, making your move to the US and other countries as seamless as possible. Fast forward to today, we are now the UK’s largest international removals companies, moving around 10,000 people internationally each year. We can guarantee that if you are planning on moving to the US, post COVID-19, we can make your international move far easier.
Moving to the US post COVID-19 can feel daunting due to the current circumstances. However, considering the Government guidelines in addition to the British Association of Removals (BAR), we can gladly confirm that we are in fact fully operational. The safety of both our customers and employees, is our number one priority. Therefore, we have introduced several new safety measures to ensure we are Covid Secure. The international removals service to the US remains to be in place, and our process remains to be safe and sound! International removals to the US are a viable opportunity despite the current pandemic, and we can assure you that your move will be smooth sailing.
About Raleigh
Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital city and was once voted “America’s Best City” by BusinessWeek.com.
Raleigh is well connected to a thriving hub of technical companies in the Research Triangle Park area and is home to some of the top universities in the US. Universities will certainly not be an issue when considering moving to Raleigh, thanks to top universities, including the University of North Carolina and Duke University. Raleigh has a big-city feel – even though the population is less than half a million – combined with a mild climate and low cost of living.
Located midway between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, when residing in Raleigh, travelling to both are never more than two-three hours’ drive away. With a vibrant sports scene and enough cultural and social activities to whet the appetite of any new arrival, it’s easy to see why British expats are drawn to this charming Southern city. Keeping proactive in this stunning city is not an issue, so why not consider moving to Raleigh?
Suburb Profiles
Five Points
To the north west of downtown is the Five Points neighbourhood, where you’ll find late 19th Century homes, a mix of shopping, plus some of the region’s better schools. Considered the “old Raleigh”, Five Points has managed to retain some of its original character as the wider area developed and modernised.
Boylan Heights
Situated to the west of downtown is Boylan Heights, a safe and fairly quiet suburb with houses in a range of styles set back from broad tree-lined streets. The locals celebrate the neighbourhood each year with an August block party consisting of food stalls, live bands and family-friendly activities.
Hillsborough
With a population under 13,000, Hillsborough is located to the west of downtown Raleigh, with decent shopping and dining, plus North Carolina’s State University. With a lower crime level than the Raleigh average, it is a convenient yet safe district of the city.
Cary
A short drive from Raleigh is the town of Cary in the North Western corner of Wake County. With its “small town” charm and atmosphere, it was named America’s “hottest town” by a leading financial magazine. It offers an alternative but equally desirable lifestyle for people moving to Raleigh who want to escape the city but stay within commutable reach.
Transport / Getting Around in Raleigh
Getting around the downtown area is relatively easy with various forms of transport on offer such as the eco-friendly circulator bus service, the R-LINE, passing along Raleigh’s grid of one-way streets. The city’s airport is one of the country’s fastest growing and offers direct flights to London Heathrow. The city also boasts a rickshaw company for the less-time pressured visitor.
Leisure Activities and Things to Do in Raleigh
There are plenty of things to do in the Greater Raleigh area and the city is not short of cultural experiences, including ballet, opera, music venues, theatre and museums. Many of the state museums are located here such as the North Carolina Museum of Art, Museum of History and Museum of Natural Sciences. A visit to the State Capitol building, a national historic landmark, is also recommended.
The downtown area is a base for big business but has also undergone changes to bring increased shopping and outdoor dining into the urban centre. Moore Park Square is one such example, catering to a wide range of musical tastes and with a flourishing arts district.
The city also offers enough sports to satisfy the most diehard of fanatics, with college basketball teams from Duke, North Carolina and NC State Universities, professional ice hockey (the North Carolina Hurricanes), baseball, world-renowned golf courses and even access to skiing in winter, with the popular destinations of Boone and Asheville within easy reach. Raleigh residents can also hit the beach – coastal retreats including Atlantic Beach, Beaufort and Morehead City are a mere three hours from the city.
Interesting Facts about Raleigh
Home to the University of North Carolina, the third-ranked university in the US.
Recognised as the city that is “three hours from both the mountains and the beach”.
The “City of Oaks”, Raleigh was once considered a sleepy southern capital but now ranks among one of the best places to live in the US, North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park is located near Raleigh and is a major centre for technology and biotech research.
Other Popular Destinations
FAQ
British nationals can relocate to the US via several options, including employment-based visas, family-sponsored visas, investor visas, participation in the Diversity Visa Lottery, obtaining student visas, and engaging in exchange visitor programs. Each of these pathways comes with its own set of qualifications and procedures for application. Staying up-to-date with evolving immigration regulations is crucial, and seeking advice from knowledgeable professionals here at John Mason can provide accurate guidance throughout the process.
Relocating to the USA without a job can be challenging, but there are options available. One of the options to consider involves entering on a tourist visa, though this allows only a limited stay and no work authorisation. Another promising route is enrolling in and attending a U.S. educational institution on a student visa. This pathway may offer opportunities for limited on-campus employment and Optional Practical Training in the US post-graduation. There are many other visa pathways that do not hinge on a permanent job offer, we recommended to thoroughly investigate these options to determine the most suitable visa based on your individual circumstances. It’s important to factor in the diverse legal regulations surrounding a move to the US before making any decisions. Whether you’re aiming to relocate for career prospects or a fresh beginning, our international removals service provides comprehensive assistance to ensure a seamless transition. Our knowledgeable international removals team is available to address any inquiries you may have.
The cost of moving to the USA can vary depending on a variety of factors such as, transportation method, distance, and relocation specifics. Expenses to consider include visa and immigration fees, travel costs, shipping and transportation methods, housing costs (including deposits and rent), cost of living variations across regions, healthcare and insurance costs, immigration and legal fees, and miscellaneous expenses like driver’s license fees. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and plan your move while considering these factors to create a tailored budget. Additionally, you can use our Instant Online Quote generator, to obtain a ballpark figure for your move to the USA and compare the cost of shipping versus replacing items. For a more accurate quote, you can arrange a free home survey through our services. For further guidance, explore our expert online moving guides.
Before considering your move to the USA, it is important to research your visa requirements carefully. There are plenty of online sources for reliable information including the US Customs Office. Having all your documentation in order will make your move a lot easier. At John Mason International Movers, we can provide expert advice on visa requirements for moving to the US and guide you through the process. Our experienced Move Managers are on hand to assist with any questions or queries you may have and can help ensure that all necessary documentation is in order before your move. We understand that the visa application process can be daunting, which is why we aim to make this process as stress-free as possible for our customers.
John Mason offers two main shipping options for moving from the UK to the USA. The Full Container Load (FCL) service is recommended for those who are moving the majority of their household contents. With FCL, you will have exclusive access to your own 20ft or 40ft container which is loaded and sealed at your property in the UK. As a general rule, the contents of a three-bedroom house will fill a 20ft container. Alternatively, our Groupage service is ideal for those who are not taking a large volume of effects with them. A few shipments are ‘grouped’ together, which means that you can split the freight costs between other consignments. This option is usually less expensive for shipping small or part house consignments. Our experienced Move Managers can provide expert advice on which shipping option would be most appropriate for your move and guide you through every step of the process.
When planning your move from the UK to the USA, there are several important factors you need to consider. Firstly, ensure that you have the appropriate visa and immigration documents in place, given the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Research and understand the cost of living in your chosen American city or state, including housing, healthcare, and daily expenses, as they will likely differ from the UK. Health insurance is crucial due to potentially high medical costs, and this isn’t a common expense in the UK. If you’re moving for work, research job opportunities and the job market beforehand, if you haven’t already secured a position.
Deciding whether to rent or buy a home requires careful consideration, including neighbourhood and school options for families. We recommend taking some time to acquaint yourself with American social norms and customs. If you have school-age children, familiarise yourself with the U.S. education system. Our team of international removal specialists at John Mason are always on hand and happy to help with any questions that you may have.
