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.
Moving to Philadelphia
As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia is one of the country’s most historically significant cities. It is rich in heritage and culture from the Liberty Bell to the striking murals that brighten the streets. ‘The City of Brotherly Love’ is a welcoming place with a diverse, friendly and down to earth population. Each distinct neighbourhood has its own treasures to discover, from Irish pubs to Italian markets.
The city has America’s first stock exchange and a mature, robust economy based around well-established sectors such as law, medicine and education. There are also many national company headquarters based in Philadelphia including Comcast and Amtrak. Living costs compare favourably to other large US cities, particularly nearby New York and Washington DC. With warm sunny summers and crisp snowy winters, Philadelphia is the perfect year-round city for expats moving to the US.
Suburb Profiles
Narberth
Just eight miles northwest of Philadelphia, Narberth is a quiet, tucked away suburb with a strong sense of community. It’s location in the sought after Lower Merion school district make it a great choice for families moving to Philadelphia. It also boasts a sprawling park and charming old fashioned cinema.
Upper Makefield
The attractive leafy streets of Upper Makefield, close to the Delaware River, are just 34 miles from Philadelphia. The areas residents are justifiably proud of their rich local history and stunning open spaces.
West Goshen
In the picturesque Chester County, West Goshen is a green and pleasant suburb less than an hour from the centre of Philadelphia. It is home to some of the area’s biggest employers and the nearby West Chester town centre has a great choice of shops and restaurants.
Huntington Valley
Huntington Valley is a quiet community in Montgomery County, ideal for those seeking space and solitude within reach of the city. It has some of the best performing schools in the state and there is also the beautiful Pennypack Creek which runs through Lorimer Park.
Transport / Getting Around in Philadelphia
The 25 blocks that make up the main city centre are easy to navigate by car or foot. The Delaware and Schuylkill Expressways are the main routes into the city by road with the Vine Street Expressway linking the two across the city. Many of those who are moving to Philadelphia choose to commute via public transport all overseen by the city’s transportation authority, SEPTA. There is a fast and reliable light rail and subway system, both of which are popular commuters. There is a comprehensive bus service with 117 routes around the greater Philadelphia area and several intercity routes departing from the Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal.
Leisure Activities and Things to Do in Philadelphia
The Liberty Bell Center contains one of America’s most famous historical artefacts and you can find out all about the key role Philadelphia played in the Revolutionary War both here and at the nearby National Constitution Center. You can visit the very place the Declaration of Independence was signed at the impressive Independence Hall. Philadelphia is bursting with culture and the stunning Museum of Art boasts a vast collection including 18th Century Pennsylvanian arts and crafts and the adjacent Rodin Museum has the largest selection of the artist’s work anywhere in the world. Reading Terminal Market is a must for foodies with a huge variety of local produce and exotic edibles. The enormous Fairmount Park is the perfect place to unwind with breath-taking walking trails, beautiful rivers and lakes and historic mansions and is also home to the impressive Philadelphia Zoo.
Interesting facts about Philadelphia
Philadelphia was the capital of the United States for several years following the declaration of independence.
- The very first American flag was designed and sewn by Betsy Ross in Philadelphia in 1777.
- Philadelphia is a historic city and home to the nation’s first library, zoo, university and bank.
- Philadelphia has more public art than any city in the country, including thousands of murals courtesy of the city’s mural arts programme.
- The world’s first fully electronic computer was completed in Philadelphia in 1946.
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.
