Removals to New York from the UK: moving guide 2027

Planning removals to New York from the UK? Whether you are moving for work, study, family or a fresh start, New York is a dream for many Brits. To move, you will need a US visa that lets you live there, a plan for shipping your belongings and somewhere to live. This guide explains how to move to New York from the UK step by step, what affects the cost of shipping from the UK to the USA and how to settle into life in the Big Apple.

Why move to New York from the UK?

New York is one of the world's most famous cities. Known for its energy, opportunity and culture, it offers world class entertainment, a diverse job market and landmarks such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square.

Each borough has its own character: Manhattan is fast paced, Brooklyn is creative, Queens is diverse and family friendly, the Bronx is historic and community driven, and Staten Island has a suburban feel just a ferry ride from Manhattan. Knowing these differences will help you choose where to live.

How to move to New York from the UK: Step by step

Step 1: Understand your visa options

Before you book removals to New York, you need permission to live and work in the USA. The ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) only covers short visits of up to 90 days and does not let you live or work there. According to the US Department of State, the main routes include:

• Work visas (such as H-1B or L-1): for people sponsored by a US employer or transferring within a company.
• Family based immigrant visas: if you have close relatives who are US citizens or permanent residents.
• Student visa (F-1): for university and college study.
• Treaty investor visa (E-2): for people investing in and running a US business. UK nationals are eligible.
• Diversity Visa: note that people born in Great Britain are usually not eligible, though those born in Northern Ireland may be.

You apply through the US Embassy in London once you have the right petition or documents. Check current requirements and fees on travel.state.gov.

Step 2: International removals to New York: shipping options

Shipping your belongings is one of the biggest decisions in your move. Pickfords offers tailored removals to the USA with options to suit your budget and timeline.

Sea freight

The most cost effective method for larger moves. You can choose:

• Full container load (FCL): ideal for the contents of a whole home. You have exclusive use of a 20ft or 40ft container.
• Groupage (shared container): for smaller moves. Your belongings share container space with other customers heading to the US East Coast.

Air freight

The fastest option, ideal for essentials you need as soon as you arrive.

Pickfords handles everything from packing and customs clearance to delivery to your new home in New York.

Step 3: Finding a property in New York

New York's rental market moves fast, so start your search early. StreetEasy, Zillow and local estate agents are popular.

Types of homes:

• Apartments are the most common option, from studios to multi bedroom flats.
• Brownstones are historic townhouses, often split into flats.
• Lofts offer open, industrial spaces, often in areas like SoHo or Tribeca.

Properties can go within days, so be ready to act quickly. You will usually need:

• Proof of income (landlords often look for an annual income of around 40 times the monthly rent)
• A credit check (a UK credit history will not transfer, so a guarantor or larger deposit may be requested)
• References
• First month's rent and a security deposit

Rent varies widely. Manhattan is the most expensive borough, with more affordable options in parts of Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Removals to New York: Choosing a removals company

The right removals company for New York will manage both ends of your move. Look for:

• A home survey (in person or by video) so your quote reflects what you are actually moving
• Full packing and export wrapping suited to a long sea journey
• Customs support for US Customs and Border Protection paperwork, including your inventory and passport and visa copies
• Delivery and unpacking in New York, including apartment buildings that need booked lift times or a certificate of insurance
• Storage options in the UK or the US if your dates do not line up
• A single move manager as your point of contact

Pickfords has been moving people since 1646 and was named International Moving Company of the Year in 2024 by the Forum for Expatriate Management. Our international removals team handles packing, shipping, customs and delivery for you.

Moving from UK to USA: Shipping cost factors

The cost of shipping from the UK to the USA depends on your move, so the most accurate way to budget is a free quote. These are the main factors:

• Volume: how many cubic feet your belongings take up. This decides whether groupage or a full container makes more sense.
• Shipping method: sea freight costs less than air freight but takes longer.
• Packing service: full packing, fragile only or self pack.
• Access at both ends: stairs, lifts, parking and building rules in New York can add time.
• Customs and port charges: including US customs examination fees if your shipment is selected for inspection.
• Duties: personal household goods that you have owned and used are usually duty free for new residents, according to US Customs and Border Protection, but some items, such as alcohol, are taxed or restricted.
• Storage: if you need storage before or after shipping.
• Insurance: cover for your goods in transit.
• Timing: busy summer months can affect availability, so book early.

To check what you can pack, read our guide on what you can and cannot ship to the USA.

Moving from the UK to New York: Adjusting to life

New York offers a mix of cultures, industries and lifestyles, but daily life has some key differences from the UK.

Healthcare

The US does not have an NHS style system, so health insurance is essential. Many employers include it. If not, you will need private cover. Key terms to know:

• Premium: what you pay each month for your policy.
• Deductible: what you pay yourself before your insurance starts to pay.
• In-network providers: doctors and hospitals that have agreed lower rates with your insurer.

Work culture

Work in New York can feel faster paced and more direct than in the UK. There is no legal minimum for paid holiday in the US, and many employers start new staff on around 10 to 15 days, compared with 28 days (including bank holidays) for full time workers in the UK, according to GOV.UK.

Most US jobs are "at will". An employer can end your employment at any time for any lawful reason, and you can leave without notice. This differs from the UK, where notice periods and dismissal protections are more structured.

Everyday living

• Tipping is standard, usually 15 to 20% in restaurants and for services.
• The MTA runs a 24 hour subway system.
• Groceries can cost more than you are used to, especially imported goods.
• Public schools are free, though quality varies by district. There are also private and international schools.

Cost of living: How does it compare?

New York is often compared with London, and in many cases it is more expensive, especially for rent and eating out. Salaries in many sectors reflect this.

You will also need to budget for health insurance, local taxes, renter's insurance and utilities.

Why choose Pickfords for your removals to New York?

Pickfords has been moving people since 1646 and is one of the UK's most established international removals companies. When you choose us for your move to New York, you get:

• A personal move manager
• Professional packing services
• Flexible sea and air freight
• Support with customs and documents
• Short or long term storage in the UK or US

Keeping some belongings in the UK? Self storage starts from £18, with drive-up self storage for long term needs. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times. Moving a pet? Our pet shipping service can help.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I move to New York from the UK?

First, secure a US visa that lets you live there, such as a work, family, student or E-2 investor visa. Then book a home survey with a removals company, choose sea or air freight and start looking for a home on sites like StreetEasy. Budget for your first month's rent, a security deposit and health insurance.

• Can I move to New York from the UK without a visa?

No. The ESTA only allows visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business and does not let you live or work in the US. You need a visa or green card to move there.

• How much does it cost to ship belongings from the UK to the USA?

It depends on volume, sea or air freight, packing, access at both ends and any storage. Groupage is usually better value for smaller moves and a full container for a whole home. A home survey gives you an accurate, fixed quote.

• How long does shipping from the UK to New York take?

Air freight is the fastest option and usually suits a small number of essentials. Sea freight takes longer, and groupage can take more time than a full container because it waits for a shared container to fill. Your move manager will give you a timeline for your dates.

• Do I pay import duty on household goods moving to the USA?

Usually not, if the goods are your own personal and household effects that you have owned and used. Some items, such as alcohol and tobacco, can be taxed or limited, and certain foods, plants and animal products are restricted. Check our guide to what you can ship to the USA.

• How do I choose a removals company for New York?

Look for a company that offers a home survey, export packing, customs support and delivery in New York, with a single point of contact throughout. Pickfords offers all of these through our USA removals service.

Ready to make the move? Request a free quote for your removals to New York or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice.