The UK to USA Move Timeline: From First Survey to Delivery Day

October 24 2025

Moving from the UK to the USA is a big project, but it does not have to be complicated. With a clear timeline and the right partner, you can work through each step with confidence. Anglo Pacific provides video surveys for quoting, professional export packing, sea and air options, shipment tracking, help with customs paperwork and full delivery at destination, so you always know what happens next. This guide sets out a practical plan that begins three to six months before you move and follows your belongings all the way to your new front door in the States.

3 to 6 months before departure: set the foundations

Book your video survey and start your quote
The video survey is the quickest way to get an accurate assessment of what you plan to ship. Using your phone, you walk an Anglo Pacific specialist through each room so they can record volume, note fragile or unusual items and check access such as stairs, lifts and parking. This reduces surprises later and helps ensure the quotation matches the actual work.

Decide what to ship and when
At this stage it helps to separate items into three groups: ship by sea, send later by air if needed quickly and leave or replace. Sea freight is the most cost‑effective option for household moves, while air freight is available for urgent, small volumes.

Check what cannot travel
Some items are restricted or prohibited in international moves. Review Anglo Pacific’s guidance so you can set aside anything that must not be packed, and flag any items that may require permits.

What Anglo Pacific needs up front at this stage

Your rough move window and destination in the USA, even if the address is temporary
A clear idea of what you intend to ship, gathered during the video survey
Any special handling notes for high‑value, delicate or bulky items
A heads‑up on property access and parking so the team can plan vehicle sizes and permits

Why starting early helps
Anglo Pacific can work to short timescales, sometimes even a week or two, but giving more notice makes the process smoother and allows better choice of options without deadline pressure.

Useful links to get going

Book a video survey: https://www.anglopacific.co.uk/free-video-survey.htm
USA removals hub: https://www.anglopacific.co.uk/removals_to_usa.htm

12 to 10 weeks before departure: confirm your quotation and move plan

Review your quotation and transport options.
After the survey you will receive a detailed quote and be assigned a move co‑ordinator. Together you will agree a personal moving plan that covers packing, collection, shipping and delivery. Anglo Pacific’s export packers are trained to British Association of Removers Export Packing Standards and use professional materials and techniques.

Choose between a sole‑use container and groupage.

Sole‑use container (20 ft or 40 ft): Best for full households. The container is loaded and sealed at your home, then delivered directly to the port.
Groupage (shared container): Ideal for smaller consignments. Your effects are packed and returned to Anglo Pacific’s warehouse to be consolidated with other shipments bound for the same destination. You pay only for the space you use.

Talk through sailing schedules and windows.
Sea shipments run to regular schedules and Anglo Pacific secures guaranteed container allocations with major lines. Your co‑ordinator will target a sailing that fits your preferred dates and route, and will explain cut‑off dates for export paperwork, packing and container loading.

Set expectations on transit times.
Transit depends on method, route and whether you use a shared or exclusive container. Anglo Pacific’s guidance for USA routes includes:

East Coast: around 4 to 6 weeks for exclusive containers, and roughly 7 to 11 weeks for shared containers
West Coast: around 7 to 9 weeks for exclusive containers, and roughly 10 to 15 weeks for shared containers
If you need a quicker option for a small part of your shipment, air freight to the USA typically reaches major cities in about 7 to 10 days.

10 to 8 weeks before departure: paperwork and customs preparation

Prepare customs documents early.
For the USA, Anglo Pacific will supply US Customs Form 3299. This, along with a descriptive inventory, must be completed and returned prior to shipment so your destination partner can clear customs promptly. Copies of passports and any applicable visas are required. Provide your intended US address for customs purposes. If you do not yet have a permanent address, a temporary residential address such as where you will stay with friends, family or at a hotel is acceptable. PO Box addresses are not accepted by US Customs.

What we will help you complete.
Your co‑ordinator will guide you through the 3299 and inventory requirements, and can advise on any destination‑specific forms. Anglo Pacific prepares a full inventory of the items you are shipping, which satisfies the general customs requirement. You may keep your own box‑by‑box list for personal records if you wish.

Essential information Anglo Pacific needs at this stage

Completed 3299 form and supporting documents
Copies of your passport and visa, if applicable
A descriptive inventory
A shipping instructions form with addresses and delivery requirements
Providing these in good time helps prevent delays and keeps you aligned to your target vessel cut‑off.

Check for any permit‑sensitive or restricted items.
Some goods require permits or special treatment, while others are prohibited. If in doubt, ask your co‑ordinator to check the USA import guidance and Anglo Pacific’s restricted items list.

8 to 6 weeks before departure: finalise dates, insurance and packing approach

Confirm packing dates and collection day.
Your co‑ordinator will set your packing schedule based on your sailing window and whether you use a sole‑use or shared container. Shared shipments need time for safe consolidation in the warehouse before container loading. Sole‑use containers are loaded and sealed at your home on the agreed day.

Arrange marine transit insurance.
Anglo Pacific can advise on comprehensive cover for storage, transit and delivery, and will help you complete the necessary paperwork. Sorting this in advance means protection is in place from the moment the team begins packing.

Prepare your home for export packing.
Set aside items you will carry personally, and make sure anything that could have contact with soil, such as garden equipment and shoes, is clean and dry. This reduces the risk of treatment being required at destination.

4 to 2 weeks before departure: ready the property and confirm access

Check access and parking.
Your survey will have covered access, but situations change. Let your co‑ordinator know about any roadworks, new parking restrictions, lift bookings or estate management requirements. Clear access helps the crew work efficiently and protects your quote from change due to unforeseen constraints.

Final review of restricted items.
Confirm you have removed aerosols, hazardous substances and any other restricted goods from the shipment. If you are unsure, ask for a last check.

Optional: split by air and sea.
If you have a few time‑sensitive items for immediate use in the USA, your co‑ordinator can arrange a small air consignment alongside your main sea container. Air shipments typically arrive within 7 to 10 days.

Collection and packing week: export wrap and load

Export packing to BAR standards.
On packing day, Anglo Pacific’s trained packers arrive with export‑grade materials and pack to British Association of Removers Export Packing Standards. Fragile and high‑value items are protected using recognised techniques and, where required, custom cases that meet international wood‑treatment rules.

How your goods move after packing.

Sole‑use container: The team loads and seals your 20 ft or 40 ft container at home. It travels directly to the port to meet the booked vessel.
Groupage: Your effects return to the warehouse to be consolidated safely with other shipments for the same destination before the container is loaded and delivered to the port.

Your inventory is finalised and checked against the shipping documentation. Your co‑ordinator confirms the next milestone and how to track progress online.

After collection: pre‑carriage, sailing and tracking

Pre‑carriage to port and vessel cut‑off.
Before your container can sail it needs to pass the shipping line’s cut‑off for the chosen voyage. Because Anglo Pacific operates to regular sailing schedules and holds guaranteed container allocations with major lines, your co‑ordinator will match your consignment to the appropriate departure and keep you informed.

Track your shipment.
You can monitor the location and status of your goods with Anglo Pacific’s shipment tracking and sailing updates. This keeps you informed while you travel and helps you plan for delivery on the other side.

How long the sea leg takes.
Every route differs, but as a guide:

East Coast routes are often around 4 to 6 weeks for exclusive containers and around 7 to 11 weeks for shared containers
West Coast routes are often around 7 to 9 weeks for exclusive containers and around 10 to 15 weeks for shared containers
If you need to bridge any gap on arrival, storage can be arranged in transit or on arrival to coordinate with your schedule.

Moving to the USA from the UK

Arrival in the USA: customs clearance and delivery booking

Destination clearance.
Your documents are sent ahead to Anglo Pacific’s American partner so they can present them to US Customs on arrival. US shipments must be cleared within five working days of arrival, otherwise the goods may be moved to a Customs warehouse and storage charges can apply. Having your 3299 form, inventory and ID copies completed ahead of time avoids unnecessary delay.

Important points US Customs look for.
Ensure passport copies are clear and show facial features, and give a valid physical address in the USA for delivery arrangements. If you do not yet have a permanent address, provide the address of where you will be staying temporarily.

Clean goods help you clear faster.
Items that have been in contact with soil or vegetation should be thoroughly cleaned before shipment to reduce the chance of inspection or treatment at destination. Anglo Pacific’s team can advise at the packing stage.

Delivery day: full service to get you settled

Once cleared, Anglo Pacific’s carefully selected destination partner will arrange a delivery date that suits you. On the day, they will deliver to your home, unpack, position furniture at your direction and remove all used packing materials. Partners are chosen for quality, local knowledge and membership in global quality networks, which helps ensure a consistent standard of care.

What to expect if plans change

Storage options on either side.
If you need to defer shipment to match property dates or travel plans, Anglo Pacific can store your effects in transit or for longer periods in the UK, or arrange storage after arrival in the USA. Your co‑ordinator will tailor the plan around your timing.

Sending a car or motorbike.
If your move includes a vehicle, Anglo Pacific can advise on eligibility and the paperwork required before shipment, including entitlement declarations. Let your co-ordinator know as early as possible so the right arrangements can be made.

A realistic, week‑by‑week move timeline

Below is a simple planning framework. Your co‑ordinator will adapt it to your dates and route.

Weeks −24 to −12 (3 to 6 months out)

Book your video survey and start your quote
Shortlist what you will ship by sea and what might go by air
Check Anglo Pacific’s restricted and prohibited items list
Gather ID copies and start your document file
Share provisional travel dates and destination city with your co‑ordinator

Weeks −12 to −10

Receive your quotation and personal move plan
Choose between sole‑use container and groupage
Discuss sailing schedules, cut‑offs and provisional packing dates
If applicable, flag vehicles or specialist items that need special handling or permits

Weeks −10 to −8

Complete and return US Customs Form 3299 and your descriptive inventory
Provide copies of passports and any relevant visas
Supply your intended US address for delivery arrangements
Ask for advice if any items might need a permit or special treatment

Weeks −8 to −6

Confirm marine transit insurance
Finalise packing dates and collection plan
Recheck restricted items and remove anything that cannot travel

Weeks −6 to −4

Prepare your home for export packing
Confirm access, lift bookings and parking with your co‑ordinator
Decide if any small essentials should go by air freight for speed

Week −2 to −1

Export packing at your home by trained crews using professional materials
For sole‑use containers, loading and sealing at residence
For groupage, goods move to the warehouse for consolidation
Inventory is finalised and shipment readied for your vessel cut‑off

Sailing week

Shipment transfers to port and loads to your booked vessel
Tracking goes live so you can monitor progress while you travel

In transit

Typical sea transit to USA varies by route and method
East Coast is usually faster than West Coast, and exclusive containers typically move sooner than shared groupage
If plans change, storage can be arranged in transit or on arrival.

Arrival and clearance

Destination partner presents your documents to US Customs
Shipments must be cleared within five working days of arrival to avoid warehouse transfer and storage charges
Your delivery date is booked once clearance is complete

Delivery day

Delivery to residence, unpacking, furniture placement and removal of all used packing materials
Any last‑mile details are handled with your destination crew

Frequently asked timing questions

How far in advance should I book?
More notice is always better because it gives you greater flexibility over packing dates and vessel choices, although Anglo Pacific can sometimes work to very short lead times.

How long does sea freight take to the USA?
As a broad guide, exclusive containers to the East Coast can take around 4 to 6 weeks door to door once sailing, with shared groupage around 7 to 11 weeks. To the West Coast, allow around 7 to 9 weeks for exclusive containers and around 10 to 15 weeks for shared groupage. Timings vary with routing and port conditions.

What if I need some things quickly?
Consider a small air consignment for the essentials. Air freight to the USA typically arrives in about 7 to 10 days.

Will someone help with customs?
Yes. Anglo Pacific supplies the US 3299 form and helps you complete the inventory. Your American partner then handles customs clearance and delivery arrangements once your shipment arrives.

Is tracking available?
Yes. You can follow your shipment’s status online and receive sailing updates.

Final checks before the crew arrives

Ensure anything that has touched soil is cleaned and dry
Remove prohibited items and prepare any restricted items with documentation
Have your passports and visa copies to hand
Keep personal essentials separate so they are not packed by mistake
Confirm parking arrangements and building access details with your co‑ordinator

Why choose Anglo Pacific for a UK to USA move

Professional export packing: Crew trained to BAR Export Packing Standards with recognised techniques and materials
Flexible transport options: Sole‑use container, groupage, and air for urgent items
Regular sailing schedules and guaranteed container space: Helps secure the departure that fits your plan
Documentation support and customs clearance: 3299, inventory and guidance to keep your move compliant
Trusted global partners: Carefully selected USA agents deliver, unpack and remove all materials at destination
Tracking and storage options: Follow your shipment and use storage in transit if plans change

Ready to plan your move?

If you are looking for a straightforward, well‑managed route from the UK to the USA, we are here to help. Start with a quick video survey and a no‑obligation quote, then let your move coordinator tailor a plan around your dates.