Are you considering joining the 200,000+ Americans who have moved to the UK? Moving to London from NYC is popular for many reasons, with career opportunities being the most popular. Oz Moving & Storage specializes in overseas moves, offering air and sea shipping options for smooth international relocation.
If you feel that the opportunities and high standard of living in London are right for you, read on to explore the requirements, compare living costs, and get some essential moving tips to plan a stress-free move across the pond.
Relocating to London is very popular among US citizens in general, but especially New Yorkers. Here are some key reasons why people are choosing to move from NYC to London:
● Culture: The UK and the US share a common language and strong cultural ties, so the UK is somewhat familiar yet still offers a rich history and unique attractions.
● Career: London is a global financial hub well represented by thriving technology and media industries, offering a dynamic job market for professionals.
● Healthcare: The UK's National Health Service (NHS) offers accessible healthcare for all, a significant cost advantage compared to the US.
● Quality of Life: The UK offers a high standard of living, with quality healthcare, cultural amenities, and arguably a better work-life balance, with over double the average number of vacation days.
If you're contemplating a move to London or other areas in the UK, there are some essential facts you should be aware of, such as the cost of living is different and there are strict visa requirements if coming from the USA.
There are visa requirements for all American citizens to move to the UK from the USA. If you plan to work in the UK, the Skilled Workers UK Visa is the most common visa method. This visa requires a confirmed job offer with a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
If you want to live and work in the UK permanently, then you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of living and working in the UK. To maintain eligibility, you can spend up to 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months during these five years.
Understanding the cost of living in London is essential when planning your relocation budget. Although London is far from cheap in terms of real estate, housing costs in NYC are much higher.
Transportation expenses are also slightly higher on public transport such as the London Underground (subway) and buses. The cost of petrol (gas) in the UK also makes car ownership more expensive. On the plus side, the UK's NHS provides universal health coverage, which is substantially cheaper than healthcare in NYC.
Grocery prices can differ; in general, NYC has a broader range of options but often at slightly higher costs. Overall, the cost of living in the UK is generally less than in NYC, and even in London, the most expensive city in the UK, most will find the cost of living slightly cheaper.
When planning your relocation from NYC to London, familiarize yourself with the following essential tips:
If you want a seamless overseas relocation, you need a moving company with the right experience. Oz Moving & Storage is a trusted international moving services provider with over 30 years of experience in the moving business. As international movers, we understand the complexities of relocating thousands of miles across the ocean.
When relocating from New York City to London, we are well-versed in the customs regulations between the US and the UK, which means we are well-placed to manage transportation logistics across the Atlantic. We can take care of all aspects of the move thanks to our experienced and vetted staff, collaborating with reliable transportation partners to provide a stress-free relocation service. Get a free quote for more details.
We offer various services covering every aspect of your international move, including full-service packing, pick-up and transport, air or sea shipping, customs clearance, and insurance. International moving services offered by Oz Moving & Storage include:
Our expert movers provide tailored packing solutions to prevent damage in transit and ensure safe arrival in London. Bespoke crating solutions protect unique items, and everything is expertly packed for the overseas journey.
We provide meticulous care when handling the pick-up and transport of your belongings for an international move, whether it's your full home load into a shipping container or just a few items.
Our shipping services from New York City to London are via sea or air transport, depending on your needs, budget, and timeline. Sea shipping is more popular as it is cost-effective for international moves, whereas air shipping is faster.
Our international moving package includes managing the customs clearance process to ensure the smooth transit of your belongings across international borders.
To ensure peace of mind, we offer individual insurance coverage underwritten by Lloyd's of London as an option for comprehensive protection of your possessions throughout the journey.
Need somewhere to keep your items before or after your move? We offer flexible storage options to keep your belongings safe.