Name the state and the delivery area
Include the state, town and ZIP code when known. If you are still choosing a home, give the area and say that the address is provisional. Ask whether the proposed service includes delivery to that property, rather than assuming an arrival port is the end of the move. At an apartment, check lift access, unloading arrangements and any building booking requirements.
Decide what earns its place in the shipment
Start with furniture you want to keep, then estimate boxes of smaller belongings. Measure unusually large pieces and check they suit the new home. Before including electrical appliances, check their suitability for use at the destination. Mark anything needing careful packing or dismantling. Upload your inventory and useful photographs with the enquiry.
- Large furniture, approximate dimensions and box quantities.
- Fragile pieces and the packing help you would like.
- UK collection access and the receiving arrangements in the USA.
Prepare the declaration before collection
Household belongings travelling separately from you need their own customs preparation. Check the applicable declaration and supporting documents with the person handling clearance; CBP publishes guidance for Form 3299 for unaccompanied articles. Agree who supplies, checks and submits the documents. Used belongings should not be assumed to enter without charges in every circumstance. Keep your travel documents accessible rather than packing them in the shipment.
Match your arrival to the delivery plan
Record when you must leave the UK property, when you expect to arrive in the USA and when someone can receive the belongings. Those are separate dates. Ask what a transport estimate includes, how delivery is arranged after arrival and how changes are communicated. Keep essential items with you and agree any fixed commitments in writing before collection.
Read the quotation from collection to your home
Check packing, UK collection, transport, document handling and destination delivery against the same inventory. Ask which destination, customs or access charges are included and which may be payable separately. A transport-only amount cannot show the full cost of a household move. Any protection arrangements, exclusions and responsibilities should be explained with the proposal.
Your questions answered
Can I request a quotation before choosing a US address?
Yes. Give the state and town or area you are considering, explain your likely timing and upload the belongings you expect to take. Update the address and access details before the delivery arrangements and price are confirmed.
What if I am only taking a few boxes or pieces of furniture?
Describe the actual contents rather than selecting a full household by default. The enquiry can cover selected belongings, with packing and collection needs assessed for that load and route.
Can pets or a vehicle be included in the household plan?
Use the pet transport checkbox to request pet assistance with the same contact and moving details. Vehicle shipping has its own enquiry for vehicle information. Neither is automatically included in the household quotation; confirm the proposed arrangements for each.
Check the current US customs preparation
Start with US Customs and Border Protection's instructions for Form 3299 for unaccompanied articles. Confirm which declaration and supporting documents apply to your shipment with the person handling clearance. Requirements and any relief depend on your circumstances.