America – the land of opportunity. For many, the USA holds immense potential for a glittering career, a beautiful family, or simply a thrilling new lease on life. Nowhere else on Earth quite encapsulates the potential for a rags to riches tale; it’s not called The American Dream for nothing!
So you’re considering moving to America, now what? Whether you’re looking to land a new job, join the ranks at a leading University, or reunite with a loved one, there are a few fundamental aspects to consider like visas, housing, and what to do with your precious belongings.
More than 50,000 Australians moved to America over the last decade. And KEYS The Moving Solution has been there, providing affordable, stress-free international removal services.
Read on for important reminders to include on your to-do list before making the leap Stateside.
What to consider when moving to America
There are plenty of similarities between Australia and America, from speaking English as the main language to a love for BBQs, but there are plenty of cultural differences to prepare for before moving to the USA:
- Always tip your server 15-20% minimum – it subsidises their income
- Healthcare is not free; purchase health insurance
- Each state has its own cultural norms (and different policies on women’s healthcare)
- NYC is not the only destination; leave the cities and visit a few stunning national parks
- Open a U.S. bank account, and start building your credit history ASAP
- Double-check your visa details before arrival – U.S. immigration rivals Oz in strictness
Language and culture
English is the official language in every state – great news for Aussies! There are different spellings for common words (and local slang, of course), but you will pick up the differences quickly.
America is diverse like Australia. A lot of the population speaks two or more languages:
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- English only – 239 million
- Spanish – 41 million
- Chinese (all varieties) – 3.5 million
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- Tagalog (including Filipino) – 1.7 million
- Vietnamese – 1.5 million
- Arabic – 1.2 million
- French – 1.2 million
- Korean – 1.1 million
- Russian – 0.94 million
- German – 0.92 million
There are over 400,000 Native American language speakers as well. Nearly half (45%) speak Navajo, with Dakota and Yupik the next largest cohorts at 5% each.
All these influences mean that America’s European past is still strong in contemporary culture, but communities from all over the world call America home.
Visas for Australians moving to the USA
There are several dozen visa options for Aussies who want to live and work in the USA. Which one you apply for depends on your purpose, family ties and length of stay.
Moving to the USA on a wing and a prayer is certainly not impossible. However, we recommend researching the visas available to Australians to avoid accidentally overstaying your welcome. The US State Department has a handy overview of the different visa types here.
Finding a place to live Stateside
The chances are you’re looking to rent a place to live in America rather than buy (at least to begin with). Luckily this is a pretty straightforward process:
- Find a few houses or apartments suitable for your needs and budget
- Research locations, features, and costs
- Prepare documents to apply as a tenant (like proof of ID, bank statements, proof of employment, and previous tenant references)
- Consider preparing your Australian credit score to show potential landlords
- Apply for a rental!
Robust storage and international removals
A key consideration is the difficulty, and cost, of finding a furnished rental to live in. This is often ideal for convenience on short-term trips or your first time in a new country.
One solution is keeping valued items in secure storage in Perth with KEYS until you land your dream apartment, where you can move in your existing furniture and belongings with no hassle. Working with a global network of experienced international removalists allows KEYS to transport bulky and heavy items to America, along with up-to-date tracking and status reports.
Experience new people, places, and opportunities
Just like any move abroad, the best way to make the most of this exciting, once-in-a-lifetime adventure is to put yourself out there. From joining a sports team or skills class to volunteering and frequenting local cafes, moving to America presents immense possibilities for social, personal, and career improvement.
Don’t forget to utilise the many apps and websites designed to meet people in the area, whether that’s a new friend or a dog walker!
Shipping your worldly possessions
Moving to the USA means your things need to travel a long way. However, the cost of using an international removals company can be much cheaper than buying everything when you arrive.
Should you use a removal company in Perth or overseas?
We recommend using a Perth-based removal company with a global network. You are liaising with locals, but you can rely on our partnerships to move your things safely, efficiently and without added cost.
Do you handle shipping for cars?
Yes! KEYS The Moving Solution can relocate all big-ticket items from Australia to America, including vehicles, furniture, homewares and office equipment. However, remember Americans drive on the other side of the road. So you may want to look into storing your vehicle if you plan to return.
Will my things be stuck in customs?
You don’t need to worry about a thing. Our longstanding relationships with shipping partners around the world allow us to arrange customs clearance, storage, delivery and even unpacking.
Do I need transit insurance for moving to the USA?
While we take the utmost care with your belongings, you must take out transit insurance to cover unforeseen accidents. Read the PDS to learn more about transit insurance.
Choose a safe and efficient international removalist
KEYS are trusted providers of international removals across the world, using 25 years of experience, a global network of contacts, and a premier removal and storage service to make your move to America as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Contact KEYS today to request a quote for an experienced international removalist, or to discuss secure short or long-term storage options.
