Moving to Los Angeles

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Specialists in Shipping from the UK to the USA

At John Mason, we have a wealth of experience in Shipping to the US and other worldwide destinations. Whether you’re considering relocating to the US or Australia, we can handle your move in a professional and friendly manner. We provide a complete international removal door to door service, including full export packing and loading. This service is carried out through origin, shipping, customs clearance, delivery and unpacking at your chosen destination. If you are looking for storage at either your origin, or delivery destination, we can also provide this.

Now is better than ever to consider relocating from the UK to the USA. Providing great opportunities for emigrants from the UK, the US truly does offer the opportunity to live in a culturally diverse society.

Moving to the US Post Covid-19

Established in 1884, John Mason International Movers has seen the world around us change daily. As a business, we are continuing to evolve to ensure we deliver a first-class international removal service, making your move to the US and other countries as seamless as possible. Fast forward to today, we are now the UK’s largest international removals companies, moving around 10,000 people internationally each year. We can guarantee that if you are planning on moving to the US, post COVID-19, we can make your international move far easier.

Moving to the US post COVID-19 can feel daunting due to the current circumstances. However, considering the Government guidelines in addition to the British Association of Removals (BAR), we can gladly confirm that we are in fact fully operational. The safety of both our customers and employees, is our number one priority. Therefore, we have introduced several new safety measures to ensure we are Covid Secure. The international removals service to the US remains to be in place, and our process remains to be safe and sound! International removals to the US are a viable opportunity despite the current pandemic, and we can assure you that your move will be smooth sailing.

About Los Angeles

People flock to LA for its sunny climate and glamorous image and it remains one of the most popular expat destinations. With mild winters, warm summers and only 280mm of rain per year, it is not surprising that Angelinos love spending time outdoors. From hiking or jogging around Runyon Canyon to sunbathing or cycling at Venice Beach, there is undoubtedly a lot to do in Los Angeles. LA is also a hard-working, entrepreneurial city with more small businesses than any other region in the US and excellent employment opportunities in business and financial services, technology, and design, making it a fantastic place to move to.

It is also the entertainment capital of the world with over 100 film crews shooting around the city every day and more museums and theatres than any other US city. It has cast off its dangerous image and is now the safest big city in America making Los Angeles a great choice for expats seeking a better quality of life. If the busy life of Los Angeles appeals to you, why not consider moving here?

Suburb Profiles

Mar Vista
Mar Vista is a leafy suburb west of the city ideal for families moving to Los Angeles. Local schools rate amongst the best in the county and there are plenty of large family homes which are generally more affordable than those in neighbouring suburbs. It is also a particularly eco-conscious community with extensive cycle lanes and a popular famers market.
Palos Verdes Estates
With spectacular ocean views and some of the most sought after properties in the state, Palos Verdes is a popular suburb an hour’s commute southwest of downtown LA. There are excellent primary and senior schools and a great choice of shops and restaurants at Malaga Cove Plaza and the upmarket Promenade on the Peninsula.
San Marino
Just a few miles northwest of the city centre, San Marino is a pleasant, family friendly community with a warm, small town feel. The suburb boasts top private and public schools and, as it is almost entirely residential, the wide, leafy streets are lined with large, attractive homes.
Calabasas
Located on the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas is a picturesque, green suburb around 45 minutes west of Los Angeles. Its rolling hills and historic old town are a pleasant contrast to the more urban areas to the east yet it also has a selection of top quality shops and restaurants and is the base for large multinational companies such as Bank of America.

Transport / Getting Around in Los Angeles

LA is a city dedicated to the car, and there is an extensive, well managed network of roads and highways across the city. Despite the relatively high level of congestion, LA has lower commuting times than many similar sized US cities. There is also an extensive and reliable bus service across the LA County area and an excellent light rail and subway system which is popular amongst commuters. Union Station is the city’s main rail hub with intercity services across the US to cities such as New York, Washington and Chicago. LA International is the region’s main airport with regular flights to most major world cities.

Leisure activities and things to Do in Los Angeles

Embrace LA’s glitzy image at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where you can walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the iconic handprints of Hollywood’s great and good. LA is also a culturally rich and vibrant city which is evident in the vast collections of the LA County Museum of Art and the Getty Centre. These spectacular buildings boast some of the city’s most beautiful architecture as well as a fascinating selection of European, Asian and American art. The city is also a shopper’s paradise from the exclusive boutiques of Rodeo Drive to the hustle and bustle of the Grove Market. For those moving to Los Angeles for the sunshine, there are dozens of stunning beaches and villages right on the city’s doorstep from the colourful buzz of Venice Beach to the oceanfront delights of Santa Monica’s 3rd St Promenade and Pier. You can even take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu’s pristine beaches and pretty parkland.

Interesting Facts

  • There are still a number of unusual laws LA’s statute books. It is illegal to bath two babies at the same time, cry on the witness stand, wear a zoot suit or lick a toad!
  • Los Angeles is a great place to start a new business, particularly for women as it has the largest number of female-owned businesses in the US.
  • LA was originally called ‘El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de la Porciuncula’, which translates as ‘Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angeles of the Small Portion’.
  • Los Angeles is an extremely eco conscious place and has more energy efficient buildings than any other city in America.

Other Popular Destinations

FAQ

British nationals can relocate to the US via several options, including employment-based visas, family-sponsored visas, investor visas, participation in the Diversity Visa Lottery, obtaining student visas, and engaging in exchange visitor programs. Each of these pathways comes with its own set of qualifications and procedures for application. Staying up-to-date with evolving immigration regulations is crucial, and seeking advice from knowledgeable professionals here at John Mason can provide accurate guidance throughout the process.

Relocating to the USA without a job can be challenging, but there are options available. One of the options to consider involves entering on a tourist visa, though this allows only a limited stay and no work authorisation. Another promising route is enrolling in and attending a U.S. educational institution on a student visa. This pathway may offer opportunities for limited on-campus employment and Optional Practical Training in the US post-graduation. There are many other visa pathways that do not hinge on a permanent job offer, we recommended to thoroughly investigate these options to determine the most suitable visa based on your individual circumstances. It’s important to factor in the diverse legal regulations surrounding a move to the US before making any decisions. Whether you’re aiming to relocate for career prospects or a fresh beginning, our international removals service provides comprehensive assistance to ensure a seamless transition. Our knowledgeable international removals team is available to address any inquiries you may have.

The cost of moving to the USA can vary depending on a variety of factors such as, transportation method, distance, and relocation specifics. Expenses to consider include visa and immigration fees, travel costs, shipping and transportation methods, housing costs (including deposits and rent), cost of living variations across regions, healthcare and insurance costs, immigration and legal fees, and miscellaneous expenses like driver’s license fees. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and plan your move while considering these factors to create a tailored budget. Additionally, you can use our Instant Online Quote generator, to obtain a ballpark figure for your move to the USA and compare the cost of shipping versus replacing items. For a more accurate quote, you can arrange a free home survey through our services. For further guidance, explore our expert online moving guides.

Before considering your move to the USA, it is important to research your visa requirements carefully. There are plenty of online sources for reliable information including the US Customs Office. Having all your documentation in order will make your move a lot easier. At John Mason International Movers, we can provide expert advice on visa requirements for moving to the US and guide you through the process. Our experienced Move Managers are on hand to assist with any questions or queries you may have and can help ensure that all necessary documentation is in order before your move. We understand that the visa application process can be daunting, which is why we aim to make this process as stress-free as possible for our customers.

John Mason offers two main shipping options for moving from the UK to the USA. The Full Container Load (FCL) service is recommended for those who are moving the majority of their household contents. With FCL, you will have exclusive access to your own 20ft or 40ft container which is loaded and sealed at your property in the UK. As a general rule, the contents of a three-bedroom house will fill a 20ft container. Alternatively, our Groupage service is ideal for those who are not taking a large volume of effects with them. A few shipments are ‘grouped’ together, which means that you can split the freight costs between other consignments. This option is usually less expensive for shipping small or part house consignments. Our experienced Move Managers can provide expert advice on which shipping option would be most appropriate for your move and guide you through every step of the process.

When planning your move from the UK to the USA, there are several important factors you need to consider. Firstly, ensure that you have the appropriate visa and immigration documents in place, given the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Research and understand the cost of living in your chosen American city or state, including housing, healthcare, and daily expenses, as they will likely differ from the UK. Health insurance is crucial due to potentially high medical costs, and this isn’t a common expense in the UK. If you’re moving for work, research job opportunities and the job market beforehand, if you haven’t already secured a position.

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home requires careful consideration, including neighbourhood and school options for families. We recommend taking some time to acquaint yourself with American social norms and customs. If you have school-age children, familiarise yourself with the U.S. education system. Our team of international removal specialists at John Mason are always on hand and happy to help with any questions that you may have.

Our Accreditations

As one of the leading providers of overseas removals and relocation services on a national and international scale, we pride ourselves on offering a professional and friendly service. We have been recognised as one of the leading international moving companies and are proud of our credentials and the quality standard they represent. In 2023, we became the most trusted moving company in the UK.
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Some of our Customer Reviews

The packers were careful, quick and courteous. I highly recommend this company and would definitely use them again! Efficient, polite, punctual: could not ask for more.

Hertfordshire, UK to Virginia, USA - March 2023

From start with Michelle to finish with Gill the level of service was excellent. John Mason and its international partners handled my move from Devon to Australia seemingly effortlessly. I couldn't ask for better.

Devon, UK to Perth, Australia –April 2023

Absolutely one of the best movers I have worked with. Pleasant helpful admin staff and the delivery drivers were absolute angels sorting and moving the boxes where I asked them to. Arrived exactly when they said it would.

Yorkshire, UK to Sydney, Australia - March 2023

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