What do I need to know if I’m moving to the USA? The United States has a long history of being the top relocation destination for people from all over the world. Commonly referred to as “the melting pot of cultures”, this is a country of contrasting cultures and plenty of opportunities for individuals.
Moving to the USA
People decide to move to America for various reasons, including better living conditions, an extensive range of career opportunities, better education, or simply the chance to experience the American way of life.
However, relocating to the US with your entire family can be a daunting process. There are so many things you need to consider and do before you go that will help you settle in nicely in this foreign land.
To help you along, we are giving you the ultimate relocation guide that includes everything from getting all of your paperwork done to finding a home for you and your family.
Hire Professional Movers
Hiring a professional moving company is the best way to get all of your belongings from one place to another. Professional movers are experienced in dealing with delicate items and know how to pack them efficiently so that you don’t have any problems during the move. The best part about hiring professional movers is that they can provide you with an estimate of what the relocation will cost and also offer a variety of services based on your budget. They can take care of packing, loading, transporting as well as unloading your belongings to make sure everything arrives safely at its intended destination. if you need to move large or valuable items like a piano or antique furniture set, you should hire a specialty moving company that can provide the right equipment and expertise to get the job done. You can find furniture movers here and see what types of services they offer. Depending on the size of your move, you may want to opt for additional services such as unpacking, storage solutions, and insurance in case something goes wrong.
Gather all necessary documents
If you are coming from a non-English-speaking country, then your first step would be to translate all necessary documentation into English in order to have a smooth transition. You can easily do this by making use of the USCIS certified translation services where professional translators will translate all of your family’s important personal documents, your medical history, your children’s school records and your bank statements.
This will help you to avoid any delays or problems while applying for immigration papers. You can also find a variety of immigration translation services that offer audio and video translations as well. These services are perfect for those who are trying to apply for visas or green cards, or even seeking employment opportunities in the United States.
It is advised that you make more than one copy of your documents and pack them in separate boxes. Carry the original papers with you in your hand baggage in case your suitcase gets lost during the move.
Pick your state
The USA has fifty states which means you have fifty options where you want to live with your family. Factors that can help you with your decision making include the cost of living, housing affordability, work opportunities, education, safety and recreational activities.
For example, Texas is one of the best US states to live in with your family. It has a rather low cost of living compared to other states, affordable housing, a wide range of job opportunities especially for technicians and exceptional schools and universities.
Plus, the weather is warm all year round so you and your family can engage in lots of recreational and outdoor activities.
Look at various housing options
Once you pick your state, your next step is to look at various housing options. If you don’t have any family or friends you can stay with, then you should organize accommodation before you move to the country.
Depending on your financial situation, you have the option of either renting a temporary apartment or buying a house that falls within your budget. If you choose to do the latter, make sure you do thorough research on the housing prices in different cities and neighborhoods so you can narrow down your choices to what will best suit you and your family.
Do some job hunting
The thing is if you are moving to the USA, you and your family will need to be granted a visa to have a legal stay in the country. One way of doing this is to get a job in the US. This can be an easy process if you are already working in a specific industry so you can look for a job in the area you are specializing in.
There are numerous websites and platforms where you can do some job hunting. For example, LinkedIn is a popular job searching tool where you can look for work opportunities and easily connect with companies of various industries.
Check out the schools
If the reason for your relocation is to grant your children a better education, then you may as well check out the schools in the area you are planning to live in. The US school curriculum is fairly standard throughout the country, but there can be some differences between states and whether you decide to enroll your children in a public or private school.
You can also choose between an international or local school. Keep in mind that international schools in the US are pricier than local schools, which is why the latter is often a better option for foreign students.
Final thoughts moving to the USA
No matter what the reason for your relocation is, the United States is a great place to move to with your family. The country offers many opportunities for people of all ages and can suit anyone’s needs and preferences.
In order to have a smooth transition, you should complete all necessary steps before you move. This includes everything from gathering all necessary documents that will grant you a legal stay to finding a home to live in.
For more information, use our guide to help you in the process.