2023 guide for moving to the United States
Starting anew in America is the dream of many. Still, not everyone is lucky enough to actually come close to turning it into reality. Although the USA is the land of immigrants, nowadays, relocating your entire life here is far from simple. Nevertheless, it’s not impossible! All you need is to get thoroughly informed and well-prepared for the journey ahead. Easier said than done? Fair enough – that’s why you’re here. The 2023 guide for moving to the United States should provide you with enough valuable information to jump-start your determination and get you started with the preparations.
Moving to the United States is currently more complicated due to the pandemic
Before we delve deeper into this guide to relocating your entire life to the United States, we must first address the elephant in the room. The already complex process of moving to the USA has been additionally convoluted in the past three years. Because of the pandemic, some crucial steps, such as acquiring an immigrant visa, are now significantly harder to fulfill. The entire process requires more time, effort, paperwork, and even a bit of luck. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, make sure to visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and CDC websites.
On the other hand, while the real estate market in the US has also been affected by COVID-19, finding a home online is entirely possible, so you shouldn’t have too many issues during this stage.
Enlist the help of international movers
Once you sort out the essentials and ensure a good foundation for your life in the USA, you will finally be able to start planning the actual relocation. Moving to the United States, especially if you need to cross an ocean to do so, is a highly complex task. After all, it’s never easy to pack up your entire life in boxes and set up shop in an unfamiliar environment, no matter where you come from.
Now, you might be tempted to DIY the entire process. However, beware that you will come across a bunch of paperwork, laws, and rules you will need to deal with – and the mistakes can be pretty pricey. With that said, hiring a trustworthy international moving company is highly recommendable. Reliable professionals in the field should be able to advise and assist you every step of the way, which will take a massive burden off your shoulders and enable you to focus on other aspects of your life-changing relocation. Since these kinds of services don’t come cheap, make sure to get estimates from a couple of companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Packing for the relocation
If you don’t know how to go about it, packing for your relocation might seem even more daunting than your visa application. And while it is possible to take most of your household with you, it might be a good idea to reevaluate your belongings. Buying some things in the US instead of shipping them could actually make more sense.
If you don’t want to pay your moving company for packing, make sure to ask them for advice. Your belongings have a long journey in front of them, so packing them with safety in mind is imperative.
Change your address
Before you say goodbye to your soon-to-be-old home, you will need to officially change your address. Contact the post office to forward your mail and cancel your subscriptions if you don’t want to transfer them. Don’t forget to cancel your utilities as well, and make sure to find providers for your new home. If possible, doing this in advance is highly advisable as you don’t want to spend your first days in the US without internet or electricity.
The adventure begins once you start settling in
You might be tempted to put your feet up and let out a huge sigh of relief once you and your belongings finally meet at your new address. However, quite a few more tasks are still ahead of you. Here are just a few of them:
- Bank account – you will need it to receive your salary, among other things.
- Social Security number – If you haven’t applied for one along with your visa, make sure to do so ASAP.
- Drivers’ license – getting around without a car is possible, but it’s always better to have options.
- Health insurance – Unless your employer provides it, you will need to sort out your health insurance. Don’t postpone this, especially not during the pandemic.
Final words
Moving to the United States is a complex yet highly rewarding process. Life in the USA offers endless possibilities for growth, exploration, or simple enjoyment, which is why more and more people wish to gain permanent residence in the country. If you are one of them, make sure to do your due diligence and learn everything there is to know about your options. Only this way will you be able to actually start your new American life.