Your American‑to‑London relocation checklist

If you’re planning a move to London from the US (and you’ve got your visa or residency sorted), here are the key practical items to tick off. Not a complete list, but many of the big ones that often cause surprise hurdles.

Your American‑to‑London Relocation Checklist

1. Apply for a Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief number

If you’re shipping personal belongings into the UK (furniture, household goods, etc), you should apply for a ToR number via form ToR1 on the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website.

Without this, you risk being charged import duties or VAT on your shipment.

2. Organise your belongings into four lists

1. Carry‑on (items bringing on the plane)

2. Checked baggage

3. Air‑freight shipments

4. Sea‑freight shipments

> Contact international shippers for quotes (sea as cost‑efficient, air for faster but more expensive) and local services for smaller loads.
> Use the ToR number when importing all but your flight baggage to avoid unnecessary customs charges.

3. Update your US driver’s licence

Make sure your current US licence is up to date, because once you settle in the UK, you’ll have up to one year to exchange it (depending on your state and situation) before it may become invalid in the US.
It gives you a buffer while you obtain a UK licence and get used to driving in the UK (if applicable).

4. Review your investments and estate planning

If you hold US mutual funds (outside retirement accounts) or trusts/wills, check how being resident abroad (in the UK) affects them. Some US‑based investment firms might restrict service for foreign residents.
You may need to find alternatives or reconcile how your UK residency interacts with US investment rules.

5. Moving with pets? Give it special attention

Bringing pets adds complexity (quarantines, pet passports, vaccination rules).

If you have a furry companion, join dedicated pet‑relocation forums/groups and/or consult a specialist.

This tends to be one of the most challenging (and expensive) parts of an international move. Typically, a pet relocation will cost between $5,000 and 10,000 when going through a specialist service.

6. Selling a US home while abroad? Check insurance & status

If you’re selling a US property but will be abroad for part of the process:

• Ensure your insurance covers a vacant/partially‑vacant property

• If the insurer won’t cover that, you’ll need to switch companies (before going abroad). It’s a detail that often gets overlooked until a claim arises.

7. Check which US financial institutions will service you as a foreign resident

Many banks, credit card companies and investment firms have limitations once you move overseas or become a UK resident.

Review your accounts now, move funds or change institutions if needed, to avoid being locked out or facing surprise fees.

8. Verify electrical/electronic compatibility

UK voltage, plug type and wiring differ from the US.

Check each of your electronics:

• Devices designed for dual voltage (100‑240V) and with a UK plug or appropriate adapter will often work.

• Large US‑style furniture, appliances or big electronics may not fit or be compatible.

Plan to sell, donate or give away items early.

9. Think carefully about your furniture & home‑goods

UK homes tend to be smaller (especially in London). US‑sized furniture may not fit.
It’s wise to downsize ahead of the move: sell‑off or donate bulky pieces, and arrange to buy new in the UK if needed.

10. Plan for two‑factor authentication, phone number & mobile connectivity

• Many US banks require you to have a (US) mobile number for 2FA/alerts. Retaining a US number (via e‑SIM or low‑cost plan) may be wise.

• You’ll also want a UK mobile number/service. Many UK carriers, e‑SIM options (e.g., giffgaff) are cost‑effective, but check phone unlock status with your US provider first.

• Port your US number before leaving the US if you intend to keep it: it can be difficult/impossible from abroad.

11. Audit recurring payments & deposits

• Review a full year of your US statements: subscriptions, automatic payments, direct deposits, apps (PayPal, eBay, streaming).
• Switch over to new banks/cards or update payment details so you don’t lose access or incur failed‑payment issues once abroad.

12. Understand your US tax & state‑residency implications

You’ll continue filing US federal taxes as a citizen; UK residency adds another layer.
Be sure you understand:

• The US/UK tax treaty and how it affects dividends, interest, gains.

• Whether your US state considers you a resident (based on address, licence, time spent) and whether you owe state tax.

Getting a tax professional familiar with US‑UK cross‑border issues is strongly recommended.

13. Obtain all your medical / dental / vision records in electronic form

Download or request digital copies of your medical history, dental charts, vision records, prescriptions.
Having this ready will make your arrival and transition into UK healthcare smoother, especially during your initial registration period with local doctors.

Final thoughts

Moving to London is a big venture. and the more of these practical boxes you tick before arrival, the smoother your transition will tend to be. Many of these are not glamorous (no red‑carpet welcome for insurance codes and bank statements) but they make a huge difference in day‑to‑day stress levels once you land.

At Simply London we specialise in assisting Americans relocating to London, from logistics and shipping to healthcare setup and financial transition.

Get in touch today to find out how we can make your move feel less like a checklist, and more like the beginning of your London adventure.