Moving to US/bringing electrical goods?

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Basically we're moving in a few months and a moving company will take pretty much anything here we want to take with us so we don't have much in the way of restrictions. Therefore can we take our flatscreen tv/music systems etc, is it worth it or should we offload them here?!

Anyone have an idea? Much appreciated

You can take almost anything that doesn't have a powerful motor or heater in it.

So, don't take your vacuum cleaner, washing machine, dryer, fridge or hairdryer.

You can take a TV and run it off a transformer, but it won't pick up any channels. Only do this is if you are planning on having a 'UK corner' in your house with a TV/VCR/DVD/Playstation fixed to PAL and Region 2.

Anything that can run off a battery is fine to take - so you can take rechargeable power tools, for example.

Small electricals with motors will work off a transformer, but they will wear out faster. It is probably better to take them and now rather than having to repurchase immediately because you aren't going to be able to sell them for anything.

If you take lamps with you, you won't be able to buy bayonet bulbs, but screw in are fine. All you have to do is change the plug. There's a good chance that you will need lamps (American houses of a certain age can be very scanty on overhead light fittings).

Computers are fine as they are DC and dual voltage.

Thanks a million, you are a total mine of information! That was very helpful. Any other tips welcome

We run our UK TV & DVD with a transformer (it is a monster 3kW one tho!) and digital radio with a small 100W transfer (fits onto plug).

We gave away or sold all big electrical items. If you're relocated for a job they often give an allowance for buying all that stuff again.

Good luck with your move

transfer = transformer

We get Cable (the box has an HDMI socket so works with TV - otherwise wouldn't be able to pick up a regular TV signal). DH is a bit of an electrical nerd!

The only electrical UK things we use are our piano and laptops. Everything else was too much of a pain - we thought we'd play UK video games, watch DVDs etc. but there were ways to convert them or buy them again that were cheaper and easier.

I found things like UK hair straighteners don't work properly here (not enough power) and you can buy them very cheaply here. So basically, I'd sell off as much as you can and buy again. Televisions etc. here are cheap and the technology is changing so rapidly. And I hate to say it, but fridges, cookers, washing machines etc. are bigger and nicer here on the whole.

Music system probably isn't a bad idea, btw. But wouldn't bother with flatscreen tv.

Carmen, i haven't a notion of bringing any of the white goods in fairness! I am in ecstasy at the thought of my brand new american toploading washer which takes about 4 tons of laundry in one go and planet-destroying dryer

Thanks again everyone. Think i'll bring coffee maker/food mixer from kitchen and see how long they last. Bring some lamps, but only screw-ins. Will keep small flatscreen and wii for kids corner.

redflipflops DH also a geek, so will get him on the case of whether we can use the big flatscreen.

Otherwise i'll offload the dvd player/ hairdryer/straightners/hoover and start afresh. Yay!

Don't buy a toploader!

If you are taking a British TV, you might as well take the DVD player as well. You will need this to play your British DVDs.

You might struggle with your coffee maker since it is a heating appliance. With half the voltage in the US, it may not get hot enough.

Food mixers are fine, but will run slightly faster.

Yes, DH did say it was prob pointless bringing coffee maker. BUT why, o why no to the toploader? DH's parents (he's a native) have one and it's fabulous. Although last time i was in US did see these new ones that steam clean, maybe they'd be better?!

Just really itching to get going now. Still waiting for the embassy to get back to me for my green card interview. It's taking ages

A front loader is far superior. Look at the Maytag range and drool.

When did you start the green card process?

Thanks Mme, will do. Application was submitted by DH on 15th june, still haven't heard a thing.

DH is starting on the 3rd sept, so we'll have to just get on with things here and see how long it takes. Frustrating, but it's only a backlog issue, not much they can do about that either i guess!

The I-130 petition? Did he send it to London or to some anonymous office in the US?

If London, you should here any day. Have you filed your visa paperwork (OF-230)?

The key thing is to be one step ahead of them - make sure that your I-864 is in order, especially the last three years' tax returns or any house valuation; make sure you know what your vaccination/disease status is ahead of the medical.

It's stressful and it seems like they are trying to trip you up, but in reality, they want you to get your visa so that your US citizen children and spouse can live in their rightful place :)

Thanks Mme, have filed for the I-130 in london. The OF-230, that's the intial application i think?!!

Have the vacs/police certs/DH is currently doing the support doc so it's good to go. Not sure about the house valuation? Should we get our house here in the UK valued asap (we are putting it on the market only after i get my visa).

PS: thanks for the 'chill' tip. They will be gagging to make me a citizen once they finally meet me

If your income is more than 125% of the poverty level for your household size, you don't need to include your capital.

So, you do need proof of income, ie a letter from his US employer confirming salary.

Sounds like you are on top of everything :)

Ok, well that's easy enough to do - thanks again for all the tips.

really, really don't bring your hairdryer... i moved to the US a few months ago and brought mine. it would take me about 2 years to dry my hair with the pathetic bit of (cold) air that comes out of it

ta whiteflame - message received and understood. i think. just been for drinks with neighbours