Removals to USA – Shipping to Washington DC

As the US capital and hub of a busy metropolitan area, Washington DC is a popular destination for British expats undertaking removals to USA. Uprooting your business or household and travelling nearly 3,700 miles from London means a lot of upheaval. However, calling in Greens will make the whole prospect less daunting, as you will have the support of experts to ensure your major move goes smoothly.

With more than four decades of experience in organising international moves, we are registered with the British Association of Removals. We also hold all three British and European standards guaranteeing quality which relate to the removals industry. Greens organise many removals to the USA, including Washington DC and other major cities such as New York, Houston, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco

From initial planning of your move to arrival and unpacking, we will provide you with full support all the way. Our professional service includes insurance for your move and guidance on dealing with paperwork such as customs documents during shipping to USA. You can also choose from various options including: a professional packing service; alternatively, providing you with boxes and tape if you prefer to do this yourself; professional unpacking at your new home; transport of your household or business furniture and equipment in shared or dedicated containers; specialist arrangements to transport high value or delicate items; air freight.

Removals to USA – get in touch now for an initial discussion or click here for a free removals quote.

Removals to America: Living in Washington DC

The official population of Washington DC is around 630,000, but commuters from neighbouring areas bring this figure up to a million during the working day. Also, it is part of the Washington metropolitan area, which has a 5.7 million-strong population – so, all in all, the capital is a thriving city and one of the busiest centres in America.

Nicknamed 'the District' or just 'DC', Washington does not belong to any state but to the Federal District of Columbia. It was founded in 1791 to be the seat of government, and named after the first US President, George Washington. He chose the city's site himself, on the Potomac River, and appointed French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant to design it.

Today Washington DC is a cosmopolitan city, with African Americans making up around 50% of the population. There are also large Asian and Latino communities. The city also has a thriving British expat community, and is regarded as one of the popular destinations for people from the UK. Its mid-Atlantic climate is hot and humid in the summer, and cold and snowy in winter.

Employment in the city is inevitably dominated by the Federal Government, together with associated organisations such as lobbying groups and embassies. Tourism and education are also major employers. Washington DC has a growing economy and many jobs are being created there in professional sectors.

Moving to Washington DC, USA: Places to Visit

The unique history of Washington DC and its famous state buildings make it a must-see tourist destination, with the number of visitors travelling there every year estimated at nearly 19 million. However, the city has more to offer than its wealth of historic sites, with a variety of shops, restaurants and sporting venues.

The White House, home of the President, has a visitor centre which has been temporarily closed for part of 2013 for improvements. It is reopening later in the year, and offering new interactive exhibits as well as its historical displays and introductory video. The Capitol is another must, and is open to the public for guided tours every day except Sunday, as well as having a visitor centre. If you want to see a case at the Supreme Court, you will have to queue up, as seating is limited. Alternatively, it is possible to tour the building when the court is not in session.

The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, which opened in 2011, are just a few of the famous monuments you can see in the National Mall. In fact, Washington DC is packed with so many national monuments that it can be hard to get around them all under your own steam. Luckily, there are a whole range of sightseeing tours to choose from, including trolley tours where you can get on and off wherever you choose.

On the National Mall you will also find the Smithsonian Institution, known as the Castle. This is the headquarters of the 19 Smithsonian museums, which really do have something for everyone, ranging from air and space to art, history and even the National Zoo. You can also enjoy a walk around Georgetown, the city's waterfront area teeming with shops and restaurants. Outside the city itself, Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate, is another popular attraction, worth a day out in its own right.

Living in Washington, USA: Accommodation for Expats

The cost of living in Washington DC is said to be higher than in most other US cities, due to the area's wealth and status. However, living in the suburbs is often a cheaper option for those undertaking removals to USA, and the outer areas are growing fast. Many people working in the city actually live outside its boundaries, in Maryland or northern Virginia, and commute in. Some of these suburban areas also have their own smaller commercial centres.

Different areas obviously vary in terms of cost, but renting a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre could cost an average of £1,400 per month, while you might expect to pay around £2,300 for a similar property in a more central area. If you are looking for a one-bedroom flat, the prices range from an average of £800 in outlying areas to £1,300 in a central location.

Moving to Washington DC: Out and About

Washington suffers from congested roads, but the good news is that it has an excellent public transport system, so there is an alternative to sitting in traffic jams. The Metrorail and Metrobus systems run hundreds of routes around the city, while the DC Circulator bus travels round five especially popular routes. The city also has thousands of taxis, while another popular option is exploring on foot, as the city has wide pavements which make it pedestrian friendly.

Of course, many people do need or choose to run a car. If you want to take a vehicle with you during your removals to America, Greens is able to arrange this for you. Get in touch now about your requirements for shipping to USA.

Shipping to USA – contact us to find out more or click here for a free quote.