Questions about VAT

Is VAT basically like sales tax in the US?  Do you pay it on pretty much everything?  We were debating about buying a couple of big ticket items (bed/dressers) and we were considering waiting until we are moved over to the UK to do so.  If we would have to pay VAT on items like that though we will probably just get them here since shipping costs are being covered by the company relocating us. 

Yes - VAT is just like sales tax and it is included on most items, however it is included in the marked price, so no surprises at the cash register.

If your company is going to pay shipping, I personally would buy in the US and just ship (assuming the timing of the delivery wouldn't leave you without a bed for a few nights). 

As a non-EU citizen you are entitled to claim back VAT for goods that won't be staying in the EU.  However, you have to claim back the tax within 3 months, upon leaving the EU and supposedely the goods should not have been used yet an you must have available for inspection by customs at your country of departure.  Obviously a bed would be a little difficult to have on hand at an airport, but if you shop a lot or buy big ticket designer goods, it's definitely worth the effort.  It's not that complicated - just a little planning ahead.

Keep in mind that some large items may not fit in your UK home.  On average, British homes are smaller than American ones and you may have a difficult time getting larger items through doorways and up the stairs.  Just make sure you measure measure measure before you buy! 

I would definitely buy what you can in the US and have the company pay to move it over  .  When you first get here there is a tendency to convert every price tag you see from pounds to dollars and find the prices a bit shocking. Fortunately, eventually you stop doing this and then when you visit the US you will do it in reverse and looove shopping!

The only time VAT is not charged is if you are disabled and that is only on certain products that will make your life better easier which is great.

there's a whole range of products that VAT isn't applied to- the only one that springs to mind is children's shoes. 

Not just children's shoes, but children's clothes in general.    There is also no VAT charged on books, journals and newspapers, food, insurance & financial services, and quite a number of other things.    (Some of these are actually "exempt" while others are "zero-rated" -- There is a subtle distinction between the two.)   There is a reduced rate of 5% on domestic gas and electricity bills.

Anything outside the specifically defined categories is charged at the standard 17.5% rate, and that includes just about all household appliances and furnishings.