when you say your ppl has lapsed, do you mean the SEP rating or the actual licence itself.
if just the SEP rating, then this only needs a check with an examiner to get you valid again. if this is the case and you don't fancy flying until you start your CPL training, then you are better off waiting until just before your CPL to get your SEP rating valid again. gives you a chance to get back into the swing of things before commencing your CPL training. this can probably be done in the states.
however, if the actual PPL has lapsed, then you have to re-apply for you PPL by doing some training, a test and then sending lots of money to the CAA. As this opens up into a whole new world ball-ache, you are probably better of getting this started sooner rather than later.