{"id":4561,"date":"2012-08-27T11:27:51","date_gmt":"2012-08-27T11:27:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/?p=4561"},"modified":"2025-04-29T15:50:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T19:50:53","slug":"moving-to-the-usa-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/moving-to-the-usa-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to the USA &#8211; Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"440\/330\" width=\"440\" height=\"330\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/moving-to-usa.jpg\" alt=\"International moving to USA\" class=\"wp-image-4580 lazyload\" title=\"Moving to the USA- Guide and Tips\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/moving-to-usa.jpg 440w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/moving-to-usa-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/moving-to-usa-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This time we\u2019ll go through all the important information you have to be acquainted with in order to prepare your international move to the US. You\u2019d better start organizing your international relocation as soon as you work out your <a href=\"http:\/\/www.travel.state.gov\/visa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">visa<\/a>.&nbsp;Moving abroad is always thrilling and exciting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you will be exploring a whole new world, and well when we are talking about the USA, you definitely must be overwhelmed. The most wanted place to live in in the whole world \u2013 <strong>the US can offer you everything \u2013 from the busy streets and city lights, to the great countryside and nature<\/strong>. Boundless opportunities will be waiting for you to take advantage of. So, there\u2019s no time to waste. Your preparation must start at least a month before the actual move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you&#8217;re relocating to the U.S., this video will help you avoid moving fraud.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ud83d\udea8 Avoid Moving Company Scams \u2013 Don\u2019t Get Tricked! \ud83d\ude9b\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0U4wqLmjisY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>First thing you should do is to create a <a href=\"\/move\/make-a-moving-checklist\/\">moving checklist<\/a>. Yes, don\u2019t make me say it twice. There is a lot of paperwork to be done, so since you will be doing many other things at the same time, you have to be sure everything is going as scheduled. Write down each relocation related task and set deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving to the USA &#8211; Rules and Customs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are moving to US, consider that there are some rules and regulations imposed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department of Homeland Security that you have to comply with. In order to ship and import your belongings, you have to meet Customs&#8217; requirements.&nbsp; You can <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/contact\/ports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">locate your port of entry <\/a>and ask for further information there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving Household Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are taking your furnishing and other personal belongings, consider that furniture, dishes, artwork and similar household <strong>items for personal use are free of duty<\/strong>,<strong> only if the items have been in a possession of your household for at least one year<\/strong>.&nbsp; Household effects designated to duty-free entry don&#8217;t need to accompany you during your move to the United States.&nbsp; You can have them transported to your U.S. address later. Your shipment of&nbsp; household goods must be cleared through Customs at its first port of arrival. You can ask your freight forwarder if he can arrange to have your effects sent in Customs custody in-bond from the port of arrival to another, more convenient port for clearance.&nbsp; If you ship your belongings separately, know that Customs won&#8217;t send you notice for the arrival of the shipment. It&#8217;s responsibility of the shipper to notify you. After the arrival of the shipment you have 15 days to appear to clear your shipment. You have to fill in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/CBP%20Form%203299.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CBP Form 3299 <\/a>&#8220;Declaration For Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles&#8221; and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/CBP%20Form%206059B%20English%20%28Sample%20Watermark%29.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CBP Form 6059B<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving to USA and shipping a car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Foreign-made cars (new or used) imported into the USA, whether for personal use, or for sale, are subject to tax &#8211; 2.5% . Duty rates may change on an annual basis. In order to import your car yourself, the vehicle must meet certain emission and safety standards. For Customs clearance, you will need all the documents covering your car, and you will have to fill in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/oms\/imports\/documents\/3520-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">EPA form 3520-1 <\/a>and DOT form HS-7.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-4594\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"350\/277\" width=\"350\" height=\"277\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/US-CBP-Inspection.jpg\" alt=\"Moving to USA Customs\" class=\"wp-image-4594 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/US-CBP-Inspection.jpg 350w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/US-CBP-Inspection-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In order to import your household items,you have to justify all the US Custom Border Protection Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If your car doesn&#8217;t meet certain emission standards, you have to import it through an <a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/oms\/imports\/ici-list.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Independent Commercial Importer<\/a>. After your car is modified to justify EPA requirements, you will be allowed to import it. Mind that ICI&#8217;s fees are quite higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another case is when your car doesn&#8217;t meet some <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/cars\/rules\/import\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">safety standards <\/a>imposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If this happens, you&#8217;ll have to pay DOT-registered importer to modify your car, so you will be allowed to import it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moving to USA taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can import free of duty and internal revenue tax, <em>up to one liter of alcoholic beverage <\/em>\u2013 beer, wine, liquor \u2013 for personal use. &nbsp;Quantities above this limitation are subject to duty and internal revenue tax.<br>You can also take <em>not more than 200 cigarettes <\/em>(one carton), 50 cigars or 4.4 lbs. of smoking tobacco. Cigars of Cuban origin are prohibited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Firearms and ammunition are subject to certain restrictions <\/em>and import permits. Mainly, firearms and ammunition may be imported, but only under permit. &nbsp;For further information, write to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of the Treasury, Firearms and Explosives Import.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Movers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to guarantee yourself a safe and smooth trip, you have to find a reliable international relocation company. Under federal law, <strong>moving companies must be licensed or registered with the Federal Maritime Commission<\/strong>. They have to either be a freight forwarder or non-vessel-operating common carrier, according to their registration with the commission. If you&#8217;re uncertain about the legitimacy of your chosen company, check their license number <a href=\"http:\/\/www2.fmc.gov\/oti\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>. Take your time to research your potential mover well. Of course you want to save money, but it is inexcusable to save money at the cost of quality. Don&#8217;t forget that the moving company that you choose will be responsible for overseeing, and financially dealing with trucking companies, storage facilities and other ocean transportation intermediaries within the whole international move process. <a href=\"\/move\/international-moving-companies\/\">Choose your international movers wisely<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost of Moving to the United States of America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your international moving-to-USA cost will be based on the weight and volume (overseas) of the shipment. Mind that most international movers have minimum charge for about 200 c.f. For a two bedroom apartment &#8211; approximately 950 &#8211; 1000 c.f., you may expect an estimates around $4800-5500 if moving from UK to the USA. Packing labor and packing materials are charged separately. Full service packing of a two bedroom home would cost you around $1000 &#8211; $1200. Whether it is an overseas or air shipping, minimize your shipment to the lowest possible.&nbsp; Plan your moving budget, just fill in our fast and easy <a>International Moving Cost Estimator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Moving Insurance for USA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually insurance price is about 2-3,5% of the declared value of the inventory. When obtaining insurance, look through the insurance policy your international mover is offering to you. If there is something you do not understand thoroughly, just ask. Another option for you is to obtain insurance from a third party provider. Mind that most insurance providers will require from you to opt for professional packing services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is there anything else you would like to know about moving to the United States? Let&#8217;s us help you, just ask in the comments below or check the &lt;a &#8220;=&#8221;&#8221;&gt;national movers registered in MyMovingReviews.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This time we\u2019ll go through all the important information you have to be acquainted with in order to prepare your international move to the US. You\u2019d better start organizing your international relocation as soon as you work out your visa.&nbsp;Moving abroad is always thrilling and exciting. Now that you will be exploring a whole new &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/moving-to-the-usa-guide\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Moving to the USA &#8211; Guide&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":4580,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[41,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-moving","category-guides","entry"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/moving-to-usa.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Manuella Irwin","author_link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/manuella\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Moving to the USA Guide - MyMovingReviews<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know if you are moving to the USA - visa requirements, Customs regulations, international moving services and costs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/moving-to-the-usa-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Moving to the USA Guide - MyMovingReviews\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everything you need to know if you are moving to the USA - visa requirements, Customs regulations, international moving services and costs.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/moving-to-the-usa-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MoveAdvisor\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2012-08-27T11:27:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-29T19:50:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/moving-to-usa.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Manuella Irwin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Manuella Irwin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Moving to the USA Guide - 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She has a profound knowledge of the U.S. moving industry and its consumer protection laws. She would frequently speak to stakeholders and media like FOX News, Forbes and USA Today in an effort to help educate people on the hazards of moving. Manuella has also co-authored two books about the moving process one of which is called \"Relocating without Breaking a Sweat: Your Personal Handbook for a Perfect Move\". Through extensive research work, full-scale investigations, and exhaustive analysis, Manuella has achieved a broad understanding of how the dynamic relocation industry works. She is an expert in the U.S. laws and regulations governing movers and she can offer insight into moving company\u2019s challenges and way of business conduct. She has interviewed most of the key people in the relocation industry worldwide, providing information straight from the horse's mouth. She covers news from the moving industry and contributes practical advice on moving related issues. She loves speaking to the public and she has provided moving related advice for media like Forbes, USA Today and many other stakeholders, including Zillow and Trulia, Yahoo Homes, and Realtor.com. Contact Manuella Irwin at: editor@moveadvisor.com | LinkedIn","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/manuella-irwin\/"],"url":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/manuella\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4561"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4561"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4561\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44888,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4561\/revisions\/44888"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4580"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}