Moving to the USA
Moving to USA from NZ
There is an ever-increasing number of people relocating to the United States of America, so if you’re moving for a change of lifestyle, perhaps taking up a contract, or returning home to the United States of America, New Zealand Movers can help and our team are ready. We’re NZ’s moving experts with over 42 years experience and we are passionate about moving!
We don’t need much to work out the cost of moving your belongings to your new home in in the USA. Whatever your requirements, we have a variety of options for you. To get started, simply complete the Free Quote request form on this page and we’ll be in touch.
Request a quote today
USA Moving Destinations
The USA is a big country and we cover all major cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Chicago. But wherever you are moving to, even if it’s somewhere away from a major city, we can take care of it for you.
USA Moving Services
Wherever in the USA you are moving, even to the interior of the country far from any sea port, we have a range of services to help you move ‘door-to-door’:
Contact us and we’ll explain the services we offer for moving to the United States.
Moving your household goods to the USA*
We are all aware of the stringent security measures imposed by the US government on everything that moves across its borders, importing your household goods is no exception. Before anything else you need to ensure that if you’re immigrating to the United States you have the appropriate visa to live and work there.
USA Customs Service*
All shipments must be cleared by the Customs service for entry into the country. You can import your household goods into the United States free of duty and tax provided you have owned and used them abroad for at least one year. Your shipment must not arrive before you do as it will not be cleared by Customs and will incur significant charges. Due to different regulations in different states we strongly discourage you from importing any alcohol or food as it can cause significant delays and high charges.
Virtually every shipment that arrives into the United States is subject to an inspection of some type, ranging from an external container x-ray to an intensive inspection where a container is completely unloaded and individual packages inspected. There will be additional costs for these inspections and the charges can vary dramatically.
Approximate Transit Times to the USA
The following door-to-door transit times apply to the USA. These are average times, given as a guide to assist your planning. The transit time for shared containers can vary and are subject to having enough shipments to fill a container.
- Via the US West Coast
Sole Use Container & Crated LCL 8-9 weeks, Shared Container 10-16 weeks - Via the US East Coast
Sole Use Container & Crated LCL 9-10 weeks, Shared Container 12-18 weeks - Air freight: 1-2 weeks
Packing Your Belongings
Whilst it is not mandatory to have your goods professionally packed by us we strongly recommend it. This is Because the US Customs service tend to look less favourably at ‘owner packed’ shipments and there is a much higher chance of an intensive inspection with very high costs. This is because the inventory prepared by someone who packs their own goods is usually a lot less descriptive than that prepared by New Zealand Movers packing staff, so the Customs service may need to physically view a shipment to determine its exact contents.
We use the best materials available and employ the latest techniques to ensure your goods arrive safely. We also have a variety of cartons, tailor-made for items such as flat screen TVs, golf clubs, hanging clothes, bikes, and artwork. We also custom-build wooden crates for fragile and precious items. Every item moving will be packed either in a carton or export wrapped. Once packed all goods will be numbered with a label sticker and recorded on the removal inventory.
You are welcome to pack some or all of your goods yourself if you prefer. We can provide you with packing materials and a handy packing guide to help you.
Storing your Belongings
Insuring Your Belongings
You should insure your goods during relocation to give you peace of mind and to provide protection, just in case. We offer a range of insurance options through Vero marine, one of the world’s largest and most reputable insurance providers.
Special Moving Services
And to top it off and make your move complete we can provide house cleaning services after emptying your home, arrange the transferring of your funds to the United States with foreign exchange services and perhaps even valet unpacking at your destination to really put the finishing touches in place.
Foreign Exchange Transfers with XE Money Transfer
If you require currency exchange, we will introduce you to XE Money Transfer, one of New Zealand’s leading Foreign exchange companies, to arrange the transferring of your funds to the United States. You will benefit from discounted fees and the best exchange rates available when you move to the United States with New Zealand Movers.
Shipping Your Motor Vehicle to the USA
Thinking about shipping your car to the United States? The cost of shipping depends on your destination so get a quote from New Zealand Movers for transporting your car to the USA.
All cars are subject to a physical inspection by the Quarantine service upon arrival. If a vehicle is considered ‘dirty’ then it will require steam cleaning which can be very expensive. To try and avoid these expensive charges we recommend that you have your vehicle thoroughly cleaned on the interior and exterior before shipping.
* Disclaimer: All information provided is a general guide only and can change without notice. We suggest making contact with the appropriate authorities for verification.
WE aRE HERE TO HELP YOU
Download our comprehensive moving guide and frequently asked questions – everything you need up to moving day!
Moving to the USA FAQ
Can I pack my own goods for shipping to the United States?
Yes you can if you wish, however we recommend that you do not as it poses a high risk of your shipment being stopped for an intensive inspection by the Customs service and incurring very high charges. Customs tend to have more confidence in shipments professionally packed by moving companies like New Zealand Movers.
Can I take alcohol to the USA?
Due to different regulations in different states we strongly discourage you from importing any alcohol as it can cause significant delays and expensive charges. And some states will simply not allow it in.
Can I take food to the United States?
The same rules for alcohol apply to food. Due to different regulations in different states we strongly discourage you from importing any food as it can cause significant delays and expensive charges. And some states will simply not allow it in.
