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When moving to the United States, Easygroupage teams find that many customers want to bring all their furniture and household appliances. Yet American homes often come with fitted kitchens and use 110 V electricity, making some French appliances incompatible or impractical.
Before confirming your shipment volume, compare the actual cost of shipping an item with replacing it locally. This can often reduce the amount you need to transport considerably.
Easygroupage advisers regularly see customers adding boxes or furniture just days before collection. For a destination as far away as the United States, such changes can complicate shared-container planning.
Finalising your inventory several weeks before departure makes scheduling easier and helps avoid last-minute changes. It is also an opportunity to sell furniture unsuited to US standards or items whose shipping costs exceed their value. If you are shipping only a few belongings, consider our small international moving service.
In some US residences, including HOA-managed communities and apartment buildings in major cities such as New York or Miami, moves must take place during specific time slots and may require reserving an elevator or parking space.
Planning ahead helps avoid delivery postponements and makes settling in much easier.
For a move to the United States, Easygroupage teams find that most administrative hold-ups stem from incomplete paperwork rather than the shipment itself. US authorities pay particular attention to consistency across documents and the accuracy of the inventory submitted for customs clearance.
Depending on your circumstances, you will generally need a passport, visa or proof of immigration status, a detailed inventory in English, CBP Form 3299 and a power of attorney authorising the local agent to complete certain US customs procedures. For more background, see our guide to customs procedures for international moves.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may decide to inspect a container even when it holds personal effects. Easygroupage therefore recommends preparing an inventory that accurately reflects everything loaded.
Common issues include items added after the inventory was approved or discrepancies between the submitted documents and the container contents. These can trigger a physical inspection, requests for additional evidence and storage charges during the checks.
Another US-specific consideration: remain easy to contact after arrival so you can respond quickly to requests from the local agent or customs authorities.
The United States applies strict rules to certain categories of goods. Food, plants, some animal-derived materials, weapons, hazardous products and certain medicines may be prohibited or subject to additional checks.
Vehicles are also subject to specific regulations. Before shipping a car or motorcycle, check EPA and DOT standards to establish whether importation is feasible. Our international vehicle transport guide explains the transport options.
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“Many customers want to ship all their household appliances from France. Yet with US 110 V power and often different kitchen dimensions, I always advise them to think carefully before filling the container. That is often where they find the biggest savings.”
For a move to the United States, shipment volume is only one factor in the price. Your final destination can make a significant difference: deliveries to New York or Miami generally benefit from regular ocean freight routes, while inland cities such as Denver, Phoenix or Minneapolis require additional road transport from the arrival port.
Easygroupage teams also find that residences with restricted delivery windows, controlled access or mandatory elevator bookings may require more complex arrangements.
Shared-container shipping lets you share a shipping container with other customers moving to the United States. It is especially attractive for medium-sized shipments, provided you can accept a schedule that depends on when the container is filled. For larger shipments, a dedicated container may be worth considering.
Ocean transit is only one stage. Sailing availability, US port procedures and inland transport to your destination also affect the schedule. The farther your home is from major East or West Coast ports, the more planning the final delivery leg may require.
In the United States, many apartment buildings and residential communities have strict delivery rules. Large buildings in New York, Miami or Chicago often require you to book a delivery slot, goods lift or elevator. Private communities managed by an HOA may also require advance notice before a major delivery.
Informing your building or community as soon as the date is confirmed helps prevent potentially costly delays.
Easygroupage teams recommend checking the condition of furniture and boxes as soon as they arrive, before the delivery is completed. If you notice visible damage, note it on the delivery paperwork and take photographs before unpacking.
After moving in, some customers discover that their electrical appliances need a transformer or that certain furniture does not fit homes built to different dimensions from European properties. Based on customers’ experiences, it is often best to set up essential equipment first before deciding whether to keep or replace particular imported items.
A smooth, affordable and fully organised international move.
At Easygroupage, we take care of every aspect of your move, so you can focus on settling into your new home with peace of mind.
Choosing Easygroupage means choosing a reliable, transparent and responsible partner for your international move.
Most of our customers are moving abroad. Others are shipping new furniture, inherited belongings or personal items to a second home. Whatever your situation, request a personalised quote.
*Available for selected destinations only.
All-risk insurance is required to protect your belongings during international transport.
Sea freight transit times are estimates and may vary depending on port conditions and logistical disruptions.
Our teams help you navigate the administrative formalities required for your international move.
US customs procedures, electrical standards, shared-container shipping times, residential delivery and vehicle transport: here are the questions Easygroupage advisers hear most often about moving to the United States.
You will generally need a copy of your passport, a visa if required, a detailed inventory in English, US customs form CBP 3299, a power of attorney for the destination agent and, depending on your status, additional documents. The Easygroupage team will guide you through the paperwork required before departure.
Some US residential developments, especially gated communities and apartment buildings in major cities, impose specific delivery windows or require you to reserve an elevator. Notifying the building manager in advance helps prevent delays and additional charges on delivery day.
Not necessarily. US kitchens, home dimensions and consumer habits often differ from those in France. Many expats sell some of their furniture before leaving and replace it locally to reduce the shipment volume and moving costs. A small international move may be a better fit.
In the vast majority of cases, no. US EPA and DOT standards, shipping costs, administrative procedures and possible modifications often make it unattractive for private individuals. Except in very specific circumstances or for a valuable vehicle, Easygroupage teams generally recommend selling your car before departure and buying one locally. See our international car transport service for further information.
Certain goods are prohibited or subject to restrictions, including food, weapons, hazardous products, medicines without supporting documents, ivory and some animal- or plant-derived materials. Flag any unusual items before packing to help avoid inspections, holds or extra costs.
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