Moving to Europe from the USA

*Updated August 2025
Planning an international move to Europe from the USA can feel complex—but with SDC International Shipping as your guide, you can move door‑to‑door with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re relocating for a new role, graduate studies, retirement, or the European quality of life, our team coordinates packing, sea or air freight, customs, delivery, insurance, and storage to keep your transition smooth.

We’ve helped thousands of American families and professionals relocate to Europe. Your dedicated Move Coordinator will map out your plan, keep you updated, and solve the details so your move stays on time and on budget.

How a USA‑to‑Europe Move Works (Step‑by‑Step)

• 1) Consultation & scope. Share origin/destination, timing, access notes, and your rough inventory. We’ll discuss sea vs. air, groupage vs. exclusive container, and any special handling needs.
• 2) Survey & estimate. A virtual or in‑home survey helps us size your volume and plan services. Compare options here: comparing international moving quotes.
• 3) Documentation. We prepare shipping paperwork and guide you through country‑specific customs requirements (see “Customs Snapshots” below). Use our customs form guide for a head start.
• 4) Professional packing. Export‑grade packing and custom crating safeguard your goods for long‑haul transit and customs handling.
• 5) Transport. Ship by sea freight (most economical) or air freight (fastest). For many families, a hybrid plan (air for essentials, sea for the rest) strikes the right balance.
• 6) Customs & delivery. Our destination partners complete import formalities and schedule final delivery, unpacking, and debris removal as requested.

Tip: Aim to book 6–8 weeks ahead of your target move date (earlier in peak seasons) to secure preferred pack dates and sailings.

Understanding Shipping Costs (What Drives the Quote)

Exact costs depend on shipment size, service speed, and route complexity. Think in ranges and choose the service that fits your priorities—speed, budget, or a sensible middle ground.

• Volume & weight: Ocean pricing is primarily driven by cubic volume; air quotes are sensitive to chargeable weight (actual or dimensional, whichever is higher).
• Service type: Direct FCL (exclusive container) runs faster and costs more; shared groupage is budget‑friendly but adds consolidation timing; air freight is fastest.
• Origin/destination access: Stairs, long carries, shuttles, hoisting, or remote delivery points can add handling.
• Documentation & eligibility: Duty/tax relief may be available under relocation rules (e.g., change‑of‑residence, ToR in the UK). Your coordinator will advise.
• Special handling: Crating, vehicles containerized with HHG, and extra protection for artwork or instruments may appear as separate line items.

Next step: Share your origin/destination and a quick list of rooms and large pieces to receive a tailored range. Start here: get an international moving quote.

Top European Countries to Consider

Europe offers world‑class education, strong job markets, and a high quality of life. Popular destinations with our clients include Denmark (work‑life balance), Germany (industry and research), Norway (innovation and nature), and the Netherlands (global business and expat‑friendly culture).

Shipping Options & Transit Times (2025)

Service Options

Shared (Groupage) Container: Budget‑friendly for smaller volumes. Your goods share a container with other shipments. Great for partial households, studio/1‑bedroom moves, or flexible timelines.

Exclusive (FCL) Container: A dedicated 20′ or 40′ container for your household (and vehicle, when applicable). Faster and more direct than groupage; ideal for larger homes or time‑sensitive moves.

Air Freight: Fastest option for essentials or high‑value items. Often combined with ocean freight (split shipment) to balance speed and budget.

Typical Door‑to‑Door Timing

• Direct Europe lanes (FCL): about 6–12 weeks.
• Groupage to the UK/Europe: about 8–16 weeks (includes consolidation).
• Air freight: about 1–3 weeks including export/import handling.

Timelines vary by route, carrier schedules, customs, and local access. Your coordinator will provide lane‑specific estimates once bookings are confirmed.

Option	Best For	Pros	Trade‑Offs
Groupage (Shared)	Smaller loads, flexible dates	Lower cost, greener footprint	Added consolidation time; less date control
Exclusive (FCL)	3+ bedroom homes; car with HHG	Faster, direct routing, full control	Higher cost than groupage
Air Freight	Essentials, high‑value items, tight deadlines	Fastest transit; predictable schedules	Higher per‑lb/volumetric cost

Compare methods: Air vs. Ocean Freight.

Customs Snapshots (What to Expect)

Most European countries offer some form of relief for used household goods when you’re establishing residency. Below are common themes—your coordinator will confirm current country‑specific requirements and help assemble documents.

France (Change of Residence)

Typical documents include a passport copy, a certificate of change of residence or employer transfer letter, a valued inventory, proof of French residence (lease/utility), and a signed non‑resale statement. Goods are usually expected to be owned/used for 6+ months and not sold for 12 months after import. Ask us for the attestation de non‑cession template and “Change of Residence” checklist.

Germany (Returning/Incoming Residents)

Commonly requested items include proof of residence change (e.g., deregistration from outside the EU and registration in Germany), employment/assignment letters, passport copy, and a goods inventory. Household goods are typically intended for continued personal use and not resale.

United Kingdom (ToR Relief)

UK imports of used household goods often use Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief. You’ll complete the online ToR application and submit supporting documents (passport/ID, tenancy or purchase agreement, employment or study details, inventory). ToR generally expects that you lived outside the UK/EU for at least 12 months, owned/used items for 6+ months, and won’t sell them for 12 months after import.

Netherlands, Denmark, Norway

These destinations follow similar principles for used personal effects: residency establishment, proof of ownership/use, and non‑resale periods. Your coordinator will provide destination‑specific do’s and don’ts and help you prepare a compliant valued inventory.

Helpful guides: How to Fill Customs Forms · Customs Regulations — Complete Guide

Packing, Protection & Storage

International transit subjects shipments to long distances, multiple handoffs, and customs inspection. Our crews use export‑grade cartons, cushioning, and wrap systems designed for ocean/air conditions. We build custom crates for artwork, instruments, and fragile pieces, and we mark inventory down to the piece number for visibility during customs.

• Full pack or partial pack: Choose what fits your plan and budget; we’ll advise where professional packing materially reduces risk.
• Custom crating: For fine art, high‑value electronics, glass, marble, and heirlooms.
• Short‑term storage (origin): Bridge move‑out and sailing dates.
• Destination storage: Climate‑controlled storage if you’re still house‑hunting.

Explore services: Packing · Insurance · Sea Freight · Air Freight

Vehicle Shipping (with Household Goods)

We frequently ship cars and motorcycles in the same exclusive container as your household goods. This approach simplifies logistics and can be cost‑effective. Because regulations vary by country (ownership period, emissions, taxes), your coordinator will confirm feasibility and documentation before booking.

• Ownership & docs: Title in your name, proof of long‑term ownership, and country‑specific compliance (confirm emissions/registration rules for destination).
• Condition report: We document vehicle condition, disconnect alarms, and secure the vehicle for transit.
• Insurance: Consider adding vehicle coverage within your moving insurance plan.

Learn more: Car & Vehicle Shipping with HHG

Sample Timeline (90‑Day Planning)

• 90–60 days out: Consultation, survey, estimates; confirm service type (groupage/FCL/air), review customs requirements, start document gathering; book packing dates.
• 60–30 days out: Sort and downsize; finalize valued inventory; arrange pet documentation; confirm storage needs; line up destination access/parking details.
• 30–14 days out: Final paperwork checks; prepare “essentials” list for air or priority boxes; confirm insurance coverage and policy values.
• Pack & load week: Crews pack, crate, and load; you receive inventory copies and tracking milestones.
• Arrival: We handle import formalities and schedule delivery, unpacking, and debris removal as requested.

Helpful Resources

• International Moving Insurance
• How to Fill Customs Forms
• International Household Movers
• Air Freight vs Ocean Freight
• Climate‑Controlled Storage
• Shipping Furniture Internationally
• Shipping Artwork & Valuables

FAQs

How long does moving to Europe from the USA take?
As planning ranges, direct Europe lanes (FCL) are about 6–12 weeks door‑to‑door; groupage runs about 8–16 weeks; air freight runs about 1–3 weeks including handling. Your exact timing depends on route, carrier schedules, customs, and local delivery access.

Do I pay duties or VAT on my used household goods?
Many clients qualify for relief when establishing residence (e.g., change‑of‑residence in France; ToR in the UK). Rules vary by country and documentation. Your coordinator will confirm eligibility and the correct forms.

Can SDC ship my car or motorcycle to Europe?
Yes—when containerized with your household goods in an exclusive container. We’ll confirm route feasibility, destination compliance, and required ownership documents before booking.

What documents will I need?
Expect a passport/ID, valued inventory, proof of new residence (lease/utility), and country‑specific forms (e.g., French non‑resale statement; UK ToR application; German registration). We’ll provide a checklist and templates where applicable.

Is professional packing required?
Not always, but it’s strongly recommended—export packing reduces damage risk and simplifies customs. We offer full or partial packing and custom crating for fragile items.

Do you offer storage?
Yes—both origin and destination climate‑controlled storage to bridge timeline gaps.

How do I ship pets to Europe?
We coordinate compliant pet travel (typically by air). Requirements vary by country (microchip, vaccinations, health certificates). Tell us your destination and timeline and we’ll outline the steps.