How Long Does It Take to Move Overseas? A Timeline Based on Where You Live in the U.S.
How Long Will My International Move Take?
One of the biggest questions people ask when planning an international move is, “How long will it take to get my belongings to my new home?” The answer depends on several factors, including your departure location, final destination, shipping method, and customs clearance requirements.
If you live in a major U.S. city like Los Angeles, New York, or Miami, your move may be completed faster due to direct access to international seaports and airports. However, if you’re moving from an inland or rural area, your shipment will need additional time for ground transport to the nearest shipping hub before heading overseas.
Additionally, factors such as port congestion, seasonal demand, and country-specific import regulations can influence overall transit times. A well-planned move, supported by an experienced international mover, can help minimize delays and ensure a smooth transition.
This guide explains estimated timelines based on your U.S. location, what factors affect moving time, and how SDC International Shipping ensures a smooth and efficient transition for your belongings.
1. Factors That Affect International Moving Timelines
Several key factors determine how long it takes to move internationally:
Departure Location
Your proximity to a major international shipping port plays a significant role in how quickly your items can be transported.
- Coastal locations (Los Angeles, Miami, New York) have direct access to international shipping routes, reducing transit time.
- Inland locations (Denver, Nashville, Kansas City) require additional ground or rail transport to reach the nearest port, adding time to the move.
- Weather conditions in certain regions can also impact transit time, particularly in winter months when snow and storms may delay trucking schedules.
Final Destination
Certain routes are faster than others based on global shipping lanes.
- Moving from the U.S. to Europe is usually faster than moving to Australia or Africa due to frequent shipping schedules and shorter distances.
- Remote locations may require additional transport after arriving at the international port.
- Countries with fewer direct shipping routes may involve transshipment, where cargo is transferred between multiple carriers, extending the delivery timeline.
Shipping Method
The choice between sea freight and air freight will impact your move time:
- Sea Freight: The most common and affordable shipping method but takes longer (weeks vs. days). Full-container load (FCL) moves are faster than shared-container (LCL) moves due to reduced handling time.
- Air Freight: The fastest but also the most expensive option. Best for small or time-sensitive shipments.
Customs Clearance
Each country has different regulations for imported goods, which can affect move times.
- Countries like Canada, the U.K., and Germany have efficient customs processing, meaning faster clearance.
- Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity inspections, adding extra processing time.
- Proper documentation ensures a smoother process and prevents unnecessary delays.
- Some countries require pre-approval for certain household goods, meaning additional paperwork must be submitted before items are shipped.
📌 Related Service: Customs Clearance Assistance
2. Estimated Shipping Times Based on Your U.S. Departure Location
West Coast Departures: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
- Best for moves to: Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
- Sea freight transit time: 3 to 6 weeks.
- Air freight transit time: 3 to 7 days.
- Additional time for rural areas: If moving from inland California, Oregon, or Washington, trucking or rail transport to a coastal hub may add 1 to 2 weeks.
📌 Related Service: Moving to Australia
East Coast Departures: New York, Miami, Boston, Washington, D.C.
- Best for moves to: Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Sea freight transit time: 2 to 5 weeks.
- Air freight transit time: 2 to 5 days.
- Additional time for inland areas: Shipments from Pennsylvania, Vermont, or other inland states may require extra trucking time.
📌 Related Service: Moving to Europe
Midwest & Mountain States Departures: Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Salt Lake City
- No direct access to seaports, requiring additional transport to a coastal hub.
- Extra transport time: 1 to 2 weeks before international departure.
- Sea freight transit time: 3 to 8 weeks.
- Air freight transit time: 4 to 7 days.
📌 Related Service: Storage Solutions
Southern & Gulf Coast Departures: Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Dallas
- Best for moves to: Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
- Sea freight transit time: 3 to 7 weeks.
- Air freight transit time: 3 to 6 days.
- Many Gulf Coast states have direct shipping access, reducing inland transport costs.
📌 Related Service: International Moving Services
3. Customs & Import Processing: How It Affects Your Move Timeline
After your shipment arrives at its destination, customs processing and local regulations can influence delivery time. Some factors include:
- Stringent Import Regulations: Australia, New Zealand, and Japan require extensive inspections, increasing clearance time.
- Fast-Processing Countries: Canada and most of the EU have straightforward customs procedures for household goods.
- Tax & Duty-Free Exemptions: Some countries allow for duty-free entry of personal belongings, reducing delays.
- Possible quarantine holds for certain goods, including untreated wood furniture, food items, and plants, which can add extra time.
SDC International Shipping handles all required documentation ahead of time to prevent unnecessary hold-ups.
📌 Related Service: Customs Clearance Assistance
4. How to Speed Up Your International Move
If you’re looking to shorten your moving timeline, follow these tips:
- Consider Air Freight for Urgent Items: If you need your belongings quickly, air freight is the fastest option.
- Prepare Customs Documents in Advance: Many delays occur due to incomplete or missing paperwork.
- Choose an Off-Peak Moving Date: Avoid peak seasons like summer, as demand slows shipments.
- Use a Trusted International Moving Company: SDC International Shipping’s global network ensures fast transit times and smooth processing.
📌 Related Service: Air Freight vs. Sea Freight
5. Get a Personalized Timeline for Your International Move
Each international move is unique, and your timeline depends on your location, destination, and shipping preferences. SDC International Shipping ensures your move is handled efficiently and professionally, whether you’re moving from a major city or a small town.
📞 Call 877-339-0267 for a free consultation, or visit SDC International Shipping to request a custom timeline today!
