Moving to Italy from the USA

*Updated August 2025
Moving to Italy from the USA is a life‑changing step that blends excitement, cultural discovery, and a fair amount of logistics. With SDC International Shipping as your guide, your relocation can be smooth, efficient, and stress‑free. Whether you’re shipping a full household or a curated selection of essentials, we design the right mix of ocean and air freight services to deliver your belongings safely to any region of Italy.

From packing and documentation to customs and final delivery, your dedicated Move Coordinator keeps everything on track. We’re a licensed FMC international mover with door‑to‑door service across all 50 U.S. states and destinations throughout Italy.

How to Move to Italy from the USA

Relocating overseas is simpler when you follow a clear roadmap. Our international household movers handle the heavy lifting while you focus on the big decisions—where to live, how quickly to get settled, and which items you’ll bring versus store.

• 1) Consultation & scope. Share your origin, Italian destination, target dates, access/parking notes, and a rough inventory. We’ll discuss sea vs. air, container options, and any special handling (art, instruments, vehicles).
• 2) Survey & estimate. A virtual or in‑home survey sizes your volume so we can compare services (groupage vs. exclusive container, hybrid air + ocean). See how to compare international quotes.
• 3) Documentation. We guide you through Italy’s customs requirements and paperwork. Our customs form guide helps you prepare early and avoid delays.
• 4) Packing & inventory. Our crews perform export‑grade packing and create a piece‑level inventory—vital for customs and insurance. Custom crating is available for artwork and fragile items.
• 5) Transport. Ship by sea freight (most economical), air freight (fastest), or a hybrid plan (air for essentials, sea for the rest) to balance speed and budget.
• 6) Customs & delivery. Our Italian partners handle import formalities, then schedule delivery, optional unpacking, and debris removal.
• 7) Storage as needed. Use climate‑controlled storage on the U.S. or Italy side if move‑in dates don’t align.

Booking tip: Aim to reserve 6–8 weeks ahead to secure preferred pack dates and sailings (earlier in peak seasons).

Customs & Documentation for Italy: What to Expect

Italy generally provides relief for used household goods when you’re establishing residence. Requirements can vary by situation, but most moves follow a familiar pattern. Your coordinator will confirm the latest specifics for your circumstances and help assemble the right documents well before packing day.

• Typical documents: Passport/ID, valued inventory, proof of residence in Italy (lease/utility, when available), and move‑related confirmations (employment/assignment letter, study enrollment, or change‑of‑residence documentation).
• Condition of goods: Items are usually expected to be owned/used for a period prior to import and intended for continued personal use after arrival.
• Timing: Plan for any country‑specific windows regarding when shipments must arrive relative to your move date.
• Prohibited/restricted items: Certain goods (e.g., hazardous materials) face restrictions. We’ll advise on do’s and don’ts during your survey.

For official Italian customs resources, consult the Agenzia Dogane Monopoli. We’ll translate the paperwork into a simple checklist so you know exactly what to sign and when.

Packing Services Built for Italy Moves

International transit involves long distances, multiple handoffs, and customs inspections. Our professional packing services use export‑grade materials and proven methods to reduce risk dramatically—especially for glass, marble, fine art, instruments, and electronics. We also provide special handling for artwork & valuables.

• Full or partial packing: Choose the level that fits your budget and timeline; we’ll advise where pro packing materially reduces risk.
• Custom crating: Built‑to‑fit crates for high‑value or fragile items (art, pianos, glass, antiques).
• Moisture & vibration control: Techniques and materials designed for ocean or air conditions and Italian climate considerations.
• Detailed inventory: Piece‑level records for customs, tracking, and insurance.

Considering what to ship vs. store? We offer origin/destination climate‑controlled storage to bridge timing gaps and keep your new home clutter‑free during the first months.

Shipping to Italy: Sea vs. Air

Both sea and air can be great choices—your best option depends on volume, budget, and how quickly you need items. Many families ship a small air pallet of essentials and the rest by sea to balance speed and cost.

Sea Freight (FCL & Groupage/LCL)

Exclusive container (FCL). A 20′ or 40′ container dedicated to your household (and vehicle, when applicable). Faster and more direct than groupage; best for 3+ bedroom homes or time‑sensitive moves needing more control.

Groupage/LCL (shared). Your goods share container space—budget‑friendly for smaller loads or partial households. Expect added time for consolidation and deconsolidation.

Air Freight

Fastest option for important documents, work equipment, or must‑have items. Predictable schedules and quick clearances help you settle in while your larger ocean shipment is en route.

Typical Door‑to‑Door Timing (Planning Ranges)

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

Timelines vary by origin, carrier schedules, customs, and local access. East Coast origins can be faster; West Coast routes generally add time. Your coordinator will provide lane‑specific estimates once bookings are confirmed.

Quick Comparison

Option	Best For	Pros	Trade‑offs
Groupage (LCL)	Smaller loads; flexible dates	Lower cost; efficient for partial HHG	Extra time for consolidation; less date control
Exclusive (FCL)	3+ bedrooms; car with HHG	Faster; direct routing; control over loading	Higher cost than LCL
Air Freight	Essentials; tight deadlines	Fastest overall; predictable	Higher cost per lb/CBM; size limits

Still deciding? Review Air vs. Ocean Freight to choose confidently.

Shipping Household Goods to Italy (What We Do)

Our packing standards address the realities of long‑haul shipping. We use crating, palletizing, shrink‑wrapping, and strapping to stabilize loads; double‑boxing and edge protection for fragile items; and cushioning to reduce vibration. We tailor materials to item weight and fragility so your goods arrive in Italy as expected.

Prefer a hybrid approach? We can pack high‑risk/fragile items while you box simpler items—then we verify, re‑stabilize, and consolidate everything for export so it clears customs without a hitch.

Car Shipping to Italy (With Your Household Goods)

We are not a car‑only shipper; however, we do ship cars and motorcycles when they’re containerized with your household goods (FCL). Secured tie‑downs, wheel chocks, and bracing keep vehicles immobile in transit. A 40′ container can often accommodate a vehicle plus household goods efficiently.

• Documentation & ownership: We’ll confirm the paperwork needed for your scenario and route (title/registration, proof of long‑term ownership, etc.).
• Feasibility: Emissions, registration, and local compliance vary; we assess these early and advise options.
• Insurance: Add vehicle coverage within your moving insurance plan.

Learn more about car & vehicle shipping with HHG. Curious about methods? Here’s a general primer: Ro‑Ro vs. Container (we use containerization with HHG).

Costs: What Drives an Italy Moving Quote

We don’t use flat rates; we build a quote around your exact plan. Expect a tailored range based on:

• Volume & weight: Ocean depends largely on cubic volume; air quotes are sensitive to chargeable weight.
• Service & speed: FCL offers more control/faster routing; LCL lowers cost with consolidation; air is fastest.
• Origin & destination access: Stairs, long carries, shuttles, hoisting, and remote locations affect handling.
• Documentation & eligibility: Duty/VAT relief may be available when establishing residence—your coordinator will outline what applies to you.
• Special handling: Custom crating, vehicles containerized with HHG, high‑value items, or time‑sensitive deliveries can affect pricing.

Ready for a tailored estimate? Request an international moving quote and we’ll compare service options side‑by‑side.

Where to Live in Italy: Quick Guide for Americans

Italy offers diverse lifestyles—from fast‑paced business hubs to coastal villages and hill‑towns steeped in history. Consider commute, schools, healthcare access, and language when choosing your region.

Rome (Lazio)

Italy’s capital blends ancient history with a dynamic modern economy. International schools, embassies, and global companies make it a favorite for families and professionals. Expect busy traffic, incredible culture, and year‑round events.

Milan (Lombardy)

Finance, fashion, and tech hub with excellent rail and air connections. Apartments are compact but well‑located; the surrounding lakes and Alps offer weekend escapes. Great fit for career‑driven expats.

Florence & Tuscany

Arts and culture capital with slower‑paced living in surrounding towns. Popular with students, creatives, and families who want walkable neighborhoods and access to the countryside.

Turin & Bologna (Northern Italy)

Industrial innovation (Turin) and renowned universities/food scene (Bologna). Both offer strong public transport and a slightly lower cost of living than Rome/Milan.

Naples & the South

Vibrant coastal living with rich traditions. Consider proximity to islands (Capri, Ischia), Amalfi, Puglia, and Sicily. Pace of life is relaxed; housing values can be attractive outside major tourist zones.

Lakes & Alps

Northern lake towns (Como, Garda) and Alpine communities offer outdoor lifestyles with excellent rail links to Milan and Switzerland—great for hybrid workers and nature lovers.

90‑Day Timeline: Planning Your Italy Move

• 90–60 days out: Consultation, survey, and estimates; choose sea/air mix; review customs documents; book packing dates; consider storage.
• 60–30 days out: Downsize and organize; finalize valued inventory; confirm vehicle paperwork (if any); prepare pet travel documents; line up destination access/parking details.
• 30–14 days out: Final checks on paperwork and insurance; set aside “essentials” for air or day‑one boxes; confirm building rules and elevator times.
• Packing & load week: Crews pack, crate, and load; you receive inventory copies and tracking milestones; we confirm sailings/flights.
• Arrival & delivery: We coordinate customs, schedule delivery, and offer unpacking/debris removal as requested.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Self‑packing fragile items without export methods. Improper packing is a top cause of damage. Use pro packing for glass, art, electronics, and instruments.
• Under‑insuring. Consider all‑risk coverage for peace of mind—learn more about international moving insurance.
• Missing documents. Customs delays usually trace back to paperwork. We’ll give you a simple checklist and deadlines.
• Ignoring access logistics. Reserve building elevators, note stairs/long carries, and plan destination parking early.
• Assuming all items are allowed. Some goods are restricted. Ask before you pack to avoid rejections at customs.
• Waiting too long to book. Peak periods fill fast—locking dates early protects your timeline.

Helpful Resources

• International Household Movers
• Packing Services
• Sea Freight Shipping
• Air Freight Shipping
• Shipping Containers
• International Moving Insurance
• Shipping Artwork & Valuables
• Ro‑Ro vs. Container (Info)
• Shipping Furniture Internationally
• How to Fill Customs Forms
• Climate‑Controlled Storage
• Get an International Moving Quote

FAQs: Moving to Italy from the USA

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

Will I pay duties or VAT on my used household goods?
Many clients qualify for relief when establishing residence. Rules depend on your status and documentation. We’ll outline eligibility and the forms you’ll need for your situation.

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

What documents should I prepare?
Expect passport/ID, a valued inventory, proof of residence (lease/utility), and move‑related confirmations (employment, study, or change‑of‑residence). We’ll provide a simple checklist and templates where applicable.

Is professional packing required?
Not always, but it’s strongly recommended for international shipments—export methods reduce risk and simplify customs. We offer full or partial packing and custom crating.

Can I share a container to lower cost?
Yes. Groupage/LCL shares space with other shipments and is ideal for smaller volumes. It adds consolidation time but reduces cost versus exclusive containers.

Do Italian customs inspect every shipment?
Inspections are selective and vary by port and season. Proper documentation and professional packing help minimize issues and speed clearance.

What’s the best way to ship essentials I need right away?
Send a small air freight pallet with work items, documents, and first‑week essentials; ship the remainder by ocean. Your coordinator will design the split.

Do you offer storage?
Yes—both origin and destination climate‑controlled storage. It’s helpful if your housing timeline in Italy is still fluid.

How far in advance should I book my move?
We suggest 6–8 weeks before your target pack date to secure preferred schedules. Book earlier for peak seasons or complex moves.