What to Expect When Moving from France to the USA
Moving internationally requires careful planning, especially when relocating from France to the USA. From organizing paperwork to packing up your entire home, the process can feel overwhelming without a clear strategy in place. One of the best ways to stay on track and avoid last-minute stress is to follow a comprehensive moving timeline.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key steps you need to take, starting six months before your move and continuing through your arrival in the USA. By following this timeline, you’ll know exactly what to expect at each stage and how to prepare for a smooth and successful relocation.
Six Months Before the Move
Starting your planning early is key to a successful international move. Six months before your scheduled relocation is the ideal time to begin researching and organizing essential tasks.
Research and Choose a Moving Company
International moving requires specialized services, and choosing the right company is crucial. Start by researching movers that are experienced in relocations from France to the USA. Compare quotes, services offered, and customer reviews to ensure you’re selecting a reputable company.
At this stage, it’s important to contact moving companies like SDC International Shipping for personalized consultations. SDC specializes in international moves, handling everything from packing and shipping to customs clearance. You can explore why SDC is the right choice on our Why Choose SDC International Shipping? page.
Create a Budget
Moving internationally can be costly, so it’s essential to create a comprehensive budget. Factor in all the potential expenses, including:
- Moving company fees.
- Travel costs (flights, accommodation during the transition, etc.).
- Visa and immigration fees.
- New housing and utilities setup.
- Settling-in expenses (furniture, home essentials, etc.).
A well-planned budget helps you stay financially prepared and avoid unexpected costs during the move.
Begin Researching Visa and Immigration Requirements
Visa and immigration processes can take time, so start this process early. Make sure that every family member has the correct visa or immigration documents to enter and live in the USA. You may need to gather supporting documents such as birth certificates, employment records, and financial statements to meet U.S. requirements.
If you’re unsure about which visa category you or your family members fall into, consult an immigration lawyer or a relocation expert to avoid delays.
Three to Four Months Before the Move
As your move date approaches, it’s time to start organizing your belongings, finalizing documents, and locking in important details with your moving company.
Declutter and Downsize
Now is the perfect time to go through your belongings and decide what to take with you to the USA. Shipping unnecessary items will increase costs and clutter your new home, so take this opportunity to declutter. Sort through each room and separate items into categories:
- Keep: Items you’ll ship to your new home.
- Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need and can sell online or at a yard sale.
- Donate or Discard: Items that are no longer useful or have outgrown their purpose.
Downsizing will make your move more manageable and cost-effective. Once you’ve sorted your belongings, SDC International Shipping can help with professional packing and organizing for your relocation. For tips on organizing your move, explore our Packing Services.
Schedule Your Move with SDC
Once you’ve decided on the moving company, confirm your moving date and schedule services with SDC. This includes booking your household move, vehicle shipping (if needed), and any additional services like storage or packing assistance. At this stage, it’s also important to discuss customs regulations and specific import requirements with your move coordinator.
Our International Household Movers service covers everything from door-to-door delivery to customs clearance, giving you peace of mind as you prepare for the big move.
Start Gathering Documents
Three to four months before the move is also the right time to begin collecting important documents you’ll need both for the move and for settling in the USA. These may include:
- Passports and visas.
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other personal documents.
- Medical records and prescriptions.
- School records for children.
- Employment contracts or work-related documents.
- Financial documents, such as bank statements or tax records.
Having these documents organized early will help avoid any last-minute scrambling and ensure you’re fully prepared for customs, settling in, and any legal processes.
One to Two Months Before the Move
As your moving date gets closer, it’s time to start finalizing key tasks and preparing for the actual packing and moving process. This phase is critical for staying organized and ensuring that nothing important is left behind.
Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Now is a good time to start packing non-essential items. These are belongings you won’t need in the weeks leading up to your move, such as seasonal clothing, books, decorations, or rarely used kitchen appliances. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, making it easier to unpack in your new home.
If packing feels overwhelming, SDC International Shipping offers full-service packing to take care of this for you. Our Packing Services ensure that your belongings are packed securely, with special care for fragile or valuable items.
Complete Visa Applications
If you haven’t done so already, finalize any visa or immigration paperwork that’s required for entering and living in the USA. This is also the time to make sure all family members’ passports are valid for the duration of your stay. Immigration processes can take time, so it’s important to make sure everything is in order before the move.
Ensure you have copies of all important documents, including passports, visas, and residency papers, and keep them in a safe place for easy access during travel.
Notify Utilities and Services
You’ll need to notify utility companies and service providers in France that you’re moving. Schedule the disconnection of services such as:
- Electricity and gas.
- Water.
- Internet and cable services.
- Home security systems.
- Local subscriptions (e.g., newspapers, gym memberships).
If necessary, also contact your bank to notify them of your move and to arrange for any changes in banking or financial services once you’re in the USA.
By taking care of these tasks early, you’ll avoid being charged for services after you’ve left France, and it will make the transition smoother once you arrive in the USA.
Two Weeks Before the Move
With just two weeks left before your move, it’s time to pack the final essentials, ensure all your belongings are ready for transit, and double-check the logistical details. At this stage, most of your planning should already be complete, allowing you to focus on the last steps before your departure.
Pack Essentials and Final Items
In the final two weeks, pack the essentials that you’ll need for the first few days after your arrival in the USA. These items might include:
- Clothing and toiletries for immediate use.
- Important documents (passports, visas, etc.).
- Electronics and chargers.
- Medicines and prescriptions.
- Small kitchen items for basic cooking needs.
It’s helpful to pack these items in clearly labeled boxes or suitcases that will stay with you during travel rather than being shipped.
Arrange Vehicle Shipment
If you’re planning to ship a vehicle from France to the USA, ensure that it’s prepped and ready to go. Vehicles typically need to meet U.S. emissions and safety standards, and the gas tank should be no more than a quarter full for shipping.
SDC International Shipping can help you with the logistics of vehicle shipping. We recommend shipping your vehicle inside the container with your household goods for added security. Learn more about shipping vehicles on our Comparing International Quotes page.
Confirm Customs Paperwork
Before the move, double-check that all customs forms and documentation are complete. Missing or incorrect paperwork can cause delays in the shipment of your belongings when they arrive in the USA.
To ensure you’re prepared, make sure you have the following:
- Completed customs forms (available through SDC or customs authorities).
- Proof of ownership for high-value items or vehicles.
- Inventory lists of items being shipped.
If you need assistance with customs paperwork, SDC provides a helpful Customs Forms Guide to simplify the process.
Moving Week
The final week before your move is all about wrapping up any last-minute tasks and making sure everything is ready for the big day. By this point, most of your belongings should be packed, and all the logistics with your moving company should be confirmed.
Conduct a Final Walkthrough
Before your movers arrive, conduct a thorough walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind. Check closets, drawers, cabinets, and storage areas for any overlooked items. This is also a good time to make sure that:
- All packed boxes are labeled.
- Fragile items are clearly marked.
- Unwanted items have been sold, donated, or discarded.
Doing a final check will help prevent any forgotten belongings and ensure a smooth moving process.
Meet the Movers
On moving day, meet with your moving team to confirm the final logistics. Go over any last-minute instructions, including which items need extra care or attention, and clarify any questions you may have. SDC International Shipping provides professional, experienced movers who handle everything from loading to transport, giving you peace of mind.
During this stage, it’s important to:
- Confirm the details of your shipment and the destination address in the USA.
- Go over any special instructions for fragile or valuable items.
- Review the customs process and confirm when your belongings are expected to arrive.
For any last-minute moving advice, check out our Comparing International Quotes page for tips.
Prepare for Travel
Ensure that all travel arrangements are finalized before the move. This includes confirming flights, accommodation for your arrival in the USA, and transportation to and from the airport. Keep all important documents, such as passports, visas, and travel itineraries, in a secure but easily accessible place.
Consider packing a small carry-on with items that will make the first few days in your new home easier, such as basic toiletries, snacks, a change of clothes, and any essentials you may need before your shipment arrives.
Arrival in the USA
After the long journey, arriving in the USA marks an exciting new chapter in your move. Now it’s time to focus on getting settled, ensuring that your belongings clear customs, and unpacking in your new home.
Customs Clearance
Upon arrival, your belongings will need to go through customs before they are delivered to your new home. SDC International Shipping will handle the customs clearance process for you, ensuring that all required documentation is in order and that your items comply with U.S. regulations.
You may need to provide customs officers with:
- Completed customs forms.
- Proof of ownership for high-value items.
- An itemized inventory of your shipment.
SDC’s expertise in navigating customs ensures that your belongings clear customs quickly and without unnecessary delays. For more information, visit our Customs Clearance Guide.
Delivery and Unpacking
Once your shipment has cleared customs, it will be delivered to your new home. SDC offers full-service unpacking, helping you set up your new living space. Our movers will unload, unpack, and even help you place furniture, so you can settle in quickly and comfortably.
If you have any fragile or valuable items that require extra care, let our team know, and we’ll ensure they’re handled with the utmost caution. This is also the time to check for any damage or missing items and report them immediately, especially if you’ve purchased moving insurance.
Register Your Vehicle
If you’ve shipped a vehicle from France to the USA, it will also need to clear customs before it can be delivered. After delivery, you’ll need to register the vehicle in your new state. Each state has its own registration process, so check with your local DMV to ensure you have the necessary paperwork.
Make sure to have the following documents ready for vehicle registration:
- Customs clearance forms.
- Proof of ownership (title).
- Proof of insurance.
- Vehicle inspection or emissions test (if required).
Conclusion
Moving from France to the USA is a big undertaking, but with proper planning and a detailed timeline, you can make the process manageable and stress-free. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll stay organized and ensure a smooth transition at every stage, from packing and customs clearance to arrival and unpacking in your new home.
With SDC International Shipping, you’ll have the support of experienced professionals who handle every detail of your move, allowing you to focus on settling into your new life in the USA. Contact SDC today to begin planning your move with a personalized timeline and expert assistance.