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Moving to the USA from Germany

Moving from Germany to the USA can be overwhelming. From getting a visa to learning English and then how to transport your household goods. We are here to make the move a little easier for you.

At Schumacher Cargo Logistics we have been a premier international removal company for over 40 years. Whether you are moving to the USA for career, education, or family, we have services that will work for any timeframe and budget.

Ready to get your move started now? Fill out our online quote form to get a cost estimate for your move to the USA from Germany.
Moving to USA

How to move to the USA from Germany

Schumacher Cargo Logistics can transport your household goods from Germany to any state in the US. You can choose to pick your items up at the port or have them delivered to your door. Our relocation specialists will make sure all paperwork is in order so all you have to do is receive your goods in the USA.
Your goods will come into the US through one of our six locations.

Schumacher Cargo US Warehouse Locations:

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • New York, NY
  • Miami, FL
  • Houston, TX
  • Savannah, GA

Moving Services to the USA from Germany

Couple moving to USA

Our International Moving Services Include:

  • Door to Door full service moves
  • Enclosed storage
  • Packing and wrapping
  • Pickup and delivery to the warehouse/port from anywhere in Germany
  • Customs clearance and documentation
  • Surveys for accurate quotes of your volume

Cost to Move to the US from Germany

To get the cost of transporting your household goods to the US it is best to start with an itemized list (this can also help with customs). You can use our household goods volume calculator to create a list and help determine the size of your shipment. The actual cost will depend on the volume of your move, the services you choose, and the final destination.

Get a free no-obligation estimate for your move to the USA from Germany using our online quote form. You can also speak with one of our international relocation specialists at 1-800-599-0190.

Move from Germany to USA Transport Methods

Shipping household goods overseas via container is the most popular and cost effective method of moving from Germany. Along with any shipping method you choose our international moving specialists will make sure you paperwork is in order.

The shipping methods available for your move include:

  • Exclusive container service – Your goods will be loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container depending on the size of your move.
  • Shared container service – Also known as a consolidated container for moving your goods from Germany to the US. Shared container services are great if you cannot fill a full container yourself. You can share the container with other shipments that will be going to the same US port. With consolidated container shipping you only pay for the space you use in the container. Make sure you allow for extra time when choosing a consolidated container.
  • Air Freight service – Air freight is the quickest way to move your household goods from Germany to the USA. With this speed comes a higher price. Most times this is reserved for high value items like priceless antiques and art.

Importing Goods into the USA from Germany

When moving your household goods to the US, any belongings that qualify as household effects will be moved duty-free. Items that qualify as household effects are things that are for personal use and that you have used for one year or longer . It can be helpful to make a list of all of the items you will be moving such as furniture, electronics, artwork, linens, etc. incase more information is needed at customs. Personal effects like clothing and jewelry are not household items. If you have any questions our International moving specialists can help.

Planning to Live in the USA from Germany

If you are a German expat moving to the USA and not a returning citizen to the US, things can seem a bit confusing at first. Moving to the USA from Germany can be a major life change, but there are several steps you can take to make the process as smooth as possible

Here are some of the best tips for moving to the USA from German expats:

1. Obtain a visa:

Before moving to the USA, you will need to obtain a visa. There are different types of visas available depending on the purpose of your stay, such as a work visa or a student visa. You should research the different types of visas available and apply for the one that best suits your needs.

2. Research the cost of living:

The cost of living in the USA can vary greatly depending on where you live. You should research the cost of living in the area you plan to move to, including housing, transportation, food, and other expenses. 

3. Find a place to live:

You should start looking for housing before you move to the USA. There are many websites and resources available to help you find housing, such as Craigslist and Zillow. You may want to consider hiring a real estate agent to help you find a place to live. Once you have a place, we can ship your goods from Germany to your new home in the US.

4. Prepare for cultural differences:

The USA has a different culture than Germany, so it’s important to prepare for cultural differences. You should research the customs and etiquette in the USA and be prepared for differences in language, food, and social norms. Even cultures from one place in the US to another can be completely different.

5. Obtain health insurance:

Health care in the USA can be expensive, so it’s important to obtain health insurance before you move. You may be able to obtain health insurance through your employer or through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). There is also international health insurance that covers you both in Germany and the USA, but that type of coverage should be obtained in Germany.

6. Plan for transportation:

The USA is a large country, and transportation can be a challenge. You should research transportation options in the area you plan to live, such as public transportation, taxis, and car rental services. If you have a vehicle, you may want to bring it with you as America has a much larger vehicle culture. Many people are surprised when leaving Germany since the public transit situation is much different in the US.

7. Stay connected:

Moving to a new country can be lonely, so it’s important to stay connected with family and friends. You should consider using social media, video calls, and other technology to stay in touch with loved ones back home. Speaking German isn’t the most common thing and you may miss the native language.

More Info on Moving to the USA from Germany

Our overseas shipping specialists can work with you to help determine the best method of shipment for your time frame and budget. Call us now at 1-800-599-0190 to get started or fill out the moving quote form to get a free estimate for your move from Germany to the USA.

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Schumacher Cargo Logistics utilizes insured, secured and bonded facilities. We provide warehousing, packing, crating, trucking and loading services out of our own warehouses here in the USA - Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, Miami, New York, and New Jersey. All other worldwide destinations are covered by our affiliated organization member companies.