Moving from Aus to the USA?
It’s a big move. But with Overseas Packers & Shippers taking care of shipping your belongings, moving to the USA from Australia suddenly becomes a lot easier.
And with more and more Australians moving to the states, you want a trusted shipping company helping you through this international move.
We offer all types of shipping options to America. Our shared services depart on average every 12 weeks, and our sole use container and LCL services depart weekly. Air freight services are generally a daily service.
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Moving to America
Moving from Aus to USA marks a life-changing leap. If you are moving to the United States from Australia, you may be chasing new opportunities, fresh starts, or a cultural shift. Whatever your reason, the journey is complex. You will contend with visas, customs, shipping logistics, and adapting to a new way of life. Having a trusted international removalist can make that journey far smoother.
Request a Quick Quote today and let our team take care of your USA relocation.
Why Move to USA from Australia?
There are many motivations that drive Australians to move to the USA. Some want to work in global industries like technology, finance, or media. Others are drawn to the cultural vibrancy, educational opportunities, or the chance for personal reinvention. The United States offers a scale of opportunity that many smaller countries cannot match.
When comparing work markets, especially in cities such as New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and Austin, the scale, growth potential, and access to global networks often stand out. Australia remains beautiful, but for many, the idea of expanding horizons in the USA holds appeal.
Still, the move brings trade-offs, distance from family, adaptation to new systems, and managing logistics for shipping possessions. That is where expert removalists add real value. To find out more, read our article Chasing the American Dream: Is It Worth Moving to America from Australia?
Your Trusted Shipping Company for Moving to the USA
Overseas Packers & Shippers have the skills, experience, and proven processes for moving Australians to every part of the USA. Whether you are wanting to ship your possessions to America’s east coast, west coast, or centre, our team – alongside our trusted global partners – will take every measure to ensure your belongings are shipped safely and on time.
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Our Process:
One of the reasons we have had so much success moving people to the USA from Australia over the years is because of the process we have developed to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Let’s take a closer look at this process:
Get an Estimate:
Fill out our ‘Quick Estimate’ form online with your moving details, and we’ll provide a tailored estimate within 24 hours.
Survey:
Choose an in-home or online survey to get an accurate quote based on the volume of your possessions.
Packing:
Our team will pack and wrap all your belongings for you, ensuring everything is ready for the move.
Shipping:
Receive detailed shipping information once your container is ready, including vessel details and estimated arrival. For the USA, this typically takes between 4-6 weeks.
Customs:
Our team will guide you through the customs process, ensuring all paperwork is correctly submitted on time.
Arrival:
Our international partners will collect your container at the port and deliver it to your new home or a secure warehouse.
Our Partner Networks
Overseas Packers & Shippers are accredited international movers, with a network of partners in the USA to ensure your belongings are collected and delivered seamlessly to your new home.
As members of the prestigious FIDI (Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux) and the exclusive OMNI (Overseas Moving Network International), our team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service. These accreditations reflect our dedication to quality and provide you with peace of mind during your move.
Our memberships allow us to connect with equally high-quality overseas shipping partners through FIDI and OMNI, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for you.
Moving from Australia to the USA can be daunting, but with our professional and welcoming approach, you can rest assured that your move is in good hands. We take pride in our reliable network and the exceptional service we offer, making your transition to a new home as effortless as possible.
Customs Forms
To stay on top of the required customs clearance expectations and responsibilities for the USA, visit the FIDI Customs Guides page today.
FIDI Customs GuidesPreparing for Your Move to America
Preparing for your move to the USA from Australia requires both practical organisation and an open mindset. This is not the kind of relocation that can be pulled together in a few short weeks. To give yourself the best chance of success, it is wise to allow at least three to six months’ notice before your moving date. This timeframe gives our team the ability to schedule surveys, finalise packing, arrange shipping, and guide you through paperwork without rushing. It also gives you the opportunity to complete your own personal checklist, from visa applications to medical cover.
One of the first tasks is securing your USA visa. Applications can take months to process and delays are not uncommon. Without a valid visa you cannot legally enter the country, and if your belongings arrive before you do, there may be storage or clearance issues. For this reason, we recommend you begin your visa process well in advance and ideally have approval confirmed before you make contact with us.
Customs clearance is another area that requires early attention. You will need to declare all belongings you are shipping into the USA. Our team will provide guidance and check your paperwork before it is submitted to our American partners, but the final responsibility for accuracy rests with you. Any errors can create costly delays once your shipment lands.
When it comes to packing, avoid the temptation to box your own goods. U.S. customs are far more likely to inspect self-packed cartons, which often leads to unnecessary delays and higher inspection fees. In some cases, inspectors will unpack and repack items quickly, with little concern for fragile possessions. By having our professional removalists handle every item, you can be confident that your belongings will arrive safely and that they meet international shipping standards.
It is also important to prepare yourself and your family for the lifestyle changes ahead. From healthcare to climate, every state in America is different. To learn more about what to expect in daily life, read our guide on Culture Shock… Moving to the USA. Being informed before you leave will help you adapt faster and settle in with greater confidence.
What to expect when shipping to the USA
As well as providing reliable moving services, we seek to inform you about important factors that may impact your move in each country. The main point to keep in mind when you are shipping to the United States of America is that your items are likely to be inspected.
Whilst you are able to pack your own cartons please ensure that you take a detailed inventory of the items packed in the cartons. Customs will more than likely inspect any Packed by Owner carton which can delay the clearance of your items and potentially include additional charges which are not part of your removal contract.
As a general rule Customs prefer “Packed by Removalist” shipments. Whilst this doesn’t guarantee that Customs will not inspect the shipment it is their preferred packing method.
American Visas
Before making your move to the USA you must have a valid visa in place. If you have no visa when your personal effects arrive in the USA there will be major issues with Customs and more than likely additional charges for items such as storage and administration charges until the items are cleared – if at all.
When moving to the USA the authorities class people in two main groups for visa purposes. These groups are immigrants and non-immigrants. There are several categories within these two main groups and we will give a brief overview of the most important ones below.
If you don’t plan on settling permanently in the USA and you are moving there for a stated, limited period of time you fall under the category of a non-immigrant visa. The sub-categories that fall under the non-immigrant visa depend on the various reasons people might be moving to the country.
If you are planning on moving to the USA permanently you fall under the immigrant visa category. The Green Card (officially called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program) is the most well-known immigrant visa and is highly sought-after. To find more information about this visa, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Other visa categories are for employment-based immigration, EB 1-5. If you have been offered a job in the USA, your prospective employer needs to prove that there are no available USA workers to fill your potential position. They will also need to prove that hiring a foreign employee will not put the wages and working conditions of USA workers in similar positions in jeopardy. There are some people who are exempt from this rule. This includes multinational executives or managers, foreign investors (EB 5), researchers, outstanding professors and people with high-profile achievements in a certain field (EB 1).
If you are immigrating to the USA you will need to register before your arrival as required by The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. This can be done via the Department of Homeland Security on the ESTA homepage. To qualify for entry using a Visa Waiver Program, a valid, machine-readable passport must be presented by every traveller (children inclusive). For nationals of some countries, an electronic passport can be presented.
To dive deeper into this topic, explore our article Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Move from Brisbane to the USA.
Useful Forms:
Topics to Explore: Lifestyle, Culture & Practical Advice
Chasing the American Dream
If you want to explore the motivations, challenges, and real stories of Aussies who make the move, check out our deep dive in Chasing the American Dream – Is It Worth Moving to America from Australia. In that article we examine whether the opportunity justifies the sacrifice, and share firsthand accounts of lives transformed across the Pacific.
Culture Shock & Adaptation
Moving to a new country involves more than paperwork. One shift involves social norms, communication style, tipping culture, pace of life, and more. You’ll find this explored in Culture Shock USA. In that piece we also address healthcare systems and adjusting to U.S. geography and climate.
Planning, Logistical Tips & Timing
Logistics and timing often determine whether a move is smooth or fraught. Our article Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Move from Brisbane to the USA outlines steps you should take months ahead, from visa timing to notifying organisations to booking your accommodation in the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
How to move to America from Australia?
To move to America from Australia, start by applying for a USA visa. Next, give Overseas Packers & Shippers three to six months’ notice to ensure a smooth transition. We’ll handle packing, shipping, and helping you navigate customs forms, providing a stress-free moving experience.
Do you move Australians to every part of the USA?
Yes! Our trusted partners in the USA are capable of transporting your belongings to every corner of the country – whether that’s the east coast, west coast, the country’s centre, or even Alaska and Hawaii.
How long does it take for my belongings to arrive in America?
The transit or ‘on the water’ time for your belongings to arrive in the United States typically takes between 4-7 weeks, depending on the shipping route and any unforeseen delays.
Additionally, please keep in mind that it can take a similar amount of time in addition to this for our team to secure a spot for your container on the ship. If you are using a shared container, the timeframe may vary slightly. Therefore, we recommend allowing ample time to organise your shipping well in advance of your moving day to ensure a smooth process.
Are my belongings going to arrive intact and undamaged?
We take every precaution to ensure your belongings arrive in the USA exactly how you left them in Australia. Our team uses highly reliable packing material and techniques to give your possessions the best chance of a safe arrival. The same is true for our shipping partners in the USA who will deliver your belongings to your new home.
However, we cannot guarantee that no damage will occur during transit. For this reason we recommend insurance to cover any damage to your belongings during shipping.
Also, if your belongings are held up at customs for whatever reason, they may be handled by people without the experience and expertise of a professional removalist. In these cases, there is a small chance of your belongings being damaged.
To avoid such a situation, make sure you are filling your customs forms correctly and following all instructions from both us and our partners. This will reduce the likelihood that your container will be unpacked and inspected.
How much does it cost to move from Australia to the USA?
The cost depends on your volume, departure city, U.S. destination, shipping method, and additional services (packing, insurance, customs). You’ll receive an accurate cost range once we conduct a survey and quote.
How long does shipping from Australia to the USA take?
Sea freight generally takes 4 to 6 weeks, though delays are possible due to customs or port congestion. Air freight is faster (typically under two weeks) but considerably more expensive.
What items can’t I take when moving to the USA from Australia?
Items like fresh food, plants, certain medications, flammable goods, and restricted weapons or chemicals may be denied or require special permits. Always confirm U.S. customs regulations before packing.
Do I need international health insurance when moving to the United States from Australia?
Yes. The U.S. does not have universal healthcare. Without proper insurance, medical expenses can be extremely high. You should arrange health insurance that covers you from arrival.
Should I pack my own boxes or use professional removalists?
Using professionals is strongly recommended. Self-packed boxes may not meet U.S. customs or freight safety standards and are more likely to be inspected, delayed, or rejected.
We take over the complicated process of moving…
Helping our clients pack, organise insurance, liaise with shipping officials on their behalf and unpack at the end of the move.
Learn more about our process
