Moving from Europe
to the USA
Relocating to the United States from anywhere in Europe? Simplo makes overseas moving affordable and straightforward. Using our groupage service, you share container space with other shipments heading in the same direction — so you only pay for the volume you actually use.
Whether you are moving a studio apartment or a full family home, we coordinate the entire journey: collection, consolidation, sea freight, US customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery.
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Why use groupage for your move to the USA?
A full exclusive container is rarely necessary — and rarely cost-effective — for moves from Europe. With groupage, your belongings are consolidated with other carefully packed shipments moving on the same Atlantic route. The result is a professional, secure overseas move at a fraction of the cost of booking a full container.
Key benefits
- You only pay for the cubic metres you use
- Full itemised inventory preparation for customs
- Professional consolidation at our Rotterdam hub
- Full customs clearance management at the US port
- Door-to-door delivery to any US state
- Optional packing, storage, and insurance services
Transit times — Europe to the USA
Sea freight is the standard method for overseas household moves. Typical transit times from Europe to the US East and West Coast:
| Route | Transit time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Europe → US East Coast (NY, Miami) | 4–6 weeks | Via Rotterdam or Hamburg |
| Europe → US West Coast (LA, Seattle) | 6–8 weeks | Via Panama Canal |
| Europe → US South (Houston, New Orleans) | 5–7 weeks | Gulf Coast routes |
Note: Groupage adds 1–2 weeks for consolidation. Flexible collection dates reduce waiting time. Your final timeline is confirmed at booking.
US customs — what you need to know
Importing your household goods into the United States is straightforward when you are prepared. Simplo manages the paperwork and coordinates with your customs broker at the US port.
What is duty-free
- Used household goods owned for at least 12 months qualify for duty-free import under CBP Form 3299
- Personal effects, furniture, clothing, appliances, and electronics are all eligible
- Vehicles can be shipped alongside household goods in the same container
What is not allowed
- Perishable food, fresh produce, and most meat products
- Plants, seeds, or soil
- Flammable or hazardous materials (aerosols, paints, lighter fluid)
- Weapons or ammunition (require special import licence)
Key documents required
- CBP Form 3299 — Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles
- ISF (Importer Security Filing) — submitted 24 hours before vessel departure
- Detailed itemised inventory list with declared values
- Copy of passport and proof of relocation (visa, employment letter, etc.)
Simplo's team prepares and reviews all documentation before your shipment departs. We work with trusted licensed customs brokers at every major US port.
How your move works,
step by step
1. Get an instant quote
Enter your origin country, destination state, and estimated volume. Our calculator gives you an immediate price estimate for your groupage move to the USA.
2. We plan your shipment
Once you confirm, we match your shipment with others on the same transatlantic route. Your collection date is scheduled at a time that works for you.
3. Collection and consolidation
We collect your belongings from your home anywhere in Europe. They are professionally consolidated at our hub near Rotterdam and loaded into a shared ocean container.
4. Atlantic sea freight
Your container departs on a scheduled service to your nearest US port. We track progress and keep you updated throughout the transit.
5. US customs clearance
Our customs broker handles clearance at the US port. We manage all paperwork and communicate directly with CBP on your behalf.
6. Door-to-door delivery
Your goods are transported from the port to your final US address. Optional unpacking and storage are available if needed.
Additional services
Every move is different. Alongside the core groupage service, you can add:
- Professional packing at your home
- Packing materials supplied in advance
- Short- or long-term storage at origin or destination
- Transit insurance coverage
- Vehicle shipping alongside household goods
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from Europe to the USA?
Groupage pricing is based on volume (cubic metres). Typical moves range from a few cubic metres for a studio apartment to 20+ m³ for a family home. More details can be found in this article. Use our instant quote tool to get a real price for your specific volume and route.
How long does it take to ship from Europe to the USA?
Sea freight typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on your origin and US destination port. Groupage adds 1–2 weeks for consolidation. We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks before your ideal delivery date.
Do I need a customs broker to move to the USA?
Yes — a licensed customs broker is required to clear household goods at a US port. Simplo coordinates directly with a trusted broker at your arrival port. The cost is included in your quote.
Can I ship my car to the USA with my household goods?
Yes. We offer vehicle shipping alongside household goods in the same container. This is often more cost-effective than shipping the car separately.
What European countries do you collect from?
We collect from all European countries. Our consolidation hub is based near Rotterdam, with regular pickups organised across the EU, UK, and beyond.
Ready to move?
Start your groupage quote and get an instant estimate for your overseas move.
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