Your move to the United States of America
Moving to America means adapting to a country of extraordinary scale and diversity; 50 states spanning six time zones, from the dense urban corridors of the Northeast to the open landscapes of the Mountain West and the coastal cities of California. Whether you are relocating for a corporate assignment, a diplomatic posting, or a fresh start with your family, the practical differences such as housing systems, healthcare, banking, and state-by-state regulations reward careful planning.
The United States is not a single market but many. What applies in Texas may differ from New York or Oregon, and your import customs process is federal while your daily life is shaped locally. That combination of federal formalities and regional variety is why an experienced international mover matters. Gosselin's relocation specialists coordinate moves to America for expats, diplomats, families, and military personnel every year, drawing on 48 offices across 32 countries and a vetted partner network at every major U.S. port of entry.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Your ability to move to the USA depends entirely on holding the correct visa or immigration status; whether an employment-based visa, a family-sponsored category, a diplomatic assignment, or a student visa. Your legal status also affects your customs import: non-residents typically need a stamped I-94 form on file when household goods are cleared.
Critically, you as the shipper must have physically arrived in the United States by the time your goods land at port, or clearance is delayed and port charges accrue. Time your arrival and your shipment accordingly.
Immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm current requirements on the official U.S. government website (travel.state.gov and cbp.gov) or with a qualified immigration attorney before you commit to dates.
The U.S. rental market usually requires proof of income, a credit history, and a security deposit, which can be challenging for newcomers with no domestic credit record. Many landlords accept alternatives such as several months' rent upfront or an employer guarantee.
Opening a U.S. bank account, obtaining a Social Security Number (or ITIN), and beginning to build a credit score are early priorities. These steps unlock everything from phone contracts to car finance.
Costs vary enormously by region. A home in the Midwest bears little relation to San Francisco or Manhattan. Research your specific destination city and consult official state resources for current information.
The United States has no universal public healthcare system, so private health insurance is essential from the day you arrive. Many employers provide coverage as part of a relocation package; if yours does not, arrange a policy before departure.
Medical costs in the U.S. can be very high without insurance, and coverage details such as deductibles, networks, and co-pays vary widely between plans. Understand exactly what your policy covers.
For current guidance on health coverage options, consult the official HealthCare.gov marketplace and your employer's HR team well before your move date.
The U.S. offers public (state-funded), private, and international schools, with public school access typically tied to your residential address, so your neighbourhood choice directly determines your children's school. Standards and reputations vary significantly between districts.
International and private schools are popular with diplomatic and corporate families for continuity of curriculum, though places can be limited and applications competitive. Apply early.
Research individual school districts and check enrolment requirements via the relevant state department of education website. Vaccination records and proof of residency are commonly needed.
The American job market is large and dynamic, but employment eligibility is strictly tied to your visa status. Not every visa permits work, and some tie you to a specific sponsoring employer. Confirm your work authorisation before making plans.
Networking, a U.S.-format résumé, and understanding at-will employment norms all help newcomers settle professionally. Salary expectations and benefits differ from most other countries.
For accompanying spouses, work authorisation may require a separate application. Check current rules on the official USCIS website (uscis.gov) before assuming eligibility.
Moving to the United States with Gosselin
Overseas transport
Overseas transport is the heart of any move to the USA, and the two main options are sea freight and air cargo. For most household relocations, sea freight is the practical choice. You can book a full container exclusively for your goods, or share container space through Groupage (a shared-container service) when your volume is smaller and your budget is a priority.
Air cargo is faster but considerably more expensive, so it is best reserved for essentials you need immediately on arrival; a few boxes rather than a full household. Typical door-to-door transit for sea shipments runs around 3–5 weeks, though the exact schedule depends on your origin, chosen U.S. port of entry, and season.
Gosselin ships into the major U.S. ports such as New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Savannah, Houston, and Los Angeles/Long Beach, and major airports including JFK/EWR, ORD, LAX and MIA.
Professional packing
Professional packing is essential for an overseas move to the USA, where your belongings face weeks in transit, container handling at multiple ports, and the rigours of a long sea or air journey. Poorly packed goods do not survive that environment, and U.S. customs adds its own demands: the inventory must be detailed in English with no vague terms such as 'miscellaneous', and any wood packaging must carry the ISPM-15 mark. Our packing quality is backed by ISO 9001 certified quality management, and our crews document every item so your shipment arrives with a clean customs profile.
Gosselin's packing teams handle every category with export-grade materials and methods designed for long-haul freight
Why Gosselin?
Top-tier overseas moving services
Gosselin is renowned for its top-tier international relocation services, ensuring every move is handled with the utmost professionalism and precision. As one of the most trusted international moving companies, we strictly follow global quality standards, offering reliable support for any USA moving journey. Our certifications and awards in the moving industry further highlight our dedication to service and customer satisfaction. Whether you're an expat in America, a family living in United States, or simply looking for dependable moving services in USA, our team delivers what you need , with care, clarity, and expertise.
Gosselin has a well-established partner network in the United States and years of experience. Not every moving company is also an international moving company. A reliable moving company can be recognized by several factors:
G.U.E.S.T.
Plan Your Move to the USA Today
Planning your move to the USA starts with a fast, accurate quote. And with Gosselin's G.U.E.S.T. remote survey technology, you no longer need to wait for an in-home visit. Book a digital survey at a time that suits you, walk through your home recording your household goods with your smartphone video, and our team assesses your volume remotely.
The result is a precise, personalised quote delivered quickly with no stranger in your living room and no scheduling delays. It is especially convenient when you are already juggling visa paperwork, housing searches, and a departure timeline.
Ready to see what your removals to the USA will involve?
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-Friendly packing materials
- Storage service
- Flexibility
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to America with Gosselin
When a Belgian journalist wanted to return to his homeland after years of documenting the news in Washington and other states, Gosselin managed the move from A to Z. A local agent in New York made sure the volume estimates were correct and the household goods were transported to Ghent where the journalist and his wife were going to enjoy his retirement.
His employer was going to send someone to replace him and asked Gosselin to handle that relocation as well. The new journalist would move to Washington D.C. with his wife and two children. It was a last-minute decision and the family’s first move, so naturally a lot of nerves were involved. Gosselin opted for a combination of sea and air cargo so the family’s essentials were present upon arrival while they waited for the rest of their goods to cross the ocean.
It’s just another example of how Gosselin knows what to do in every situation. Big volumes or small volumes, a first move or a move involving children? We make sure you can focus on what truly matters.
Your FAQs answered
Ready to Move to the United States of America? Get a Free Quote Today!
Start your journey by getting a free, no-obligation quote for your move. Our team is ready to assist you with every step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in USA. Fill out the form below and start planning your move to the USA today.