America (USA) House to House Moving Guide 2026

iMove Transport

Türkiye → America (USA)
House to House Transportation

Reliable intercontinental transportation by sea from New York to Los Angeles

How to Move House from Türkiye to America?

Short answer: House to house transportation from Türkiye to America is not by road due to distance sea ​​container transportation It is made with (LCL or FCL). Average time is 35-55 days door to door (including port transit time + customs clearance). Household goods intended for personal use and used for at least 1 year are exempt from customs duty in the "Used Household Goods" category at the US customs (CBP).

moving to America; Whether for business transfer, immigration visa (Green Card) or education purposes, it requires much different planning compared to European countries in terms of distance and customs procedures. Maritime logistics and port processes are at the center of the process for transportation to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Miami.

How Does the Process Work?

1. Discovery and volume measurement: The m³ volume of the items is determined; For US shipments, volume generally determines the container type (20 feet / 40 feet).
2. Container type selection: LCL (partial container - shared) is preferred for small items, FCL (complete container - single user) is preferred for many items.
3. Professional packaging: Industrial packaging suitable for the humidity and shock conditions of sea travel is made.
4. Port process and export: The goods are loaded into the container from Istanbul or Izmir port, and an export customs declaration is prepared.
5. Sea transit: The container arrives at the destination port (e.g. New York/Newark, Los Angeles/Long Beach) within 25-35 days.
6. US customs entry (CBP): Customs clearance is carried out with the goods list, visa/residence document and "Used Household Goods" declaration.
7. Domestic shipping and delivery: The container is picked up from the port and delivered to the address by land.

Intercontinental Logistics Across the Ocean
End-to-End Tracking Maritime and inland transportation organization from Turkish ports to US ports

US Customs Process: What to Pay Attention to?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires the following requirements for imports of personal items:

• Requirement of being used for at least 1 year: Unlike European countries, in the USA this period is not 6 months, but usually 1 year.
• Detailed and accurate inventory list: The contents of each box must be stated separately.
• Visa/proof of residence: Immigrant Visa, Green Card or work visa document is required.
• Customs duty on new items: Customs duties and taxes may apply to items that have been used for less than 1 year or are purchased new.

An incomplete "inventory list" may lead to additional inspection (physical control) and delay at the port.

Factors Affecting the Price

• Container type (LCL/FCL): FCL is faster and safer but more costly; LCL is economical but duration is more variable.
• Destination port and inland shipping distance: West Coast (Los Angeles) shipments generally have longer transit times than East Coast ports (New York).
• Insurance coverage: Insurance is a more critical cost and assurance item in maritime transportation than in land transportation.
• Clearance/broker service: Customs clearance in the US is usually done through a licensed customs broker, this service may be charged separately.

All Risk Insurance On a Sea Voyage
Full Value Assurance Your belongings are safe during the transoceanic transit process that lasts for weeks

Insurance: Why Should It Be Considered Mandatory for Maritime Travel?

In sea transportation, goods remain in the container for weeks; Humidity, shock and handling risks are higher than on road. That's why "All Risk" comprehensive marine shipping insurance is highly recommended. In the policy:

• Whether there is moisture/damage coverage,
• Whether the container loss scenario (extreme situations such as sinking, falling) is included or not,
• How the damage compensation process works

should be clarified.

Transportation to Popular Cities of the USA

Customs Expertise With Licensed Broker Support
Hassle Free Customs Clearance We speed up CBP processes with a complete "inventory list" and accurate document management

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does shipping from Türkiye to America take so long?

Due to distance, sea route is used; Sea transit time alone is 25-35 days, and when port/customs procedures and inland transportation are added, the total time reaches 35-55 days.

Should I choose LCL or FCL?

LCL (shared container) is economical for studio/1+1 flat furniture. For 2+1 and above household goods, FCL (complete container) is both faster and safer.

Do I need to pay taxes at US customs?

Tax is generally not applied to household items intended for personal use that have been used for at least 1 year; Taxes may arise on new/invoiced items.

Will my belongings wait long at the port?

The standard wait time with complete documentation is a few days; In case of missing/erroneous documents, this period may be extended.

Is transportation risky without insurance?

Due to the duration and nature of sea travel, uninsured carriage is a significant risk; "All Risk" comprehensive policy is recommended.

Common Mistakes When Moving to the USA

• Ignoring the 1-year usage requirement: Unlike other countries, US customs require 1 year of use, not 6 months; This distinction is critical.
• Preparing the inventory list with general expressions: Instead of expressions such as "mixed household goods", the contents of each box should be stated separately.
• Bypassing Customs broker support: In the US, customs clearance is usually done through a licensed broker; Skipping this support may cause delays.
• Choosing sea transportation without insurance: Transport without insurance carries serious risks during a journey that lasts weeks.
• Mixing new/invoiced items with used items

Industrial Packaging Special for Ocean Conditions
Protection Against Shake and Moisture Special packaging standards to withstand long journeys inside the container

Checklist Before Moving

1. Container type (LCL/FCL) determined by volume
2. Confirmation that the items have been used for at least 1 year
3. Preparation of a detailed, box-based inventory list
4. Visa/Green Card document being ready
5. Insurance coverage determined as "All Risk"
6. Customs broker service planned
7. Taking into account the internal shipping distance from the destination port to the address

Practical Notes for Adjusting to Life in the USA

In the US, transactions such as applying for a social security number (SSN), opening a bank account, and signing a lease often depend on your visa status and residential address; Starting these processes in parallel while your belongings are on the road saves time. Since the electrical voltage is different from Türkiye (110V/60Hz), it may be more practical to buy some electronic devices (especially white goods) again in the USA than to transport them.

Additionally, in big cities (New York, Los Angeles) apartment deliveries may require a "moving permit" from the building management in advance; It is recommended that you clarify this detail with your transportation company in advance.

Timeline in Shipping Process

Early and detailed preparation of the inventory list is the most important factor that accelerates CBP's customs clearance process; Incomplete lists prepared at the last minute may lead to additional scrutiny at the port.