Relocating can be misinterpreted as a stressful job and perhaps you have had bad experiences in the past, but with APAC Relocation, your moving will be stress free. Our step by step process for relocation will help you know how we can make your relocation safe and easy.

Firstly, it is important to acquaint yourself with laws of the country you plan to move to. In this segment, our guide covers the basic rules of bringing different types of edibles, drinks and medication you may require during the initial months of your stay.

Another important point to note when shipping your items is which category to classify them under. In case your home in the US is not ready to move in, we have plenty of storage options so storing your household goods should not be a problem in the US.

What about your furry baby? If your pet is a dog or bird, you would need to prepare it for the big move while the rules are lesser for cats and rodents, as long as the breeds are not banned in the country.

READ OUR GUIDE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT RELOCATING YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS, PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND PETS

Firstly, you will need to make a detailed list of the belongings you are planning to take with you so you can hand it over if asked by the customs officer. This is called the ‘packing list’. Mostly, if you have owned them for more than one year, you will be allowed to clear them from the customs.

To get help with segregating your household goods and personal goods correctly, click here.

In this segment, we cover:
– Household Goods and Personal Effects
– Storage Options
– Relocating with Pets

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Some of the items that come under ‘household goods’ are furniture, carpets, artwork, tableware, bed linen, instruments, etc.. And they will be exempt from duty if they are meant for personal use and have been used for one year or longer.

You have to make sure that your packing list, for household goods, is detailed in case the customs officer requires you to show the same. Also, you can mentioned as a declaration that your ‘household goods are duty-free’.

On the other hand, personal items also referred to as ‘personal effects’ such as photographic equipment, clothing, etc. are not considered to be household items so may not be duty free. But usually, payments, for items that are used for more than a year, are waived off.

Shipping Household Goods and Personal Effects

Firstly, it is advisable to prioritize your items under ‘take with you’ and ‘to be sent later’ based on whether you need the items immediately on arrival or later on.

We also suggest that, as you pack, keep listing everything (in 2 lists) so it does not become a tedious job remembering later. The US Customs sometimes randomly asks for specific information about any item, so it is best to be prepared with everything.

Once you are ready with your packing lists, you will have to choose your preferred mode of transportation. Air cargo is usually the fastest way to transport your belongings but also the most expensive. Shipments by sea is considered economical, but be prepared for the long duration time before it finally arrives at its destination.

Things you can carry when Moving to the US?

Food
Bakery items, cheeses, candy, oils, vinegars, coffee, tea, honey, nuts and spices are admissible. The following foodstuffs are prohibited or restricted because they are perishable and have chances of being contaminated: various types of meats, dairy products, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables. Agricultural products need to be declared at customs, however, permission will be subject to approval by the US customs.

Medication
Do keep in mind that you need to declare all medication you are importing into the US and note the following:
– It is the law to have a doctor’s prescription or note for all medications entering the US. Prescription medications must be kept in their original packaging along with a valid prescription. In case your medication is not in the original box, you should have a copy of your prescription you’re your doctor’s letter.
– Medical devices and supplies are admissible but also need a doctor’s prescription. It is also recommended to travel with a medication supply that can last for 90 days only.

Money
Any amount of currency, travellers’ checks, money orders, etc. can be brought into the US, though, you would need to declare the sum to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in case the amount exceeds USD 10,000/-.

Alcohol
Generally, a litre of alcohol is admissible as duty-free for travellers who are aged 21 and above. For any amount of alcohol (including homemade wines) above this limit, a duty will be charged. Do note that the laws on alcohol depend completely on the state you are entering.

As long as it is for personal use, and not for sale, the US government does not have a limit on the amount of alcohol you can bring into the country though there are specific regulations for importing certain spirits.

Tobacco
Travellers who are 21 years or above, can bring a maximum of 150 cigarettes and 50 cigars, for personal use only.

Prohibited Items
Items that you cannot import into the US include:
– Liquor-filled candies
– Lottery tickets
– Hazardous items (fireworks, dangerous toys, etc.)
– Narcotics, dangerous drugs, and drug paraphernalia
– Obscene articles and publications

STORAGE OPTIONS

Usually, you may need storage space in the following instances:
– If there are a few items that do not fit into your new house, you can opt for long-term storage and can extend your contract in case you need to store your items safely for an extended period of time.
– If your house is not ready to move in with your items, you can opt for short-term storage. Some companies offer services that include delivering your goods to and from the storage units.
Contact us to help you find the perfect storage location for your goods, with the best security, surveillance and insurance options.

RELOCATING WITH PETS

Do remember that each state has different rules for pet importation, so make sure you check the laws before you start the process. Also, you will have to check on the pet travelling rules, by your transport company.

When planning, do make sure to find out the costs of transportation, getting the right vaccines, certificates and admission documents for your furry baby. Also, help them prepare for the quarantine period, if required.

The main US departments, that regulate the entry of different types of animals into the country, are: The Center for Disease Control (CDC), The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and The US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

All pets are subject to inspection at the port of entry though general certificates of health are not required by the CDC for their importation. If they are suspected of carrying an unsafe illness, there are chances your pet could be examined by a licensed veterinarian or held for observation at your expense. Also, in case they do not look healthy, they can be denied entry altogether.

Dogs
Documentation required would depend on the breed and origin or your dog, your destination and mode of travel. However, you should keep the following in mind:
– If you are traveling from territories with high risk for dog rabies, you must provide a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
– On arrival, dog breeds, like shepherds, collies, etc. that are used to handle livestock, may have to go through a special inspection or quarantine time.
– If you are moving to Hawaiior the territory of Guam, your dog may need to be quarantined for up to 120 days irrespective of the breed.
So, whichever part of the US you choose, the process of getting your dog will be less stressful, for you and your pet, if your dog appears healthy.

Cats
It is always advisable to get the health certificate for your cat, just in case, though there are no specific regulations for the felines entering the US. As long as your cat appears healthy, you are mostly good to go.

Other Pets
Whatever pet you get into the US, you will need to meet all the requirements by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), USDA, FWS and CBP.
If you are bringing your pet bird to the US, you can by providing the necessary documents by the departments mentioned above. 5 birds and more or poultry birds like chickens, ducks, swans, pigeons, etc., do not qualify as pets.
If your pet is a hedgehog or tenrec, you need to submit an import permit, a health certificate issued by a government approved veterinary officer at country of departure and he will be examined at the US port of entry.
While there are no specific requirements for importing pet rabbits, non-exotic reptiles, rodents or ferrets, keep note of the following:
Some states forbid the importation of ferrets completely.
Some tortoises are prohibited from entering the country.
Rodents should not be of African origin.
The importation of amphibians is regulated by US Fish and Wildlife Service.

For more information on travelling with pets, visit the US Department of Agriculture’s website.
While relocating your goods and pets can be overwhelming, we at APAC Relocation can help you from categorizing your belongings to setting them up at your destination safely. Do call us today or contact us on our website.