Getting Ready to Move
Packing
Sea Freight
Shipments from Europe take around 25 days to arrive via sea freight and shipments from Africa and the Middle East can take up to 70 days. Add on 4 to 5 days for customs clearance from any destination. What air and sea freight you bring is very much a matter of personal choice.
Air Freight
If you are relocating to Houston in the winter, sweaters and light jackets are useful items in your air freight. Some include their computers and if accompanied by children, extra toys and a few of their favorite items are always worthwhile. Many also choose to include car seats for babies and toddlers in the air freight.
Hand Luggage
Be sure to check the security restrictions of the airline you are traveling with as there will be many items not allowed on the plane (i.e. sharp or flammable objects). Also check the website for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, www.cbp.gov, for a list of items not permitted for import.
Carry all of your personal documents with you in a secure place as you will need them in the airport or within the first few days of your arrival:
- Employment Contract
- Documents or emails sent to you confirming your assignment
- Passports with appropriate visas
- Immunization records
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates
- Documents and letters pertaining to your financial history
- No-claims letter(s) for car insurance
- Legal documents (if you have any) e.g. wills
- Current credit card(s) from your previous location
Traveling With Children
Take a bag with toys and books to occupy them on the journey. Take a change of clothes – accidents do happen! Also, be aware that several planes land at the same time in the afternoon in Houston every day. If you are unlucky, you may have to wait in line for several hours to clear immigration.
Appliances
The voltage in the U.S. is 110-115 volts, so equipment made for 220/240 volts will not function properly, particularly high-powered appliances, including stereo systems, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, etc. However, typically when you rent an apartment or house there will be major appliances such as dishwashers and washing and drying machines.
Regarding other appliances, especially small kitchen appliances, you can either buy these new, which are quite inexpensive in the U.S., or buy a transformer.
If you already have a multi system TV, bring it; multi system TVs and video systems can be found here but are expensive. You may consider bringing your old system just to play your PAL videos. Remember however, that the TV system here is NTSC, not PAL.
For expensive equipment such as computers, you will need to get a surge resistant plug to avoid voltage fluctuations affecting your equipment. Computers are relatively cheap in the U.S. To give you an idea and to make comparisons, please visit www.microsoft.com. Another very good electronics shop in Houston is Fry’s. Plugs are either two or three pinned.
Pets
Dogs and Cats
The USA will accept all types of dogs and cats, there are no banned breeds. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old and you will need the following.
- Rabies Certificate (at least 30 days old but less than 1 year at time of arrival of pet into the U.S.)
- DHLPP Certificate for dogs (distemper shot) and FVRCP Certificate for cats (distemper shot)
- Health Certificate issued by veterinarian within 10 days of departure
There is no quarantine necessary for dogs and cats.
Birds
There are no banned breeds at this time. There is a possibility of a 30 day quarantine depending on species and country of origin. Check with the appropriate government office in origin country. They should be flown through New York, Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco if a quarantine is required.
Other Animals
For all other animals, check with the appropriate government office in country of origin. These procedures can change at any time, so check beforehand.
Tags: air freight, hand luggage, houston, Mckenzie Drake, Moving, Moving Procedures, Moving to Houston, Moving with Children, Moving with Pets, Packing, Sea freight, Suzanne Carpenter, What to pack in a move
