Move to the USA
Seamless Moves, Expert Care
Planning a move to or from South Africa? At Schmidt Global Relocations, we specialise in seamless international removals worldwide.
Start your move!
Move to the USA
We are specialists in moving to USA
Looking for a trusted removal partner to handle your international move? Schmidt Global Relocations provides safe, secure, and reliable door-to-door transportation of all your belongings from South Africa to the USA.
We understand how important your belongings are and how big this transition is. That’s why our team keeps you informed throughout the entire process and works only with carefully selected partners who meet our high standards of service and professionalism.
Whether you’re moving a full household or only a portion of your belongings, we offer flexible international relocation options tailored to your needs. With our strong and dependable global network, you can expect the same level of quality service in the USA as you receive here in South Africa.
Different freight options to the USA
- FCL (Full Container Load)
This option gives you an entire container for your own household goods. It offers faster transit times and full control over your shipment. Typical delivery times are around 6 weeks to the East Coast (e.g., New York) and 8 weeks to the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles), depending on the final destination. - Groupage Sea Freight
For smaller moves or clients looking for a more cost-effective solution, several families share a single container. This reduces costs but can extend transit times to 10–14 weeks, depending on how quickly containers fill and the final delivery point in the USA. - LCL (Less than Container Load)
Ideal for smaller households. Your belongings are securely packed into a crate or liftvan and shipped as part of a consolidated load. Transit times are usually shorter than groupage, offering a good balance between speed and cost. - Air Freight
If you need your items urgently, air freight is the fastest option, arriving within a few days. This premium service is more expensive but perfect for essential or high-value items you want delivered quickly.
moving to the USA with Schmidt always meets the following expectations:
- Full-service relocation
- Flexible and solution-oriented
Personal Service
An international move – we understand that you don’t do that every day. Fortunately we do. To support you optimally – from the first meeting until well after your move – we work with a personal Move Manager. The Move Manager takes care of everything for you during and around your move. He will keep you informed of the status of your move and is your permanent point of contact. This way you always know who to turn to with your questions and requests. It is our personal approach that makes you feel at home.
- Family business with high customer satisfaction
High Standards
As a family business, we strive for the highest possible customer satisfaction. That is why we work according to high standards. For example, we always pack your belongings within the agreed time and we make boxes available for things that you hold dear and would like to pack yourself. By working with our own people and cars, we guarantee that your belongings are packed, handled and transported with care. And outside the European continent, we work with trusted partners who meet the same high standards as we do. Everything to make your international move as comfortable as possible.
- Personal Move Manager
- Always informed about your move
Perfect Solutions
As a specialist in international removals, safety and security are our top priority. What we also find important? That we deliver perfect solutions to our customers. That is why we provide full-service removals – exactly to your liking, anywhere in the world. Also for last minute requests or “mission impossibles” applies: we bring your belongings safely to their destination. We are flexible and always think in solutions. Schmidt Global Relocations is at your service.
Moving
International
From New York to Washington to Los Angeles
When relocating to the USA, it’s important to be aware of certain items that cannot be imported. These include hazardous substances (such as certain chemicals or dyes), drugs, and products made from protected species. Items like snakeskin, reptile leather, ivory, and anything containing ivory (for example, older piano keys) are strictly prohibited.
Alcohol can be imported, but it’s generally not recommended due to the very high import duties and complex customs process.
Importing motor vehicles is also extremely complicated and costly. Only U.S.-manufactured vehicles and classic cars over 25 years old may be allowed entry, and even then, the process can still be expensive and time-consuming.
Before your goods can be cleared in the USA, make sure you have the following ready:
Copy of your passport
Packing list (your Move Manager will provide this)
U.S. customs documentation (also provided by your Move Manager)
Copy of your visa
Throughout your move, your dedicated Move Manager will guide you through each step, answer any questions, and ensure all paperwork is completed correctly. Our goal is to handle the details for you, so you can focus on starting your new life in the USA.
If you plan to stay in the USA for more than 90 days, you’ll need the appropriate visa. For long-term or permanent relocation, a Green Card is required. This allows you to live, work, and purchase property in the United States, giving you similar rights to other lawful residents.
There are several ways to obtain a Green Card:
• The Diversity Visa Lottery
Every year, 55,000 residency permits are granted through a global lottery system.
• Employment Sponsorship
If a U.S. employer is willing to sponsor you, you may qualify for permanent residency — but this must be arranged by the employer.
• Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
Marriage to an American citizen can also make you eligible for a Green Card, pending all standard immigration checks and approvals.
