Moving stuff to the the states

[maurbrown]

Hi I'm going into the U.S.A. via the TN visa. I will be moving my stuff in a couple of months - some furniture and about 70 boxes. Are there any rules about how I bring my stuff into the country?

Thanks!

[Reba]

Are you moving it yourself with U-Haul or are you hiring a moving company to move it?

[maurbrown]

Hi,

I think I'll be moving it myself.

[Reba]

If you're moving it yourself by U-haul, then all you need to do is make sure everything is itemized, both on the boxes and on a written list.

They may or may not inspect it, but its better to have everything listed in case they ask. And if you do get inspected, make sure you don't have any contraband like pirated CDs or movies or software. They frown on that. And some food items will not be allowed (meat, dairy, etc). Probably most of everything that's in your fridge right now can't go with you.

If you're going to hire a company to do it, your belongings will have to follow you by about a day or so. The moving company will need a copy of your validated visa and a copy of your I-94 and customs declaration form 3299 with your stuff itemized. A moving company cannot take food for you, none at all.