Relocating from the United States to Italy is as much a logistics project as it is a life change. Getting the move right means deciding what to take, how to ship it, how to insure it and how to clear Italian customs without surprise costs or delays.
This guide walks you through each step so you can plan confidently and keep stress to a minimum.
Step 1: Decide what to take, store or sell
Before you look at shipping quotes, reduce the volume you need to move. Use a simple three-way sort:
- Take: high-value, hard-to-replace, or sentimental items you will use in the first 90 days.
- Store: items you want to keep but will not need immediately.
- Sell or donate: duplicates, bulky US-only appliances, and things that cost more to ship than replace.
For help structuring this decision, see our detailed “logistics of moving abroad” and “what to take, toss and store” guides. These cover inventories, photos, and labelling systems that make customs and insurance smoother.
https://www.expertsforexpats.com/advice/relocation/logistics-of-moving-abroad
Step 2: Choose a shipping method
Sea freight is the default for whole homes due to the volume and lower cost than air freight. There are two options when it comes to sea containers:
- FCL (Full Container Load): fastest and most secure, ideal if you’re moving an entire home.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): you share space. Cheaper but typically slower because of consolidation.
Air freight is best for a partial or “essentials” move when speed matters, usually for high-value, low-volume items.
Typical timelines
Allow 8–12 weeks door to door for LCL, 6–10 weeks for FCL and 1–2 weeks for air, depending on season, port congestion and customs. Your mover’s schedule and your paperwork readiness are the biggest variables. Reputable providers publish lead times and build in customs clearance support.
Step 3: Understand customs and duty-free rules for Italy
Italy generally allows duty and VAT-free import of used personal household goods when you are transferring your normal residence to Italy, provided key conditions are met.
In practice, customs will expect to see evidence that you lived outside the EU and that your goods are used and personally owned.
Common conditions include:
- You lived outside the EU, typically for at least 12 months before relocating.
- Goods are used and have been owned for 6 months or more.
- You are transferring your normal residence to Italy and have started your residency registration (iscrizione anagrafica) or can document the move.
- Goods are imported within a time window after establishing residence. Many guides cite 6–12 months, but port practice varies.
Authoritative resources from Italian customs and consulates confirm the principle of duty/VAT relief for personal effects on transfer of residence and explain what “normal residence” means in practice.
Documents you will usually need
- Passport and Italian codice fiscale (tax code).
- Italian address evidence or residency application receipt.
- Detailed, signed packing list/inventory with values.
- Power of attorney for the customs broker.
- Proof of living outside the EU for the qualifying period.
Your mover will provide the exact forms and any port-specific declarations.
Newer operational requirement: EORI in Italy
Since 1 December 2024, Italy requires an EORI number on all household goods shipments, including private moves. Previously, the fiscal code alone was often accepted. Your mover can obtain or validate your EORI and ensure it is formatted correctly.
What is typically excluded from duty-free relief
Alcohol and tobacco, new or commercial-quantity goods and professional equipment not considered personal effects. Bringing restricted items may void relief and trigger taxes or seizure.
Step 4: Prepare for US export formalities (AES/EEI)
From the US side, most household shipments require filing Electronic Export Information (EEI) in the Automated Export System (AES) when the value per Schedule B number exceeds $2,500 or when a licence is required.
Your mover or forwarder usually files on your behalf; you supply data and a shipper’s authorisation.
Step 5: Follow international packing standards
Any solid wood packaging or dunnage must meet ISPM-15 (heat-treated/fumigated, marked, debarked). Professional movers will use compliant crates and pallets to prevent customs holds or re-packing.
Step 6: Decide on insurance
Two common options:
- All-risk (door-to-door): covers loss or damage, typically requires professional packing and a valued inventory.
- Total loss: cheaper but only covers a complete loss of the shipment.
Ask your mover how claims work in Italy and if they handle repairs or settlement locally. Most international removals firms offer dedicated insurance policies for international moves.
Vehicles and other special items
Cars, motorbikes and boats can qualify for relief if owned and used for at least six months and imported within the allowed window, but expect additional documentation, port handling and registration steps once in Italy. Confirm specifics with your mover before shipping.
How to decide what transport options work best for you
1) Volume and value
- If your essentials fit in a few cubic metres and speed matters, consider air.
- If you are moving a family home, FCL often gives better value and control.
2) Urgency
- If you will arrive well before your goods, ask about temporary accommodation and short-term storage.
- If your lease starts soon, prioritise FCL or a split move: air for essentials, sea for the rest.
3) Budget
- Get like-for-like quotes that include packing, origin services, main-haul, destination handling, customs brokerage, delivery, stairs/access, and unpacking.
- Check insurance deductibles, excess charges and claim procedures.
4) Customs readiness
- If you cannot provide residency evidence or you have many new items, discuss the risk of VAT/duty being charged and plan accordingly.
5) Risk tolerance
- For irreplaceable items, choose all-risk insurance and professional export crating.
- Minimise “self-packed” cartons if you want robust coverage.
Italy-specific practicalities you should plan for
- Residence proof timing: Some ports insist on seeing residency steps already underway. Your mover will sequence shipment and arrival to match local expectations.
- Paperwork consistency: Names, addresses and item counts must match across your inventory, bill of lading and customs forms.
- Building access: Narrow streets and ZTL zones in historic centres can require smaller shuttle trucks or additional handling.
- Regional pace: Administrative processes can take longer than you expect. Build buffer time into deliveries, appointments and handovers to avoid avoidable storage or redelivery fees.
Timeline and checklist
Three to four months before departure
- Shortlist accredited international movers. Ask for home or video surveys and all-inclusive quotes.
- Create a room-by-room inventory with values and photos.
- Decide on sea vs air. If split, identify the “first 30 days” essentials.
Eight to ten weeks out
- Book your mover and confirm insurance.
- Start US EEI/AES data gathering and authorisations with your forwarder.
- Gather Italian documents: passport, codice fiscale, lease or purchase agreement, and residency application plans.
- Confirm EORI requirement and application process.
Four to six weeks out
- Finalise the numbered, valued inventory.
- Identify any special crating and verify ISPM-15 compliance for custom crates.
- Book elevator permits or street access permissions if needed at origin.
Packing and load week
- Sign off the inventory and condition report.
- Keep passports, visas, jewellery, hard drives and key documents in your personal luggage.
On arrival in Italy
- Attend your residency appointments and save receipts or protocol numbers.
- Coordinate customs clearance with your mover, provide any extra proofs requested, and schedule delivery.
- Report any loss or damage to your mover/insurer promptly per policy terms.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- New items in the shipment: These can trigger VAT/duty. Buy large new goods after arrival where possible.
- Inadequate paperwork: Missing EORI, incomplete inventory or no residency evidence can lead to holds and storage fees.
- Non-compliant wood packaging: Causes re-packing or delay. Ensure ISPM-15.
- Under-insuring: Very hard to fix after the fact. Choose coverage that matches your risk.
Who to speak to
- Global movers and relocation specialists: For integrated packing, shipping, customs brokerage and delivery in Italy. Our partners at Santa Fe provide end-to-end personal moves and can advise on paperwork, EORI, insurance and timelines. Get multiple quotes and compare like for like.
- Official guidance: For customs rules, rely on Italian Customs/ADM, consular pages, and recognised industry bodies like FIDI for current documentation and eligibility snapshots
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay customs duty when moving my belongings to Italy?
If you’re transferring your normal residence to Italy and your household goods are used and personally owned for at least six months, you may qualify for duty and VAT-free import. You’ll need documents proving residency and previous non-EU residence.
How long does it take to ship belongings from the US to Italy?
Sea freight typically takes 8–12 weeks door to door, depending on the port and customs clearance. Air freight takes around 1–2 weeks but costs more per cubic metre.
What documents are needed for Italian customs clearance?
You’ll need a passport, codice fiscale, Italian address or residency application, a detailed inventory, and proof you lived outside the EU. Since 2024, Italy also requires an EORI number for household goods shipments.
Should I use air or sea freight to move to Italy?
Sea freight is best for full households and offers better value. Air freight suits smaller, time-sensitive shipments or valuable items. Many people send a small air shipment and the rest by sea.
Can I ship my car to Italy when moving from the US?
Yes, cars and motorbikes can qualify for duty-free import if owned and used for at least six months before the move. You’ll need to provide vehicle documents, proof of ownership, and handle registration in Italy after arrival.
Useful resources (further reading)
