Moving from The US to Germany

Planning a move from the West Coast to Germany? Chipman Relocation & Logistics is the full-service mover for you. Since 1939, we've helped families and executives relocate across the country and across the Atlantic. Whether you're heading to a flat in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg or a corporate posting in Frankfurt's Westend, Chipman puts nearly nine decades of experience to work so your move to Germany is coordinated and protected.

Whether you're leaving California, Oregon, or Washington, our crews handle every step from origin pack-out through German delivery. Request a quote to get started

Why Choose Chipman for Your Move to Germany?

• History of Success: dependable moving services since 1939.

• Licensed Mover in CA, OR, & WA: moving families since 1927, with the resources and coverage of the most trusted networks in North American relocation.

• FIDI-Accredited International Partner Network: your household passes through a vetted, audited chain of European destination agents, not a random overseas subcontractor.

• Award-Winning Customer Service Coordination: a personal move concierge dedicated to arranging every detail of your Germany move from origin through European delivery.

• Qualified and Safe Crews: every crew member is background checked, drug screened, and health checked prior to every move.

Your Trusted Movers for Germany Relocations

Moving to Germany isn't the same as moving across the country. It involves ocean transport across the Atlantic, German customs clearance under the Übersiedlungsgut (transfer-of-residence) rules, and delivery in cities where narrow streets, permit-only parking, and fifth-floor walk-ups are common. As an award-winning mover, and through our FIDI-accredited international network, Chipman taps a vetted destination-partner chain in Germany, so your origin move and your Berlin or Frankfurt delivery run as one project instead of a hand-off between disconnected carriers.

Household shipments typically arrive at Hamburg or Bremerhaven on the North Sea, then move by truck to the final address. Plan on roughly 3 to 5 weeks in transit for a full-container (FCL) shipment and 4 to 8 weeks for a shared-container (LCL) move.

Our local service centers handle origin work directly, so the crew who packs your home anywhere on the west coast is our trusted teammember, not a subcontractor. From there we coordinate the ocean leg, customs clearance, and destination delivery through our German FIDI partner, giving you one point of contact from start to finish.

What to Know Before Moving From The US to Germany

International moves run on longer clocks and stricter rulebooks than domestic ones. A few things to plan for:

Ocean freight, not air. Household moves to Germany travel by ocean container out of Long Beach, the Port of Oakland, or Sea-Tac. A full container load (FCL) is a 20- or 40-foot container dedicated to your shipment. A less-than-container load (LCL) shares a container, cheaper for smaller moves but slower on both ends. Air freight works for a priority bag or two, but it's cost-prohibitive for a full household.

German customs and Übersiedlungsgut relief. New residents from outside the EU can generally import used household goods duty-free and VAT-free under the transfer-of-residence relief known as Übersiedlungsgut. Goods must have been owned and used for at least six months before the move, and imported within twelve months of establishing residence. The German customs authority (Zoll) publishes the full rules on its English-language site, Customs online, Transferring residence. Our destination partner prepares and submits the customs packet on your behalf.

Anmeldung within 14 days. Every new resident must register their address at the local Bürgeramt (citizens' office) within 14 days of moving in. That registration, the Anmeldung, unlocks everything else: bank account, phone contract, tax ID, health insurance. The City of Berlin's Willkommenszentrum publishes English-language guidance. Book the appointment as soon as you have a signed lease.

Pets. Dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Germany from the United States need an EU-recognized health certificate, an ISO-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a USDA-accredited vet's endorsement. The EU's official pet-travel guidance covers specifics. Chipman coordinates with specialist pet-relocation partners.

Cars. Bringing an American car to Germany is usually more trouble than it's worth. Between the TÜV inspection, headlight conversions, and re-registration, most Americans sell at origin and buy or lease locally.

International Moving Services

From wherever you start on the west coast to wherever you land in Germany, Chipman provides complete international relocation services. We'll build a free quote detailing every leg so you know what to expect on cost and timing.

• FCL and LCL Ocean Freight: a dedicated container or a shared consolidated container, based on shipment size and budget.

• Air Freight for Priority Items: a small shipment that lands weeks ahead of the ocean container.

• Destination Customs Clearance: our German FIDI partner prepares and submits the Übersiedlungsgut packet, tracks release, and schedules delivery.

• Packing and Unpacking: our crews pack; the German partner unpacks, places, and hauls packing materials same day.

• Full-Value Shipment Protection: coverage against the unexpected during the ocean and land legs.

Full-Service International Moves

Chipman is more than just a team of heavy lifters. If you don't want to lift a finger, you won't have to. What our teams handle at origin and destination:

• Appliance Disconnect at Origin: professional disconnection of washers, dryers, refrigerators, and other appliances at your west coast home. German homes run on 230-volt / 50-Hz power with different plug and water fittings, so most American appliances stay behind.

• Specialty Crating: crating and handling for high-value artwork, glass table tops, chandeliers, wine collections, and pianos.

• TV Disconnect at Origin: removal of wall-mounted televisions at origin, with reinstallation available through the German partner where the set is compatible.

• Destination Unpacking Through Our FIDI Partner: same-day unpack, placement, and debris removal in Berlin, Frankfurt, or the surrounding region.

• Halteverbot Permits and Building Coordination: parking permits, elevator reservations, and courtyard access handled by the destination crew before delivery day.

• Auto Transport (Optional): door-to-port car shipping when a vehicle move genuinely makes sense.

International Moves Since 1939

Since 1939, Chipman Relocation has been the trusted moving partner for US families and corporate transferees relocating across the country and across the world. Our Germany moves have delivered families to Prenzlauer Berg Altbau flats, Charlottenburg pre-war apartments, Westend townhouses, and Bad Homburg family homes near the international schools. Every one is different, and we plan every one from the ground up.

If you're planning a move to Berlin or Frankfurt, contact Chipman today. We'll build a coordinated plan around your origin, destination, and timeline.

Ready to Plan Your Move to Berlin or Frankfurt?

The right partner turns a West Coast to Germany move from a logistical headache into an organized handoff between continents. Chipman Relocation & Logistics has been helping West Coast families and corporate transferees relocate since 1939, with the FIDI-accredited coordination, customs expertise, and destination service your Berlin or Frankfurt move deserves. When you're ready to start, request a residential quote and we'll build your plan around your origin and your destination.