Countries / United States / Packing guides

Packing for your move to the U.S.

Moving to the United States to study, work or join family means fitting a new life into a few suitcases. Start with the basics every newcomer needs, then choose your state to add the right items for its weather.

General information only, not medical or legal advice. Airline and customs rules change, so check your airline and the official pages linked below before you travel.

Your packing list

Before you go

Check your passport is valid for the whole trip
Tell your bank you're travelling, and carry a card that works abroad
Sort out your phone: a U.S. SIM or eSIM, or roaming
Save copies of every document on your phone or in your email

Documents (carry-on)

Passport with your U.S. visa
Every document the consulate, your school or your employer told you to carry
Paper copies of your documents
Address and phone number of where you'll stay
Prescriptions or a doctor's letter in English

Carry-on bag

Medicines for your first few weeks, in their original containers
Phone and chargers
Plug adapter for U.S. type A/B sockets
Power banks and spare batteries (carry-on only, never checked)
Liquids in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, in one quart-size clear bag
A change of clothes
Some U.S. dollars for your first day

Checked bag

Clothes for your first season
Comfortable walking shoes
A light sweater for cold air conditioning

Leave at home

Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat (declare any food you do bring)
Appliances that only run on 220 to 240 volts
Bulky bedding and kitchen things (buy them after you arrive)

Region guides: Northeast · Southeast · Midwest · Texas and the South Central states · Mountain West · Southwest · West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii. Students: F-1 students and F-2 families.

In your carry-on, not your checked bag

Your passport with your U.S. visa, plus every document the consulate, your school or your employer told you to carry (for example a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for students and exchange visitors).
Copies of those documents, on paper and saved on your phone or in your email.
Medicines for your first few weeks, in their original containers, with a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter in English.
Phone, chargers and power banks. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are not allowed in checked bags.
A change of clothes, in case a checked bag arrives late.

Airport and customs rules

Liquids in your carry-on: each container 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-size clear bag (the TSA “3-1-1” rule). Medicines can be larger; take them out for screening.
Food: declare all food, plants and animal products when you arrive, even if you think they are allowed. Most fresh fruit, vegetables and meat are not allowed. Undeclared items are taken away and you can be fined.
Cash: there is no limit, but if you, or your family travelling together, carry more than $10,000 in total in any currency, you must report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If you don’t, you can lose the money.

Plugs and voltage

The U.S. uses 120 volts and flat-pin plugs (types A and B). Most phone and laptop chargers work on 100 to 240 volts, so a plug adapter is enough. Check the label on hair dryers, irons and kitchen appliances: if it says 220 to 240 volts only, buy a new one in the U.S.

Buy after you arrive

Bedding, kitchen things, toiletries and heavy winter coats are easy to find in the U.S., often at good prices, and they take a lot of suitcase space. Bring enough for the first week, then shop locally, especially for a coat that suits your new city.

Good to know

Temperatures are in Fahrenheit: 32°F is freezing (0°C), 68°F is mild (20°C) and 95°F is very hot (35°C). The travel converter does the maths.
Indoor air conditioning can be cold in summer, so keep a light sweater with you.
Sign up for weather alerts for your new city from the National Weather Service at weather.gov. It’s free.

Official sources

Last checked October 2026.