THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO

INTERNATIONAL MOVING FOR ISRAEL:

Everything You Need to Know About Relocating Your Life

A comprehensive guide for new immigrants, returning residents, and anyone shipping household goods to Israel

Moving to Israel is one of life's biggest adventures. Whether you're making aliyah as a new immigrant, returning after years abroad, or relocating for work, the question of what to do with your belongings looms large. Do you ship everything? Start fresh? Somewhere in between? And how do you navigate international movers, Israeli customs, and the complexities of getting your possessions across an ocean?

This guide will walk you through every aspect of international moving to Israel—from understanding the invaluable "lift" benefit for new immigrants to choosing the right moving company, packing strategically, clearing customs, and finally unpacking in your new Israeli home.

THE BIG PICTURE: UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION TO ISRAEL

Why Moving to Israel Is Unique

International moves are complex anywhere, but Israel adds special considerations that make it different from relocating to other countries. The distance is significant—whether you're coming from the United States, Europe, Australia, or elsewhere, you're looking at weeks of sea freight and substantial costs. Israeli apartments are typically smaller than homes in North America or Australia, which means you can't bring everything. The bureaucracy involves Hebrew-language forms and processes that can intimidate newcomers. Climate differences mean your heavy winter coat collection may be unnecessary. And electrical compatibility requires thought—Israel uses 220V while North America uses 110V.

But here's the good news: if you're making aliyah as a new immigrant, you have access to one of the most valuable benefits available—the **lift **(מעבר in Hebrew), which allows you to import your household goods completely tax-free. This single benefit can save you thousands of dollars and makes bringing your belongings financially viable.

The Critical First Question: Should You Ship Your Belongings?

Before diving into moving companies and logistics, ask yourself honestly: should you ship your belongings at all?

You should bring your belongings if you're:

ï           Making permanent aliyah and settling long-term

ï           Bringing quality furniture that's expensive to replace

ï           Moving with children who need their belongings for emotional continuity

ï           Shipping sentimental items and family heirlooms that are irreplaceable

ï           Coming from a country where goods are higher quality or more affordable than in Israel

ï           Eligible for the lift benefit (making shipping tax-free)

Consider buying new in Israel if you're:

ï           Coming for a short-term stay (under two years)

ï           Bringing mostly old, worn furniture of little value

ï           Moving into a very small Israeli apartment with limited space

ï           Shipping costs exceed the replacement value of your items

ï           Wanting to travel light and start fresh

ï           Bringing primarily incompatible electrical items

Most people choose a hybrid approach: shipping essentials, sentimental items, and quality goods while buying large furniture and appliances in Israel. This balanced strategy saves money on shipping while preserving what truly matters.

THE LIFT BENEFIT: THE GAME-CHANGER FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS

What Is the Lift?

If you're making aliyah, the **lift **(officially called מעבר - ma'avar) is perhaps the most valuable financial benefit you'll receive. This one-time allowance permits new immigrants to import their household goods and personal effects completely tax-free—no VAT, no customs duties, no purchase tax. Nothing.

To understand the value, consider what you'd normally pay. Israel charges 18% VAT on imports, plus purchase taxes that vary by item type, plus customs duties. For a typical household shipment valued at $20,000, you'd normally pay $3,600 in VAT alone, with total taxes potentially reaching

$5,000-8,000. The lift exemption eliminates all of this, making international shipping financially feasible.

Who Qualifies for the Lift?

**New immigrants (olim) **who have made aliyah and received Israeli citizenship qualify automatically. You have a three-year window from your aliyah date to use this benefit, though extensions are sometimes granted. This is a one-time benefit—you can only use it once, so plan carefully.

**Returning residents **who lived abroad for at least two consecutive years and are returning permanently to Israel may also qualify for similar benefits, though the rules are slightly different.

The critical requirement: items must be used and owned before aliyah, intended for personal use (not resale), and in reasonable quantities for household use.

What You Can Import Tax-Free

The lift covers essentially everything you need for setting up a household. Furniture of all types—beds, couches, tables, chairs, dressers, bookshelves—comes in duty-free. Kitchen items including

dishes, cookware, utensils, and small appliances are permitted. All your clothing, shoes, linens, and towels qualify. Books (no matter how many—bring your entire library), toys, sports equipment, tools, artwork, and decorative items are all included.

Electronics for personal use are covered: computers, laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, one or two TVs per household, stereo equipment. You can bring one of each major appliance—one refrigerator, one washing machine, one dryer, one dishwasher, one stove, one microwave—though given voltage differences and apartment logistics, bringing large appliances is rarely recommended.

What You Cannot Import (or Face Restrictions)

Certain items are prohibited or restricted regardless of your immigrant status. Vehicles face extremely high import taxes (often 70-100% of value) and require expensive safety modifications, making importing cars almost never worthwhile except for classic or very valuable vehicles.

Firearms require special permits that are extremely difficult to obtain and aren't recommended for new immigrants. Narcotics, weapons without permits, explosive materials, counterfeit goods, and endangered species products are completely prohibited.

Food products face restrictions—fresh produce, meat, and dairy products cannot be imported, though processed and packaged foods in reasonable quantities are usually acceptable. Plants and seeds are generally prohibited due to agricultural regulations. Alcohol and tobacco are limited to small personal quantities (one liter of alcohol plus two liters of wine per adult, and 250 grams of tobacco or 250 cigarettes per adult for tobacco products).

Items must clearly be used, not brand new in packaging. Customs officers will check, and new items may be subject to taxes even with lift approval.

The Lift Process: Step by Step

Step One: Apply for Lift Approval Before Shipping

This is critical—you must receive lift approval before shipping your belongings. You cannot apply retroactively. Apply through the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration during your aliyah process or immediately after arrival. If you're making aliyah from North America, Nefesh B'Nefesh will guide you through this process. The approval typically takes 2-4 weeks, so plan accordingly.

Required documents include your Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificate), passport, proof of aliyah date, and your address in Israel (even if temporary). Keep your approval letter safe—you'll need it for customs clearance.

Step Two: Create a Detailed Inventory

Israeli customs requires a complete itemized list of everything in your shipment. This isn't optional

—it's mandatory. Create a spreadsheet listing every item with a description, quantity, estimated value, and condition (used). Organize by room for clarity.

For example:

ï           Living Room Sofa, 3-seater, beige fabric, used | Quantity: 1 | Value: $800

ï           Books, various titles, used | Quantity: 100 | Value: $1,000

ï           Kitchen pots and pans, stainless steel, used | Quantity: 1 set | Value: $200

Be accurate with valuations—use reasonable estimates of what items would cost to replace, not inflated figures. Mark everything as "used" which is required for lift eligibility. Keep a copy for yourself and provide copies to your moving company and customs broker.

Step Three: Ship Your Items

Choose your moving method (we'll cover this in detail shortly) and ship your belongings. Ensure your moving company understands you're using the lift benefit—experienced Israeli movers will be very familiar with this process.

You'll need all documentation ready: Bill of Lading from the shipping company, your detailed packing list, lift approval letter, Teudat Oleh, Israeli ID (if received), and passport.

Step Four: Customs Clearance

When your container arrives at an Israeli port (Haifa or Ashdod), customs clearance begins. Your moving company or customs broker will notify you and submit all required documents to customs authorities.

Customs will review your documentation and may conduct a physical inspection. If selected for inspection, customs officers will open your container at the port and verify contents match your packing list, check that items are genuinely used (not new), and look for any prohibited items. The inspection typically takes 1-3 hours, and you or your representative should be present.

If everything is in order, customs approves your lift exemption and releases your shipment for delivery. The entire customs process takes 3-7 days without complications, though it can extend to 2-3 weeks if there are issues or inspections.

Step Five: Delivery to Your Home

Once cleared, your moving company delivers your belongings to your Israeli address. This typically happens 1-3 days after customs release. You must be present for delivery to inspect items, direct placement, and sign off.

Costs With the Lift

While the lift eliminates taxes, you still pay for the actual moving services. Typical costs include shipping (container rental, ocean freight, etc.), packing if using professional packers, customs broker fees (₪500-1,500 / ~$135-405 to handle the paperwork), port fees (₪500-1,000 /

~$135-270), and delivery from port to your home (₪500-2,000 / ~$135-540 depending on distance).

For a complete household move from the United States to Israel, expect total costs of $6,000-15,000 depending on volume and services. But remember—you're saving $3,000-8,000 in taxes that you'd otherwise pay, making the lift an incredibly valuable benefit.

Critical Lift Mistakes to Avoid

The most costly mistake is shipping items before receiving lift approval. Without approval, you'll pay full taxes and cannot apply retroactively. Always wait for approval before shipping.

Other common errors include including new items still in packaging (customs will charge taxes on these), under-declaring values too aggressively (can trigger audits), missing the three-year window

after aliyah, not keeping documentation organized (causes customs delays), and not understanding what qualifies (bringing prohibited items causes problems).

CHOOSING YOUR MOVING COMPANY: NAVIGATING THE OPTIONS

The moving company you choose will largely determine whether your international relocation is smooth or nightmarish. With costs ranging from $3,000 to $20,000+ and your worldly possessions in their hands, this decision deserves careful research.

Types of Moving Services

Full-Service Door-to-Door (The Premium Option)

This is the most convenient but expensive option. Professional packers come to your home and pack everything for you, providing all materials. They load your belongings, handle all transportation to the port, manage sea freight and customs clearance, transport from the Israeli port to your home, unload and place items in rooms, and can even unpack and remove debris.

The advantages are obvious—minimal stress for you, professional handling reduces damage risk, comprehensive insurance coverage, one point of contact managing everything, and clear timelines. You simply supervise and let professionals handle the logistics.

The downsides are cost ($8,000-20,000+ for a full household) and less control over the packing process. But for families with children, large moves, or anyone who values convenience and has the budget, full-service is worth every penny.

Consolidated Shipping (The Balanced Option)

With consolidated shipping, your belongings share container space with other shipments headed to Israel. You're charged by volume (cubic meters or cubic feet) rather than renting an entire container. The moving company packs your items, consolidates them with others at a warehouse, ships when the container is full, and delivers to your home.

This middle-ground approach costs $4,000-10,000 for a typical 2-bedroom apartment worth of belongings. It's more affordable than a full container, includes professional handling, and offers door-to-door service. The trade-offs are less control over timing (you wait until the container fills up), longer shipping times, and slightly higher handling risk since items are loaded and unloaded multiple times.

Consolidated shipping works well for singles, couples, or small families with studio to 2-bedroom quantities of belongings.

Full Container (For Large Moves)

When you have a full 3-4 bedroom house to move, renting an entire shipping container becomes cost-effective. A 20-foot container holds approximately 33 cubic meters (about 1-2 bedroom apartment contents), while a 40-foot container holds 67 cubic meters (3-4 bedroom house).

Costs range from $8,000-15,000 for full-service with a 20-foot container to $12,000-20,000+ for a 40-foot container. The benefits include better value for large moves, faster direct shipping, less

handling (packed once, unpacked once), and greater security since your items aren't consolidated with others.

Self-Pack Options (For Budget-Conscious Movers)

To save $1,000-3,000, you can pack everything yourself while the moving company handles shipping and delivery. They provide packing materials, you pack over several weeks, they pick up your packed boxes and furniture, and handle everything else.

The catch is the tremendous time and labor investment on your end, risk of damage from improper packing, and potentially limited insurance coverage on self-packed items. This works best for organized, hands-on people with plenty of time before the move who are comfortable with physical labor and want to save money.

Port-to-Port (For Experienced Movers Only)

The cheapest option ships your container from the departure port to the Israeli port—period. You arrange transportation to the port in your home country, handle customs clearance yourself or hire a broker, pick up from Haifa or Ashdod port, and transport to your home.

While this saves money (potentially 30-40% off full-service costs), it requires comfort with logistics, ability to navigate Hebrew bureaucracy, understanding of customs procedures, access to trucks for pickup and delivery, and tolerance for stress. This is not recommended for first-time international movers or anyone unfamiliar with the Israeli system.

Major International Moving Companies Serving Israel

**Allied/Allied Pickfords **is one of the largest global moving networks with extensive Israel experience. They offer comprehensive full-service moves, strong US presence with good European operations, reliable professional service, and extensive insurance options. Expect to pay

$8,000-15,000+ for a full household from the US to Israel. They're expensive but provide white-glove service.

**United Van Lines **(international division UniGroup Worldwide) is another major US-based mover with substantial international experience. They offer full packing and moving, consolidated shipping options, storage solutions, and vehicle shipping. Costs are similar to Allied at

$8,000-15,000+ for full-service household moves.

**Crown Relocations **caters to the premium market—corporate relocations, diplomats, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. They provide VIP services, destination services (help settling in Israel), pet relocation, and white-glove treatment throughout. Expect premium pricing of

$10,000-25,000+ for full household moves, but you receive exceptional service.

**AGS Movers **is European-based with growing US presence, particularly strong for Europe-to-Israel moves. They offer competitive pricing (€3,000-10,000 from Europe, $6,000-12,000 from US) with professional service. If moving from the UK, France, or elsewhere in Europe, AGS is worth getting a quote from.

**Seven Seas Worldwide **specializes in more affordable international moves with their unique "MoveCube" system—portable containers delivered to your door that you pack yourself, which they then ship. This DIY-friendly approach costs $2,000-6,000 depending on volume, making it excellent for smaller moves and budget-conscious movers who don't mind doing the packing work.

Israeli Moving Companies Specializing in International Moves

Many olim prefer working with Israeli moving companies that specialize in international relocations. These companies understand Israeli customs intimately, know the lift process thoroughly, have English-speaking staff familiar with olim concerns, and often provide competitive pricing.

**Ball Moving and Storage **is one of the most recommended companies in the olim community. As an Allied/Atlas agent in Israel with decades of experience, they specialize in international moves to and from Israel, excel at lift coordination for new immigrants, and provide full-service packing, shipping, customs clearance, and destination services. Expect $7,000-13,000 from the US or

€4,000-9,000 from Europe. Their reputation among olim is excellent—reliable, communicative, professional.

**Mermaid International **offers door-to-door moving, lift services for olim, storage solutions, and pet relocation. They're an established Israeli company with similar pricing to Ball and good reviews for customer service.

**Jordan River Movers **is particularly strong with North American moves and has a good reputation in religious communities. This family-owned business provides personal service, reasonable pricing ($6,000-11,000 from US), and knows the Jewish community well.

**Aviv Overseas **focuses on North American-Israel moves with fair pricing and helpful staff. They're well-regarded in the olim community with smooth processes and good communication.

The advantage of Israeli movers is their intimate knowledge of Israeli customs regulations, the Hebrew bureaucracy, local delivery logistics (they understand narrow staircases and small elevators), and port procedures at Haifa and Ashdod. The potential disadvantage is less direct control at your origin location since they partner with foreign companies for pickup, though this rarely causes problems with reputable firms.

How to Choose: Your Decision Framework

Start by getting multiple quotes—minimum three, mixing international companies with Israeli firms. Compare not just price but services included, company reputation and reviews, specific experience with Israel, communication quality, insurance coverage, and estimated timelines.

Questions to ask every company:

ï           How many moves to Israel do you handle annually?

ï           What experience do you have with the lift (olim) process?

ï           What's included in your quoted price? (Get a detailed breakdown)

ï           What's NOT included? (Watch for hidden fees)

ï           How do you handle customs clearance?

ï           What insurance coverage do you offer?

ï           What's your timeline estimate door-to-door?

ï           Can you provide references from recent customers?

ï           What happens if there are delays or damage?

Red flags to watch for:

ï           Quotes significantly lower than competitors (too good to be true)

ï           Unwilling to provide detailed breakdowns

ï           Pressure to commit immediately without time to review

ï           No written contract or vague terms

ï           Poor online reviews or unresolved complaints

ï           No demonstrable experience with Israel

ï           Evasive answers to direct questions

Remember—this isn't like buying a commodity where the cheapest option makes sense. Your possessions, your peace of mind, and thousands of dollars are at stake. The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive when hidden fees emerge, damage occurs, or the company provides terrible service. Value equals quality plus service plus price.

WHAT TO BRING: THE STRATEGIC PACKING DECISION

One of the most agonizing decisions is what to bring versus what to leave behind or buy new in Israel. This requires honest assessment of your belongings, understanding of Israeli apartments and lifestyle, and strategic cost-benefit analysis.

Definitely Bring: The No-Brainer Category

**Sentimental and Irreplaceable Items **top the list. Family heirlooms, photo albums, videos, artwork, children's special belongings, religious items, and anything with emotional value should come with you. These cannot be replaced at any price.

**Books **are expensive in Israel, especially English-language books. Your personal library, children's books, academic references, and special editions should all be shipped. Yes, books are heavy, but they're worth the shipping cost.

**Quality Furniture **you already own should come if it's solid wood, comfortable couches, good mattresses (considering size compatibility), office furniture, and dining sets. Quality furniture in Israel is expensive, and if you own good pieces, bring them.

**Kitchen Items **you love—quality pots and pans (Le Creuset, All-Clad, etc.), stand mixers and food processors you use regularly, specialized equipment for your cooking style, and nice dish sets (carefully packed)—should make the journey.

**Electronics and Computers **that are dual voltage or 220V compatible should come. Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras and equipment, external monitors, and gaming systems (check region compatibility) all work fine with simple plug adapters.

**Children's Items **are essential for emotional continuity. Clothing, toys, books, educational materials, baby gear (strollers, car seats—check Israeli standards), and school supplies help kids adjust.

**Clothing and Shoes **of all types should come, especially if you wear hard-to-find sizes in Israel or have quality items. Bring your entire wardrobe, quality shoes, formal wear, specialty items, outdoor gear, and winter coats (lighter than you'd need in very cold climates, but needed for Israeli winters).

Probably Bring: The Situational Category

**Small Appliances **require voltage consideration. If they're dual voltage (110-240V) or 220V, bring them. Quality stand mixers, espresso machines, and high-quality blenders justify shipping.

However, if they're 110V-only appliances from the US, you'd need heavy, expensive voltage converters that often don't work well long-term. For cheap 110V appliances, leave them behind and buy 220V versions in Israel.

**TVs **are complicated. Israeli TV uses PAL/DVB-T (European system) while US TVs use ATSC. US TVs won't work with Israeli broadcast television, but they work fine for streaming Netflix, Disney+, etc. Large quality TVs (55"+) might be worth shipping if you primarily stream. Small or medium TVs are inexpensive enough in Israel that buying new makes more sense.

**Area Rugs **are worth bringing if you own beautiful, high-quality rugs—they're expensive in Israel. However, they're heavy and bulky to ship. Measure your Israeli apartment first to ensure they'll fit, as rooms are smaller.

**Decorative Items **you love—wall art, paintings, mirrors, decorative objects, holiday decorations—should come if they're meaningful to you. These make a house feel like home.

Probably Leave Behind: The Don't-Ship Category

**Large Appliances **should almost never be shipped. Refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and stoves face multiple problems: apartments often come with appliances included, voltage incompatibility (US appliances are 110V), different sizes and styles (European-style appliances), different plumbing and gas connections, and extremely high shipping costs. You can buy quality appliances in Israel for ₪1,500-3,000 (~$405-810), far less than shipping costs.

**IKEA and Cheap Furniture **isn't worth the shipping cost. Particle board bookcases, inexpensive items, and low-value furniture (under $500 and mediocre quality) should be left behind. IKEA exists in Israel with similar prices, and you can find used furniture on Yad2 and Facebook Marketplace.

**Dangerous Goods **cannot be shipped: flammable items (fuel, chemicals, aerosols), pressurized containers, batteries (lithium batteries restricted), perishables, plants and seeds, and many cleaning products.

**Incompatible Items **will cause frustration: 110V-only appliances without converters, plants (prohibited), vehicles (import taxes make this almost never worthwhile except for classic cars), and American King/Queen beds if you want to easily find bedding in Israel.

The Bed Size Dilemma

Israeli and American bed sizes differ, causing confusion for many olim. Israeli beds use metric measurements: Single (90cm x 190cm / ~35" x 75"), Israeli Double (120cm x 190cm / ~47" x 75"), Queen/Malka (140cm x 190cm / ~55" x 75"), King (160cm x 190cm / ~63" x 75"), and Super King (180cm x 200cm / ~71" x 79").

American sizes are: Twin (39" x 75" / 99cm x 190cm), Full/Double (54" x 75" / 137cm x 190cm), Queen (60" x 80" / 152cm x 203cm), King (76" x 80" / 193cm x 203cm), and California King (72" x 84" / 183cm x 213cm).

The problem: American Queen and King beds are both wider and longer than their Israeli equivalents, making bedding difficult to find. Israeli stores carry Israeli sizes, and your American sheets won't fit.

The solution depends on your situation. If you have Twin or Full beds, bring them—they're close enough to Israeli sizes that bedding works. If you have high-quality mattresses you love, bring them but accept that finding sheets will be harder (specialty stores exist). If you have standard King/ Queen beds, consider buying new in Israel and adjusting to Israeli sizes for easier bedding shopping.

Electrical Compatibility: The Voltage Question

Israel uses 220V electricity at 50Hz with Type H plugs (unique 3-pin Israeli design, though European Type C 2-pin plugs often work). The United States uses 110V at 60Hz with Type A/B plugs. Europe uses 220-230V at 50Hz.

**What works with just a plug adapter: **Modern electronics labeled "110-240V" or "100-240V" on the power adapter. This includes virtually all laptops, phone chargers, tablets, cameras and battery chargers, and many modern appliances. Check the label—if it says "100-240V Input," you just need a simple plug adapter costing ₪20-50 (~$5-14).

**What requires a voltage converter: **110V-only appliances from the US need heavy, expensive converters ($50-200+). This includes most hair dryers and straighteners (unless dual voltage), older kitchen appliances, power tools, and some audio equipment. These converters are bulky, inefficient for long-term use, and often don't work well with high-wattage items.

**What you should just buy new in Israel: **Cheap 110V appliances like hair dryers (₪100-300 /

~$27-81 for a good one), coffee makers, toasters, and small kitchen appliances. It's easier and more reliable to buy 220V versions than deal with converters.

Climate Considerations: Adjusting Your Wardrobe

Israel has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (June-September) and mild, rainy winters (November-March). Tel Aviv rarely drops below 10°C (50°F) in winter. Jerusalem gets colder and occasionally sees snow. Northern mountains can be quite cold.

**You don't need: **Heavy winter parkas, snow boots, snow equipment (except for trips to Mount Hermon), de-icing tools, or multiple layers of extreme cold-weather gear.

**You do need: **Summer clothing (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses), sun protection (hats, sunglasses), light layers for winter (sweaters, light jackets, rain jacket), one warm coat for Jerusalem/northern winters, rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket), and beach items if living on the coast.

Adjust your wardrobe accordingly. Donate or sell heavy winter items unless you're moving to Jerusalem or northern Israel. Bring your summer wardrobe and light layers for the mild winter.

Measuring Your Israeli Apartment

Before shipping furniture, measure your Israeli apartment carefully—if possible, visit it before your shipment departs. Israeli apartments are significantly smaller than American houses. A typical 2-bedroom apartment is 70-90 square meters (753-969 square feet), while American houses often span 1,500-3,000+ square feet.

Measure doorways, hallways, stairwells, and elevators. Older Israeli buildings have narrow staircases and small elevators (or no freight elevator). Your large American sectional sofa might not

physically fit through the doorway or up the stairs, regardless of whether there's room in the apartment.

Israeli movers are experienced and can often disassemble and reassemble furniture, but massive pieces may simply not fit. Be realistic about space constraints and building access.

PACKING: THE ART AND SCIENCE

Whether you're packing yourself or hiring professionals, understanding proper packing techniques protects your belongings and saves money on damage claims.

Professional Packing vs. DIY

Professional packers are fast (often completing a full house in 1-2 days), use proper techniques that minimize damage, are insured if they pack it, and require no effort from you beyond supervision.

However, they cost $500-3,000+ depending on volume, give you less control over how items are organized, may pack things you'd prefer to handle personally, and could pack items you meant to discard.

Self-packing saves that $1,000-3,000 but requires weeks of your time and labor, carries risk of damage from improper packing (which insurance may not cover), and can be physically exhausting. Many families choose a hybrid approach: self-pack most items (clothing, books, general household goods) while paying professionals to pack fragile and valuable items (dishes, glassware, artwork, mirrors, electronics).

Essential Packing Supplies

You'll need cardboard boxes in various sizes. Small boxes work for books and heavy items (don't overload—maximum 50 lbs/23 kg per box). Medium boxes handle kitchen items and general household goods. Large boxes are for linens, pillows, and lightweight items only. Wardrobe boxes with hanging bars transport hanging clothes wrinkle-free. Specialty boxes protect dishes, glasses, and artwork.

How many boxes? A studio apartment needs 20-40 boxes, a 1-bedroom needs 40-60, a 2-bedroom needs 60-100, a 3-bedroom needs 100-150+, and a 4-bedroom house needs 200+. Always overestimate—you'll use them.

Beyond boxes, gather packing paper (newsprint or white paper), bubble wrap for fragile items, packing peanuts for filling voids, foam sheets for flat items like mirrors, high-quality packing tape and a tape dispenser, permanent markers for labeling, labels or colored stickers for room coding, plastic wrap for furniture and drawers, and furniture blankets to protect large items.

You can buy these supplies from moving companies (often included or discounted), hardware stores, office supply stores, or online retailers. Budget $200-800 for a full household of materials.

Packing Techniques by Item Type

**Books **are deceptively heavy. Use only small boxes, pack spines alternating to distribute weight, fill completely but don't overpack beyond 50 lbs, and never put books in large boxes (they'll be impossibly heavy or the box will collapse).

**Dishes and Glassware **require special care. Wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Pack plates vertically (standing on edge) rather than stacked flat—they're less likely to break this way. Pack glasses upright with paper filling the inside and wrapped on the outside. Fill all voids with crumpled paper so nothing shifts. Mark boxes "FRAGILE" on top and all sides.

**Electronics **should go in original boxes if you kept them—they're designed for the items. Otherwise, wrap extensively in bubble wrap, protect screens and corners especially well, bundle and label all cables, pack items snugly but cushioned, and consider carrying laptops and tablets in your luggage rather than shipping.

**Clothes **can go in wardrobe boxes (hanging items stay wrinkle-free) or folded in regular boxes. Use vacuum bags to compress bulky items like winter coats. Fill suitcases and duffels with clothes to maximize space.

**Furniture **should be disassembled when possible (beds, tables, etc.). Keep all hardware in labeled plastic bags taped to the furniture piece. Take photos during disassembly to guide reassembly.

Remove cushions and pack separately. Wrap furniture in blankets or plastic wrap. Protect corners and edges. Empty drawers—they're too heavy when full.

**Fragile and Valuable Items **need maximum protection. Use bubble wrap generously, double-box very fragile items (pack in one box, then place that box inside a larger box with cushioning between), mark "FRAGILE" clearly on multiple sides, pack tightly with no movement inside, and consider professional packing for irreplaceable items. Take photos of valuable items before packing as documentation.

Labeling: Your Sanity-Saving System

Every box needs clear labels on top and at least one side (so you can read them when stacked). Include the destination room (Kitchen, Master Bedroom, Kids Room, Living Room), general contents (Books - Fiction, Kitchen - Everyday Dishes, Clothes - Winter), fragile warnings if applicable, priority level (Priority 1 = need immediately, Priority 2 = need soon, Priority 3 = can wait), and box number (Box 15 of 120).

Consider color-coding by assigning a color to each room and using colored stickers or markers. This helps movers place boxes in correct rooms quickly.

Create a master inventory spreadsheet listing every box number, its room destination, contents, and approximate value. This is critical for customs and insurance, helps you locate items in Israel, and gives you peace of mind that nothing is lost.

What to Pack Last and Keep Accessible

Create an "essentials box" that goes on the truck last (so it comes off first) or better yet, keep it with you in your luggage. This box should contain items you'll need immediately upon arrival before you've unpacked: bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets), towels, basic dishes and utensils, coffee maker or kettle, toiletries, toilet paper and paper towels, medications, phone chargers and plug adapters, basic tools (screwdriver, hammer), cleaning supplies, and flashlight.

Keep critical documents in your carry-on luggage, never in the shipment: passports, Teudat Oleh, moving company contracts, inventory list, insurance papers, financial documents, medical records, children's school records, and valuable items like jewelry.

INSURANCE: PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

Don't skimp on insurance. The basic carrier liability included in shipping contracts is grossly inadequate—typically $0.60 per pound per item. If your 50-pound dining table worth $1,000 is damaged, you'd receive $30. That's unacceptable.

Full-Value Protection: The Right Choice

Purchase full-value protection insurance, which covers repair, replacement, or full compensation for damaged items. This costs 1-3% of your declared shipment value (so a $20,000 shipment would cost $200-600 to insure), typically includes a deductible of $250-500, and covers accidental damage during packing, loading, transit, and unloading, loss of entire shipment or individual items, theft in transit, and some natural disasters.

What's not covered: acts of war, your own negligence, improper packing if you packed yourself, normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, insects or vermin, items excluded from coverage (sometimes very valuable art, certain electronics), and electrical or mechanical failure unrelated to the move.

Determining Your Declared Value

Calculate the total replacement value of your shipment—what it would cost to buy everything new today. Be realistic, not inflated or deflated. A typical 3-bedroom house contents might be valued at

$20,000-50,000, a 2-bedroom apartment at $15,000-30,000, and a 1-bedroom at $10,000-20,000.

Create an inventory of high-value items with photos and receipts if available. Document everything before shipping with photographs from multiple angles, video walkthrough of your home, detailed written inventory, and receipts for expensive items.

Filing Claims

If items are damaged, act immediately. Note damage on the delivery receipt at time of delivery—this is critical for claims. Take photos of damage right away. Don't discard damaged items yet.

Inform the moving company within 24-48 hours in writing (email creates a record).

Submit your formal claim within the timeframe specified in your contract (usually 30-90 days) with photos of damage, photos showing original condition (if you took them), receipts or proof of value, repair estimates from qualified professionals, and your detailed inventory list.

Be persistent and thorough in following up. Claims can take weeks or months to resolve, but documented evidence and organized communication increase your chances of fair settlement.

THE TIMELINE: FROM PLANNING TO UNPACKING

Months Before Your Move

**Six months before aliyah, **start researching moving companies. Read this guide, join Facebook groups for olim, ask others about their experiences, and begin getting preliminary quotes. Start decluttering—donate, sell, or discard items you won't bring. This process takes longer than you think.

**Three to four months before, **apply for lift approval immediately. Don't wait—this takes 2-4 weeks. While waiting for approval, finalize moving company quotes and choose your mover. Book your preferred dates early, especially if moving in summer (peak season). Begin serious organizing and early packing of items you won't need before the move.

**Two months before, **order packing materials if self-packing. Create your detailed inventory list. Continue packing non-essential items. Confirm your apartment situation in Israel or arrange temporary storage if needed. Schedule utility disconnections in your home country for after your move date.

**One month before, **pack most belongings except essentials. Keep only what you need for the final weeks accessible. Confirm all details with your moving company in writing—dates, services, costs, insurance. Finalize your lift paperwork. Prepare all documents for customs in organized folders with copies.

**One week before moving day, **pack everything except absolute essentials. Prepare your "essentials box" for first days in Israel. Clean your home. Do a final walkthrough. Confirm moving day details with the company. Keep all important documents with you, not in the shipment.

**Moving day **is intense but exciting. Be present for packing and loading even if you hired packers—you need to supervise and verify inventory. Check items as they're loaded and listed on inventory sheets. Sign documents carefully and keep copies of everything. Take photos of items as they go on the truck. Get your Bill of Lading and guard it—this is your proof of ownership.

The Transit Period

Your belongings will be at sea for 4-12 weeks depending on origin. From the US East Coast or Europe, expect 6-8 weeks total door-to-door. From the US West Coast, expect 8-12 weeks. From Australia or Asia, expect 10-14 weeks.

During this time, settle into temporary accommodation in Israel, gather your Israeli documents (Teudat Oleh, ID, etc.), coordinate with your moving company about customs documentation, prepare your permanent apartment (or arrange storage), and be patient—delays happen due to port congestion, customs processing, holidays, weather, and strikes.

Customs Clearance in Israel

When your container arrives at Haifa or Ashdod port, your moving company or customs broker will notify you (usually 1-3 days after arrival). You'll provide all required documents: Bill of Lading, detailed packing list, Teudat Oleh, Israeli ID (if received), lift approval letter, and passport.

Customs reviews documents (1-2 days) and may select your shipment for physical inspection (random selection). If inspected, officers will open your container at the port, verify contents match your packing list, check that items are used (not new), and look for prohibited items. This takes 1-3 hours and you or your representative should be present.

With no issues, expect 3-7 days from arrival to customs clearance. With inspection, add another 2-3 days. Problems or discrepancies can extend this to 2-4 weeks. Once cleared, your shipment is released for delivery.

Delivery Day in Israel

Your moving company will contact you to schedule delivery, typically 1-3 days after customs clearance. You must be present. Before delivery day, coordinate with your building manager (Va'ad Bayit) to reserve the elevator if available, confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck, check if there are delivery hour restrictions, and notify neighbors.

On delivery day, movers will unload items, carry them to your apartment (navigating narrow stairs and small elevators with impressive skill), place items in designated rooms based on your labels, assemble furniture that was disassembled, and remove packing materials and debris.

A small move takes 2-4 hours. A large move can take 4-8+ hours. Inspect items as they're unloaded and note any damage immediately on the delivery receipt. This is your only chance to document damage for claims.

Tipping is customary in Israel—₪100-200 (~$27-54) per mover for good service is standard, more for particularly difficult moves involving many stairs or heavy items.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS: NAVIGATING ISRAELI LOGISTICS

The Building Challenge

Israeli buildings, especially older ones, present physical challenges that American or Australian movers never face. Many buildings have narrow staircases (sometimes only 80cm/31 inches wide), small elevators that may hold only 2-3 people and certainly not large furniture, no freight elevators at all, multiple flights of stairs, and sometimes tight building entrances.

Israeli movers are experienced professionals who navigate these challenges daily. They'll disassemble furniture when necessary, carry pieces vertically up narrow staircases, hoist furniture through windows when needed (not uncommon), and use sheer muscle and ingenuity to get items inside. However, truly massive furniture may simply not fit. Measure your largest pieces and compare to building access before shipping.

Before delivery, contact your building's Va'ad Bayit (building committee/manager). Reserve the elevator if there is one—some buildings require advance scheduling. Arrange parking for the moving truck—narrow Israeli streets make this challenging. Check if there are restrictions on delivery hours—some buildings limit moving to certain days or times. Get contact information and warn neighbors that moving day will be busy and potentially noisy.

Shabbat and Holiday Considerations

Israel shuts down for Shabbat (Friday afternoon through Saturday night) and Jewish holidays. No deliveries occur, ports are closed, customs offices are closed, and moving companies don't work. This can extend your timeline significantly.

Jewish holidays to be aware of: Rosh Hashanah (September, 2 days), Yom Kippur (September, 1 day), Sukkot (October, about 10 days including intermediate days), Chanukah (December, 8 days but work continues), Purim (February/March, 1 day), Passover (March/April, about 10 days), and Shavuot (May/June, 1 day). Check the Hebrew calendar when planning your move and build buffers around holidays.

Storage Solutions

Sometimes you need temporary storage—your shipment arrives before your apartment is ready, you're between apartments, you can't fit everything and need to decide what to keep, or you're waiting to determine your permanent location.

Storage at the port is available but expensive (₪50-100/day) and only suitable for very short-term. Moving company warehouses offer storage for ₪500-1,500/month (~$135-405), are safe and insured, and can store your full container or selected items. Self-storage facilities are growing in Israel with climate-controlled units, various sizes, and flexible terms for ₪400-2,000/month (~$108-540) depending on size.

Avoid storage if possible by timing your apartment lease to coincide with shipment arrival. If storage is necessary, keep it short-term (1-3 months maximum) as costs accumulate quickly.

Seasonal Timing

Summer (June-August) is peak moving season when families relocate for the school year. Expect highest demand and prices, limited availability (book early), hot weather that makes the physical work harder, and longer wait times for consolidated shipments. Fall (September-November) after the Jewish holidays offers good weather, moderate demand and pricing, and easier scheduling.

Winter (December-February) provides the lowest rates, coolest weather for moving, but rainy conditions that can cause delays. Spring (March-May) has pleasant weather and moderate demand, though Passover in April often causes disruptions.

For best rates and availability, avoid summer and major holidays. For best weather, choose fall or spring.

ALTERNATIVE SHIPPING METHODS

While most people use traditional moving companies, other options exist for specific situations.

Excess Baggage and Air Freight

If you have a very small move, shipping extra luggage on your flight can work. Airlines charge

$100-300 per overweight bag, or you can use airline cargo services at $5-15 per kilogram. The advantage is speed—items arrive with you or shortly after. The disadvantage is expense—prohibitively costly for any significant volume.

Air freight for urgent items costs approximately the same ($5-15/kg) but delivers in 5-10 days. This works for important documents, urgent items, or time-sensitive shipments but costs 5-10 times more than sea freight. It's not practical for full household moves.

Parcel Services

FedEx, UPS, and DHL can ship individual boxes internationally for $50-200 per box depending on weight and size. This provides fast delivery (1-2 weeks), reliable tracking, and door-to-door service. However, costs add up quickly for multiple boxes, you pay full VAT and duties (no lift exemption applies), and there are weight/size limits per box.

Use parcel services only for a few boxes to supplement your main shipment or for urgent items that can't wait for the container.

The DIY Container Approach

For the extremely budget-conscious and logistics-savvy, you can rent a container directly from a freight forwarder, pack it yourself at your home, arrange port-to-port shipping, clear customs yourself, and handle delivery from the port. This can save 30-50% compared to full-service moves.

However, this requires comfort with complex logistics, ability to navigate Hebrew bureaucracy, understanding of customs procedures, access to trucks for transport, and high tolerance for stress. You'll need to pack a 20-foot or 40-foot container properly, which takes considerable skill to maximize space and protect items.

This is not recommended for first-time international movers, families with children, anyone unfamiliar with Israeli systems, or anyone who values their time and sanity. But for experienced, DIY-oriented people with more time than money, it's an option.

CRITICAL MISTAKES TO AVOID

Learn from others' errors. The most expensive mistake is shipping before receiving lift approval. Without approval, you'll pay thousands in taxes you could have avoided. Always wait for written approval before shipping anything.

Don't choose your mover based solely on price. The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive through hidden fees, damaged belongings, poor service, and delivery nightmares. Research reputation, read reviews, and value quality service.

Create an accurate, detailed inventory. Vague packing lists cause customs delays, insurance claim denials, and tax complications. Invest the time to document everything properly.

Don't skip adequate insurance. Relying on basic carrier liability is gambling with your belongings. Spend the 1-3% for full-value protection—it's worth every penny if damage occurs.

Avoid shipping incompatible items. Don't bring 110V appliances to a 220V country without understanding the complications. Don't ship huge American King beds if you want to buy sheets in Israel. Don't bring plants that are prohibited. Research compatibility issues before packing.

Measure your Israeli apartment and building access before shipping furniture. A beautiful couch you ship across an ocean is worthless if it won't fit through your doorway. Be realistic about space and access.

Never miss being present for packing and delivery. Your supervision catches mistakes, prevents mishandling, documents damage immediately, and ensures items go to correct rooms. Don't trust this to movers alone.

Read your contract thoroughly before signing. Misunderstanding terms leads to surprise fees, miscommunication, disputes, and no recourse. Ask questions and get clarifications in writing.

Don't ignore timing and holidays. Shipping too early means living without belongings. Shipping too late means storage costs. Not accounting for Jewish holidays means multi-week delays. Plan your timeline carefully.

RESOURCES AND FINAL CHECKLIST

Your Moving Checklist

Before shipping, confirm lift approval is received, moving company is booked and confirmed, insurance is purchased (full-value protection), your detailed inventory list is complete, valuable items are photographed, all documents are organized with copies, packing materials are acquired (if self-packing), items are decluttered (donated/sold), and your Israeli apartment is secured (or storage arranged).

During packing, work room by room, label boxes clearly and consistently, pack fragile items carefully, update your inventory list as you go, prepare your essentials box, and keep important documents separate.

On shipping day, be present for loading, verify inventory against your list, sign documents carefully and keep copies, get your Bill of Lading, take photos of loaded items, and keep all paperwork safe.

During transit, track your shipment if tracking is available, prepare your Israeli apartment, gather Israeli documents (Teudat Oleh, ID, etc.), coordinate with your moving company about customs documents, and stay in communication.

Upon arrival in Israel, receive notification of arrival, submit all customs documents promptly, attend any required customs inspection, coordinate your delivery date, reserve elevator and confirm parking, and prepare to be present for delivery.

On delivery day, be present for unloading, inspect each item as it comes off the truck, note any damage immediately on the delivery receipt, direct placement of items in rooms, and tip movers for good service.

After delivery, unpack essentials first, conduct full inspection of all items, file damage claims immediately if needed, dispose of packing materials, update your address with relevant parties, and finally, celebrate—you're home!

Online Resources

Nefesh B'Nefesh (nbn.org.il) provides comprehensive moving guides, recommended movers, lift process assistance, and active forums. Their housing department can be reached at housing@nbn.org.il or 02-590-2600 in Israel.

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (gov.il) offers lift applications and regulations at

1-700-700-750. AACI (aaci.org.il) provides moving advice and community support for Americans and Canadians.

Join Facebook groups: "Olim Making Aliyah to Israel," "New Olim in Israel," "Secret Tel Aviv," "Secret Jerusalem," and search for your specific city plus "olim" for local groups. These communities provide real-time advice, recommendations, and support from people who've recently gone through the process.

Government Contacts

Israel Customs (customs.mof.gov.il) at 1-800-472-666 handles regulations and clearance questions. Haifa Port (+972-4-851-8111, haifaport.co.il) and Ashdod Port (+972-8-851-7777, ashdodport.co.il) are your arrival points. The Ministry of Economy's consumer protection line (1-800-656-688) can help with moving company complaints if problems arise.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD

Moving internationally is expensive, complex, and stressful. There's no sugarcoating that reality. You'll spend thousands of dollars, wait weeks for your belongings, navigate bureaucracy in a new language, and experience moments of frustration when things don't go according to plan.

But here's the bigger truth: millions of people have successfully moved to Israel before you. Every Israeli citizen or their parents or grandparents made this journey. The system exists to help you.

Professionals know how to navigate it. The lift benefit makes it financially viable. And most importantly, you're not just moving furniture—you're building a life in a remarkable place.

The boxes will eventually be unpacked. The furniture will find its place in your Israeli home. The initial chaos will settle into routine. And one day, probably sooner than you expect, you'll realize that the stress of moving has faded while the joy of being in Israel remains.

With proper planning, the right moving company, realistic expectations, adequate insurance, and patience, your international move can be managed successfully. Use the lift benefit if you're eligible

—it's one of the most valuable financial benefits of aliyah. Bring what matters—quality items, sentimental pieces, irreplaceable belongings. Leave behind what doesn't—cheap furniture, incompatible appliances, items you don't truly love.

Trust the process even when it's frustrating. Document everything to protect yourself. Communicate clearly and often with your movers. Be present and attentive during packing and delivery. Stay organized with paperwork. And remember that this temporary stress leads to your permanent home.

The Talmud teaches that moving house is one of three things that change a person. You're not just moving belongings across an ocean—you're transforming your life, joining an ancient story, and creating a new chapter for yourself and your family.

B'hatzlacha b'derekh—good luck on your journey. May your move be smooth, your belongings arrive safely, and your transition to life in Israel be filled with blessing and joy. Welcome home.

Updated on: 01/02/2026