How much does an international move cost?
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It’s thrilling to plan an international move, but planning one also brings up a major question: “How much do international moving costs add up to?” There’s more to heading overseas than pulling out your suitcase—you must clear customs and determine the best way to ship your things.
Each of these factors is small (or should be), but they can accumulate over time; understanding exactly which factors are important will help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
What Affects the Cost of International Moving
Here are a few major considerations that will determine the cost of your international move:
Distance and Destination Country
The costs only go up as you get further away. There are, of course, cheaper shipping methods to countries next door or those that lie on particularly well-trodden travel routes elsewhere across the globe, which also generally means a longer delivery time.
Customs regulations and import duties, together with the customs value of a shipment, may differ per country: they could add hundreds, if not thousands, to your budget.
The Size and Quantity of Your Shipment
Charges for international moves are based on the amount of space your belongings take up, not just their weight. Larger shipments result in higher costs due to the need for more shipping container space. Consider whether it’s cheaper to buy new furniture and appliances than to ship them.
An object’s volume is the amount of space that its body occupies and can be determined by different means depending upon its shape.
Shipping Methods: Air vs. Sea Freight
Air Freights vs. Ocean Freight from ports and ships to door-to-door, shipping has never been easier.
Your choice of ways can superbly alter expenses:
Air Freight: A faster but pricier option that would be best for expensive or breakable products that must reach recipients right away. Small consignments to Europe cost several thousand dollars.
Ocean Shipping: A cheaper but slower option, best for full-household moves. Shipping a large container by sea is frequently half the cost of air freight but can take several weeks.
Most sea freight is arranged as a balance between the cost and capacity, though there are still times when air freight is more appropriate.
Breakdown of Additional International Moving Costs
In addition to the cost of transporting, there are a few other costs that can affect your moving budget:
Customs Fees and Import Duties
Customs may charge customs clearance fees and import duties. Customs taxes may apply depending on the specific countries involved. The biggest tariffs tend to fall on luxury goods, electronics, and major appliances. Avoid surprises and plan ahead by finding out what your destination allows.
These regulations are often intricate, so being aware of what local customs requirements you’ll need to keep in mind can prevent delays and costs.
Insurance and Moving Protection
When transporting your belongings globally, it’s crucial to ensure their protection against potential damage or loss. You see, the standard insurance coverage provided by moving companies is practically worthless. An FMC-licensed moving service offers full-value insurance for new, antique, or high-value items.
Storage Solutions
If you move into your new home later than when garage, basement, and attic storage are available, you may require temporary storage. Short-duration storage is typically less expensive, but long-duration storage may have an astronomical price tag.
From there, our climate-controlled and secured storage is always available for your convenience, giving you added peace of mind knowing your possessions are protected.
Furniture Costs
Furniture is one of the heaviest things you’ll ever have to move. Sofas, beds, and dining tables are large items that occupy a lot of container real estate. An armchair can cost more than $450 to ship to the U.S., for example, and shipping a bedroom set to Europe can range from $1,500 to $3,000. In certain situations, selling the furniture and purchasing new when you arrive might be less expensive.
Typical Costs of International Moves
If you’re thinking of migrating, it’s difficult not to wonder: How much money is enough for moving abroad? Costs depend, of course, but it is important to plan a budget and consider potential extras.
Knowing the most typical fees will help you budget for your move and make the right decisions when moving house. Here’s a cost breakdown for a few common cases:
| Household Size | Typical Container | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes / Tips |
| Studio / 1-Bedroom | 20 ft. | $3,000 – $7,000 | Shared or small container; costs vary by destination |
| 2-Bedroom | 20–40 ft. | $6,000 – $12,000 | Sea freight recommended for full-household moves; includes packing services & insurance |
| 3-Bedroom | 40 ft. | $10,000 – $20,000 | Door-to-door service possible; insurance recommended |
| 4+ Bedrooms | Multiple 40 ft. | $15,000 – $30,000+ | May require multiple containers; sea freight saves money |
Cheapest Way to Move Items Overseas
If your only consideration is saving and budget, sea shipping will generally be the cheapest option. In sea freight, groupage shipping (also known as shared container shipping) lets you share the cost of a container with other customers and cut costs considerably.
This is a great method for small shipments or smaller households that don’t need an entire container. Groupage shipping also provides tracking and coordinated delivery, giving you peace of mind.
How to Save on Moving International Costs
Moving internationally doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some practical ways to save on your relocation:
- Declutter before you move: Lose everything you don’t need, or sell it. Less inventory means less transportation and warehousing expenses
- Plan your move in advance: Book as early in advance as possible, steer clear of peak months, and get several quotes from various movers to ensure you’re getting the best price
- Choose sea freight for large moves: If you only care about sending a few of your items, consider sending by sea, which is the cheaper option
- Ask About Full-Service Packages: Some groups of movers will also offer a pack, insurance, and unpack bundle, which may be less expensive than paying individually
How Professional International Moving Assistance Can Save You Time and Money
Working with a professional international moving company simplifies the process. Experts can help you:
- Coordinate packing, shipping, and insurance
- Navigate customs and regulations
- Arrange door-to-door delivery
Our specialized international moving services also cover international car shipping, container shipping, piano moving, and fine art shipping, ensuring your valuables are handled with care and precision.
Final Thoughts
International moving costs are generally high, but by identifying the factors and making solid plans ahead of time, you can simplify your move and set a reasonable budget. You can compare sizes, shipping destination, and shipping type, to name a few, so you get an idea of what you’re doing and, at best, also save money while doing so.
Thinking ahead, getting rid of the excess, and hiring professional international movers will make your move abroad more seamless, secure, and affordable.
FAQ’s
What is the average cost of an international move?
It costs between $2,000 and $30,000+. It depends on how big the shipping is, where you are shipping to, and by what method. Air freight is faster but more costly than sea freight.
What are the main factors that impact international movers’ costs?
The cost drivers are mostly volume, distance, mode (air or sea), and destination country. Other considerations are insurance and shipping and packing arrangements.
How much cheaper is sea freight than air?
Sea freight is for the most part 4–6 times cheaper than air, but slower—a few weeks rather than a few days.
How do movers set the rate?
Rates will be quoted based on volume (cubic feet/meters), weight, port, and service required (door-to-door/port). Always get an itemized quote.
Are there any additional costs associated with my international move that I should be aware of?
Possibly. And then there are customs fees, storage charges, port handling fees, and documentation costs to contemplate. Seek a more detailed breakdown from the mover to ensure you are well-prepared.
Any chance the cost includes packing up and unpacking ourselves?
Some movers will bundle full service in their fee; others charge by the hour for everything beyond a basic lift and load. It never hurts to inquire when you book.