An international move is not simply a long-distance move with a bigger truck — it is a logistics project that involves ocean or air freight, foreign customs authorities, port fees, and insurance coverage that works across borders. Most households shipping to Europe or Asia spend between $3,000 and $15,000 for a full-container-load (FCL) or less-than-container-load (LCL) shipment, plus destination-country fees that can add 10–30% on top. Start planning at least three to six months out; the paperwork alone can take weeks.
What's the difference between an international mover and a domestic one?
International movers — often called overseas or global relocation companies — are specialists who coordinate the full door-to-door chain: packing, export customs clearance in the US, ocean or air freight, import customs clearance at the destination, and final delivery. A standard domestic mover is not set up for this. They lack the freight-forwarding licenses, customs brokerage relationships, and overseas agency networks that a legitimate international move requires.
When you find movers for an overseas job, filter specifically for "international" or "overseas" capability and verify they are members of the FIDI Global Alliance or IAM (International Association of Movers) — the two main quality accreditation bodies in the industry. FIDI-accredited companies must pass an independent audit (the FAIM standard) every three years. That credential matters.
How much does an international move cost?
Costs depend on four main variables: volume of goods, destination country, shipping method, and timing.
| Shipping Method | Best For | Typical Cost Range (US origin) |
|---|---|---|
| LCL (Less-than-Container-Load) | 1–300 cubic feet / studio to 1-BR | $1,500–$5,000+ |
| FCL 20-ft container | 1–3 BR household | $4,000–$10,000+ |
| FCL 40-ft container | 3–5 BR household | $7,000–$18,000+ |
| Air freight | Urgent, low volume only | $3–$10 per pound |
| International pod/container | Flexible volume | $2,500–$8,000+ |
These figures cover US-side costs only — packing, pickup, export documentation, and ocean freight to the destination port. You will also typically pay:
- Destination port fees and handling: $300–$1,500
- Import customs duties and VAT: varies widely by country and item category (often 0% on used household goods with proper documentation, but verify with a customs broker)
- Destination delivery and unpacking: $500–$3,000
- Marine insurance: typically 1–3% of declared value
For a realistic total budget, add 20–30% to the freight quote you receive.
What shipping method should you choose?
Ocean freight (LCL or FCL)
This is how the vast majority of household goods move internationally. LCL means your belongings share a container with other shippers' goods — you pay only for your cubic footage (typically billed per cubic foot or per cubic meter). FCL means you rent the whole container; it's more economical once your shipment exceeds roughly 400 cubic feet (a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment fills roughly 500–700 cubic feet).
Transit times typically run 4–8 weeks for Europe, 3–6 weeks for South America, and 3–5 weeks for Asia, once the container leaves a US port. Factor in pre-loading and customs delays on both ends — door-to-door is often 6–12 weeks total.
Air freight
Fast (1–2 weeks door-to-door), but expensive. Practical only for a few hundred pounds of essentials — clothes, laptops, critical documents — while your main shipment travels by sea.
International portable containers / pods
A handful of companies offer container-style pods for international moves. The process is similar to domestic pod moves; the pod is loaded at your home, trucked to a port, and shipped. Pricing and service quality vary significantly — vet these providers carefully and confirm they handle customs clearance end-to-end.
Step-by-step: how an international move works
- Get binding quotes from at least three FIDI- or IAM-member movers. An in-home or virtual survey is essential — quotes based on a rough inventory list are almost always inaccurate. Read our guide to understanding binding estimates so you know what you're signing.
- Declutter aggressively before packing. Volume is money in international shipping. See our full guide to downsizing before a move — this step routinely saves $1,000–$3,000 on overseas jobs.
- Obtain a customs inventory / packing list. Every item entering a foreign country must be declared. Your mover will prepare a detailed inventory, but you are responsible for its accuracy. Keep valuables, jewelry, and documents in your personal baggage — most countries impose high duties on these if declared in a freight shipment.
- Understand your destination country's import rules. Many countries allow duty-free import of used household goods if you have owned and used them for at least 12 months and are establishing permanent residency. Rules vary — always confirm with a licensed customs broker in the destination country. Prohibited items (certain foods, plants, firearms, some electronics) differ by country.
- Arrange marine cargo insurance. Your mover's standard liability — the US equivalent of Released Value Protection at 60 cents per pound — covers almost nothing on an international shipment. Purchase full-value marine insurance. Declarations of $50,000–$100,000 for a typical household are common. Understand what moving valuation vs. insurance actually covers before you sign.
- Plan your air-freight "essentials" shipment. Ship a suitcase or small air-freight parcel with 2–3 weeks of clothing, medication, critical documents, and work equipment to cover you while your sea shipment is in transit.
- Book your US exit customs clearance. Most household goods moves do not require US export licenses, but the mover's freight forwarder will file an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing through the Automated Export System (AES) for shipments valued over $2,500 — this is a US Census Bureau requirement, not optional.
- Confirm destination-side agent contact. Before your shipment leaves the US, you should have the name, phone number, and email of the overseas agent who will handle your delivery. A reputable international mover will give you this proactively.
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What can you NOT ship internationally?
Most countries restrict or ban the following (always verify with your mover and destination customs authority):
- Hazardous materials: aerosols, propane tanks, paint, batteries in bulk
- Perishable food (fresh, frozen, or canned — rules vary)
- Plants and soil (many countries have strict agricultural biosecurity laws)
- Firearms and ammunition (require specific import permits; often prohibited entirely)
- Certain medications (carry a physician's letter and keep in personal baggage)
- Certain electronics and vehicles (duty rates and approval requirements vary widely)
How to vet an international mover
Beyond FIDI or IAM membership, ask these specific questions before you book:
- Who is your destination agent? A reputable mover has established, named partners in the destination country — not a vague "network."
- Do you handle customs brokerage, or do I need to hire my own? Some movers include this; others outsource it at additional cost.
- What does your marine insurance cover, and what is excluded? Get the policy in writing before you sign the contract.
- What are your payment terms? Be cautious of movers demanding full payment upfront. Read about safe deposit and payment practices — the same principles apply internationally.
Check verified mover reviews and look for reviewers who specifically mention international experience, destination-country delivery, and customs handling — those are the data points that matter for an overseas move.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book an international mover?
Book at least 3–4 months before your target ship date, and ideally 6 months out for peak summer moves (June–August). Container availability, customs documentation, and overseas agent scheduling all require lead time. Rushing an international move typically costs more and creates preventable problems at customs.
Do I have to pay customs duties when moving my household goods to another country?
In many countries, used household goods are exempt from import duties if you can prove you owned and used them for at least 12 months and are establishing legal residency. However, exemptions are not universal and the documentation requirements are strict — missing a form can result in storage fees or forced re-exportation. Always consult a licensed customs broker in the destination country before you ship.
How long does an international move take from door to door?
Door-to-door timing is typically 6–14 weeks by ocean freight, depending on the destination and any customs delays. Shipments to Western Europe from the US East Coast typically run on the shorter end; shipments to Australia, New Zealand, or remote Asian destinations can take 10–14 weeks. Air freight reduces transit to 1–2 weeks but at a dramatically higher cost.
Should I pack my own boxes for an international move?
Most experienced international movers recommend professional packing for an overseas shipment, especially for fragile items. Customs inspectors may open and repack boxes in some countries, and ocean transit subjects goods to humidity, vibration, and handling that domestic moves don't. If you want to do some packing yourself, limit it to linens, clothing, and clearly non-fragile items. Read our guide on packing fragile items for a move for a sense of the standards professional packers use.
Is marine cargo insurance required for an international move?
It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Ocean freight, port handling, and overseas truck delivery all create damage and loss risks that Released Value Protection does not cover at a meaningful level. Full-value marine insurance typically costs 1–3% of the declared replacement value of your goods — for a $50,000 shipment, that's $500–$1,500. That's a reasonable premium for a move where your goods may be at sea for six weeks.
Can I ship my car when I move internationally?
Yes — vehicles are commonly shipped internationally via Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service or in a container. Costs typically run $1,000–$3,500 for RoRo and $2,500–$6,000+ for container shipping, depending on destination. Import duties on vehicles vary dramatically by country and can be substantial. Our separate guide on shipping your car when you move covers the domestic side of vehicle shipping; for international, request a dedicated auto shipping quote from your international mover or a specialist vehicle shipper.
An international move is one of the most complex logistics challenges a household will ever face — but thousands of families do it successfully every year with the right mover and enough lead time. Start by browsing international-capable movers by state to find companies near you with verified overseas experience, then get at least three in-home or virtual surveys before you commit to anyone. If you have questions about the process, our AI moving advisor Robert is available on the site to help you think through your specific situation.
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