International Moving
Several factors determine international moving costs. The main factors that drive shipping costs to increase or decrease are the size, destination country, and service. The international moving company you choose is essential in ensuring you save money wherever possible.
Also Read: The cost of moving from the US to Canada
First, create an inventory list of what you’re moving. Then write down the dimensions of each item or box and put it into a cubic feet calculator to determine your volume. A small international move is if you have less than 500 cubic feet. You can use the references below for guidance.
You can use the box dimensions as a reference to estimate the volume of your international move. However, if you’re looking for the accurate cost of small international moves, it would be best to speak with an international moving company to walk you through the process.
Sea freight is the most common mode of transportation for small international moves because it’s the least expensive option. However, if speed is more critical than cost, you may want to consider air freight shipping. Ocean transportation can take anywhere from 15-30 days.
A small international move is 500 cubic feet or less worth of stuff. Your household goods will be consolidated into a shipping container or palletized to ship by air freight. If you send a few boxes, you can consider parcel shipping as an option.
The international moving service you choose will fluctuate the cost significantly. It would help if you spoke with a professional relocation coordinator about the details of your move.
Pro Tip: Use an online cubic feet calculator to figure out the volume before you call an international mover.
The cost of small international moves is between $900 to $4000. The volume of your move and service are the most significant cost factors. Additionally, the destination country and choice of international mover can affect the cost. You can use the price list below for budgeting purposes:
*** Average costs for shipping (sea freight)***
| Cubic feet | Cost Averages |
|---|---|
| 100 | $1000-$2000 |
| 200 | $2000-$3300 |
| 300 | $2600-$3800 |
It’s best to speak with the international moving company of your choice regarding costs. Most international moving companies offer small move options. However, only select movers can provide parcel shipping services if you only ship a few boxes.
The cost of shipping household goods via air freight is $2500 to $6000. Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation, but it’s also the most costly. If you need your stuff in a hurry, then shipping by air is the way. You can use the price list below for budgeting purposes:
***Average shipping costs for door-to-door air freight***
| Volume/Weight | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| 100cuft/700lbs | $1400-$1600 |
| 200cuft/1400lbs | $1800-$2200 |
| 300cuft/2100lbs | $2500-$3500 |
| 400cuft/2800lbs | $3200-$5000 |
Unlike ocean shipping, air shipping is based on the volume or weight, whichever is greater. Air freight is a specialty service that not all international movers handle. Before wasting your time, make sure your mover provides air services.
Most moving companies will send you the details of their accessorial charges. Before confirming a move date and placing a deposit on your international moving quote, you should have all of it sorted out so there are no surprises.
Pro Tip: Always ask your international moving company about any hidden charges.
Storage costs average 50 cents per cubic foot but vary depending on the type of storage you will require. You’ll have the option of long-term and short-term storage. Three months or more is considered long-term storage.
Additionally, you will have the option of storing your goods at their origin or destination. If you require long-term storage, you may want to ask about a temperature control unit. Warehouses get hot, especially in the summer, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Regardless of the size of your move, international moving costs are high. If you want to save money, consider self-packing, reducing the load size, or looking into less expensive shipping options like port-to-port services. You can use the below information to help you decide:
Start by identifying your budget. Then speak with various international moving companies about their service options. The best international moving companies will walk you through money-saving tips.
Pro Tip: Use an International moving checklist to stay on task
International moving services aren’t standard amongst the thousands of registered movers in the country. You must search for a global moving company registered with the Federal Maritime Commission. Below is a list of the top 5 international movers in the country:
Each company listed is lisenced by the Federal Maritime Commission. They offer sea freight and air shipping services to over 150 countries. It’s always best to conduct your research when looking for a move, but any of these companies can help you with the cost of small international moves.
If you have a small number of boxes, say ten or so, you should consider a parcel shipping service. A carrier like FedEx or DHL will most likely handle the transport, but an international mover can make the arrangements on your behalf.
Parcel shipping is not a standard service for an international moving company, so you should speak with them directly. However, if you’re only shipping a few boxes, then parcel or baggage shipping is the way.
International moving insurance costs 3% to 4% of the goods declared value. You will have the option of total loss or all-risk insurance coverage, but it’s always best to speak with the company of your choice about their international moving services.
To get insurance, you will need to fill out insurance forms that will ask for the value of the items. You’ll also have the option to get your insurance through a third party.
There is a possibility you will pay customs duties and port charges, especially on a port pickup in the destination country. It’s common for international movers to include all fees on a door-to-door service, but you should confirm with the company of your choice.
The estimated cost for port charges is $250 to $500. The size of your move, country, and commodities will determine the total cost. However, if an international removals company provides door-to-door shipping services, it may be included in the price.
Self-packing can save you a few hundred dollars but can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Additionally, doing your own packing can result in damage. Moving abroad can be rough, so you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
Moving to a new country requires much attention, especially small details like shipping household goods. Finding an international moving company with knowledge and experience in your destination country is essential.
International Van Liens is lisenced by the Federal Maritime Commission and is one of the industry’s most regarded overseas relocation companies. If you would like to find out the cost of small international moves, give us a call or fill out the online form.
We will have a professional relocation coordinator get back to you within minutes. Thank you for reading our article about small moves, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Affordable moving cost, best-in-class moving services and people who care.
Ocean freight will take 15 to 30 days, whereas air freight will take 7 to 12 days on average.
The best international moving companies will accept all forms of payment.
Yes, a refundable deposit is typical if you choose to cancel your move.
You will default to basic coverage, 60 cents per lbs per article.
It should take no more than 24 hours, but it can take 10 minutes.
You should always get three estimates for comparison.
It would be best to use an international moving company.
