International Moving FAQ

The average cost of an international move from the USA ranges from $2,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on the volume of your household goods, destination country, and shipping method. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs $2,500–$5,000 by sea freight, while a full 3–4 bedroom home can range from $8,000–$20,000+. Air freight is faster but 2–5 times more expensive. We provide free, no-obligation estimates via video survey or online form so you know your exact cost before committing.

FCL (Full Container Load) means you have exclusive use of an entire 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container. This is ideal for larger households and offers faster transit times with less handling. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your belongings share container space with other shipments, which is more affordable for smaller moves but may take 1–2 weeks longer due to consolidation. We help you determine the most cost-effective option based on your shipment size.

Transit insurance options are available to protect your belongings during your international move. Basic carrier liability provides limited coverage, but we strongly recommend full-value transit insurance, which typically costs 1–3% of your declared shipment value. This covers loss, damage, and theft from pickup to final delivery. We help you understand your coverage options and select the right level of protection for your household goods.

International moves typically take 2–12 weeks depending on destination and shipping method. Sea freight from the US East Coast to Europe averages 2–4 weeks, to Australia 6–8 weeks, and to Asia 4–6 weeks. Air freight arrives in 7–14 days but at a higher cost. Additional time should be allowed for packing (1–3 days), customs clearance (3–7 days), and final delivery. We manage the entire timeline so you can focus on settling into your new home.

We recommend booking your international move 6–10 weeks before your departure date. This allows adequate time for a pre-move survey, packing preparation, shipping logistics, and any visa or documentation requirements. During peak moving season (May through September), booking 10–12 weeks ahead is advisable as container availability tightens. For diplomatic and corporate relocations with fixed timelines, early coordination ensures priority scheduling.

Yes. Door-to-door service covers every step from packing and loading at your US home through delivery and unpacking at your overseas destination: professional packing, local pickup, ocean or air freight, customs clearance coordination, and final-mile delivery, all coordinated through our carrier network. We arrange moves from all major US metro areas including Washington DC, Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Tampa with worldwide destinations.

When your shipment arrives at the destination port, it must clear customs before delivery. This process typically takes 3–7 business days and requires documentation such as a detailed inventory list, passport copies, visa or work permit, and a customs declaration form. Some countries require proof of residence or employment. Duties and taxes may apply depending on the destination — many countries offer duty-free import of used household goods for new residents. We handle customs paperwork and coordinate with local agents to ensure smooth clearance.

Essential documents for an international move include: a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), visa or work permit for your destination country, a detailed household goods inventory, customs declaration forms, proof of residence at your destination, and any country-specific import permits. For vehicle shipments, you'll need the vehicle title and registration. We provide a comprehensive document checklist tailored to your destination country and guide you through every requirement.

You can ship most household goods including furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, electronics, and personal effects. Items that are generally prohibited include hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, firearms (varies by country), plants, and certain medications. Each destination country has its own customs regulations — for example, Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity rules regarding wood and organic materials. We provide country-specific guidance on restricted items before your move.

Yes, we can arrange international vehicle shipping as part of your relocation. Cars can be shipped via roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service or inside a container for added protection. Costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the vehicle size, destination, and method. Keep in mind that some countries require vehicle modifications to meet local safety and emissions standards, and import duties may apply. We handle the logistics and advise on destination country requirements.

Yes. Diplomatic, embassy, and military relocations carry requirements ordinary moves do not: security protocols, fixed report dates, and specialised paperwork such as travel orders and diplomatic customs forms. When you request a quote we match your move to carriers experienced with government relocations, and flag the documentation your destination will require. Contact us for a confidential consultation about your diplomatic or military move.

Yes. For employee transfers we provide cost estimates your HR or mobility team can budget against, and coordinate the move logistics so the employee has a single point of contact throughout. Share your transfer volume and timeline when you request a quote and we will scope a program around it.

For items you can't or choose not to ship, options include domestic storage, selling, donating, or disposing of them. We can coordinate short- and long-term storage solutions in the US for belongings you want to keep but not ship immediately. Many clients find that downsizing before an international move reduces shipping costs significantly — a smaller shipment can save thousands of dollars in freight charges.

International Moving Calculator starts with something most international movers make you work for: a real number, up front. Our calculator gives you an estimated cost range in seconds — no sales call, no pressure, and no contact details required just to see the figure. From there we coordinate corporate, diplomatic, and private international relocations end-to-end, so you have a single point of contact from the pre-move survey through final delivery at your new address.

Start with the instant cost calculator — pick your origin city, destination region, and home size, and your estimated range appears immediately, with no contact information required. If you want a firm quote, submit your details at the end and a relocation specialist will follow up within one business day to arrange a video survey and confirm final pricing. We arrange moves from major US metro areas including Washington DC, Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Tampa, Houston, and Los Angeles.