International Moving Like a Superstar: Budgeting 101 and Costs

This article dives a little deeper into the world of international moves. It reviews both crate and sea shipping options and talks about the various factors that contribute to the final pricing of your international move.

How much does International Moving cost

International moving costs vary based on distance and volume. For a small move (one-bedroom apartment), expect $2,000 to $5,000; medium (two-bedroom house) costs $5,000 to $10,000; and large moves (three-bedroom house or more) can exceed $10,000. Additional expenses may include packing, insurance, and customs fees.


Let’s Go: Feeling Like a Superstar Abroad

When planning your exotic international move things can be exciting and scary at the same time. It isn’t always so clear how to properly judge how to build your budget when so many factors lie unknown. Here we lay down the basics so that you can plan as best as possible. The rest will always work out. 

The cost of international moving varies depending on many factors such as:

  1. Distance: It’s all about the road less traveled. Moving to closer destinations or to countries with established and common shipping routes will be a lot less expensive compared to more remote or less common destinations. 
    • Many factors affect price such as sea routes, how common they are used, flight availability, and road accessibility.
  2. Quantity of Goods: The amount of items you're shipping affects the cost by weight. Moving a large household will cost a lot more than moving a few boxes although there is always a flat fee. .
  3. Shipping Method: Whether you choose to ship your items by air or sea (container shipping or less than container load) significantly impacts the final prices. Sea containers are generally cheaper but much slower than air freight. 
    • Sea freight almost always has delays due to harsh sea conditions.
  4. Additional VIP Services: Packing, unpacking, customs clearance agents, additional international insurance, and storage additions will add to the overall cost. Make sure to factor this in.
  5. Customs and Taxes: Some countries have import taxes that you need to pay upon arrival of your container, which will increase your overall expenses.
    • Ask your customs agent to prepay these charges and give you written proof of payment. 
  6. Timing: Moving during peak seasons or holidays is always more expensive due to the higher demand for shipping services. As well the same goes for the 1st and the 30th of every month. 
  7. Packing Materials: Don’t forget to calculate in your predictions the cost of boxes, wrapping materials, and labor for packing if needed.

Example Costs to Close Destinations (eg Mexico)

  • Small Home (one-bedroom apartment): Can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
  • Medium House ( two-bedroom house): Typically between $5,000 to $10,000.
  • Large Home (three-bedroom house or more): Costs can surpass $10,000, depending on weight and destination.
  • Don't forget that certain objects can really add to the price and may be better to sell and repurchase anew in your destination country.

Tips to Cut Costs and Save for Coconuts

  • Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies: Get multiple quotes from trusted international moving companies to compare prices and services. Read between the lines for hidden costs.
  • Downsize: Declutter and sell and donate items you don’t need to reduce the overall volume, weight, and shipping costs. The less you keep the cheaper your move will be. Now is the time to toss that ugly sweater. 
  • Plan Ahead: Booking early on and avoiding peak moving seasons will help you to really save money.
  • Pack Yourself: If you can make it work, packing your own home up yourself will really reduce labor costs from the moving team..

Wrapping Up and Hitting the Road

Overall, the costs of international moving vary a lot based on individual circumstances, destination location, and other factors, so it’s essential to get your own personalized quotes and consider all factors before making any decisions.

Go with your gut when closing down your mover. Don't forget to book your customs agent ahead as well so she can get started organizing your from all aspects. Good luck with your international adventure!


Frequently Asked Questions

The drastic changes in all aspects of life is the usual answer. It’s not just that you are being uprooted from your bedroom, familiar neighborhood, and local spots, it's the fact that this happens while your entire life is in boxes, so you cannot find solitude in your new place until you properly unpack.

You also might not speak the language and have cultural barriers. The first couple weeks can feel overwhelming, but the more you put yourself to the task of unpacking and making the new home feel cozy, the faster you will feel at home!

Read up on the true costs of living, job opportunities in the area, transport options, schools for your kids if relevant, nature around, and any other things that are critical for you.

Go and visit Live if you can to get a true sense of the vibe. Do the research before the move to avoid disappointment.

iMoving’s marketplace is the top answer for this. Yes, we are clearly a little biased, but honestly, if you ask a group of 10 people, at least 9 out of 10 would agree.

If it's trusted and vetted movers you want for your family, only iMoving offers such a wide range of moving companies that can be booked right here and now online.

Not only can you book their services and lock down your date and time, but you can also get a binding quote taking the guesswork out of moving homes.

Don’t fall for scammers that quote you one thing and then expect much more with hidden fees for made up services.

Only book a trusted and vetted mover to make sure you don't fall for the bad guys. Use iMoving for all of this and more.

LABEL EVERYTHING. We aren’t kidding here. It might feel like an exaggeration to write which room you packed up and the entire contents of the box, but know that it’s not in vain! E.g.: Kitchen: pots, pans, sticky pads, mixing bowls, plates, and cups. When you go to unpack and really want a pillow but have 6 boxes labeled “living room” this will be the game changer.

The reason for labeling each side and the top of the box is that all your items boxed are likely to be stacked in one corner of the new room. You won’t necessarily be lucky and have the one side you labeled as the one sticking out.


Rachel Kaplan

Rachel has spent the last few years writing for moving companies while actually moving across the globe. After many years of moving between many states in the US, she moved abroad to try the remote work life. She’s a pro at moving all her things with her dog and hundreds of plants. Thankfully she’s a minimalist so moves aren’t too much of an issue.

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