How Much Does It Cost to Move Internationally?
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International moving requires extensive planning, focus, and most of all: budgeting. Budgeting can make or break an international move, and without a clear plan, unexpected costs can leave your belongings stranded at the port in your destination country. International moving costs between $1,500 to $30,000 for a complete full-service move.
Key Takeaways
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What Costs the Most When Moving Internationally?
The highest cost when moving internationally is shipping your belongings, including the quantity and destination. If you are moving a small number of items, they will most often be shipped overseas in a shipping container with thousands of other packages, and the cost will fall significantly to around $300-$700.
However, if the shipping destination is not as popular, or if you are shipping multiple pieces of furniture and need a shipping container, the cost will increase substantially.
Using an international moving company will save you time, money, and stress if you have a lot of belongings. Nearly every international moving service works by packing your belongings inside shipping containers that are then stowed on cargo ships (or on a moving truck if the countries are connected by land). International shipping by air is possible, but expensive. The minimum cost skyrockets to around $2,200.
Hiring an Agent
While this is not required, it is highly recommended. The next biggest cost is hiring an agent, and the international moving company you go with may not cover this agent expense. Navigating customs and port fees can be stressful, and understanding compounding costs can leave you even more confused. Hiring an agent through this process is the easiest way to go.
Some international moving companies include a destination agent in their pricing, while others charge separately; make sure to confirm this upfront.
Pros and Cons of Port Agents
Pros:
- Make the moving transition in your new country seamless by preparing the documents you need to complete and lining up services to get your belongings to your new home.
- Knows all info about the receiving port in your new country and can answer any questions you have
Cons
- Port agents are not cheap; paying for door-to-door service requires expert knowledge of the city, local moving companies, bilingual ability, and the receiving port.
How Does International Moving Work?
There are two ways to move your belongings internationally across water: either by cargo plane or cargo ship. A cargo ship is the slower choice, but it is much more affordable. Shipping your belongings overseas can either be done door-to-port or door-to-door.
Door-To-Door
Door-to-door delivery is the most convenient way to move internationally. Once your belongings have been shipped and arrive at your new country's port, moving them to your door is then coordinated by a destination agent. This method is much more popular given its convenience and having a moving agent who knows local laws, customs, and the culture. This service costs around $3,000.
Door-To-Port Delivery
Door-to-port delivery is one of the two most common ways to ship items internationally. It typically costs less than door-to-door. Door-to-port is the service that gets your belongings to the other country’s port. That’s it. The transportation of your belongings after that is completely up to you, whether you hire a moving service, logistics company, or rent a moving truck. That is why having a trusted port agent is crucial if this is your choice for an international relocation service. These costs are typically around $2,000, but you can pack more belongings than when you’re shipping by air.
Choosing The Right International Moving Company
Every international moving company has its own unique services that make up its costs. Some moving companies only do door-to-port, while others with reputable agents around the world will only offer door-to-door, making sure your items get to your new home without any issues.
Comparing The Costs
These prices below were quoted for a two-bedroom household with an average amount of belongings with a move from Phoenix, Arizona to Mexico City, Mexico.
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Moving Companies |
U-Haul International Moves® |
LOGISTICS™ |
ZOOM-A-LO |
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Quoted Price |
$5,175.60 |
$18,190.00 |
$24,556.00 |
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Services Included |
- 30 days of storage at the origin point - Customs clearance with documentation assistance - Delivery to the residence |
- Customs clearance - Furniture wrapping - Itemized inventory list - Delivery to the residence |
- Broker coverage for customs clearance - Valuation Coverage - Delivery to the residence |
Quotes were made for January 2026 and are all door-to-door deliveries. Truck delivery was used as the standard for the U-Haul International Moves® quote. Prices are subject to change.
How To Get Started Moving Internationally
Moving internationally is easier than you think. With U-Haul International Moves, all you need to do is simply input your name, email, phone number, and the number of U-Box containers you are moving. U-Haul International Moves assists you with customs documentation, customs clearance, and door delivery in your new country.
Don’t know how many U-Box containers you need? No worries, our U-Box calculator will give you the right estimate for your move. If you don’t end up using all the U-Box containers that you order, we’ll refund you for any unused container(s).
How to Save on International Moving
The best way to save on international moving is by packing light. Only take what you absolutely need. This is the best part about U-Box containers. The fewer containers, the more affordable the move will.
Learn more about How to Save Money While Moving Long Distance.
Another great way to save on moving internationally is by finding low-cost packing supplies. Each U-Box container comes with 24 rental furniture pads for your items, free of charge. U-Haul also has affordable packing supplies and boxes for specific items.
U-Haul has boxes for specific items that you may have thought to leave behind on your international move. From TV packing boxes, wardrobe boxes, and sport utility boxes, you can find everything you need.
Save on Hired Movers with International Moving
International moving requires a lot of time spent. Most of the work is done in preparation for the move. Getting passports, visas, immunizations, and knowing the culture and customs all take up valuable time and energy. Have Moving Help® take care of the heavy lifting on your international move.
Moving Help Service Providers are affordable, labor-only moving specialists who can deliver and load your U-Box containers. There are more than 7,500 Moving Help Service Providers across all 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces, so you can easily get Moving Help with your international move.
Final Takeaways
When moving internationally, the best way to save on all the costs is to go with the most affordable and reputable option available, reusing boxes for moving supplies, finding the best prices for your boxes, and saving the most by going with a labor-only moving service.
Are you ready to move to the country of your dreams? Go with U-Haul International Moves today!
Image Credits: Adobe Stock 1, Adobe Stock 2