Planning an International Move? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Planning an international relocation involves far more complexity than a domestic move. Customs paperwork and destination-specific regulations can overwhelm experienced professionals, and when things go wrong, delays compound quickly.

With the right preparation and moving partner, international moves can proceed smoothly. Consider these essential tips and find the best moving companies for international moves.

Crucial Tips for a Seamless International Move

Preparation prevents delays and budget overruns. Addressing these four areas early makes the difference between smooth transitions and costly headaches.

1. Understand Customs and Duty Regulations

Every international move requires careful review of the destination country’s customs rules, so compiling a detailed inventory with estimated values should begin well before packing. Duty calculations vary by country and item category.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection notes that customs duty rates are generally calculated as a percentage of the purchased value rather than size or weight. Some items are restricted or prohibited in certain countries, so checking destination-country rules early helps prevent goods from being held or seized.

2. Research Your Destination’s Safety and Climate

Crime rates and safety conditions vary widely by city and neighborhood. Official travel advisories underscore the importance of personal safety and alertness.

Climate directly affects the move. Extreme heat, humidity or monsoon seasons may affect how belongings should be packed or when they should be shipped. Local infrastructure matters too, as road access, building regulations, elevator size and delivery windows can affect final delivery.

3. Build a Realistic Door-to-Door Timeline

Transit time on a shipping container is only one piece of the puzzle. Export packing, port processing and customs clearance can each add days or weeks. Timelines vary by shipping method, with sea freight taking longer but costing less than air freight.

Building in buffer time prevents scrambling for temporary housing. Customs holds and shipping backlogs are common enough that planning should account for them from the start.

4. Determine What Stays and What Goes

International shipping costs often depend on shipment size and method. For example, ocean freight is usually priced by volume or container size, while air freight may factor in chargeable or volumetric weight. Strategic decisions about what to leave behind free up your budget for items that matter.

Furniture and appliances built to one country’s standards may not work well in your destination, making them good candidates for sale or donation. Sentimental or high-value items are better suited to carry-on transport or specialized insurance.

Methodology for Selecting the Best Moving Companies

To determine the best moving companies for international moves, a set of criteria based on key factors for professionals coordinating international relocations was used. 

• Transparent pricing: Estimates should clearly outline expected costs and clarify what is included.
• Protection options: Full-value protection coverage provides customers with a clearer path to resolving loss or damage concerns.
• Dedicated coordination: Move counselors or coordinators help customers manage timelines, paperwork and destination requirements.
• Comprehensive service options: Packing, shipping, storage and final delivery support make it easier to manage complex international relocations.

What Are the Best Moving Companies for International Moves?

These providers have been vetted for reliability, customer service and international capabilities.

1. Suddath

For businesses and individuals relocating internationally, Suddath stands out for its white-glove approach. Every move is paired with a dedicated move counselor who walks the customer through timelines, customs paperwork and destination requirements from first call through delivery.

A trusted name in moving services since 1919, Suddath acts as an Atlas Van Lines agent and boasts a 4.6-star rating based on customer reviews. Pricing stays competitive without cutting corners.

Key Features

• Dedicated move counselor assigned to every relocation: A single point of contact manages the entire process.
• Highly trained, vetted moving crews: Personnel undergo thorough background checks and training.
• Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees: Estimates clearly outline costs without surprise charges.
• End-to-end support: Comprehensive service covers every stage of the international move.

2. International Van Lines

International Van Lines offers multiple shipping methods, including air, sea container and groupage, so customers can balance speed against cost. The company provides free video or in-home surveys to generate binding estimates.

Its network of international partners handles customs clearance in most destination countries, though support may vary depending on the local agent assigned.

Key Features

• Multiple shipping options: Air, sea container and consolidated methods provide flexibility.
• Free binding estimates: Up-front pricing locks in costs before the move begins.
• Global network of partner agents: Local agents handle customs clearance and final delivery.
• Online tracking: Customers can monitor their belongings throughout transit.

3. Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines leans on decades of long-haul moving experience and a large owned-and-operated fleet. It’s a solid option for larger households, with storage-in-transit available at origin and destination.

The company’s size offers flexibility in pricing and scheduling, though the experience sometimes feels less personalized. Customers who want a well-established name with broad coverage tend to be the best fit.

Key Features

• Large owned fleet with global network: Extensive resources support complex international moves.
• Storage-in-transit at origin and destination: Flexible timing accommodates delays or transitional housing.
• A strong option for large households: Infrastructure supports a high volume of moves.
• Long operating history: Decades of experience provide stability and credibility.

Comparative Summary Table

This table compares how each provider approaches international moving.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Relocation

These questions address common concerns when coordinating international moves.

Q: How are customs duties calculated during an international move?

A: U.S. customs duties are calculated as a percentage of the total purchased value of items in a foreign country, not by size or weight. Declare items accurately and consult official guidelines. Different item categories have different duty rates based on factors such as country of origin.

Q: How long does a door-to-door international move take?

A: A realistic timeline must account for export packing, loading, customs clearance and final delivery beyond transit time. Sea freight typically takes several weeks to months, while air freight reduces transit time at a higher cost. Build in buffer time for customs holds and delays.

Start Planning Your Journey Abroad

Thorough preparation and partnering with reputable moving companies are the foundations of successful international relocation.

Understanding customs requirements, researching destination conditions, building realistic timelines and making strategic decisions about what to ship all contribute to smoother transitions. Start requesting quotes from qualified providers who can help you on your way.

*Please note that this list includes sponsored content. Some of the companies, products, or services featured have entered into commercial agreements for placement. Sponsored placements do not necessarily reflect an endorsement and should be considered alongside other options in the marketplace.