Moving overseas rarely starts with packing. It usually begins with imagining a new life somewhere else. Maybe you picture stepping out into a different climate, navigating a new city, or hearing voices around you speaking in another language. That excitement is real, but so is the challenge of understanding what the journey will cost. Moving overseas involves many moving parts, and getting clarity early helps you plan with confidence rather than guesswork.
National Van Lines has guided thousands of families and individuals through international moves for decades. With experience across shipping routes, customs requirements, and long distance logistics, our team helps people make informed decisions about their relocation. This guide breaks down what shapes international moving costs and what you can expect as you prepare for an overseas move.
What this guide covers:
- Key factors that influence international moving costs
- Visa and paperwork considerations
- How international moving companies build their estimates
- Shipping methods and how they affect price
- Customs rules and destination charges to expect
- Personal travel and setup costs to plan for
- How to build a realistic overseas moving budget
What goes into international moving costs?
International moving costs come from several layers of your relocation. Some expenses come directly from the moving company, while others are tied to travel requirements, government regulations, or the logistics of settling into a new country. Understanding these groups early helps you set realistic expectations and compare international moving companies more effectively.
A typical overseas move includes:
- Service charges from the moving company
- Shipping and transportation method costs
- Customs duties, inspections, or taxes
- Personal travel, setup, and documentation expenses
- Additional charges for vehicles or storage
PSA: If you want a full overview of how to logistically plan for a move overseas, we’ve got you covered in our blog on how to plan a relocation abroad.
What should I know about visas, legal requirements, and paperwork for an international move?
Most international moves start with securing a visa. Visa fees vary significantly depending on your destination, the purpose of your move, and the length of your stay. Costs may also increase when adding family members to your application.
Some people choose to work with an attorney to help review paperwork or support the visa process. These fees are not part of your mover’s estimate, but they are essential to include as part of your total relocation budget.
Visa timelines can also influence your moving costs. Some countries offer standard processing, while others allow expedited services for an additional fee. Delays in paperwork may affect the timing of your move, which can impact shipping schedules or availability. If your relocation is tied to a job start date or school enrollment, giving yourself extra time for visa approval can prevent last minute changes that may increase the overall cost of your overseas move.
PSA: If you’re moving to a country where you’re already a citizen, there will likely be extra papers and documents you’ll need to review. You’ll want to check with your moving coordinator, or your region’s consulate, before starting your move.
How do international moving companies calculate the cost of my move?
International moving companies rely on several predictable factors to determine your estimate. Knowing how these work helps you compare quotes with clarity.
The main cost drivers include:
- The size and weight of your shipment
- Your destination and its customs procedures
- The transportation method being used
- Seasonal demand and availability
- The level of service you select, such as door-to-door or port pickup
Shipping method is another major part of your estimate. Most international moves rely on sea freight, which is the most cost effective option and works well for households with flexible timelines. Air freight offers faster delivery but comes with higher costs due to limited cargo space, so it is usually reserved for a small portion of belongings that need to arrive quickly. Your mover will recommend the method that fits your shipment size, delivery goals, and overall budget.
For most moves, shipment size and destination are the biggest contributors to cost. Larger shipments require more container space, handling, and coordination. Countries with more complex customs procedures may introduce additional processing steps or longer timelines.
Below is a cost reference table showing typical ranges by continent and household size for an international move:
| Continent | 1-2 Bedroom Home | 3-4 Bedroom Home | 5-6 Bedroom Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | $3500-7000 | $8000-12000 | $11000-17000 |
| Asia | $3900-8200 | $8500–13000 | $12000–17500 |
| Australia | $4000-9000 | $8700–12500 | $13000–18000 |
| Africa | $4500–10000 | $9000-15000 | $14000-18500 |
| South America | $3800-8800 | $8500-13600 | $11800-16000 |
These ranges offer a helpful starting point, though your specific estimate depends on your inventory, service needs, and final destination.
What should I know about customs, duties, and destination regulations?
Every country has its own customs requirements. Some charge duties or taxes based on the declared value of your belongings. Others require inspections, additional paperwork, or temporary storage while authorities complete their review.
These costs are set by your destination country, not the moving company. A knowledgeable international mover can help you understand what to expect and guide you through the necessary documentation to avoid delays.
What should I do about vehicles, storage, and my larger items?
Not all countries accept vehicles. Shipping a vehicle overseas (if it applies) involves a separate process with its own pricing structure. Costs depend on your vehicle’s size, the chosen shipping method, and the distance traveled. Once the vehicle arrives, additional expenses such as registration, inspection, or compliance adjustments may apply.
Storage is another cost to consider, especially if your move is temporary or your new home has limited space. Storage pricing depends on how much space you require and how long your belongings remain stored. Some movers can coordinate storage on your behalf or recommend trusted facilities.
Large or fragile items may require special packing or crating. These additional services raise the cost but offer increased protection during long distance transport.
What kind of personal expenses should I plan for in an international move?
Beyond your moving company’s estimate, several everyday costs shape your overall relocation budget. These expenses vary by country but are common for many international moves.
Examples include:
- Clothing suited to the climate or cultural expectations
- Phone setup or replacing devices that are not compatible abroad
- Flights or additional travel between locations
- Childcare or school enrollment costs
- Health insurance required by your destination country
You may also want to set aside a transition budget for your first few weeks abroad. Groceries, transportation, and basic household items can add up quickly while you settle into your new home.
How can I build a realistic international moving budget?
Once you understand the pieces that shape international moving costs, you can start building your budget with more structure. A simple approach includes:
- List everything you plan to take with you.
- Identify items to sell, donate, or store to reduce your shipment size.
- Request estimates from at least two or three licensed international moving companies.
- Ask each mover to explain how they calculated your quote.
- Compare service levels, timeline expectations, customs guidance, and transportation methods.
- Add all non-moving-company costs, such as visas, flights, and insurance requirements.
A transparent international mover will walk you through each cost factor and help you align your move with your needs and budget.
Bringing Clarity to Your Overseas Move
In the past, it was harder to gather all the details needed to plan an international move, especially when costs were spread across different agencies, services, and requirements. Today, you have clearer guidance about how international moving costs work and what each part of the process contributes. With that understanding, you can compare international moving companies more confidently and plan the next steps of your relocation.
You just learned about the factors that drive cost in an international move. You also saw the typical price ranges for these kinds of moves, meaning you’ve got the knowledge to make an informed decision when choosing an international moving company. Get a quote today from National Van Lines to take another step on your international journey.
