Understanding International Move Costs: Average Cost To Move Overseas
Are you considering an international move but worried about the shipping costs? Are moving services giving you moving quotes that seem absurd? Well, worry no longer! While moving abroad may seem challenging at first, with these simple tips and tricks, moving internationally can be a breeze for any American! We decided to make this handy guide to help you calculate the cost of moving internationally. With these 3 simple guidelines, you can move to another country with ease.
These 3 guidelines are our basis as expert international movers who have done many big moves and small moves already. We’ve noticed these 3 factors pop p every time when it comes to the question of how much will it cost to move. Just remember, no moving is free moving, though! Every company has its price, and even if you move everything yourself, there’s always the hidden cost of time (and diesel prices, of course). So if you are worried about the moving companies’ costs the most, the most important thing is to check everyone’s quotes. This is due to every international moving company having different prices.
But now that we have that out of the way let’s get into our top 3 picks that make up the average cost of an international move.
Pick 1: Distance And Destination Country
This is probably the most obvious cost to move your stuff. This piece can usually effect the cost of an overseas move the second most, right behind the volume and weight of the goods themselves. Moving to a new country has a myriad of costs, with the distance usually being the easiest to calculate. Many places can charge per kilometer (if the country is located within either the North or South American continent) as there are usually no freight or airplane costs. This means that if you are moving from within the continent, you can find it one of the cheapest continents to move to compared to Europe, Asia, or Africa.
Most inter-continental moves cost around the lower side, at around 6-7K USD. International van lines can decrease these costs as they partner with local movers to reduce costs. This is due to the cost of living in that country being lower, meaning lower wages are given to the local moving crew. While this may seem unethical at first, you need to remember that the value of money changes from country to country, so that 8$ an hour can be used for a lot more things in those countries.
Pick 2: Volume And Weight Of Goods Change Average Costs
When planning a move internationally, understanding the volume and weight of goods is crucial for an accurate international moving quote. Professional movers will assess the size of your move to calculate international moving costs, which can vary significantly based on the total weight of your items and their volume. If you try to ship a car, these costs can skyrocket due to every country’s laws for vehicle import taxes and how new the car is.
To get a better grasp of the overall cost of your move, a guide to international moving costs (such as this one!) can be beneficial. These guides can help you calculate the costs of moving easily.
$3,000 per 1,000 lbs or 100 cubic feet of household goods. Additional fees for customs, taxes, valuation coverage, and other services can significantly increase the total cost. The best way to get an accurate quote would be to contact multiple reputable international moving companies and provide them details about the specific items you need to relocate.
Pick 3: Mode Of Transportation Can Affect The Cost Of Shipping
When planning an international move, the choice of mode of transportation significantly impacts the cost of international moving. Different methods, such as air freight or sea shipping, can lead to varying moving prices. For instance, while air transport is faster, it typically incurs higher transportation costs, which can greatly influence how much does it cost to ship your belongings overseas. Conversely, sea freight is generally more economical but may come with longer delivery times and additional considerations.
Air Freight
- Pros: Fast and reliable, ideal for urgent or high-value items. Extensive global coverage with secure handling.
- Cons: Expensive, with limited cargo space. Weight and size restrictions apply. Environmental impact is higher compared to other methods.
Sea Freight
- Pros: Cost-effective for large volumes, with the ability to transport almost anything. Ideal for long distances.
- Cons: Slow transit times, typically weeks. Requires careful planning for customs clearance and potential delays.
International Movers
- Pros: Comprehensive service, including packing, shipping, and customs handling. Tailored solutions for household goods.
- Cons: Expensive, with less flexibility compared to self-managed shipping. Quality and reliability can vary between companies.
Conclusion: International Move Costs To Move Overseas Explained
Making an International Move from the U.S. can feel like navigating a giant puzzle, with each piece—distance, volume, transport, customs, and insurance—playing a critical role in the final picture. But don’t let the logistics overwhelm you! Think of it as an adventure where each step gets you closer to your new life abroad. Sure, the cost might seem daunting at first, but with a little planning, you can make it work without breaking the bank. Maybe you’ll opt for the scenic route by sea, or decide to streamline your belongings for a more budget-friendly move.
Either way, being aware of what drives the costs will help you make savvy decisions. So, embrace the process, pack those bags with care, and remember—every dollar spent is an investment in your exciting new chapter. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination, and before you know it, you’ll be unpacking in your new home, ready to start your next big adventure!
