How Much Does International Moving Cost

Moving is a huge task, but when you’re moving internationally, it’s like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you get what we mean, right?

Moving across the world is no small feat, and the biggest question most people ask is: How much does international moving cost? 

Whether you're moving to Europe, heading to Asia, or following the sunshine to Australia, this question will weigh heavily on your mind.

The cost of moving internationally isn’t something that can be answered with a simple, “Oh, it’s just a couple of thousand bucks.” Nope, it’s more complicated than that.

In fact, the average cost of moving internationally for a 3-bedroom home can range from $10,000 to $20,000 (depending on where you're moving to and how much stuff you have).

Well, it is, but it all depends on factors like distance, the shipping method you choose, and the services you opt for.

A typical 1-bedroom move might cost around $3,000 to $7,000, while a larger move, say, a 4-bedroom house, could jump to over $30,000.

So yeah, it can range a lot. But don’t worry — by the end of this blog, we’ll give you all the details you need to figure out what you’re really looking at.

The Basics of International Moving Costs

First, let’s talk about international moving in general terms.

Moving internationally is like ordering a fancy pizza with all the toppings. You can’t expect it to be cheap.

The costs vary depending on where you're moving to, how much you're bringing along, and how you’re getting your stuff there.

But here’s a little spoiler alert: The total cost is a mix of:

• Distance How far you're moving
• Amount of Stuff The more you bring, the higher the price
• Moving Services – Do you want the movers to pack for you, or are you going the DIY route?

Most people are looking at anywhere between $3,000 and $30,000. Yeah, it’s a pretty big range. But we'll break it down in detail, so don't freak out just yet.

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Average Cost of International Moving: What You’re Looking At

Let's start by taking a quick look at the average cost of an international move, depending on the size of your household.

For example:

•  If you're moving out of a 1-bedroom apartment, you’re looking at about $3,000 to $7,000 for a standard international move. But when you're moving across continents, it adds up quickly.
•  For a 2-bedroom home, it's around $6,000 to $12,000.
•  For those big families with a 3-bedroom home, that’ll range from $10,000 to $20,000.
•  And if you’ve got a whole 5-bedroom house to move? You can easily hit the $20,000 to $30,000 mark (or even more, depending on the destination).

And all of this can be affected by how far you’re moving.

Want to move from the U.S. to Europe? It's going to be a little cheaper than shipping all your stuff to Asia, so where you're going really matters.

Breaking Down the Cost by Region

Let’s be specific: How much does it cost to move to specific regions?

Moving to Europe: If you’re relocating from the U.S. to somewhere in Europe, a 3-bedroom home will cost you around $8,000 to $17,000.

Asia: Want to move to Tokyo or Shanghai? You’re looking at $8,500 to $17,500. It's a pretty hefty price, but it all depends on how much you're bringing along and the route taken.

Australia: If you're heading down under, it’ll cost you anywhere from $8,700 to $18,000 for the same 3-bedroom move.

Those numbers vary, but they give you a ballpark idea of what you’re up against. But remember, if you're moving your stuff by sea freight (the cheaper option), it might take longer to get there.

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Factors That Affect Your International Moving Expenses

So why are there so many differences in prices?

Here’s where things get interesting. The cost of moving internationally depends on:

Distance: Yeah, you already knew that. But remember, it's not just about where you're going but also how you're getting your stuff there.

Shipping Method: Are you going by air freight or sea freight? Air freight is faster, but it costs a lot more. Sea freight is cheaper but can take a few weeks.

Amount of Stuff: Do you need a whole container, or are you okay with just a couple of boxes? The more stuff, the more $$$.

And let’s talk about add-ons that might sneak up on you:

Packing Services: If you want professional packers to wrap up your china and electronics, it’s going to add to the cost.

Insurance: If you’re shipping household goods overseas, you'll want to ensure everything is protected in case of damage during the move. This could cost you 1-3% of the total value of your items.

Other Costs to Keep in Mind

It’s not just the moving company fees; there are some other costs that might catch you off guard, like:

Visa and Immigration Costs: Depending on the country you’re moving to, you'll likely need to sort out visas and immigration paperwork. This could cost you anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the destination.

Customs Fees: You might have to pay duties or taxes when shipping your goods into certain countries. This varies widely, but some countries are more strict than others.

Storage Fees: Sometimes, your goods need to be stored for a while. Storage can cost anywhere between $100 to $500 per month.

How to Save on International Moving Costs

We know, we know, you’re probably thinking, "All this is great, but how do I save some cash?" Well, there are a few tricks to help you keep things affordable.

Declutter: Seriously, less is more. The fewer things you have to move, the less you'll pay. Sell, donate, or throw away stuff you don't need.

Get Multiple Quotes: Don't settle for the first quote you get. Shop around. You can find affordable international movers who offer great deals.

Move During Off-Peak Times: Like flights, the moving industry has busy seasons. To save money, try scheduling your move during the off-peak months (like winter).

Use a Shared Shipping Container: If you don’t have a ton of stuff, share a shipping container with someone else. You’ll pay a fraction of the cost!

Don't stress over the move! Save up to 20% on your next international relocation.

Additional Services That Might Affect Your Budget

Depending on your needs, you might choose additional services that will impact your overall budget.

Some options include:

International Moving Services: Need full-service movers who’ll do everything for you? This can cost extra, but if you’re short on time or energy, it might be worth it.

Shipping Household Goods Overseas: If you’ve got some bulky or fragile items, you might need special handling, which can raise the price.

Storage: If your new home isn't ready yet, you might need to store your stuff for a while.

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