Best International Moving Companies (2024)
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Planning an international move can be overwhelming. You may need to arrange to move your boxes and furniture onto an air or ocean freighter. You’ll also have to learn and navigate the customs clearance process at your new country’s port of entry. Luckily, some moving companies know the ins and outs of moving internationally and can make the process easier.
International Van Lines tops our list of the best international moving companies because of its extensive partner network, competitive prices for international moves, and comprehensive list of services. Our second pick, American Van Lines, offers background-checked and vetted international moving teams with specialized training. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group rounds out our top three because of its ability to connect you with a partner company that will match your international move’s specific needs and budget.
We completed more than 4,800 hours of research to identify the best moving companies. We also interviewed industry experts, surveyed 1,000 moving customers, and analyzed international moving companies’ service offerings and protection plans. Learn all about our top five favorite international moving companies below.
Best International Moving Companies of 2024
We evaluated professional moving companies on a scale of 0 to 100 and used our strict rating methodology to analyze their international services, insurance policies, online reputation, compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and other factors. Here is our most updated list of the best international moving companies of 2024:
- Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
- Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
- Most Efficient: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
- Best Customer Service: Moving APT
What Should I Know About International Moving Companies?
Knowing the most vital information concerning international moving companies helps you prepare to negotiate issues with an estimate and avoid scammers. You should know how much movers cost, what moving insurance options international movers offer, and what services you can use.
How Much Does an International Move Cost?
What Is Moving Insurance?
What International Moving Services Are Available?
Compare the Top International Moving Companies
International Van Lines and American Van Lines offer some of the best international moving services, such as vehicle shipping, crating with freighters, and highly comprehensive insurance coverage to make them our top two companies. Learn how all our top picks compare in the table below.
Our Pick
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#1 out of 28 companies | #2 out of 28 companies | #3 out of 28 companies | #4 out of 28 companies | #5 out of 28 companies | |
A+ | A+ | B | A+ | B+ | |
FMCSA Licensing |
Carrier/Broker | Carrier | Broker | Carrier | Broker |
Average Price* |
$5,250 | $5,625 | $5,054 | $7,171 | $4,683 |
Deposit Required |
Up to 25% | Up to 50% | Up to 33% | $250 | Varies |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates. |
We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items. |
We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast. |
We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services. |
We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies. |
Rating Categories |
International Van Lines | American Van Lines | Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | JK Moving Services | Moving APT |
Customer Service |
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Item Protection |
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Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of January 2024.
What Determines an International Move’s Cost?
Several key factors will influence the cost of your international move, such as if you book in advance, choose add-on services, and move many items. Here is a list of all the factors that will determine your international move’s cost:
- Advance booking: Booking your move at least six weeks to a month in advance will help ensure that you don’t incur higher rates. Some movers will bill higher rates when you book within a week of your move date.
- Add-on services: Added services, such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and more, will inflate your cost. These may have flat fees attached or be part of your overall cost. This will depend on the mover you use.
- Customs: Customs duties and taxes in the destination country can contribute significantly to your overall cost. Another factor is the mode of transportation chosen, whether by sea, air, or land. Airfreight is generally faster but more expensive, while sea freight may be a more economical option but requires a longer transit time.
- Insurance: Replacement value protection plans and other moving insurance options protect your items but contribute to the overall price. Higher-value plans cost more. Going without protection saves money but carries financial risks if items are damaged.
- Move distance and shipping weight: One of the primary determinants is the volume and weight of your belongings. Moving more items will mean higher transportation costs because shipping charges are often calculated based on the weight and size of the cargo. The destination and distance to be covered play a crucial role in determining the cost of an international move. Shipping goods to different countries involves varying logistical challenges and transportation expenses.
How Do I Plan and Prepare for an International Move?
You can plan and prepare for an international move by first creating a moving time line. Developing a comprehensive time line outlining all the tasks you must complete before, during, and after your move will keep you on track and ensure you hit all the key steps below.
- Gather important documents: Keep important documents such as passports, visas, and medical records easily accessible. Make copies and store them separately for added security.
- Inventory and downsize: Take inventory of your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This reduces moving costs and ensures you’re not bringing unnecessary items to your new home.
- Research destination country regulations: Start by thoroughly researching the regulations and requirements of the destination country. This includes visa and work permit information, customs duties, and any restrictions on certain items.
- Research moving companies: Assemble a list of reputable companies serving your area. The FMCSA is a great government resource to find a company’s insurance information and see whether it has any active red flags, such as revoked licensing. You should ask about the company’s licensing information for international moves, including whether it has licensing through the Federal Maritime Commission as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary to ship via ocean freight. Also, ask about logistics management to learn whether a company will assist with customs clearance and other potential challenges.
- Get quotes and book your move: Get quotes from all of the moving companies you’re considering six weeks to one month ahead of your move date. Aim to book your move at least a month in advance. Get copies of your moving contract when you confirm your move date. Also, read the FMCSA’s Rights and Responsibilities documentation; your mover should provide you with a copy.
- Plan for temporary accommodation and storage: If necessary, arrange for temporary accommodation upon arrival at the destination. This provides a buffer while you settle into your new surroundings.
- Set up financial and utility services: Inform banks, utility providers, and other relevant institutions about your move. Set up or cancel services as needed and ensure that financial matters are in order.
Our Conclusion
Moving abroad takes extra effort compared to a domestic move, and knowing where to begin is tough. Based on our research, International Van Lines is a great choice for coordinating your international move to save you the hassle. The company has a helpful checklist for pre-move planning and a detailed guide for tailoring an international move to your needs. The company started in international logistics and has substantial experience moving customers overseas.
American Van Lines is another great choice with its experienced international moving crews and custom crating for fragile items. We also like how Interstate Moving & Relocation Group works with international carriers to offer affordable moving services and typically has a prompt booking process.
Take the time to compare quotes among three or more providers. You should read customer reviews and review each company’s licensing information before deciding on an international mover.
FAQ About the Best International Moving Companies
What should I do before I move abroad?
Work on getting all your necessary documents in order before you move abroad. This includes your passport and various forms of identification, medical records, Social Security card, and birth certificate. You should also check vaccine requirements for your destination country and apply for a visa if necessary. Check out our checklist for moving abroad to ensure you’re fully prepared for your international move.
Do I need insurance for international moving?
You need insurance to protect your shipment from the costs associated with lost and damaged belongings. Ask your moving company about insurance options and costs for additional coverage.
What should I know when packing for an international move?
Remember that downsizing when packing for your international move will make for fewer logistical challenges and may cut shipping costs due to needing fewer containers.
How do I ship my belongings overseas?
You’ll need to hire an international moving company to ship your belongings overseas. An international moving company can coordinate each step of the shipping process, managing logistics from origin to destination.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.