Moving can feel very overwhelming, especially when moving overseas. Finding a new home, securing the proper documentation, starting a new job, and choosing a moving company can take your time and cost hundreds of dollars. In this article, we’ll explore the top five international movers that can handle your moving needs and save you time and money.
- Sea & Air
- White & Company
- Stuttaford Van Lines
- Orbit International Moving Logistics
- Strong Moving International
1. Sea & Air
When you need help with international relocation, Sea & Air offers a wide variety of moving and relocation services. They specialize in quality international moving services with a full service guarantee. Since 2001, they have moved over 20,000 customers to more than 50 countries. In addition to providing professional moving services, Sea & Air partners with other companies to donate coats and non-perishable items to give back to the community.
Services Offered:
- Household move
- Corporate move
- Employee moving
- Fine arts & antiques move
- Diplomatic and Foreign Government Relocation
- Storage Solutions
- Commercial Logistics
2. White & Company
As founding members of the international movers federation, White & Company has a long history of professional international moving services. They are committed to high-quality services and have moved over 50,000 customers annually. Unlike other moving companies that often hire third-party help, they train their employees in-house to handle packing, moving, and other services.
With over 150 years of experience in the industry, White & Company provides hassle-free services for an easier transition.
Services Offered
- Long distance moves
- Planning
- Packing solutions
- Corporate Moving
- Self-storage
- Record management
- Relocating
- Domestic moving
- International moving
3. Stuttaford Van Lines
Originally a furniture moving company, Stuttaford Van Lines is now a multi-national moving company that handles various moving services. Since 1857, the company has maintained a strong, professional reputation with courteous customer service. They hold FAIM accreditation and tailor their services for optimal customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Insurance
- Drop and Go
- Vehicle Transfer
- Storage
- Fine Art packing
- Move management
- Relocation services
- Pet transfer
4. Orbit International Moving Logistics
As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM) and the International Movers Network, Orbit provides a full range of moving services. They aim to deliver exceptional services customers can rely on and maintain peace of mind. They use a state-of-the-art software system to accurately and safely store records to ensure the safe delivery of items and the protection of customer information.
Services Offered
- Employee move and relocation
- Insurance
- Corporate move and relocation
- Short and long term storage
- Bonded storage
- Move management
- Overseas storage
- International moving
5. Strong Moving International
Strong Moving International has served customers for over 30 years as an outstanding professional moving company. They are committed to an efficient and safe moving experience for all customers to ensure peace of mind. Strong Moving International offers a full range of local and international moving services.
Services Offered
- Storage
- Air, sea, and land transport
- Domestic move
- International move
- Packing material and services
- Vehicle transport
- Fine Art transport
- Relocation services
Creating A Moving Checklist
Planning an overseas move means more than packing your items and booking a flight. The good news is that creating a checklist can help you obtain the correct documentation, choose a moving company, and transport your items and yourself safely to your destination.
6 Months Before
Approximately six months before your move, research homes and visit the location in person. This will give you a better understanding of the country’s culture and help you and your family adjust. You can start your research through online newspapers, blogs, or travel guides.
The next thing you want to do is research moving companies. You should research international moving companies that offer moving abroad shipping with high-quality reviews. The Federal Maritime Commission website is an excellent place to begin your research.
3 Months Before
Flights and Hotels
When you reach three months before moving day, you should research and reserve flights, hotel rooms, and a rental car. The earlier you make reservations, the less change you have of running into storage issues or high costs. You may incur late booking fees if you wait too close to moving day.
Moving Company Quotes
Researching moving companies can feel overwhelming. Getting a quote from at least three licensed and certified overseas moving companies is a good idea.
Securing Documentation
Getting proper documentation in order may take a while, so starting at least three months before you move is best. Essential documents include:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- School records
- Marriage certificates
- Medical forms
- Social security cards
Passport
If you don’t already have a passport, getting one right away is crucial. This website can help you renew or obtain a passport before your move.
Contacting the U.S. Embassy
Contacting the U.S. Embassy is essential if you need a visa or permit for your international move. Depending on your citizenship, this process will vary.
Visa Or Permit
If you need a Visa or work permit you will want to obtain one immediately because the process takes a while. The U.S. Embassy can also help you with this process.
Securing Health Insurance
Securing health insurance is different in each country. Your new employer can help you or you can research on your own.
2 Months Before
Vaccines
If your destination country requires vaccines, schedule them at least two months before you move. Give yourself plenty of time to obtain your medical records.
Book Your International Moving Company
Now that you’ve already completed your research on international moving companies, it’s time to book the best one that will fit your unique needs. About two months in advance will give you and the moving company enough time to learn your needs and best serve you. They can also help you understand international moving costs.
Choose and Reserve A Storage Unit
Some people need short or long-term storage when moving overseas. An international moving company can help you secure a storage unit.
Clean Out the Clutter
The best way to declutter your home is to make a checklist of the priority items you’re taking with you. You can sell, donate, or store the things you’re not planning to move.
Contact the Bank
Letting your bank know you’re moving overseas is an essential step in the moving process. Ask if they have a location overseas so you can transfer your business. Many banks offer online banking for overseas customers.
Learn Tax Laws
Every country has its tax laws and regulations. Contact an expert to help you understand your new country’s tax laws, or you can research independently.
Cell Phone Plans
Your wireless provider should also know if you’re moving overseas so they can transfer your plan. If not, they may be able to help you set up another plan in your new country.
Packing Planner
Your international moving company can help you create a packing planner with the best way to pack for an overseas move. If you’re packing your own boxes, you should start right away.
1 Month Before
Book Your Moving Company
If you still need to book your overseas moving company, you should book them immediately and secure your movers. You want to ensure everyone is on the same page with shipping times and prices.
Purchase Travel Guides
Travel guides are a great way to learn about your new country. They have a variety of information, including transportation and prices for vehicle rentals.
Check Prescription Inventory
Now is the best time to take an inventory of your prescription and request any refills. This process will provide you with peace of mind that you will have the medications you need.
Moving Day
Most moving companies arrive with a large truck and three to four movers on moving day, depending on the size of your home. Check with your moving company to obtain an approximate time so you can plan accordingly. If you have a friend or relative to watch your children, this will help relieve stress and give them something to do. Although it’s not mandatory, some people tip their movers if they provide exceptional services.
After You Arrive
What happens after you arrive at your destination? Contacting your family and friends and updating them on your experience is a good idea. You should also share your contact information with them, your bank, and your new local embassy. Your local embassy is the best contact to ensure you’re prepared for any emergencies or help with legal questions.
Once you’ve done these things, it’s time to learn about and enjoy your new community. Consider taking language classes and immersing yourself in the culture. Check the local schools and libraries to see if they offer free classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of an international move?
While every international move varies in cost, most cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. These prices vary according to distance, moving company costs, packing essentials, and required documentation. You can reduce your moving costs by selling items you don’t need, researching housing, and hiring a moving company to help you through the process.
How do I ship my belongings overseas?
Moving belongings overseas is stressful for most people. However, hiring a licensed and experienced international moving company can help reduce stress and ensure your items arrive on time. These companies can handle shipping household goods overseas by conducting shipping method research for you. Most companies use sea freight because the costs are lower.
How Do I Move Furniture Overseas?
If you don’t have a lot of furniture, you can use air freight shipping. This is helpful if you have to ship your items quickly. However, it’s more expensive than sea freight shipping because it’s based on weight. Sea freight shipping stores your items in containers and charges a container fee. They offer less-than-a-container load shipping if you are not shipping a lot of items. The best thing is to book an international moving company that can handle shipping logistics for you.
How do international movers work?
International movers are a great way to get the help you need with your overseas move and ensure your belongings get to your destination on time. Most international moving companies will offer door-to-door services. They will arrive at your home, pack your belongings, and ship them to your new destination.
International movers will also assign an agent to help manage your move, assist you with proper documentation, and ensure your items are scheduled for the correct shipping method. They will also check your customs clearance so you don’t encounter any issues at the port.
Is international moving expensive?
Every move is expensive, especially when you’re moving overseas. Most international moves cost $1,000 to $10,000, depending on various factors. If your employer is paying for your move, you will likely have reduced expenses. Choosing an experienced moving company will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and stress.
How Do I Start An International Move?
If you already have a destination in mind, the next thing is to research an international moving company and start saving money. When you’re relocating internationally, there are several steps to take, including securing a Visa, passport, researching customs laws, and purchasing a new home. An international moving company may offer additional services that can help you with planning, packing, and securing documentation.
How Long Does An International Move Take?
The timeframe of an international move varies depending on your destination and how much you’re shipping overseas. The average move overseas takes approximately four to eight weeks with sea freight shipping. While air freight usually takes two to three weeks, it is more expensive. An international moving company can help you determine which shipping method is right for you.
Is It Hard to Move Internationally?
The planning that goes into an international move can easily overwhelm anyone. There are several rules and regulations to research, proper documentation to secure, and a budget to consider. However, proper preparation in advance helps you feel less overwhelmed and ensure a smooth transition to your new destination. An international moving company has the tools and resources to help you with your international move.
