International Moving Cost Calculator

International moving costs typically range from $1,000 to $20,000+ depending on your origin, destination, volume of belongings, and services required. A studio apartment move might cost $2,000-$4,000, while a 3-4 bedroom home could cost $8,000-$15,000. The largest cost factors are shipping volume, distance, shipping method (sea vs air), and additional services like packing and insurance.

For moves under 20m³ (about 2 bedrooms), groupage is almost always cheaper, typically 30-50% less than renting a full container. However, if you have 30m³+ of goods, a sole-use 20' or 40' container becomes more economical. The breakeven point is usually around 22-25m³. Groupage also takes longer (46-61 days) as it waits for container consolidation, while a dedicated container ships on your schedule (30-45 days).

Common hidden costs include: destination port charges ($500-$1,500), quarantine inspections for countries like Australia/NZ ($200-$800), customs broker fees ($200-$600), demurrage fees if you're late picking up ($50-$200/day), elevator or access surcharges ($200-$800), rural delivery fees ($300-$1,000), and currency exchange fluctuations (3-8% impact). Always ask movers if quotes are "door-to-door" or "port-to-port" and what's included.

Packing yourself saves $1,000-$3,500, but professional packing ensures items are protected and may be required for full insurance coverage. Consider professional packing for: fragile/high-value items, if you lack time or packing skills, or if your insurance requires it. Many customers choose a hybrid approach: pack clothes and books themselves, hire professionals for furniture, glassware, and artwork. This balances cost savings with protection.

Vehicle shipping costs depend on the method: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) typically costs $1,500-$3,500 for standard cars. Shipping in a shared container with household goods adds about $1,200 (vehicle takes ~6m³ of space). A dedicated container for just the vehicle costs $2,500-$5,500. Additional costs include inspection, steam cleaning, fumigation (for some destinations), import duties (often 5-25% of vehicle value), and registration fees. Countries like Australia and NZ have strict biosecurity requirements.

The cheapest times are typically: October through March (avoiding summer peak season), mid-week moves (Tuesday-Thursday), and mid-month dates (avoiding month-end rush). Peak moving season (June-August) and end-of-month dates can cost 15-30% more due to high demand. Holiday periods (Christmas, New Year) also see price increases. If you have flexibility, moving in November or February on a Wednesday can offer significant savings.

Yes, international moving insurance is highly recommended. Basic carrier liability is minimal (often $0.60/lb or ~$1.30/kg), which wouldn't cover your actual losses. Standard all-risk coverage costs 1.5-4% of your declared shipment value but provides comprehensive protection against damage, loss, and theft. For a $30,000 shipment, expect to pay $450-$1,200 for full coverage. Given the complexity of international shipping, the peace of mind is worth the investment.

Port-to-port service can save $800-$1,500, but adds significant complexity. You're responsible for: delivering goods to origin port, arranging customs clearance at destination, paying port fees directly, and organizing pickup and final delivery. This requires local knowledge, time, and potentially renting vehicles. Unless you're very experienced or have reliable contacts in both locations, the stress and hidden costs often outweigh the savings. Door-to-door service provides convenience and one point of contact for problems.

While both share container space, LCL and groupage have key differences: LCL offers weekly sailings with faster transit but requires expensive lift-vans (wooden crates) that add 15-20% to your volume, plus higher destination port fees ($500-$1,200). Groupage waits for full consolidation (slower) but doesn't need lift-vans, includes port fees in the rate, and is typically 20-40% cheaper overall. For small moves under 15m³, groupage is usually the better value if you can wait the extra 2-3 weeks.

Volume is calculated in cubic meters (m³) or cubic feet (ft³). Measure length × width × height of each item in meters, then sum them up. As a rough guide: 1-bed apartment = 10-15m³, 2-bed = 20-30m³, 3-bed house = 35-50m³, 4-bed = 60-80m³. Professional movers offer free pre-move surveys (in-person or virtual) for accurate measurements. This is crucial as quotes are based on volume, and underestimating can result in surprise charges or items left behind.