If you are planning to move overseas, you must be caught up in a lot of questions. One of the commonly asked questions is "How much do international movers cost?" The cost depends on several factors, including services required, weight and volume of the shipment, distance, shipping company selected, and logistics management. Considering all the factors and then making an informed decision can help you wind up the relocation task within the stipulated budget. This article will take you through the international movers' costs for different places around the world and the factors affecting them.
Factors Affecting International Movers
1. Size of Shipment
The size of the shipment is an important factor in deciding the overall moving cost. A larger shipment will take more space, and therefore, the cost will also increase. The shipment size varies based on factors such as:
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Are you moving the household items of a small area like a NYC studio or a mansion?
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Do you need multiple shipping containers, or are a few backpacks enough?
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Will you need a storage unit, or are you planning to shift everything into your new home?
Make a clear and detailed list of all your belongings, regardless of the case, to ease your shipping process. Also remember that both the weight and volume of the stuff a determining factors of cost for international relocation.
2. Distance and Destination of Shipment
Another important factor is the distance between the current location and the destination country, as it affects the moving cost. Shipments to nearby countries are more budget-friendly than compared to countries on different continents. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, moving to an island or countries with limited ports is more expensive than moving to a country with well-established shipping lanes.
Moreover, certain rules, import regulations, and customs fees are more stringent in some countries. You may have to pay extra duties and taxes in such countries, and also bear the additional cost to navigate the system.
3. Type of Transportation
The mode of transportation you choose affects the moving cost. The sea freight and air freight charges differ for international moving. Air movers are generally faster but more expensive than sea movers. If you need a quick shipment, then air is the ideal option. However, moving your entire household can be costly via air.
On the other hand, sea movers are more affordable and ideal for complete household moving, though it's a slower option, but cost-efficient for larger shipments. Usually, it takes a few weeks for sea shipments, but it saves a lot of money. In fact, it costs half the price of air shipments.
4. Specialized Services
International movers sometimes provide some special services to help you pack your items. These services might cost you beyond your budget.
Some companies provide customized wooden crates for international shipments, as these strong and sturdy crates protect your belongings. They also pack the items into boxes using premium supplies and packing methods. Sometimes they also help with dismantling the furniture, equipment, or appliances if needed.
Average Cost of International Movers
The average cost of international movers can range from $1,500 to $18,000 or even more. Here are more accurate costs for international movers to different continents:
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Europe: $3,500-$17,000
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Asia: $3,900-$17,500
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Australia: $4,000-$18,000
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Africa: $4,500-$18,500
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South America: $3,800-$16,000
The average international movers cost for different countries is:
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Canada: $3,000-$5,000
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UK: $5,000-$8,000
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Japan: $3,000-$12,000
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Australia: $7,000-$12,000
Tips to Reduce International Moving Costs
The overseas moving cost generally exceeds the expected costs, especially when there are fragile items that need extra care or custom packaging. You can reduce the cost by using these tips:
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Sell the objects that are not important, as the number of items will be reduced, and the overall transportation charge will also decrease.
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If you find unwanted or damaged items that cannot be sold or donated, remove them from the luggage as they will be of no use later.
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If you have enough time on hand, do your own packing and unpacking. This will save you a lot of money.
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If you don't need the items immediately and have a lot of luggage, opt for sea shipping over air shipping.
Final Words
International movers are expensive, irrespective of the methods you choose. But you can reduce the cost by using some simple tips and planning the shipment smartly. Therefore, it's crucial to understand everything, including the factors affecting cost and the shipment cost of the area you are moving to. This will help you budget accordingly and avoid unexpected costs.
