Best International Moving Companies of 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

By: Harrison Gough Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024

  • Share article:

Explore the best international moving companies in our handy guide. We've done the research to ensure your move is smooth and hassle-free!

BEST OVERALL

4.9


Moving APT

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates
Get a Quote 800-360-0037 Read review

BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE

4.7


Adams Van Lines

  • Affordable prices
  • Customized services
  • Binding Prices
Get a Quote 855-254-0416 Read review

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4


Native Van Lines

  • Customized services
  • Transparent pricing
  • Licensed and insured
Get a Quote 888-809-1249 Read review

We know moving to a new country is a big deal. It’s exciting but can be stressful too. The right movers, however, can make it much easier and more fun for you.

With so many moving companies out there, choosing one can be tough. That’s why our expert team here at Moving Feedback has stepped in. We’ve researched over 20 international moving companies, all to find the best ones for your international move.

We’re here to guide you through this process. We’ll help you understand what to look for in a moving company, how to pick the services that best fit your needs, and what factors to consider when making your final choice.

So, are you ready to make your move easier? Let’s get started.


International Moving Costs

The average cost of an international move ranges from $3200 to $19300, but it really depends on a range of different factors.

Here’s how your bill stacks up, and how you can be sure of the price:

Destination Studio / 1 bedroom 2 bedrooms 3 bedrooms 4 bedrooms
Alaska $3,200 – $5000 $4500 – $7500 $7500 – $10200 $8500 – $13400
Hawaii $4500 – $6000 $6000 – $9000 $8500 – $12000 $12000 – $15000
Central America $4100 – $5500 $5500 – $8000 $8000 – $11000 $11000 – $13500
South America $4700 – $6200 $6500 – $9300 $8900 – $13000 $13500 – $16000
Europe $4900 – $6500 $6800 – $10200 $9500 – $14000 $14500 – $19300

Factors behind the cost

Your final price isn’t some arbitrary number. The size of your shipment, the distance you’re moving, the special services you require, and even the time of year all contribute to your final bill.

Be on the lookout for any additional charges such as parking, long carries, or stair and elevator fees. These are typically unavoidable, but check in with your mover ahead of time to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

How to get the best price

Sometimes a quote is too good to be true. We recommend you get different quotes from at least three different moving companies so you can compare prices and keep your movers honest.

Some movers offer price matching, and some movers offer discounts. When you compare several moving companies, you’re also comparing what kind of deal you can score.


Factors to Consider When Choosing an International Moving Company

Choosing the right international moving company makes all the difference – but how do you know a mover is best for you?

Here’s what you should check before moving day.

  • Reputation and reviews: Google and Yelp are your friends. Before you book a move, check customer reviews to get a good idea of whether an international mover is worth your time.
  • Experience: There are a ton of movers out there, but international moving is a completely different ballgame. Your international mover should be familiar with the ins and outs of moving shipments into and out of the country.
  • Licenses and certifications: International moving isn’t an everyday occasion, and there’s a whole web of red tape to navigate. Make sure your company has all the necessary licenses and certifications to operate in your home and destination country.
  • Transparency and communication: You don’t want to be left in the dark, especially when it comes to your belongings and your bill. Choose a company that’s straightforward about its pricing and services, and make sure they don’t leave you on hold too much.
  • Pricing and payment options: Sometimes you get what you pay for, and sometimes you overpay. To be safe, get multiple quotes so you can compare prices and payment options.
  • Customer service and support: Your first call is a good indicator of the kind of service you can expect from the rest of the move. If your agent provides plenty of information and fills you in on what you can expect on a moving day, it’s definitely a good sign.

Compare The International Moving companies

4.9 4.7 4.4 4.1 4.2
Best Overall Best for Long Distance Best Customer Reviews Most Affordable Best for Customizing
15% Seniors & Military Discounts 18% Flexibility Discount 20% Seasonal Discount 15% Student Discount 18% Flexibility Discount
$5700-$8500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $5900-$9100 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $5800-$8900 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $5200-$8300 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $5600-$8800 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom)
Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote
Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review

Top International Moving Companies

A good move starts with a good mover. That’s why Moving Feedback did the research and reviewed the top international moving companies in the game.

Here are our picks for the top international moving companies:

  1. Moving APT
  2. Adams Van Lines
  3. Native Van Lines
  4. Pricing Van Lines
  5. Verified Van Lines
1

BEST OVERALL

4.9

Moving APT

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates

Out of all the international movers we checked out, Moving APT is the best overall. They provide excellent customer service, and they don’t break the bank. Plus, their moving agents provide tons of helpful information to make your move easier.

In terms of reputation, Moving APT also boasts some great reviews. They’ve even been featured in Forbes. It’s great to know they have the reputation to back up their services, too.


  • Competitive pricing
  • Transparent communication
  • Friendly and efficient staff
  • Safe and secure transportation
  • Timely delivery
  • Limited availability in some areas

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance, International Moves

2

BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE

4.7

Adams Van Lines

  • Affordable prices
  • Customized services
  • Binding Prices

Adams Van Lines is a great option for premium moving. Got a piano or antiques? Adams Van Lines will ship it. Collectibles and a pool table? Adams has you covered.

Adams really specializes in premium moving, but unlike other premium movers, they won’t break the bank. While certain services may cost a little extra, it’s definitely worth it to know all your valuables are safe and secure.


  • Premium moving options
  • Vetted and verified movers
  • VIP treatment without VIP pricing
  • Streamlined customer service
  • A bit more expensive than other small movers, but you get what you pay for

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance, International Moves

3

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4

Native Van Lines

  • Customized services
  • Transparent pricing
  • Licensed and insured

Native Van Lines has been around for over a decade, and in all that time they’ve been delivering great moves and great customer service.

They really prioritize customer satisfaction, and it shows. A visit to their website will show you tons of great reviews, and a few awards to boot.

If it’s your first time getting in touch with movers, Native Van Lines’ reputation can bring you some much-needed peace of mind. It’s always good to know that your movers have a history of happy customers.


  • Excellent reviews
  • Award-winning mover
  • Excellent customer service
  • Trained and experienced moving teams
  • Some services may not be available in your area

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance, International Moves

4

MOST AFFORDABLE

4.1

Pricing Van Lines

  • 500 local agents
  • Binding Prices
  • Customized services

An international move can be complicated and pricey. But your movers don’t have to be. That’s where Pricing Van Lines comes in.

They’re the best choice for an international move on a budget, and despite the low cost, they never sacrifice on quality.

Pricing Van Lines delivers big-name moving without the big-name price tag. And even with something major like an international move, Pricing won’t break the bank.


  • Cost-effective international moving
  • Excellent customer service
  • Great quality moves for the price
  • Vetted and verified movers
  • Some services may not be available depending on location

Licenses:

Type:

Cross Country, International Moves

5

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION

4.2

Verified Van Lines

  • Personalized packages
  • Price matching
  • Great customer service

Verified Van Lines is a great choice for custom moves. A lot of movers offer you a flat rate on your final price.

This is great – it lets you know exactly how much you’ll be spending on moving day, and what services are included in your quote.

Unfortunately, there’s always the chance that you won’t end up using certain services you’re getting billed for.

Verified Van Lines offers completely custom moves. This means you’re only getting billed for services you need. It’s cost-effective, and it also makes for a personally-tailored international moving service.


  • Custom-tailored moving
  • No fees for services you don’t need
  • Excellent customer service
  • Wide variety of services to pick and choose
  • Extra services cost extra money

Licenses:

Type:

Long Distance, International Moves


Services Offered by International Moving Companies

When you book a move with an international moving company, you’re getting a whole range of services that can take the stress out of the big day.

While some of these services may cost a little extra, we definitely recommend giving them a look:

  • Packing and unpacking: Boxing up all your stuff can be a major pain and a serious time-sink. Fortunately, you can pay movers to pack and unpack your belongings for you.
  • Custom crating and packaging: Some items need a little extra TLC. We’ve seen it with pianos, antiques, and even vintage motorcycles: For a fee, some international movers can literally build custom crates around your big-ticket items.
  • Storage options: Moving isn’t always an exact science. If you need a little extra time to get situated at your new place (or if you miscalculated how much room you have for your stuff) you can pay for monthly storage.
  • Vehicle shipping: You can usually just drive your own car to your new place, but unless you’re moving to Mexico or Canada, driving isn’t really doable for an international move. Be on the lookout for moving companies that offer car shipping.
  • Specialty item transport: Just like custom crating, your movers can offer some extra TLC to ship your fragile items. Artwork and antique furniture require extra services, and the extra care is great peace of mind.
  • Customs clearance: This is a big one. Customs can be a pain. It’s a legal and bureaucratic headache, but you can avoid the worst of it by getting in touch with an international mover.
  • Insurance coverage: International moves are complex and oftentimes pretty lengthy. All the more reason to look into full coverage insurance in case anything is lost, damaged, or destroyed along the way.

How to Prepare for an International Move

An international move takes a bit more prep than moving down the street. Don’t let it discourage you: We’ve got some tips and tricks to make it all manageable.

1. Get familiar with visa and immigration requirements

Every country has its own rules and regulations for long-term residency. Research the visa and immigration requirements for your destination and make sure you have your papers in order.

2. Make a checklist

Plan, plan, plan. Make a checklist of everything you’ll need to take care of, AND THEN decide whether or not the move is worth it. If you still want to move after looking over the checklist, get started on the list like six months in advance.

3. Transportation options

Do you know how your stuff is going to get from country to country? Research transportation options for your move, including air, sea, and land transportation. Choose the best option based on your budget and time constraints.

4. International moving timeline

While you’re figuring out all the steps you have to take, create a rough timeline for your move. Mark down how long certain processes might take (use the maximum estimate to be safe) and mark down important dates: When you’re shipping your stuff, when you’re leaving, and when you’re moving in, to name a few.

5. Preparing for customs clearance

Customs is a pain, so all the more reason to know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Research the customs clearance process for your destination country, and make sure you have all the necessary documentation in order.


International Moving Checklist

An international moving checklist keeps you organized and helps you remember all the important bits and pieces that go into your move. You don’t have to copy us word-by-word, but feel free to take some notes on what you should include on your checklist:

1. Preparation

Do you really know all there is to know about your destination country? Spend plenty of time learning about the good and the bad. Then, you can create a budget, and map out the visa and immigration situation.

2. Packing and loading

After your preparation checklist, make a list of what you need to pack. Keep in mind, an international move is kind of a fresh start. Note what you absolutely need to take with you, and what you could probably replace or live without.

3. Transportation and delivery

Each international mover and carrier has different hoops to jump through. Whether you’re shipping your stuff through air freight or a cargo ship, make sure you communicate about the steps you have to take before anything is loaded up.

4. Unpacking and settling in

This comes after everything else. Write down a list of what you need to unpack first, and how you can familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Don’t forget to take some time to breathe.


Tips for a Successful International Move

An international move is a big change, to say the least. But with the right prep, it can really be the exciting adventure it should be.

Here’s how to make your international move go as smoothly as possible.

  • Plan ahead: We’ve said it before, but planning makes a huge difference. Start preparing for your move as early as possible, and make checklists for every step of the way.
  • Stay organized: A system only works if you stick with it. Remember to actually use those checklists and schedules to stay organized and on top of things.
  • Communicate: Don’t worry about seeming a little overbearing. It’s an international move, and you have every right to be a little obsessive. Keep in touch with your international movers every step of the way.
  • Be flexible and be patient: There are a lot of moving parts, and you’re moving to a totally different country. Things aren’t going to work exactly as they did back home – and they shouldn’t. Accept that the chaos is part of the adventure, and roll with it.

International Moving FAQ

How far in advance should I book my international move?

An international move takes a long time, so we recommend booking your movers at least 3 months in advance – and that’s not including all the time it takes for you to get your visas and immigration paperwork in order. The more time you allow yourself and your movers to plan everything out, the better.

Do long distance movers offer international moving?

Yes, many long distance moving companies provide international moving services. These specialized movers have the expertise and resources to help you relocate across international borders. Whether you’re moving to another country for work, personal reasons, or any other purpose, these companies can assist you in planning, packing, shipping, and delivering your belongings to your new destination.

What documents do I need for an international move?

If you haven’t noticed by now, an international move involves plenty of paperwork. Every country has its own rules and regulations, but generally, you’ll need your passport, your visa, and your work permit. The rest of the paperwork depends on the country.

How long does an international move take?

On average, an international move takes anywhere from 3-6 weeks. If you have any iffy items that might get bogged down in customs, it might take even longer. A larger shipment and a longer distance also means more time.

How do I pack fragile items for an international move?

It may be a cop-out answer, but paying for a mover’s packing services is usually the best way to pack your fragile items. They’ll have the supplies and experience to keep everything safe. Plus, most movers will only provide full-coverage insurance if you pay for packing.

You can try to pack everything yourself with bubble wrap and packing peanuts, but contacting the pros is THE quick and easy solution.

How do I track my international shipment?

Most international movers offer tracking services so you know where your shipment is. Depending on the company, this can be checked online, or you may have to call in for tracking info.


Moving Feedback – Methodology

We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.

We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s: 

  • Pricing – fair and transparent pricing policies with binding estimates and no hidden fees.
  • Professionalism – fast responses and knowledgeable staff and a willingness to be flexible and solve problems.
  • Provision of Services – the ability to deliver a wide range of services successfully, including packing, furniture assembly, storage, and more.
  • Protection – insurance coverage and quick resolution of any damage claims.
  • Personalization – customized moving packages depending on need.
  • Perks – GPS tracking, free storage, discounts, and promotions.

International Movers: Worldwide and On Your Side

Tons of people daydream about moving to a totally different country. You’re actually gonna do it – and international movers will be with you every step of the way.

You’ve seen our list of movers, and you’ve learned the basics of international moving. Now, all you have to do is start planning. Make some checklists, make some calls, and best of luck with your international move! Don’t forget to check back in with us for more tips and tricks before moving day.