5 Best International Moving Companies: Expert-Reviewed
Bottom line: Moving to a new country comes with unique moving challenges, so it’s crucial to pick a reliable international moving company. We’ve researched dozens of movers and found that International Van Lines is the best overall international moving company.
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International moves require different strategies than domestic moves, so you need to find a reputable international moving company that’s up for the job.
Our moveBuddha moving specialists have vetted the five best internal moving companies for your relocation needs, from full-service movers to short- and long-term storage options.
Read on to determine which one might be the right fit for your move and compare quotes.
5 Best international moving companies
Here are our picks for the best international moving companies, based on their fees, international availability, services, and overall reputation:
- Best overall: International Van Lines
- Best for customer service: JK Moving Services
- Best for accurate pricing: North American Van Lines
- Best add-on services: Allied Van Lines
- Best for price matching: Atlas Van Lines
International Van Lines: Best overall
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
International Van Lines (USDOT#2247789) is one of our top international moving companies, with more than two million moves under its belt and a presence in over 150 countries.
IVL has more than 20 years of experience in international shipping and offers several international relocation services, including full container shipping (FCL), ocean freight shipping, air freight services, and car shipping.
Like JK Moving Services, IVL offers financing, reducing the financial burden of an international move. Unlike Allied and North American Van Lines, IVL offers free cancellations, giving you more flexibility. The company also pairs you with a dedicated moving liaison, which many of its competitors don’t.
International Van Lines offers international moving quotes over the phone. Based on your shipment size and timeline, they recommend the most efficient moving methods.
Pros and cons
- Competitive pricing
- Decades of experience
- Complete international coverage
- Over-the-phone quotes
- Multiple shipping options
- No online moving estimates
- No binding estimates
Our full review: International Van Lines Review
JK Moving Services: Best for customer service
rating
4.6 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
JK Moving Services (USDOT# 1065394) is a white-glove mover that has handled moves for several U.S. presidents and numerous Fortune 500 companies. With more than four decades of experience as an international relocation company, JK Moving has fewer complaints in online customer reviews than most of its competitors.
The company offers several perks, including an AI tool that scans the contents of your home to create a detailed inventory for an accurate free quote. We also love that JK Moving assigns you an international moving coordinator, and the company’s overseas partners handle everything on your behalf.
Moreover, JK not only guarantees packing and moving dates but also gives you an accurate idea of when your belongings will arrive at your new house. For families relocating to new countries, this makes it easy to enroll kids in their new schools and schedule a rock-solid back-to-work date.
It might not be the best fit for customers on a tight budget, but if you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks for peace of mind, JK Moving is worth the money.
Pros and cons
- Fully vetted by the Dow Jones Risk and Compliance Service
- Largest independent moving company in the Western Hemisphere
- FIDI Accredited International Mover
- Governing Member of the International Association of Movers
- Provides premium service and guarantees
- May not be a fit for cost-conscious customers
- Doesn’t price match competitors
Our full review: JK Moving Services Review
North American Van Lines: Best for accurate pricing
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
moveBuddha readers consistently rate North American Van Lines (USDOT# 70851) as a top domestic full-service mover, but it also has a solid reputation for international moving services.
North American Van Lines includes value-added international services like home purchase and temporary living assistance, financial and insurance provider assistance, cross-cultural training, childcare and school referrals, and more.
We found that North American Van Lines offers some of the most accurate quotes in the industry. It also has quality metrics for its drivers, security, packing, and loading, so the business genuinely cares about the quality of your move.
North American Van Lines stands out from International Van Lines for offering binding estimates that ensure your moving costs won’t unexpectedly exceed your quote on the day of your move.
Pros and cons
- 80+ years of international moving experience
- Presence in more than 150 countries around the world
- A+ rating by the BBB
- Need to book well in advance
- No financing options
Our full review: North American Van Lines Review
Allied Van Lines: Best add-on services
rating
4.75 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Allied Van Lines (USDOT# 076235) has been in the moving industry for more than 90 years and has become a highly recognizable name in the international moving space.
It has an enormous network of agents across more than 40 countries, making it one of the most connected and experienced international moving companies on this list.
moveBuddha’s readers love Allied Van Lines because it offers double- or triple-walled boxes, provides professional packing services, and wraps and protects furniture to avoid damage
The main downside we discovered is that Allied Van Lines is typically more expensive than other international movers, so it might be out of reach for movers on a tighter budget. And unlike International Van Lines, it doesn’t offer financing or many moving discounts.
Pros and cons
- A+ rating by the BBB
- Ships worldwide
- Almost 100 years of experience in the industry
- Extensive services and features
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 live customer services
Our full review: Allied Van Lines Review
Atlas Van Lines: Best for price matching
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Atlas Van Lines (USDOT# 125550) is one of the most experienced international moving companies in the world, with an international division dating back to 1960. Like Allied, Atlas has a vast network of agents across the globe to give you personalized moving advice.
Most international moving companies claim to ship to more than 100 destination countries, but these companies are actually working with third-party agents. Atlas Van Lines, on the other hand, is very transparent about who you’ll work with.
This full-service moving company has agencies in all 50 U.S. states, more than 130 agents across Canada, and 300+ Atlas-preferred agents working in nearly every country.
If you work with a licensed Atlas agent, the company representative will oversee every aspect of the move, and you’ll have a single point of contact for any questions or concerns, which only a few competitors offer.
Pros and cons
- A+ rating by the BBB
- Extensive global network
- Strong reputation for punctuality
- Licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission as a non-vessel operating common carrier
- FIDI Accredited International Mover
- Customer reviews suggest that items sometimes arrive damaged
- Quote process can be difficult
Our full review: Atlas Van Lines Review
How to choose the best international moving company for your needs
The international movers above are among the best in the industry. To ensure you have the most successful relocation possible and find the best international moving company for you, follow the moving tips below:
- Look into moving insurance: It’s a requirement for moving companies to carry basic liability insurance, but many reputable international moving companies offer additional international moving insurance to cover your possessions beyond the bare minimum.
- Look for RIM certification: To get Registered International Mover certification, companies must prove their quality through a rigorous program from the American Moving & Storage Association. RIM isn’t required, but it’s a marker of service, ethical business practices, and regulatory adherence.
- Get recommendations: Ask friends, coworkers, and family members for referrals, and check out customer reviews on consumer sites and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to ensure you choose a reputable company.
- Compare quotes: Get moving quotes from at least three international movers to compare all your options and ensure you aren’t overpaying for the international moving services you need.
International moving guides
We know making an international move can be very stressful. Use our full guides to help you on your journey.
- Moving to Australia
- Moving to Canada
- Moving to Costa Rica
- Moving to Denmark
- Moving to France
- Moving to Germany
- Moving to Iceland
- Moving to Ireland
- Moving to Italy
- Moving to Japan
- Moving to Mexico
- Moving to the Netherlands
- Moving to New Zealand
- Moving to Portugal
- Moving to Puerto Rico
- Moving to Scotland
- Moving to South Africa
- Moving to Spain
- Moving to Switzerland
- Moving to the UK
Additional services international movers offer
International moving companies go beyond simply calculating your moving costs and shipping your belongings.
Look for a mover that offers the best international moving services based on your individual needs. Every mover is different, but customers often say these add-ons are worth the money:
- Short-term storage: International relocations have a lot of moving parts. Depending on the timing of things, you might need a place to temporarily store your belongings during a move. Some moving companies offer short-term storage services to bridge this gap.
- Specialty shipping: If you need to move pianos and heirlooms that require extra care, some moving companies offer specialty shipping. This might cost more than typical shipping.
- Planning services: Trying to wrap your head around how to live in a new country? Choose a company with a personal moving coordinator. Reliable international moving companies can help you with customs requirements, driver’s licenses, and immunizations.
- Customs clearance assistance: International relocations involve navigating customs, regulations, and paperwork. The paperwork is a little overwhelming, but a solid moving company will streamline the customs clearance process.
- Destination services: Some moving companies provide additional services to help you settle into your new house in your destination country, from arranging temporary housing to searching for reputable schools and scheduling orientation tours.
- Pet relocations: Moving with your pets in tow comes with its own stack of paperwork. The good news is that some international moving companies offer specialized pet services. They can answer your questions about documentation and quarantine requirements.
- Vehicle shipping: There’s no need to buy a car abroad if you don’t want to. Many international movers provide vehicle transport. If you want to move your vehicle overseas, opt for a high-quality car shipping company so your vehicle gets there safely. Check out our list of the best car shipping companies to get started.
How much does international moving cost?
For young singles, moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment overseas can cost less than $1,500. However, for families shipping the contents of a multi-bedroom home and a car, the cost is often between $10,000 and $20,000.
International movers costs will vary depending on your specific needs. For a complete breakdown of pricing, check out moveBuddha’s guide on international moving costs.
It’s also important to get an international moving estimate from at least three companies to compare moving costs more accurately.
Pro tips for your international move
Moving internationally can seem like an overwhelming task. With the right preparation, the journey can be smooth and rewarding. Here are some practical tips to streamline your transition to a new country.
- Research your destination: Understanding the culture, language, and living conditions of your new home is crucial. Look into the cost of living, local customs, and even local regulations to avoid surprises.
- Organize important documents: Ensure your passport, visa, and other moving documents are current. Keep copies of essential papers like birth certificates, medical records, and driver’s licenses. A digital backup can be a lifesaver if the originals get lost.
- Budget wisely: International moves can be costly. Factor in costs such as travel, shipping, and initial accommodation. A detailed budget helps you manage expenses and avoid unexpected costs.
- Plan before packing: Create an inventory of your belongings and categorize them by necessity. Decide what to ship, sell, or donate to minimize the amount of stuff you’re packing for your overseas move.
- Secure housing: Look for temporary or permanent accommodation before you arrive. Research neighborhoods online to understand the area’s vibe and convenience. Arriving with your housing sorted out can significantly reduce stress.
- Create a moving timeline: Drafting a timeline ensures you don’t miss any crucial deadlines. Include visa applications, school enrollments, and moving dates. A timeline keeps everything on track and reduces last-minute panic.
- Research taxes: Read up on tax laws from the IRS and the country you’re moving to or from to learn about potential moving expense reimbursements and how they work.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using an international moving company?
International moving companies are worth their weight in gold because they can transport your belongings internationally and handle every aspect of your relocation.
This includes packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, coordinating land, sea, and air transportation, helping with customs clearance, and delivery to your new home. Some international moving companies even offer storage and auto transport services.
Can an international moving company ship my belongings via air freight?
Yes, a reliable international moving company will give you the option to ship via air freight. The downside is that air freight is significantly more expensive than standard container shipping via ocean freight.
What is the moving process for international moving?
First, ask the mover to give you a free in-home moving estimate. Once you choose a company and book your move, the company will coordinate the packing and loading of your household goods. It also handles transporting your belongings and helping you settle in once you relocate.
What are the different types of international moving companies?
Since regulations are stricter on overseas moves, all international moving companies are “full-service” providers.
In other words, you won’t be able to design your own hybrid move—or even pack items yourself—because, legally, international movers must certify the contents of each box.
Should I use an international moving company that offers door-to-door service?
Though port-to-port and door-to-port services are cheaper, we always recommend pickup and delivery service on international moves.
Dealing with regulations, finicky customs clearance officials, and moving companies in a destination country that may not speak your language is a recipe for stress.
How much does it cost to move furniture internationally?
The cost of moving furniture internationally depends on weight, volume, and your destination country, so the costs vary. That said, the average cost for international moves generally falls between $3,000 and $7,500.
What is the cheapest way to move internationally?
The cheapest way to move belongings internationally is via ocean freight, where you store your belongings in portable storage containers as large as 40 feet. Keep in mind that shipping with container services by sea takes several weeks to travel between ports. While it takes the longest, it’s also the cheapest option.
Check out our article on the best cheap moving companies here!
Find international moving companies for your big move
While there are tons of long-distance moving companies out there, only certain movers provide global moving services. Our in-depth vetting process, which included analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, determined that International Van Lines is the best international moving service.
Regardless of which of the best international moving companies you choose, though, it’s important to estimate how much the move will cost. Moving isn’t cheap, but careful budgeting can make all the difference.
Get an unbiased free moving quote now—try our moving cost calculator.
Methodology
We've been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies.
We Look At:
Customer satisfaction (40%):
The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%):
Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%):
The company is well regarded within the moving industry as well as participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (10%):
The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%):
We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%):
The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
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