5 Best International Moving Companies (2025): Expert-Reviewed
Based on our in-depth analysis of pricing, global availability, and services, International Van Lines (IVL), JK Moving Services, and Allied Van Lines are some of the best international moving companies. IVL is the best overall, thanks to its proven track record in coordinating full-service international moves to 180+ countries.
What to look for in an international moving company:
- Pricing structure: Companies that provide thorough quotes upfront and in writing will help you avoid hidden or surprise fees. Look for movers who can provide binding estimates that are guaranteed not to increase on moving day.
- Services: International moves are complex and can involve car shipping or storage. Make sure the company you pick provides the international services you need.
- Customer satisfaction: Check for repeated areas of praise or criticism in online customer reviews to see if there are areas where a company stands out or falls short.
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Our picks for best international moving companies
While we think IVL is your best bet for moving abroad, the companies below all provide stellar international relocation services. The mover you pick will ultimately depend on where in the world you are going and the services you need to get there.
Jump to one of the top international movers:
Our track record
How much does an international move cost?
On average, an international move from the US costs anywhere from $3,000 to more than $15,000, depending on the country you’re moving to, your move size, and any additional services — like packing, storage, and vehicle shipping — you need.
While international moving costs vary widely, here is a quick look at what you can expect.
| Moving Company | Estimated Cost Range | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | $2,500—$10,000 | Custom quotes |
| JK Moving Services | $3,500–$11,500 | Custom quotes |
| North American Van Lines | $2,000–$9,000 | Binding & non-binding estimates |
| Allied Van Lines | $2,500–$10,500 | Custom quotes |
| Atlas Van Lines | $3,200–$19,500 | Custom quotes |
When you hire a full-service mover for an international move, they’ll ask whether you want to ship your belongings by air or by sea. The option you choose will greatly impact your costs.
Sea freight takes longer — typically between one and two months — but is the most affordable of the two shipping methods. With air freight, you’ll get your items as soon as a few days up to a couple of weeks after moving but you’ll pay for that convenience. Air freight can be anywhere from 10 to 15 times more expensive than sea freight.
Comparing the best international moving companies
| Moving Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Availability | Car Shipping | Specialized Handling | Temporary Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | 4.8/5 | A+ | 180+ countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| JK Moving Services | 4.6/5 | A+ | 170+ countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| North American Van Lines | 4.5/5 | A+ | 130+ countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Allied Van Lines | 4.75/5 | A+ | 150+ countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Atlas Van Lines | 4.0/5 | A+ | 17 countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
International Van Lines: Best overall
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
IVL (USDOT#2247789) tops our list of best international movers thanks in large part to their decades of experience in global relocations to more than 180 countries. They have the know-how to oversee the complicated logistics of international moves, including coordinating freight forwarding with the ocean liners moving your goods and handling customs clearance.
IVL provides door-to-door delivery, which means you won’t have to pick your belongings up at an overseas port. Instead, IVL will bring them directly to your new home.
We like that IVL’s expertise in international moves doesn’t come at a premium cost — their rates are competitive.
Read our full International Van Lines review
IVL international moving costs
| Home Size | South America | Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,000–$5,500 | $3,500–$6,000 | $4,000–$7,500 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $5,500–$9,000 | $6,000–$10,500 | $7,500–$12,000 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $9,000–$14,000 | $10,500–$16,000 | $12,000–$18,500 |
More about IVL
JK Moving Services: Best for high-value items
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
JK Moving (USDOT#1065394) made our list of the best international moving companies because of their white-glove approach to domestic relocations and international moves to more than 170 countries. That premium level of care makes JK a great option if you have valuable pieces like antiques, art, or electronics to send overseas.
They have a great GPS tool and climate-controlled storage, too, so you’ll be able to keep track of your pieces and rest easy that they’re safe and protected when they’re not with you.
Read our JK Moving Services review
JK Moving international moving costs
| Home Size | South America | Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,500–$6,000 | $4,000–$7,500 | $4,500–$8,000 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $6,000–$10,500 | $7,500–$12,500 | $8,500–$14,000 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $10,500–$15,500 | $12,500–$18,000 | $14,000–$20,000 |
More about JK Moving
North American Van Lines: Best for international services
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
The transition to a new country and culture can be overwhelming, and North American Van Lines (NAVL) recognizes this through an array of value-added international services and resources. In addition to standard offerings like packing and car shipping, NAVL (USDOT#70851) provides global relocation support through home purchase and temporary living assistance, cross-cultural and language courses, childcare and school referrals, and even driving lessons.
NAVL is also one of the most experienced international movers on this list. They’ve been handling moves to more than 130 countries since 1952.
Read our full North American Van Lines review
NAVL international moving costs
| Home Size | South America | Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,500–$5,500 | $3,000–$6,500 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $5,500–$9,500 | $6,500–$11,000 | $7,500–$13,000 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $9,500–$14,500 | $11,000–$16,500 | $13,000–$18,500 |
More about NAVL
Allied Van Lines: Best for Customized moving plans
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
If you opt for full or partial packing, you can rest assured your items will be safe, since Allied uses double- and triple-walled boxes and wraps and pads all furniture and fragile items. They offer extra protection through custom-built wooden crates and high-quality packing materials.
Allied has more than 1,000 personal moving coordinators — designated customer service reps to assist you throughout the process — located within more than 130 countries.
Read our full Allied Van Lines review
Allied international moving costs
| Home Size | South America | Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,500–$6,000 | $3,000–$7,000 | $3,500–$7,500 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $6,000–$10,000 | $7,000–$12,000 | $7,500–$13,500 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $10,000–$15,000 | $12,000–$18,000 | $13,500–$20,000 |
More about Allied
Atlas Van Lines: Best pricing options
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Unlike some of the other movers on this list, Atlas’ online tool actually gives you a quote without waiting for a callback from a sales rep. And the quote is surprisingly accurate, so you have a good idea going into the process how much you’ll pay.
The company’s global service area is a bit limited, though. They only move to 17 countries — far less than the other top international movers.
Read our full Atlas Van Lines review
Atlas international moving costs
| Home Size | South America | Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,200–$5,500 | $3,800–$7,000 | $4,200–$7,800 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $5,500–$9,500 | $7,000–$11,500 | $8,000–$13,500 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $9,500–$14,500 | $11,500–$17,500 | $13,500–$19,500 |
More about Atlas Van Lines
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International moving tips
Moving to another country comes with unique challenges, from customs paperwork to adjusting to a new culture.
Add these tips to your international moving to-do list for as smooth a relocation as possible:
- Start early. International moves take time, and shipping delays are common. You should book your move as early as possible, but definitely at least three to six months in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
- Declutter your house. The cost of an international move is largely based on weight and volume. Downsizing and decluttering ahead of packing to move abroad will help cut costs… plus, you might make some extra money if you sell unwanted items.
- Brush up on customs regulations. Every country has its own rules on what you can and cannot bring. Your mover can assist with this, but it never hurts to get familiar with import restrictions, taxes, and required documentation to avoid surprises.
- Choose your shipping method. Sea freight is cheaper but slower, while air freight is faster but more expensive. Unless you need your items in a hurry, sea freight will save you a hefty bill.
- Keep important documents handy. Pack passports, visas, medical records, and housing contracts in a carry-on bag to avoid any mishaps during transit.
- Set up finances ahead of time. Open a local bank account in your new country, if possible, and notify your current bank and credit card companies that you’ll be making charges overseas. Many financial institutions will flag purchases outside the US unless you’ve notified them that you’ll be living abroad. It also helps to understand currency exchange rates to avoid daily headaches.
- Prepare for cultural differences. Research local customs, health care systems, and basic phrases in the native language to help ease the transition.
International moving resources
FAQ
What is the average cost of an international move?
What is the cheapest way to move internationally?
Do international movers pack for you?
What is the best country for Americans to move to?
Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving and car shipping companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.
This is the breakdown of the methodology we use to rate moving companies:
- Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each company.
- Standard services: The services that are included as part of a company’s standard offerings — and which ones you can only get for an additional fee — affect a company’s rating.
- Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move — such as customized crates and special handling of large or fragile items — as well as services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
- Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
- Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
- Scheduling: How easy is it to book a moving container? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.
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