We’ve reviewed the best international moving companies, including International Van Lines and Allied Van Lines, to help you select a quality international relocation expert. Each company we reviewed offers international relocation help to more than 100 countries.
The moving companies that help with moving long distances can provide logistics management services to help you at all stages of your move. This includes everything from packing to assisting with customs clearance to getting you settled near your new home.
We ranked the following providers via our in-depth methodology. Read on to learn more about their pricing structures, relocation service offerings, customer reputations and more.
Get started with a quote from one of our featured providers below:
Popular moving companies
The following moving companies offer full-service international moving assistance. We recommend getting at least three quotes four to six months before your moving date to ensure you can book with your top choice.
- International Van Lines
- Allied Van Lines
- North American Van Lines
- JK Moving Services
- Mayflower Moving
Our top choices for moving companies
Here, we’ve listed our picks for the best moving companies overall. These providers feature comprehensive add-on services at reasonable prices for any domestic or international move.
The following moving companies offer international moving services worldwide. Read our provider summaries here before gathering quotes.
How do you choose a moving company?
Booking international movers is a more in-depth process than scheduling plans with local or domestic long-distance moving companies. We recommend pursuing quotes at least four to six months before your moving date so that you have adequate time to plan. Keep the following in mind when you get quotes.
Determine the services you need
Before you request moving quotes, figure out which basic and add-on services you’ll need. The best way to do this is to conduct a full walk-through of your home and compile an inventory list.
Depending on what you’re moving, you may need the following:
- Packing services
- Unpacking
- Crating for antiques and fine arts
- Vehicle shipping
- Debris or junk removal
- Added insurance coverage
- Storage services
Beyond this, international movers offer varying degrees of service. We recommend hiring a mover that offers door-to-door service. This involves the movers handling all the logistics from start to finish, providing you with the most convenience.
Confirm the movers are properly licensed
When you get a moving quote, speak with your move coordinator or point of contact about the company’s licensing. All long-distance movers operating in the U.S. are required to have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Use these to look up a mover’s registration status on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
All movers in the U.S. offering overseas relocations must be registered with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to operate legally. Aside from this, many international movers can demonstrate the authority to provide international relocation services through memberships with other governing bodies.
FIDI, or the Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux, is a global governing body of international movers that sets performance standards and regulates overseas relocations for many of our top international movers.
Consider the cost and get multiple quotes
Get at least three quotes for any international or long-distance move. According to International Van Lines’ data, international moving costs average $8,000–$12,000 for a three-bedroom move between the United States and Europe; relocations from the lower 48 states to Asia or Australia cost more. Ensure the transportation of your household goods to your destination country is within your budget before booking.
Read customer reviews
Just like with any other type of move, you should read customer reviews from multiple platforms before you book. This will help you get a feel for how a given mover operates and treats its clients. Google, Yelp, social media and BBB are all valid sources for online reviews.
Decide whether you need additional insurance
Most international moving specialists will offer insurance options with every moving estimate they offer. They’ll usually include transit insurance, which reimburses you for lost or damaged items and can even protect goods your movers packed. Beyond this, all-risk insurance can cover your goods in the event of natural disasters, fire or theft.
Final take: Plan your international move four to six months in advance, starting with a quote from IVL
We recommend getting quotes from International Van Lines and Allied Van Lines to get your international moving plan off to a positive start. Each provides service in most countries around the world, offering customs clearance assistance, full-service relocation packages and more.
International moving companies are costly to book, as they involve scheduling shipments with ocean or air freight well ahead of your desired moving date. Getting three or more international moving quotes four to six months ahead of your move date can help you arrange for your specific needs ahead of an overseas move.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB ratings are accurate as of March 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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