Moving

The best international moving companies in 2024

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:

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.

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.

International Van Lines
4.6

Our thoughts

International Van Lines (IVL) is a domestic and international moving company offering a comprehensive service range and nearly unparalleled reach to 140 countries worldwide. This includes air and ocean freight shipping options plus numerous add-on services.

What we like

IVL’s wide service range makes it our top choice for international moving services. We also appreciate its extensive partner network and online resources. IVL’s website features average international moving costs, country guides, a moving checklist and more to guide you through the international moving process.

What we don’t like

IVL operates largely as a moving broker, meaning it contracts out services to other moving companies. This mover’s business model involves contracting out to a set number of trusted partner companies. However, the addition of third-party carriers can still lead to poor communication after booking.

Services

This carrier and broker offers ocean and air freight for international moves. You can also arrange international car shipping, door-to-door service and customs clearance assistance.

Cost

IVL provides more transparency for international moving costs than many other providers. Its listed costs for three- to four-bedroom homes include $8,000–$12,000 for moves to Europe, $8,500–$13,000 for moves to Asia and $8,700–$12,500 for moves to Australia. 

When you book, you’ll need to pay a deposit of up to 25% of your total cost and keep a credit card on file to reserve your move.

Availability

You can book IVL for international relocation assistance to 140 countries worldwide.

Customer thoughts

This mover has a BBB rating of 3.37 out of 5 stars, with many positive reviews mentioning its efficiency from start to finish. Negative reviews cite added fees on the delivery date as a prominent drawback. You should be sure to ask your company representative whether your estimate is binding before signing a moving contract to help avoid unexpected costs.

Allied Van Lines
4.6

Our thoughts

Allied Van Lines is a nationwide carrier that offers a full range of international services to 130 countries. Its agents around the globe offer full-service relocation assistance, shipment tracking, vehicle shipping and far more.

What we like

This carrier’s partner network includes more than 1,000 individual operators overseas that provide full service, from packing to long-term storage to customs clearance assistance. This makes Allied a one-stop shop for all international moving needs.

What we don’t like

Domestically, Allied’s moving offices feature varied customer reviews. Since most international movers operate as brokers, this quality variance can be amplified when dealing with overseas broker agents. Ask your moving coordinator which companies will handle your goods before booking.

Services

Allied’s agents offer moving services to 130 countries, with options ranging from full packs for large homes to vehicle shipping and more. All moves come with shipment tracking through Allied’s home page so that you’re never out of touch with your belongings.

Cost

This mover doesn’t provide sample pricing on its website, and getting an international moving quote requires a comprehensive in-home estimate. However, Allied does provide some useful cost ranges for minor expenses you may incur. 

For instance, its international moving information page states you’ll have to pay an average 1.8% duty fee at customs. Your total shipment value determines this fee. It also lists average visa fees at $150 to $3,000, depending on where you’re moving to.

Availability

Allied offers moving services to 130 countries.

Customer thoughts

A rating of 1.09 out of 5 stars on BBB is not encouraging to see, but don’t be deterred by this alone. Many individual Allied locations have positive reviews. However, the Allied partner you move with will determine the quality of your international moving experience. For longer, more expensive moves, the few complaints we found cited poor communication of insurance coverage for damaged or lost items.

North American Van Lines
4.6

Our thoughts

North American Van Lines operates 500 individual locations throughout the United States and offers relocation services to 130 countries. Its agents offer everything from door-to-door service to customs clearance assistance and more.

What we like

NAVL’s global reach and network of locations from New York to California make it one of the most easily accessible options for overseas moving.

What we don’t like

This moving carrier provides little transparency on international moving costs compared to its competitors. While many factors influence costs, the lack of an average price range is a negative.

Services

North American’s carriers and local agents in the U.S. and beyond offer full service ranges, including short- and long-term storage, packing, crating, vehicle shipping and more. NAVL also supplies customs and immigration guides and similar resources to aid with your transition to a new country.

Cost

This carrier does not list average costs for international moving. You’ll have to call NAVL and speak with a moving coordinator to create a service plan for your moving needs. Your point of contact will help you to decide on shipping method, service requirements, an exact time frame for your move and more.

Availability

You can relocate within all 50 states and to 130 other countries with this mover.

Customer thoughts

NAVL’s rating of 1.13 out of 5 stars on BBB features negative reviews about lost furniture items, damaged goods and delayed deliveries on long-distance moves. However, we recommend looking up reviews for individual NAVL locations before drawing conclusions. Review platforms like BBB attract complaints and do not reflect the full range of client experiences.

JK Moving Services
4.7

Our thoughts

JK Moving Services is a nationwide carrier and broker that offers residential, commercial and international relocation packages. It offers moving services to 150 countries around the world and provides clients with an array of resources to help prepare for their relocations.

What we like

This mover’s domestic moving crews receive unmatched training. Each mover is background-checked and trained in an on-site facility that includes a fully furnished house. This means you’ll have access to some of the best packing and labor assistance at your origin point.

What we don’t like

JK often operates through partner companies for moves that begin outside of Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C. This means you may have movers that aren’t fully trained or up to JK’s standards if you live away from this immediate area around its headquarters. While it is solely licensed as a carrier, per the FMCSA’s database, it does sometimes broker out services.

Services

You can schedule an international move to 150 countries through this provider. Each international moving package includes door-to-door service, a dedicated move coordinator and resources to help you with customs clearance in any country. 

JK Moving is a member of FIDI, an organization that oversees moving standards for all registered international movers under its umbrella. This lends more security to your moving process.

Cost

You’ll have to call JK and schedule a personalized consultation to get your international moving quote started. Common cost factors include your items’ shipping weight and volume and the add-on services you require. 

Also, consider customs duty fees and visa costs when moving to any foreign country. JK offers financing options as low as 0% for all moves, which you should ask about if your initial estimate is higher than expected.

Availability

You can book moving services to 150 countries through JK Moving Services.

Customer thoughts

A rating of 4.45 out of 5 stars on BBB backs up JK Moving’s claims to have some of the best-trained moving labor in the industry. Positive reviews mention good experiences for long-distance and military moves as well as consistent communication throughout most other move types.

Mayflower
4.5

Our thoughts

Mayflower Moving has handled domestic moving services since 1927 and is now one of the country’s most widely available moving companies. Along with domestic service to 46 states, it also offers customer-friendly international moving packages to most points around the world.

What we like

This carrier’s international moving packages include customs clearance management, full packing and a customized moving plan. It also offers corporate relocation services by land, sea and air.

What we don’t like

Mayflower has varied customer reviews across its many domestic locations, indicating inconsistent quality depending on where you book your move. This could make some clients wary of booking, especially since Mayflower brokers out services for international moves.

Services

All Mayflower international moves include full packing services, customs clearance management and a fully personalized moving plan. Beyond this, Mayflower offers vehicle shipping, custom crating for antiques and fragile goods, and long-term storage.

Cost

You must book a Mayflower customized move consultation to determine your costs. This quote process will include a full rundown of your inventory to determine the pricing structure and whether you can take all of your belongings to your new country. As is the case with all international moves, you should be prepared to pay a deposit upfront.

Availability

Mayflower provides moving services to 150 countries.

Customer thoughts

While Mayflower’s BBB score is 1.29 out of 5 stars, it shows a strong record of responding constructively to complaints to resolve clients’ concerns. Damaged items are a common complaint for long-distance moves. We recommend asking your moving company agent about insurance coverage if you’re planning a longer international relocation.

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.

Go Back to Top
More on this topic...
7 best long-distance moving companies
white semi truck carrying cargo
Best cheap moving companies
White moving van parked on an urban street
12 questions to ask long-distance movers
couple check on movers unloading moving truck
Advertiser disclosure

Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.

The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.