5 Best International Moving Companies: Expert-Reviewed

Are you planning to move to a new country? Whether you’re moving from Australia to the USA or you’re planning a corporate relocation to Canada, it’s important to strategize the international moving process. This is different than a domestic move, so you need to find a reputable international moving company that is up for the job.

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Planning a move can be overwhelming, especially when it’s an international move, but moveBuddha’s moving specialists are here to help you every step of the way. We’ve vetted the five best moving companies for your relocation needs, from full-service packing services to short- and long-term storage options.

Check out this guide to find the best services from the most reputable international moving companies.

5 best international moving companies

Here are our picks for the best international moving companies:

International Van Lines: Best overall

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89% of users select this mover

International Van Lines (USDOT#2247789) has more than two million moves under its belt, so these people know how to move household goods internationally. That’s why International Van Lines (IVL) is one of our top international moving companies.

IVL has more than 20 years of experience in international shipping, so if you need help navigating the complexities of shipping to other countries and ports, IVL is up for the job. Don’t just take our word for it — check out any of its glowing online reviews or the real-life experiences we’ve collected through our Better Moves project and you’ll see why it’s our recommendation for the best international moving service on the market.

The company offers several international relocation services, including:

  • Full container shipping (FCL)
  • Ocean freight shipping
  • Air freight services
  • Auto and car shipping
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Suresh's Move with International Van Lines
Suresh had just 25 days to move his family from Columbus, Ohio to Plano, Texas, in the spring of 2023. IVL’s stellar reputation and referral from a friend who loved their experience led Suresh to pick IVL over two other full-service moving companies. He had some fragile items, including glassware, a bed, and a hefty dining room table. Throughout the moving process, IVL’s team was communicative and organized and practiced the utmost care when handling his items. He was blown away by his experience, even though his final cost was roughly $600 more than his original quote.
From
OH
To
TX
Cost
$4,500
Size
2 bdrms
Read The Full Story

International Van Lines gives international moving quotes over the phone. And no, you can’t do this online, unfortunately. An international move is more complicated, so you’ll need to ring them to get a quote.

When you call them, customer service reps won’t just give you a quote. They’ll also recommend moving methods that make the most sense based on your shipment size and timeline.

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Fabiana's Move with International Van Lines
Fabiana previously had a terrible experience with another moving company, so she did her due diligence when she moved from Miami to New York City. Her move was on the smaller side and she didn’t have any specialty items, so she had some concerns about cost but didn’t want to sacrifice strong communication and professionalism. IVL gave her a reasonable quote that gave her the confidence to move ahead. It took less than a week for her items to meet her in New York, which fell well within the company’s delivery range. Even with this impressive speed, nothing was damaged, and everything was accounted for.<br />
From
FL
To
NY
Cost
$4,154
Size
1 bdrm
Read The Full Story

But don’t worry — IVL offers competitive pricing, too. Because of its decades of experience and solid online reviews, IVL is at the top of our list of international movers.

Our full review: International Van Lines Review

Pros/Cons

  • Competitive pricing
  • Decades of experience
  • Complete international coverage
  • Over-the-phone quotes
  • Multiple shipping options
  • No online moving estimates

JK Moving Services: Best for customer service

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5

89% of users select this mover

JK Moving Services (USDOT# 1065394) is one of the best international movers in the industry. JK Moving is a white-glove service that’s handled moves for a number of U.S. presidents. It’s also the go-to mover for Fortune 500 companies for everything from local to international corporate relocation services.

JK Moving has more than four decades of experience as an international relocation company. They have managed thousands of domestic and international moves over the last few years and have received only a handful of complaints in online customer reviews. That’s not easy to pull off, so enjoy greater peace of mind when you work with the folks at JK Moving.

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Jose's Move with JK Moving
Jose’s relocation from Utah to Florida in June 2023 had a lot of moving parts, considering he had more than 20,000 pounds of belongings. A grand piano and a hefty pool table were among the more than 150 boxes, and Jose anticipated that he’d have to spend as much as $30,000 for his move. JK Moving came in under budget –– closer to $27,000 –– even though he opted for loading, unloading, and white-glove services for his specialty items. Moving day at his Utah home went well, but it took the movers an hour more than they anticipated. His belongings met him in Florida 11 days after the team loaded them and it went without a hitch.<br />
From
UT
To
FL
Cost
$27,453
Size
2 bdrms
Read The Full Story

The company offers several perks, including:

  • AI tools: JK Moving’s tool effortlessly scans the contents of your home during the pre-move phase. It then creates a detailed inventory that JK’s team uses to generate a more accurate free quote.
  • Move coordinators: You don’t have to worry about dealing with customs agents or the complexities of foreign ports of entry. A JK Moving international moving coordinator and the company’s overseas partners handle everything on your behalf. It’s all part of their superior service — and it’s included in the cost of the move.
  • Guaranteed dates: JK will not only guarantee packing and moving dates, it will also give 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.

Of course, there’s a downside to this amazing level of service. JK is a premium service, which means your successful international relocation will likely come with a premium price tag.

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.

Our full review: JK Moving Services Review

Pros/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
  • Bipartisan movers of Presidents Bush and Clinton
  • Premium service and guarantees
  • May not be a fit for cost-conscious customers
  • Does not price match competitors

North American Van Lines: Best for accurate pricing

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5

89% of users select this mover

moveBuddha readers consistently rate North American Van Lines (USDOT# 70851) as a top domestic full-service mover. But North American Van Lines 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
  • Language training
  • Childcare and school referrals
  • Medical care and prescription replacement
  • Automobile purchase and services
  • Driving lessons
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Marcie's Move with North American Van Lines
Marcie knew she was moving well in advance, which gave her the flexibility to wait until peak moving season was over. She had a whopping 14,000 pounds of stuff, which made her move more demanding. Even still, her estimates were higher than she expected, so she loved that North American Van Lines offered a guaranteed-not-to-exceed pricing structure. She and her husband packed their belongings themselves to cut down on costs. On moving day, the team was punctual, arriving 10 minutes earlier than expected. Thanks to her guaranteed estimate, Marcie avoided an extra charge when your move came in 500 pounds more than originally estimated.<br />
From
CA
To
CO
Cost
$11,503
Size
3 bdrms
Read The Full Story

It doesn’t hurt that North American Van Lines offers some of the most accurate quotes in the industry. Aside from that, it also has quality metrics for its drivers, security, packing, and loading, so the business genuinely cares about the quality of your move.

Pros/Cons

  • 80+ years of international moving experience
  • Presence in more than 130 countries around the world
  • A+ rating by the BBB
  • Need to book well in advance

Our full review: North American Van Lines Review

Allied Van Lines: Best add-on services

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5

89% of users select this mover

Allied Van Lines (USDOT# 076235) has been in the moving industry for more than 90 years and has become a highly recognizable presence 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.

It seems like Allied Van Lines is everywhere, and that’s because it has a strong focus on high-quality service. moveBuddha’s readers love Allied Van Lines because it:

  • Offers double- or triple-walled boxes
  • Provides professional packing services
  • Wraps and protects furniture to avoid damage

The only downside is that Allied Van Lines is typically more expensive than other options. For that reason, Allied Van Lines might be out of reach for movers on a tighter budget.

Our full review: Allied Van Lines Review

Pros & Cons

  • A+ rating by the BBB
  • Ships worldwide
  • Almost 100 years of experience in the industry
  • Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
  • Doesn’t offer 24/7 live customer services

Atlas Van Lines: Best for price matching

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5

89% of users select this mover

Atlas Van Lines (USDOT# 125550) is one of the most experienced international moving companies in the world, with an international division that dates 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
  • 300+ Atlas-preferred agents working in nearly every country
  • Licensed Atlas agents in 17 countries

If you work with a licensed Atlas agent, they will oversee every aspect of the move and you’ll have a single point of contact for any questions or concerns.

Pros & 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, although this is a risk with any moving company
  • Quote process can be difficult

How to find the best international moving companies

While the five professional movers listed here are a great option for any international move, you might wonder how to pick the best international moving company to ensure you have the most successful relocation possible. Follow these tips to find the best international moving company for you.

Look for add-on services

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 moves 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 have special items like pianos and heirlooms that require extra care — or need to ship a car — go with a moving company that offers specialty shipping. This might cost more than typical shipping, but you can rest assured that your items will arrive safely at your new destination.

Planning services

Moving to another country involves more than just logistics. If you’re trying to wrap your head around how to live in a new country, work with a company that offers a personal moving coordinator.

Reliable international moving companies can help you plan other aspects of moving to another country, like:

  • Customs requirements
  • Driver’s licenses
  • Immunizations
  • Health insurance
  • Passports and visas

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. This can include:

  • Arranging temporary housing
  • Searching for reputable schools
  • Scheduling orientation tours

These support services can make your transition a lot smoother, so take advantage of them if it’s in your budget.

Pet relocations

Moving with Fluffy or Fido 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 shipping. 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.

Moving insurance

It’s a requirement for moving companies to carry basic liability insurance. This protects both the company and your property.

But reputable international movers offer additional international moving insurance options to cover your possessions beyond the bare minimum. If you want added peace of mind, find an overseas moving company with a comprehensive insurance plan that fits your needs.

Do I need insurance for international moving?

You don’t technically need insurance for an international move. However, insurance is one of the best ways to protect your possessions.

Moving internationally comes with a lot of hazards like damage, delays, thefts, or accidents. It’s a good idea to insure your belongings so you can cover the costs of replacing everything if the worst happens.

RIM certification

RIM, or Registered International Mover certification, is a designation given to experienced moving companies and overseas relocation consultants. Companies go through this rigorous program from the American Moving & Storage Association to prove their quality.

RIM isn’t required, but it’s a good marker of top-quality service, ethical business practices, and regulatory adherence.

Recommendations

Choosing the best moving company for your international move can seem like an overwhelming task. Thankfully, the vetting process isn’t any different than hiring a domestic mover.

Ask friends, coworkers, and family members for referrals, and check out each international moving company via customer reviews on consumer sites and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Once you narrow down your list of recommended movers, be sure to get at least three quotes to best compare pricing.

FAQs about international movers

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 moving 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 more accurately compare cost.

What are the benefits of using an international moving company?

Unfortunately for do-it-yourselfers, there’s really no such thing as a DIY international move. International moving companies are worth their weight in gold because they offer international moving services that fit your needs and they’ll also handle every aspect of your relocation.

This includes:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Coordinating land, sea, and air transportation
  • Destination services like customs clearance
  • 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.

Trust us — dealing with regulations, finicky customs clearance officials, and moving companies in your destination country that don’t 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 containers as large as 40 feet.

Keep in mind that shipping 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, including 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.

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