Best International Moving Companies (2023)

You have many details to work through when planning an international move. In addition to scrambling to pack your household belongings, you have to get your boxes and furniture moved from your home and onto an air or ocean freighter. In the destination country, you may need to navigate customs clearance and other red tape at the port of entry.

An international moving company can assist with move planning, provide moving labor, and manage international logistics. We’ve compared the best moving companies in the industry and selected our top picks for international services, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect from each provider.

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9 Best International Moving Companies

There are our picks for best international movers:

• International Van Lines: Best Service Offerings
• American Van Lines: Best Overall Moving Labor
• Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
• JK Moving Services: Best Specialized Packing
• Moving APT: Best Customer Service
• North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
• Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
• Mayflower Moving: Best for Large Moves
• United Van Lines: Best Base Moving Coverage

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International Van Lines

• Our Take: Best Service Offerings
• Our Rating: 96 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus 180 countries

International Van Lines (IVL) established itself as an international mover from its outset and expanded to include interstate and local moving services. Founded in 2000, the company continues to make international moves a central part of its business. IVL is a full-service provider, appointing its agents to every phase of the moving process.

Professional movers can help pack your home and crate any high-end items to protect them during transit on a freighter. IVL provides a detailed guide on its website, going over each step of an international move to help customers prepare and stay protected.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of International Van Lines:

✔ Hosts helpful online resources about international moves to help its customers transition to a new home overseas
✔ Accepts multiple payment options for international moves, including PayPal and Zelle
✔ Can set you up with short- or long-term storage at your destination country

✘ Requires a deposit before your move date
✘ May be more difficult to book a short-notice move date during busier seasons

Services

IVL is a full-service mover specializing in international relocation. The company can provide full packing assistance and guide you through the more difficult components of an international move, including customs clearance. In addition to shipping household goods overseas, auto transport is available. IVL offers several contents coverage options.

Cost

The cost for an international move includes many of the same criteria as a domestic shipment. You can expect the size and weight of your shipment to factor into the cost, and full-packing services will also add to the total. IVL will add fees for ocean freight, air freight, and port charges for international moves. The number of shipping containers will also contribute to the final cost.

IVL lists the average cost of moving from the United States to Australia as $8,700–$12,500 for a three-bedroom home. Get your free International Van Lines quote.

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

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American Van Lines

• Our Take: Best Overall Moving Labor
• Our Rating: 86 out of 100
• Availability: 48 states, plus more than 180 countries

American Van Lines (AVL) has offered full-service move assistance since 1995, available across the United States except in Alaska and Hawaii. Local and long-distance moves comprise most of AVL’s business, but it does offer international moving services. AVL is selective in its hiring process, building teams that average 10 years of moving experience. The company is a moving carrier and uses its trained staff for sales, support, and moving labor.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of American Van Lines:

✔ Provides fixed-rate moving quotes
✔ Trains its staff in the proper techniques for moving pianos, fine art, and other high-end items without causing property damage
✔ Hires experienced movers who undergo comprehensive screening before employment

✘ Charges an unusually high deposit, sometimes topping out at 50% of the total moving cost
✘ Doesn’t have a moving calculator to estimate pricing before calling for your quote

Services

AVL provides door-to-door service, packing your household goods and coordinating shipment and delivery. The movers can also unload and unpack at the destination. AVL trains its teams to handle fragile items without causing damage, using custom crating for protection during international shipments. Climate-controlled storage is available. Learn more about American Van Lines services.

Cost

The distance of your move, the weight of the shipment, and the level of packing assistance you select will determine the base cost of your move. You should anticipate extra fees for international relocation, such as customs charges, depending on the destination country. The insurance option you choose will also factor into the final cost. Get your free American Van Lines quote.

Learn More: American Van Lines Review

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Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

• Our Take: Most Efficient
• Our Rating: 86 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus international availability

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) gears its branding toward domestic moves but is also available to help customers relocate to a new country. Licensed as a moving broker, IMRG schedules moves through providers in its nationwide network. An IMRG agent will speak with you to learn about your moving needs, looking to one of its many moving industry partners to fulfill your requested services. One advantage of operating as a broker is that IMRG can compare quotes to pin down the most affordable rates and can typically schedule your move within a short time frame.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of Interstate Moving & Relocation Group:

✔ Takes much of the legwork out of the moving process by using the details you provide to find an affordable mover
✔ Can help you find a provider capable of shipping your vehicle
✔ Offers to coordinate military moves

✘ Has received several Google Reviews mentioning a poor standard of service from some IMRG partners
✘ Charges a 4% cancellation fee

Services

IMRG partners with many full-service movers, offering a full range of professional packing services. Your IMRG agent will assist with customs clearance and other key planning points for streamlining an international move. Vehicle shipping is available, and IMRG can refer you to short- and long-term storage facilities in your destination country. Learn more about IMRG services.

Cost

As a broker, IMRG can collect quotes from several companies to help its customers schedule services at a budget-friendly rate. Industry-standard criteria such as the weight and size of the shipment will determine the baseline cost. The price for specific services will vary among carriers. You will pay more for shipping a vehicle overseas, and storage for your household goods will add to the final cost. Get your Interstate Moving & Relocation Group quote.

Learn More: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review

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JK Moving Services

• Our Take: Best Specialized Packing
• Our Rating: 91 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus more than 170 countries

JK Moving Services adapts full-service moves to individual preferences, providing several options for planning a local, long-distance, or international relocation service. Starting in 1982, the company has served customers across the United States, including major corporations and government officials. JK Moving provides a personal moving coordinator to help you arrange your preferred level of service, choosing among professional packing assistance, fragile-only assistance, and DIY service options.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of JK Moving Services:

✔ Can coordinate a wide range of services, including residential, government, and corporate relocation
✔ Has many years of experience with overseas moves and is a top member of Overseas Moving Network International (OMNI)
✔ Partners with Enhancify to offer affordable financing options

✘ Has received negative customer reviews on Yelp, citing poor communication with customer service representatives
✘ Doesn’t provide online quotes or a moving cost calculator

Services

JK Moving plans your move according to your preferences, offering full packing and unpacking assistance when requested. For international shipping, a move coordinator will help you manage logistics, guide you through administrative challenges, and serve as the point of contact for different shipping companies. Additional services include storage options and vehicle shipping.

Cost

International moving costs will depend on several factors, including the weight of your shipment. Expect steeper fees for fragile or high-value items that need custom crating. Shipping by ocean freighter will prove less expensive than air cargo but will take longer to arrive. Vehicle shipping will also add to the total cost, and there may be fees for customs and port entry. JK Moving will provide a moving estimate after conducting an in-home or virtual survey of the inventory. Get your JK Moving Services quote.

Learn More: JK Moving Services Review

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Moving APT

• Our Take: Best Customer Service
• Our Rating: 84 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus 180 countries

Moving APT is a broker and coordinator for cross-country moving services but also has international carriers in its network. Moving APT is prompt to respond, asking you for the details about your move and connecting you to carriers with international shipping capabilities. Scheduling is a straightforward process, and you can see what services each available moving company offers before making a decision. Moving APT representatives are available seven days a week to answer your questions and assist with any issues.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of Moving APT:

✔ Has a rigorous vetting process for taking on new moving companies as partners
✔ Works with several well-known national carriers
✔ Has representatives available 24/7 for customer support

✘ Doesn’t have its own trucks or crews, outsourcing all services
✘ Won’t refund deposits unless you cancel your move service more than seven days before your pickup date

Services

When you request your free moving quote, a Moving APT moving coordinator will contact you to learn about your inventory and other key details about your move. You will then receive correspondence from one or more available movers. Many companies in Moving APT’s network are full-service providers, offering professional packing services for stress-free moving. Other partners use container shipping, providing transportable containers that you will load yourself over the course of a few days.

Cost

Moving APT requires a deposit for brokering moving services. The overall cost of your move will depend on the carrier that performs the service but will include factors such as the weight of the shipment, the distance traveled, and the level of packing assistance. Storage services will also reflect in the final cost. Request your free Moving APT quote.

Learn More: Moving APT Review

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North American Van Lines

• Our Take: Best for Claims
• Our Rating: 92 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus more than 130 countries

Founded in 1933, North American Van Lines (NAVL) has provided domestic and international moving services for more than 80 years. NAVL maintains a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles and drivers, conducting many moves in-house and using its broker authority to outsource some services to agents in its network. The company is notable for its easy claims process, providing forms for domestic and international claims on its website. NAVL also has dedicated customer service for its claims department.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of North American Van Lines:

✔ Has customized pricing options
✔ Offers valued inventory coverage and storage insurance for international moves
✔ Provides several online resources for international moving, including details about customs and immigration

✘ Outsources some services to third parties
✘ May not offer storage in certain locations

Services

In addition to its nationwide movers, NAVL has an overseas network of more than 380 agents representing the company. It coordinates full packing and unpacking services, including storage where available. NAVL will assist with potential issues at the port of arrival and customs clearance. After delivering the shipment and unpacking your items, NAVL will remove boxes and other debris left over from the move.

Cost

NAVL determines the cost for an international move based on the size and weight of the shipment, the services selected, and the shipping route and distance. Other factors, such as the container sizes and the total transit time, will add or subtract from the cost. Contents coverage is available for purchase, and you should expect fees for customs clearance, taxes, and duties. Get your North American Van Lines quote.

Learn More: North American Van Lines Review

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Allied Van Lines

• Our Take: Best for Vehicle Relocation
• Our Rating: 94 out of 100
• Availability: 50 states, plus 130 countries

Allied Van Lines is a full-service moving company with a national and global network of movers. Allied stations its international agents in 130 countries, coordinating residential and corporate relocation services. The company recently opened a Saudi Arabia branch to expand its availability in the Middle East. Allied is a great resource for customers who need to ship a vehicle overseas, providing an in-depth shipping guide and coordinating the process in-house.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of Allied Van Lines:

✔ Doesn’t require a deposit
✔ Provides shipment tracking for domestic and international moves
✔ Has a network of more than 1,000 agents representing 130 countries

✘ Doesn’t have 24/7 customer support
✘ Has mixed Yelp reviews for many office locations with frequent complaints of poor customer service

Services

Allied offers full-service packing and unpacking services, including fragile packing using specialty materials. Moving overseas requires air or ocean transport and highway travel, and Allied’s agents will help plan your move to account for logistical challenges. Shipment tracking is available, and Allied can help with short- and long-term storage.

Cost

Moving costs include fees based on the shipment weight, the time of year, and the distance of your international move. You will pay more for customs duty, storage, visa fees, and vehicle shipping. Your choice of services and moving insurance will also affect the final cost. Request your free Allied Van Lines quote.

Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

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Mayflower Moving

• Our Take: Best for Large Moves
• Our Rating: 95 out of 100
• Availability: 46 states 

Mayflower Moving has been a mainstay in the industry since its founding in 1927. It is now a leading local and long-distance carrier. Its position as one of the principal partners in UniGroup gives clients access to one of the largest moving networks in the country when they book with Mayflower. 

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of Mayflower Moving:

✔ Provides GPS tracking online
✔ Offers binding estimates for all long-distance moves
✔ Offers its full-value protection option in all moving quotes

✘ Has varied customer reviews in different locations
✘ Features elevated rates due to valuation coverage options

Services

Mayflower provides local and long-distance service to 46 states and international service to 150 countries. International moving packages include customs clearance and logistics management services. All international relocations come with dedicated moving coordinators assigned to your move from start to finish.

Cost

The Mayflower quote process begins with a phone call and a basic rundown of your move information. This will include your move date, origin and destination addresses, service needs, and inventory breakdown. You’ll be assigned a binding rate that will not shift unless your moving needs or inventory change before move day. Get your Mayflower Moving quote. 

Learn More: Mayflower Moving Review

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United Van Lines

• Our Take: Best for Base Moving Coverage
• Our Rating: 95 out of 100
• Availability: 46 states 

United Van Lines has provided leading service for almost a century. Its qualified moving crews offer international moving services to 150 countries. All international moves can include logistics management and customs clearance service. We also like that United Van Lines’ base moving coverage offerings are among the best available.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few key pros and cons of United Van Lines:

✔ Offers home office and tech breakdown and installation
✔ Provides valuation coverage with all moving quotes
✔ Has operational capabilities in 150 countries

✘ Has varied customer reviews across locations
✘ Provides no online pricing

Services

United Van Lines offers local, long-distance, and international moving service for both residential and commercial clients. Its dedicated teams offer tech item breakdown and installation, as well as specialized packing and crating for high-value items. If you book an international move with this provider, its customer service teams provide customizable moving packages at flat rates.

Cost

United provides binding estimates for all moves it directly handles. We recommend getting an in-home estimate to ensure accurate pricing. All estimates with United consider move distance and inventory and include full-value protection. Get your United Van Lines quote. 

Learn More: United Van Lines Review

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Compare the Top International Moving Companies

See how these top moving providers stack up side by side:

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Our Conclusion

Moving abroad takes several extra steps compared to a domestic move, and knowing where to begin is tough. Based on our research, International Van Lines (IVL) is a great choice for coordinating your international move to save you the hassle. IVL has a helpful checklist for pre-move planning and a detailed guide for tailoring an international move to your needs. The company started in international logistics and has substantial experience moving customers overseas.

American Van Lines is another dependable choice, touting its experienced moving crews that use custom crating for fragile items. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group works with international carriers to offer affordable moving services and typically has a prompt booking process.

Take the time to compare quotes among three or more providers. You should also read customer reviews and look up each company’s licensing information before making a decision for your international move.

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FAQ About the Best International Moving Companies

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Other Moving Resources

• Best Moving Companies
• Best Interstate Moving Companies
• Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
• Best Moving Container Companies
• Best Cheap Moving Companies
• Best Moving Companies for Military Moves

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Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.