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
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
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
Pros & cons
- Certified Federal Maritime Commission mover
- Full deposit refund for cancellations within 48 hours of moving day
- Free short-term storage on international moves
- No mobile app to track shipment
- No binding estimates
Services
- Full packing and unpacking services
- Freight forwarding
- Air and sea shipping options
- Vehicle shipping
- 30 days of free storage
- Long-term storage options
- Door-to-door delivery
- Add-on comprehensive insurance
Customer feedback
Judging by online reviews, International Van Lines has a solid reputation with customers. IVL earns high marks with customers for their professional and prompt service, but there are some complaints about customer support and delivery delays.
Most of our Better Moves Project participants who used IVL were happy with the experience. Although their moves were domestic, not international, their feedback speaks to the company’s overall service quality and reputation.
Our Better Moves Project gives a $500 moving stipend to qualified applicants in exchange for their honest in-depth insights on moving companies.
Here’s a quick look at some of what IVL customers had to say:
- “They communicated fairly well and I paid the exact same amount as I was quoted. I was especially impressed with the moving crews’ professionalism and attention to detail. Everything arrived on time and nothing was lost or damaged.” —Fabiana, Better Moves
- “I hired International Van Lines back in 2014 and decided to use them again for my move from Canada to Boston…. The crew showed up on time, packed well, and did a great job overall. I’ve moved several times in my life, and my experience with IVL was the best.” —Chloe L., Trustpilot
- “The company itself is good, and the staff is very helpful and professional. However, the contractors they use leave much to be desired. In New York, the guy who picked up our belongings couldn’t be bothered to fill out an accurate inventory of our boxes…. Then, the delivery of our things here in Madrid did not happen within the scheduled window.” –Karl S., Trustpilot
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
Pros & cons
- FIDI-accredited international mover
- In-house no-interest financing available
- One of only three US members of the Overseas Moving Network International (OMNI)
- More expensive than most competitors
- No price-matching policy
Services
- Professional packing
- Specialty item handling
- Climate-controlled storage
- Vehicle shipping
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Guaranteed moving dates
- Air and sea freight options
Customer feedback
If JK Moving got a letter grade for its customer reviews, it would be a respectable A-. While not all reviews are glowing, most mention courteous and careful moving crews and responsive customer service representatives. Criticisms, however, often center around crews being less than attentive, leading to damaged items or sloppy packing.
Our Better Moves Project participants are torn on JK Moving, as well. While most were happy with their domestic relocation services, some complained of poor communication and steep prices.
Here’s what our readers and JK Moving customers on the web think about the company:
- “The process was overall very smooth. JK Moving has a stellar reputation. The quote was only slightly higher than other [companies], and the final bill was actually $2,000 less than quoted. —Jose, Better Moves
- “On the packing and loading for a move to the UK, I was more than impressed with the [crew]. They were professional, courteous, and hard-working. A job well-done.” —Laura S., Yelp
- “My small family and I had a good experience for our move from Washington, DC to Houston…. The packing team was efficient, and everything got delivered on time, but some small decorative items broke.” —Isabelle L., Yelp
- “[They used] crews of four [movers], and everything went along without issue. I hate moving, but this was the least stressful I could’ve asked for, given my needs overall. However, [JK Moving] didn’t set themselves apart enough to justify the inflated price.” —Adam, Better Moves
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
Pros & cons
- Customizable moving plans
- Service to all seven continents
- No upfront deposit
- No price matches or advertised discounts
- No instant online quotes
Services
- International financial and insurance provider help
- Cross-cultural and language training
- International medical care and prescription replacement help
- International car-buying resources & driving lessons
- Full-service packing and loading
- Freight forwarding
- Air and sea shipping
- Temporary storage
- Vehicle shipping
Customer feedback
Surprisingly, for a large van line, NAVL doesn’t have a lot of online customer reviews. And of the ones they do have, many are unfavorable.
We don’t think that should sway you, however. Like a lot of larger movers, North American Van Lines relies on a network of local moving company partners to handle the actual loading and transport work. As such, experiences vary based on the partner handling the move.
Take a look at these NAVL reviews from Better Moves and across multiple consumer feedback sites:
- “Pricing, people, continued communication, care of belongings — I can’t praise this company enough…. Delivery was made the first day it was scheduled to arrive. I highly recommend them.” —Pam K., BBB
- “The crew was hard-working. I truly appreciate their efforts…. Although the price was still high, they worked with me on it and were very friendly and professional throughout the process.” —Kyle, Better Moves
- “I engaged North American VanLines to help facilitate my relocation from the US back to New Zealand….
Initially, the contact was good and, after comparing their quote to another company I had researched, I chose these guys for the job…. The delivery of my shipment [ended up] being delayed by months…. My agreed delivery date came and went and no one even bothered to send me an email to let me know… I ended up having to sleep on a blow-up mattress in an empty house for nearly two months….” —Michaela B., Trustpilot
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
Pros & cons
- Comprehensive international shipment tracking
- No deposit needed to book moves
- Multiple insurance options
- No information about discounts
- Strict cancellation and rescheduling policies
Services
- Vehicle shipping
- Full-service packing
- Partial packing
- Padded moving boxes
- High-quality packing materials
- Freight forwarding
- Short- and long-term storage
- Custom crating for fragile items
Customer feedback
Like North American Van Lines, Allied has relatively few customer reviews, and a majority of them are negative. It’s human nature to be more motivated to share a bad experience than a good one, and van lines in particular tend to generate criticism because the quality of the local movers in their extensive network can vary.
One of our Better Moves Project participants moved with Allied and loved the experience. Check out what he and other Allied customers think about the company:
- “Moving is stressful, and the reviews you read online can be scary. But [they] really helped throughout it. I was really worried about my belongings being damaged but everything arrived OK.” —Pavan, Better Moves
- “….The move went well. There was a slight delay in delivery but they kept us aware and were very polite.” —James G., BBB
- “They neglected to pack things, lost boxes [they] packed… [and] did not reassemble our master bed properly. They broke a table leg and scratched several pieces of furniture. They then failed to compensate us for the losses, saying we signed a form at delivery accepting that [everything] was delivered, even though we had many boxes to unpack and had no way of knowing what was in them.” —Patricia H., BBB
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
Pros & cons
- Transparent quotes with online estimate tools
- Accredited throughFIDI as an international mover
- Licensed through the Federal Maritime Commission
- Limited global reach
- Lengthy quote process
Services
- Cost-tiered moving plans
- Fragile-only packing
- Full-service packing
- International storage
- Vehicle shipping
- Air and sea freight options
- Online shipment tracking
Customer feedback
Atlas Van Lines has a generally positive reputation when it comes to domestic and international moves, especially for customers who value clear pricing and multiple budget-friendly options. While some reviewers noted that communication could be improved during the customs process, most praised the company’s affordability and professionalism.
Check out what these Atlas customers had to say:
- “Professional, courteous, and, most importantly, fast! [They] were great to work with during my move
to another state. Highly recommend.” —Jennifer L., Yelp - “Very reasonable price and on time. [I] had one lamp broken but they took care of it. We would definitely use them again.” —Michael R., Yelp
- “When I chose Allied, I figured they were a big company, [are] well-known, and would do a good job. When I filled out my online claim and followed up with phone calls, I didn’t expect them to ‘assume no responsibility’. They said it was my responsibility to notice any damage when it came off the truck. What do I do, ask [the crew] to open every box to examine it?” —Terri, Consumer Affairs
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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
We’ve got lots of helpful information about moving abroad to help you start your journey:
- Best countries to move to from the US
- Best countries for Americans to retire
- Top countries to raise a family
- Working abroad guide
Already know where you’re headed? Check out these country-specific tips:
FAQ
What is the average cost of an international move?
The cost of an international move typically ranges from $1,500 to $12,000, depending on the size of your home, destination, and shipping method. Sea freight is more affordable but slower, while air freight is faster but comes at a premium price.
What is the cheapest way to move internationally?
Using a shared container service or shipping only essential items is the most budget-friendly way to move internationally. Packing your own belongings and choosing sea freight over air freight can also help cut costs. Downsizing before the move and selling large items like furniture can significantly reduce shipping expenses.
Do international movers pack for you?
Yes, most international moving companies offer full packing services, including wrapping, crating, and securing items for long-distance transport. Some companies, like Allied Van Lines, also offer partial packing services, where you can pack non-fragile items yourself while they handle delicate or high-value belongings.
What is the best country for Americans to move to?
The best country for Americans to move to depends on what you’re looking for. Canada is one of the top countries for overseas jobs. The country has a healthier job market, easier immigration pathways, and is culturally similar to the US.
Due to its affordability, vibrant social scene, and remote work-friendly visa options, Portugal is a great place for singles. And Germany is one of best countries for raising families thanks to its generous parental leave policies, excellent health care, and free or low-cost education.
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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