Chicago International Movers

*Updated November 2025

We’re Always Here When You’re Ready to Move

If you’re looking for trusted and efficient Chicago international movers, SDC International Shipping is the partner you can count on. Our team of global logistics coordinators, movers, and packers is dedicated to making your overseas relocation smooth and stress-free from the first call to final delivery.

Our Chicago movers are highly trained and work with you to customize your move. Whether you’re shipping household goods, vehicles, or specialty items, you can rely on us for competitive pricing, dependable timelines, and exceptional communication at every step.

Our Moving Services in Chicago

We offer a full spectrum of international moving services for individuals, families, and corporate relocations. Mix and match primary and add-on services to build a tailored plan that fits your home size, destination, and budget.

• Household goods moving to and from the Chicago metro.
• International car shipping (containerized).
• Professional packing and custom crating for delicate items.
• Container shipping via ocean or air with door-to-door options.
• Piano shipping handled by trained specialists.
• Artwork shipping for fragile and high-value pieces.
• Marine cargo insurance for added protection.

Start your relocation by completing our online quote form. We’ll handle the logistics while you prepare for your next chapter with confidence.

How Our Process Works (Chicago Edition)

Virtual or On-Site Survey: We review your rooms, storage areas, and special items to estimate cubic feet (or cubic meters) and identify packing needs, stair or elevator access, and loading logistics. This prevents surprises and keeps your quote accurate.

Custom Move Plan: Based on your timeline and destination, we recommend ocean (FCL or LCL) or air freight. We map the route from your Chicago residence to the appropriate U.S. gateway and onward to your destination port, including destination-side handling.

Pro Packing & Crating: Our crew uses double-wall cartons, export-grade wrap, corner protection, and custom wood crates for pianos, fine art, and high-value items. Each carton and piece receives an item number that ties back to a detailed inventory for customs.

Export Documentation: We prepare the packing list and export docs, file AMS/ISF where applicable, and coordinate booking with the ocean or air carrier. You’ll receive your shipment references and tracking updates.

Destination Delivery: Our partner agent arranges customs clearance guidance and schedules delivery to your new home, including basic placement and debris removal with full-service moves.

International Containerized Shipping from Chicago

When shipping by air or sea, you can choose the option that matches your timing and budget. We’ll help you decide after a quick survey of your inventory.

Consolidated / LCL (Less than Container Load): Best when you’re shipping a smaller volume or flexible on timing. You pay for the space you use on a shared container; sailings occur when the consolidation closes.

FCL (Full Container Load): Ideal for three-bedroom homes and larger, or when you want predictable timelines. Your 20’ or 40’ container is sealed for your goods only and typically sails on the next available vessel in your service window.

Air Freight: For time-sensitive essentials, air is the fastest option from O’Hare (ORD) to most international hubs. We’ll advise on restricted items and packaging standards for carriage by air.

The Best International Moving Service from Chicago

Chicago doesn’t have a direct ocean port for container exports, but that’s not a barrier—SDC coordinates intermodal transport from your residence to major U.S. gateways such as New York/New Jersey, Norfolk, Savannah, Houston, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, or Seattle/Tacoma.

Typical Routing Example: Chicago pickup → dray to rail ramp → rail to West Coast terminal → ocean to destination port → customs clearance → delivery to residence. We manage the hand-offs to keep your shipment on schedule.

Building & Parking Logistics: Downtown and high-rise moves often require Certificates of Insurance (COIs), elevator reservations, and loading dock windows. In residential neighborhoods, we may secure temporary parking permits for the pack truck. Share your HOA or building guidelines—we’ll coordinate the rest.

Cold-Weather Readiness: Chicago winters can affect loading times. We protect floors, entryways, and pathways; we also wrap moisture-sensitive items and stagger load sequencing to keep packing efficient despite temperature and snow.

International Moving Cost from Chicago

Every move is unique, so pricing is based on your inventory and service choices rather than a one-size-fits-all rate. Key variables include shipment volume, origin access, destination delivery conditions, optional packing and storage, and your preferred mode (ocean vs. air). We provide a clear, itemized quote so you know exactly what’s included.

Get an accurate estimate by completing our online quote form. We’ll review your list and offer savings ideas (for example, combining air essentials with an ocean FCL for the balance).

Packing Standards, Insurance, and What’s Restricted

Packing Standards: Export-grade cartons, foam/bubble, and double-wrapping protect furniture. We remove legs/arms where appropriate, pad-wrap, and carton glass or stone. For fine art and pianos, we recommend custom crating built to size.

Insurance Options: We offer total-loss and all-risk marine cargo insurance. All-risk requires professional packing and a valued inventory. We’ll explain deductibles and claim steps so you can choose the right coverage level with confidence.

General Restrictions: Corrosives, flammables, perishables, aerosols, and some batteries are restricted—especially by air. Destination countries may also limit alcohol, tobacco, and certain plant/animal products. We’ll provide destination-specific guidance before packing day.

What Happens at Destination

On arrival, your shipment is discharged, inspected as required, and prepared for customs clearance. Your destination agent confirms paperwork, duties/taxes (if any), and delivery dates. With full service moves, we unload, place items in rooms, reassemble basic furniture, and remove debris.

If your residence won’t be ready, we can arrange short-term storage at origin or destination. Let us know early if closing dates or keys might shift—we’ll keep your plan flexible.

Areas We Serve in Chicago, IL

We proudly serve customers across Chicago and the surrounding area, including Arlington Heights, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Orland Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Skokie, and Warrenville. Not on the list? We can move you from anywhere in Illinois to destinations worldwide.

Chicago FAQs (Quick Answers)

How far in advance should I book? Four to eight weeks is ideal for ocean bookings, especially in peak season. Air shipments can be arranged faster, but still benefit from early scheduling.

Can you work with my building’s insurance requirements? Yes. Share COI wording and elevator rules; we’ll issue certificates and schedule load-in/out within the allowed window.

Do you offer partial packing? Yes. We can handle only the fragile items and export-wrap furniture while you self-pack clothes and books—then we verify the cartons are suitable for export.

What if my shipment needs storage? We provide short-term storage at origin or destination and adjust delivery dates to match your handover or key dates.

Do Others Like Us?

Doing the best. Being the best.

“It was very easy to communicate with Timothy. He answered my questions and referred me to appropriate people to give me a quote. After clearing out the details of my move, they gave me a quote that was fair enough. Movers arrived on time and were very careful with my belongings. My stuff was delivered in good condition. It’s hands down the best mover in my life.”

— Michael Ph.

“SDC’s packing crew were such fun people to deal with. But not only that, of course. They are amazing packers, very fast and hard-working. They provided multiple quotes. I decided to go with a consolidated shipment. Nothing was damaged or broken. I am very satisfied with their service.”

— Harry and Lucile D.