International Movers
Moving internationally is one of the most significant decisions a person or family can make. It requires careful planning, expert coordination, and a moving company you can trust with everything you own. Since 2010, SDC International Shipping has managed international relocations for individuals, families, and Fortune 100 corporations, handling every step from pickup at your U.S. home to final delivery at your overseas destination. As an FMC-licensed overseas moving company (License #FMC 022380N), we bring the credentials, experience, and global network your move demands.
With more than 20,000 international moves completed and service to 120+ locations worldwide, SDC is one of the most experienced door-to-door international moving companies in the United States. From individuals relocating for lifestyle reasons to corporations moving entire teams across continents, we bring the same professionalism, security, and transparency to every project.
International Moving from Any U.S. State
You do not need to live near a major port to move overseas. SDC arranges pickup from any U.S. state, then routes your shipment through the best export gateway based on your schedule, destination, and budget. Whether you are in a major metro or a rural area hours from the nearest port, our logistics team plans around your location, not the other way around.
Your dedicated coordinator confirms pickup access, packing requirements, storage options if needed, and the most efficient shipping plan for your timeline. Our household goods moving specialists, professional packers, and administrative team work together from first contact through final delivery so nothing falls through the gaps.
Our International Moving Process: Step by Step
A seamless move does not happen by accident. It requires careful coordination, detailed planning, and an experienced team that understands the nuances of international logistics. Here is how SDC manages your relocation from start to finish.
1. Personal Consultation and Planning
Every international relocation begins with a personal consultation. We take time to understand your timeline, household size, origin and destination addresses, access points, and any special items requiring additional care. By assessing your goals early, we create a customized plan that outlines costs, shipment options, and schedules. For corporate clients, this stage includes aligning with HR teams to coordinate employee relocations efficiently. This is also where we identify whether a full container, shared groupage, or air freight solution best suits your needs.
2. Professional Packing and Inventory
Packing is the foundation of a safe international move. Our trained crews use export-grade materials, shock-resistant crating, and specialized handling techniques for fragile and high-value items. Each box and crate is inventoried, labeled, and documented for customs purposes. This meticulous approach not only prevents damage but also speeds up clearance at ports of entry. Our professional packing service is strongly recommended for international shipments, items labeled “packed by owner” can trigger additional inspections and delays at customs.
3. Customs Compliance and Documentation
Customs regulations vary significantly by country, and mistakes can cause delays, added costs, or shipment seizures. SDC’s customs specialists prepare and review all required documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance before your shipment leaves the United States. We educate clients about destination-specific restrictions, prohibited items, and duty structures so you arrive prepared. Read our complete guide to international customs regulations for country-specific details.
4. Secure Transportation Options
Depending on your timeline and budget, we offer ocean freight and air freight shipping options. Ocean freight is the most economical method for full households, while air freight suits urgent or smaller shipments. For vehicle shipping, we recommend containerized transport, often loading cars alongside household goods for efficiency and safety. Every shipment is tracked with real-time systems that keep you informed from pickup to final delivery.
5. Delivery, Unpacking, and Settling In
Once your shipment arrives, our destination teams coordinate delivery to your residence, including basic unpacking and debris removal where included in your service plan. If your new home is not ready, we offer clean, climate-controlled storage solutions, both in the U.S. and through our international partner network, until you are ready to receive delivery.
What’s Included with Our International Moving Services
When you choose SDC International Shipping, you get a coordinated plan for your overseas move, not a list of disconnected tasks. Our team can handle as much or as little of the process as you need, with clear scope and options confirmed in writing before anything moves.
- Nationwide pickup from any U.S. state
We arrange pickup from your home or storage location, even if you live far from a major port. - Professional export packing and protection
Packing materials and methods are selected for international handling, long transit times, and multiple transfer points. - Custom crating for fragile or high-value items
Optional crating is available for artwork, antiques, glass, and other delicate belongings that need extra protection. - Ocean freight or air freight options
We help you choose the best shipping method based on your timeline, destination, and budget. - Documentation guidance and customs clearance support
We prepare inventories and required paperwork correctly to reduce the risk of delays at destination. - Flexible delivery options at destination
Depending on your move plan, delivery can be arranged door to door or coordinated for port pickup. - Clean, secure storage when needed
If your dates do not align, we provide short-term or long-term storage options in the U.S. and abroad.
Why Choose SDC International Shipping?
Choosing the right international moving company is not just about finding someone who can pack and ship, it is about finding a partner you can trust with your most valuable possessions. Here is why individuals, families, and corporations continue to rely on SDC.
Licensed, Bonded, and Accredited
SDC International Shipping is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC License #022380N) and bonded to operate in international shipping. This licensing ensures compliance, financial responsibility, and legal accountability to every client we serve. Our accreditations reflect our commitment to industry best practices, giving you confidence that your move meets the standards required for international transport.
Trusted by Global Corporations
Our services have been vetted and approved by Fortune 100 companies that require the highest standards of security, compliance, and professionalism when relocating employees worldwide. These organizations choose SDC because of our proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes international relocations discreetly and efficiently. While we cannot share client names due to confidentiality agreements, this level of institutional trust reflects the confidence major corporations place in our capabilities.
Transparent Quotes and Pricing
Hidden fees and unexpected costs can turn a move into a financial nightmare. At SDC, we prioritize transparency by providing accurate estimates tailored to your shipment size, destination, and service requirements. Whether you are shipping a small load or an entire household, you will know exactly what to expect before we begin. Review our guide on comparing international moving quotes to understand what to look for when evaluating estimates.
Specialized Services for Every Need
We handle everything from delicate fine art and antiques to grand pianos, oversized furniture, and specialty items. Our crews receive specialized training for unique shipments, ensuring your valuables are handled with appropriate care at every stage. We also coordinate international moving insurance coverage to add a critical layer of protection for high-value shipments.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
A reliable estimate starts with detail. We review your origin and destination access, inventory by room, any high-value or delicate items such as artwork or pianos, and timing constraints. For many homes, a quick virtual survey is sufficient. For complex moves, we can arrange an in-home survey. Your estimate reflects the following factors:
- Volume (cubic feet or cubic meters) and whether you will use a shared container (LCL) or a dedicated 20ft or 40ft container (FCL).
- Services such as export packing, custom crating, storage, and destination delivery.
- Shipping mode ”ocean freight vs. air freight” based on your timeline and budget.
- Special requirements such as elevator reservations, shuttle vehicles, long carries, crating, or access challenges at origin or destination.
We provide a written, easy-to-compare quote so you can see exactly what is included. No surprise add-ons, just clear scope and options confirmed before anything is scheduled.
Preparing Your Furniture and Fragile Items
Our expert packing crews disassemble and carefully wrap items like tables, bed frames, and large furniture pieces to prevent damage during transit. We use bubble wrap, cloth padding, and carton pads to protect your belongings throughout handling and shipping.
For fragile or high-value items such as grand pianos, fine art, antiques, and patio furniture, our team builds custom crates designed specifically for international transport. We also recommend comprehensive insurance coverage for all high-value shipments to provide maximum protection against the unexpected.
Corporate Relocation Services
Companies moving employees across borders face a different set of demands than individual clients. Delays or mistakes in corporate relocations do not just inconvenience one person, they can disrupt entire teams and corporate strategies. That is why leading organizations choose SDC International Shipping for their employee relocations.
Relocation Programs for Every Scale
Corporate relocations can range from moving one executive with a small household to transferring entire teams and their families across multiple countries simultaneously. Our consultants work directly with HR and mobility departments to design programs that balance employee satisfaction with company budgets. Whether the move requires a single container, multiple consolidated shipments, or a combination of air and sea freight, SDC has the systems and partnerships to deliver consistent results on deadline.
White-Glove Executive Relocations
Executives and leadership staff often require additional support to minimize downtime and personal disruption. Our white-glove services include premium packing, high-value insurance, detailed customs management, and guaranteed delivery timelines. When a company invests in relocating top talent, every detail matters, and we treat it accordingly.
Case Study: A Global Technology Leader
A Fortune 100 technology company tasked SDC with relocating dozens of employees and their families across three continents on a tight 90-day schedule. The project required coordinating container and air freight shipments simultaneously, navigating customs clearance across multiple jurisdictions, providing temporary storage while employees secured permanent housing, and ensuring vehicles and household goods arrived intact and on schedule. We executed the project without delays and without compromising compliance or employee comfort, a result that reflects the systems we bring to every client, corporate or individual.
Understanding the Cost of International Moving
One of the first questions most people ask is how much an international move costs. The answer depends on several factors, international moving costs reflect the size of your shipment, the services you need, your chosen shipping method, and the complexities of your destination country.
Shipment Volume and Weight
The single biggest cost factor is how much you are shipping. A studio apartment’s belongings will cost significantly less than a four-bedroom household. Ocean freight is calculated by volume in cubic feet, while air freight is calculated by weight. Clients who downsize before packing often find their final bill meaningfully lower because they ship fewer cubic feet overall.
Shipping Method: Sea vs. Air
Ocean freight is the most common and cost-effective method for international household moves. A Full Container Load (FCL) is recommended for larger households, while a Less than Container Load (LCL), also called groupage, is ideal for smaller shipments that share container space with other clients. Air freight is faster but typically reserved for urgent moves, smaller shipments, or high-value items where speed justifies the premium cost.
Destination and Route Complexity
Shipping to major ports like Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Sydney is usually more straightforward and affordable than moving to smaller inland destinations requiring additional trucking or rail transport. Customs duties and import taxes also vary widely by country, and some destinations require more extensive documentation than others. Our coordinators factor all of this into your estimate upfront.
Service Level: Door-to-Door vs. Port-to-Port
Door-to-door service includes everything: packing, pickup, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to your new home. Port-to-port requires you to manage pickup and delivery on either end, which can lower costs but adds logistical complexity. Most families and corporate clients prefer door-to-door for the peace of mind and simplicity it provides. See our guide on shipping furniture internationally for more detail on what door-to-door service covers for household goods.
Example Cost Scenarios
- Small shipment (studio or one-bedroom apartment): Often ships via shared container (LCL). More cost-effective but may take longer to arrive due to consolidation requirements.
- Medium shipment (two to three bedroom household): Typically requires a full 20-foot container. Balances cost and convenience with predictable delivery timelines.
- Large shipment (four or more bedrooms or full family relocation): Usually uses a 40-foot container, sometimes alongside a vehicle. Higher cost but the most efficient and secure option for complete relocations.
Tracking Your Shipment
We provide tracking updates at every key stage of your move, from when your shipment leaves our U.S. facility to when it clears customs and arrives at your destination. Your dedicated coordinator is your single point of contact throughout, so you always know who to call and what is happening next. You are never left wondering where your belongings are.
Destinations We Serve
With a global network of partners and agents across 120+ locations, SDC International Shipping supports moves to destinations throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, South America, and beyond. Our experience with customs requirements, packing standards, and international regulations ensures that wherever you are headed, your relocation is handled correctly from the start.
Moving to France
France continues to attract families, professionals, and retirees from the United States. Relocating here requires careful attention to customs rules, proper documentation for household goods, and coordinated delivery into both urban and rural locations. Our movers regularly support transitions to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and beyond.
Moving to Germany
Germany is one of Europe’s strongest economies and a frequent destination for American expats and corporate transfers. Shipping to Germany requires strict documentation, particularly for vehicles and electronics. Our relocation specialists coordinate every step from export preparation in the United States through delivery in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and other cities.
Moving to the United Kingdom
The UK is one of the most common destinations for American expats. Our teams regularly support moves to London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, handling customs clearance including Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief applications and full shipping logistics. For detailed country-specific guidance, visit our dedicated UK relocation site.
Moving to Spain
Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for Americans seeking lifestyle changes, retirement abroad, or remote work opportunities. Our services include household goods shipping, insurance coordination, and delivery into Madrid, Barcelona, and throughout the country. For detailed country-specific advice, visit our dedicated Spain relocation site.
Moving to Australia
Australia enforces some of the world’s strictest customs and biosecurity regulations. Our movers ensure shipments meet those requirements in full while providing door-to-door service to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other major cities. For specialized guidance on Australian moves, visit our dedicated Australia relocation site.
Moving to Canada
Canada is one of the most common destinations for Americans relocating abroad. While moving across the northern border may seem straightforward, customs rules, vehicle import laws, and documentation requirements can complicate the process. Our team makes relocations to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and other Canadian cities efficient and stress-free.
Other Popular Destinations
Beyond these corridors, SDC regularly handles relocations to Italy, Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and many others across six continents.
Dedicated Country Sites
For three of our highest-demand destinations, we maintain standalone specialist sites with deeper country-specific guidance, step-by-step resources, and localized information.
- Move from USA to UK – focused exclusively on helping American expats relocate to the United Kingdom.
- Movers to Spain – dedicated to everything you need to know about shipping to and settling in Spain.
- Movers to Australia – detailed guides to customs, biosecurity, and logistics for life in Australia.
Each of these sites is part of the SDC International Shipping family, backed by the same FMC-licensed, experienced moving team.
International Moving FAQs
How far in advance should I book my international move?
Book 6 to 8 weeks before your desired departure. This allows time for packing preparation, shipping arrangements, and customs documentation. During peak summer months or around major holidays, booking earlier ensures you secure preferred dates.
What items are restricted or prohibited when moving overseas?
Each country has its own rules, but common restricted items include hazardous materials, certain plants or seeds, alcohol, and some food products. Our coordinators provide destination-specific guidance so you know exactly what can and cannot be shipped before packing begins.
Do you offer vehicle shipping services?
Yes. We ship cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles overseas. We typically recommend container shipping, often alongside household goods, for maximum protection. Our specialists handle the paperwork, inspections, and compliance requirements at both origin and destination.
Can my belongings and vehicle be shipped together?
In many cases, yes. Vehicles are often loaded into the same container as household goods when logistics allow. This approach is secure, efficient, and can reduce overall cost compared to separate shipments.
Do you provide temporary storage if my new home is not ready?
Yes. We offer clean, climate-controlled storage facilities in the U.S. and through our international partner network. Whether you need short-term or long-term storage, your items remain secure until you are ready to receive delivery.
What happens if my shipment is delayed?
Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion, or customs inspections. We keep clients updated in real time and coordinate alternate arrangements such as storage or adjusted delivery schedules if needed. Your coordinator is your direct contact throughout.
Is moving insurance required?
Insurance is optional but strongly recommended. International moves involve long transit times and multiple handling points. We offer comprehensive coverage options to protect against damage or loss throughout the journey.
Do you help with customs paperwork?
Yes. Our team prepares and reviews all required customs documentation, from inventories to declarations. We also educate clients on country-specific regulations so shipments clear customs efficiently without unnecessary delays or costs.
How do you calculate the cost of my move?
Costs are based on shipment volume, destination, shipping method, and level of service. Additional services such as packing, insurance, and storage also affect the total. We provide personalized written quotes so you have a complete picture before committing to anything.
Do you offer corporate relocation services?
Yes. SDC is trusted by Fortune 100 companies to relocate employees discreetly and efficiently worldwide. We design programs that meet company budgets while ensuring employee satisfaction and full compliance with international regulations at every destination.
Can I track my shipment in real time?
Yes. We provide tracking updates throughout the journey, from pickup in the U.S. to delivery at your new home abroad. Your coordinator keeps you informed at every key milestone so you are never left uncertain about your shipment’s status.
Do you handle pet relocations?
No. We specialize in household goods, vehicles, and specialty items. We do not transport pets, but we can refer you to trusted specialists who focus exclusively on pet relocation services.
Do you pick up from any U.S. state?
Yes. We arrange pickup from any U.S. state, including areas far from major ports. After pickup, we route your shipment through the best export gateway based on your schedule, destination, and cost.
How long does an international move take?
Timing depends on your origin, destination, shipping method, and customs processing at the destination country. Ocean freight generally takes longer than air freight. We provide timeline ranges during the planning stage so you can set accurate expectations before pickup.
What is the difference between shared container and dedicated container service?
Shared container service (LCL or groupage) is used for smaller shipments where you pay only for the space your goods occupy rather than the entire container. Dedicated container service (FCL) uses a full 20-foot or 40-foot container and is typically best for larger homes or when you want exclusive use of the space. We recommend the best option based on your volume, budget, and timeline.
Should I pack my own boxes for an international move?
For international moves, professional packing is recommended. Owner-packed boxes can face additional scrutiny at customs, and coverage may vary depending on packing method and declared value. If you prefer to pack some items yourself, we can advise on what is best handled professionally versus what is safe to pack on your own.
What do you need from me to provide an accurate quote?
We typically need your origin and destination addresses, preferred move window, and an inventory list by room. High-value items, fragile pieces, and special handling requirements such as custom crating should be identified upfront. A virtual survey is often the fastest way to confirm volume and reduce surprises in the final quote.
What happens after I request a quote?
A coordinator confirms your move details and inventory, recommends the best shipping method, and provides a written quote with clear scope and options. Once you approve, we schedule packing and pickup and guide you through all documentation steps. You receive updates as your shipment moves through each key milestone.
Ready to Move?
Your move is more than a shipment; it is a new chapter. At SDC International Shipping, we help you begin that chapter with confidence. Whether you are moving across an ocean or to the other side of the world, our licensed team will guide you through every step with clarity and care.
Call us today: 877-339-0267 | Request your free moving quote
