The Real Cost of Moving Overseas in 2025
If you’re planning an international move in 2025, chances are this question has crossed your mind more than once:
“How much is this really going to cost me?”
You’re not alone. For most families, professionals, and retirees looking to move abroad, the cost of shipping household goods is one of the biggest unknowns—and the biggest stressors.
Online estimates vary wildly. One site says $2,000. Another says $20,000. And none of them explain why.
That’s because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of moving overseas depends on where you’re going, how much you’re bringing, and how your move is handled. And unfortunately, many movers use vague pricing or leave out critical services—resulting in hidden fees and last-minute surprises.
At SDC International Shipping, we believe in doing things differently. We give you the facts, break down every line item, and help you build a cost-effective plan that works for your lifestyle—not just your budget.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- What factors affect international moving costs in 2025
- Realistic price ranges based on shipment size and destination
- How to avoid hidden charges
- The smartest ways to save money on your overseas move
Let’s cut through the noise—and help you plan with confidence.
What Actually Affects the Cost of an International Move?
There’s a reason online estimates for international moves vary so widely. The cost of moving overseas isn’t just about distance—it’s about dozens of variables that all work together to shape your final quote.
Here are the biggest cost factors to consider when planning your 2025 move:
1. Origin & Destination
Shipping from Los Angeles to Spain costs less than shipping from Minneapolis to New Zealand. Distance matters, but so do port access, customs complexity, and local infrastructure. For example:
- Major port cities like New York, Miami, and LA often have lower base freight rates
- Remote inland pickup or delivery may require additional trucking fees
- Certain countries (like Australia or the UK) have stricter customs regulations, which can raise costs
2. Volume or Weight of Your Shipment
The more you ship, the more it costs. Quotes are usually based on cubic feet (volume) or, for air freight, weight. That’s why it’s important to take a real inventory—not just guess.
Pro tip: SDC offers both Full Container Load (FCL) and Groupage/Shared Container options. If you’re not filling a full container, groupage shipping can save you thousands.
3. Freight Type: Sea or Air
- Ocean freight is the most affordable option for large moves, but it takes longer
- Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive, best for small, time-sensitive shipments
Learn more: Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight
4. Packing & Crating
If your items aren’t properly packed, they won’t make it through international transport or customs. But not all movers include packing services in their base quote.
At SDC, our packing services include:
- Professional-grade materials
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Inventory creation for customs
5. Customs Clearance & Fees
Some destinations charge import duties or VAT based on your shipment’s declared value. Others allow duty-free entry for personal goods if you have the right documents.
We handle customs clearance for you—and help you avoid costly surprises.
6. Insurance & Storage
Protecting your items in transit is critical. You’ll want international moving insurance that covers damage, loss, or theft—especially for full-household relocations.
Need flexibility? Add storage at origin or destination while you settle into your new home.
What to Expect When Budgeting for Your International Move
Every international move is unique—and so is its price.
That’s why you won’t find a “one-size-fits-all” cost for moving overseas. Instead, the total investment depends on a few key factors that vary from one move to the next.
Here’s how to start thinking about your international relocation budget—without guessing or relying on unrealistic online estimates.
1. Shipment Size
The more you bring, the more space you’ll need in a shipping container. Moves range from a few personal items to entire multi-room homes, and volume plays a huge role in both transportation and labor costs.
Not sure how much you’re really moving? We can help calculate your shipment size based on a quick survey or walkthrough.
2. Distance and Destination
Shipping from Los Angeles to Mexico looks very different from shipping from New York to Australia. Some destinations are more accessible, while others require longer transit times, additional documentation, or inland transportation—each of which affects cost.
3. Freight Method
You’ll choose between:
- Ocean freight: Ideal for full or partial home relocations—affordable but slower
- Air freight: Faster, better for small or time-sensitive shipments—but priced by weight and volume
Our experts will walk you through the pros and cons of each, based on your priorities.
4. Services Included
Do you need professional packing? Crating? Storage? Final delivery to your new home abroad?
Some movers give base quotes that leave out critical services—only to surprise you with fees later. At SDC, we build a complete, transparent plan so you know what’s included from the beginning.
5. Customs & Documentation
Different countries have different requirements. Whether you’re eligible for duty-free import or need to pay certain taxes depends on your visa, inventory, and the accuracy of your customs paperwork.
We handle customs clearance and documentation for you to help you avoid delays or unexpected charges.
6. Insurance and Protection
Protecting your belongings during an international move is critical. International moving insurance ensures peace of mind—and coverage in case of damage or loss.
While your final moving cost will depend on all of these variables, the key to staying within budget is simple: work with a mover who’s transparent, experienced, and puts your goals first.
How to Save Money on Your International Move—Without Cutting Corners
If you’re concerned about cost, you’re not alone.
Most people planning a move overseas are looking for ways to cut expenses—without risking their belongings or their peace of mind.
The good news? There are smart, strategic ways to lower your international moving costs, and SDC International Shipping is here to help you make the right choices.
Here’s how to save—the right way:
1. Don’t Over-Ship
You don’t need to bring everything.
Start by decluttering, downsizing, or digitizing what you can. Shipping fewer items significantly reduces your shipping volume—and cost. Our team can help you evaluate what’s worth bringing and what might be cheaper to replace once you arrive.
2. Use Shared Container Shipping
If you’re not filling a full container, ask us about groupage consolidation. We combine your shipment with others heading to the same destination, so you only pay for the space you use.
It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce international moving costs—without compromising service or security.
3. Plan Ahead
Last-minute moves are always more expensive. The earlier you plan, the more flexible we can be with transit schedules, container sharing, and delivery options.
Advance planning also gives you time to prepare accurate inventories and customs paperwork—saving time, money, and stress at the port.
4. Choose the Right Packing Solution
While packing yourself may seem like a cost-saver, it often leads to customs issues or denied insurance claims. Our professional packing services ensure your items are properly secured and documented—which helps avoid expensive surprises down the road.
5. Bundle Services for Better Rates
At SDC, we offer complete, door-to-door solutions—including packing, storage, shipping, insurance, customs handling, and delivery. Bundling these services often results in better pricing and fewer unexpected fees compared to managing everything separately.
6. Get a Transparent Quote (Not a Sales Pitch)
The cheapest quote isn’t always the most affordable. If a mover leaves out key services or “forgets” to mention destination fees, you’ll pay more later.
We encourage you to use our moving quote comparison guide and ask for full breakdowns up front.
What Success Looks Like When You Move with SDC
When you choose SDC International Shipping, you’re not just getting a quote—you’re getting a plan, a partner, and a proven process for moving your life across borders with total confidence.
You’ll know:
- Exactly what services you’re paying for
- Who is handling your belongings
- When your shipment will arrive—and what happens if it doesn’t
- That you’re protected every step of the way with the right documents, packing, and insurance
✅ Success Looks Like:
- No hidden fees
- No last-minute surprises
- No sleepless nights wondering where your things are
- A smooth, supported transition into your new life abroad
❌ Failure Looks Like:
- Choosing the cheapest quote and getting hit with port fees or delays
- Shipping items that get held at customs or denied entry
- Underinsuring your most valuable belongings
- Starting your new chapter stressed, overwhelmed, or over budget
With SDC, you don’t just move—you arrive prepared.
Ready to move forward?
👉 Request your free international moving quote today
👉 Or call 877-339-0267 to speak directly with a relocation expert
We’ll help you build a personalized, transparent, and cost-smart relocation plan—so you can focus on what matters: your next adventure.
