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Moving Household Furniture Overseas

Costs, Movers and How to Move Your Furniture From the US

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In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything about moving furniture overseas. We’ll cover how to select the best international movers, calculate costs, and save on your move overseas. You’ll learn how to move large items overseas and prepare to pack properly with a practical list!

Key Takeaways:

Costs of Moving Furniture Abroad

The average cost to move furniture internationally falls between $2,500 and $15,500. Prices vary based on distance, container size and season. For Example:

Tip: The earlier you book, the more likely you’ll secure better rates

As you can see, the cost of moving furniture overseas depends on several factors: the volume of goods, destination, customs fees, and transportation method.

Discover more prices in the article below about overseas container shipping.

Shipping Furniture Overseas: Options and Costs

Shipping a full container (20ft or 40ft) is more expensive but best suited for large household moves. You can save on costs by using a shared container (groupage). Air freight is faster but costlier, while sea freight is slower but the cheapest way to ship furniture internationally.

Shipping MethodAverage CostBest For
Sea Freight (full container)$7,000–$15,500Large Moves
Shared Container (groupage)$2,500–$6,000Smaller Moves
Air Freight$10,000+Urgent / Few Items

Disclaimer: These are average cost ranges. Actual prices vary depending on your moving company, shipment size, route, and time of year.

Tip: Sea freight usually takes 4-8 weeks, while shared containers can take 6-10 weeks. Air freight is the fastest (1-2 weeks) but also the most expensive

When researching the cheapest way to move furniture abroad, compare quotes from different international removal companies. Pay attention to what is included: packing materials, insurance, and door-to-door delivery. Some movers may appear more expensive at first but end up being the most affordable once services are considered.

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International Furniture Movers

With the right international furniture mover, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth journey. Look for moving companies with experience on your route, solid reviews, and proper certifications.

Here are a few trusted international moving companies in the US:

Star International Movers

M&M Moving and Storage Company

Laser Moving

Mesa Moving and Storage

Aragon Movers

How to Move Furniture to Another Country

If you’re moving furniture to another country, here are the key steps:

  1. Hire a mover – International companies manage packing, shipping, and customs
  2. Pick a shipping method – Sea freight is more affordable; air freight is faster but costlier
  3. Pack efficiently – Self-packing can save money but is stressful. Movers often include packing in their quotes and can help with last-minute moves.
  4. Use specialists for delicate items – Pianos, antiques, artwork require specialized movers. The same goes for shipping artwork or when packing fragile items.
Estimate the Volume of Your Move

The Process of Shipping Furniture Overseas

Shipping furniture overseas is simple with the right plan. Follow these key steps to make your move smooth and efficient:

  • Request and compare quotes – Contact movers early to get estimates based on your destination and volume.
  • Book your shipment – Confirm your preferred company and shipping method (full container, shared, or air freight).
  • Prepare documentation – Complete customs declarations, insurance papers, and inventory lists.
  • Arrange packing and pickup – Either pack items yourself or schedule professional packing and loading.
  • Shipping and customs clearance – Your mover coordinates transport and manages customs at the destination.

How to Ship Furniture Internationally

If you’re wondering how to ship furniture internationally, the process follows a few key steps:

  1. Choose your method of transport – Sea freight is most cost-effective, while air freight is faster but costly.
  2. Compare international movers – Look for experienced, certified companies that include packing, insurance, and customs support.
  3. Get multiple quotes – Pricing varies widely depending on route, season, and shipment size.
  4. Prepare your paperwork – Customs documents, insurance policies, and inventory lists are essential.
  5. Plan your packing – Professional packing reduces the risk of damage; self-packing can save money but is more stressful.

What to Do With Furniture When Moving Overseas

Deciding what to do with your furniture is one of the most important steps in planning an international move. Shipping everything may not always be practical or cost-effective, so it’s worth carefully evaluating each item and choosing ways to get rid of unnecessary furniture before moving overseas. Before packing, make sure to:

Consider your new home abroad

  • Will your furniture fit through doors and staircases?
  • Does it suit the size and style of your new places

 Sell or donate bulky, low-value items

  • Hold a yard sale or list on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace.
  • Donate to charities or local nonprofits.

Keep sentimental or high-value furniture

  • Items that would be difficult or costly to replace are usually worth shipping.

Destination-specific concerns

  • In some countries, certain materials (like untreated wood) may face restrictions.
  • Check if your new country has different furniture standards (e.g., fire safety regulations in the UK).

Shipping Furniture Overseas Cost by Country

RouteAverage CostNotes
US– Spain$5,000–$8,00020ft container
US– UK$6,000–$9,500One-bedroom move
US– Australia$9,000–$12,000Long-distance move
US– Mexico City$2,500–$4,200Shorter distance
US– Belgium$5,500–$8,500Common European route

Disclaimer: These country examples are estimates. Costs vary based on the size of your move, the season, and your chosen mover.

For inbound relocations, furniture removals to the US typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000, with moves from nearby countries like Canada or Mexico on the lower end, and shipments from Europe or Asia falling closer to the higher range.

Always request multiple quotes to confirm the cost of shipping furniture to Spain, the UK, or other destinations.

Insurance For Shipping Furniture Overseas

Having reliable insurance for international furniture shipping is essential. Most movers offer:

  • By volume-based on container size.
  • By declared value-based on the item’s worth.

What Insurance Usually Covers:

  • Damage from mishandling or accidents.
  • Loss or theft during shipping or storage.
  • Natural events such as fire or water damage in transit.

Tips for Getting the Right Insurance:

  • Check if the policy is provided by the mover or a third-party insurer.
  • Ask how the claims process works, including documentation required and average processing time.
  • Ensure antiques, artwork, and valuables are separately appraised and listed.
  • Confirm whether storage periods (before shipping or after arrival) are covered.

Moving Special Items Overseas

Special care is required when moving furniture internationally, specifically with oversized or delicate items. Many movers offer tailored services:

  • Pianos & artwork – Crated, insured, and handled with special equipment.
  • Antique furniture – Should be insured and appraised; it is important to check customs restrictions at your destination.
  • Oversized goods – Movers provide specialized packing and lifting solutions.
All about costs on moving a piano, mover services, and tips.

How to Pack Household Items for Moving Overseas

Use this practical list with tips to help you correctly pack household items to move internationally.

  • Disassemble large items first to save space and prevent damage
  • Keep screws and small parts in labelled bags
  • Use high-quality packing materials like sturdy boxes and strong tape
  • Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap and/or packing paper
  • Use towels, blankets, foam, or clothing as padding around fragile items
  • Label boxes clearly and add “fragile” or “handle with care” if needed
  • Place heavier items at the bottom of the moving boxes
  • Don’t overfill boxes to make lifting easier and prevent bursting
  • Seal boxes safely, especially at the bottom, to prevent items from falling out
  • Wrap sharp or dangerous items
  • Use custom crates for oversized or valuable items

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship furniture overseas?

What is the cheapest way to ship furniture internationally?

Can I ship my furniture to another country?

How can I send furniture abroad if I only have a few pieces?

Is it worth shipping furniture overseas?

Is it worth shipping all your furniture overseas?