Moving Household Furniture Overseas

Costs of Moving Furniture Abroad

For a move from the US to Singapore, the average cost for a one-bedroom is $15,500, while moving to France from the US ranges from $7,000 to $10,000. A move from the East Coast to Mexico City averages between $2,500 and $4,200 for a one-bedroom household.

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

Shipping a full container (20ft or 40ft) is more expensive but best suited for large household moves. You can save costs by using a shared container (groupage). Air freight is faster, while sea freight is slower, but the most cost-effective and widely used.

When researching the cheapest way to move furniture abroad, compare quotes from different international removal companies. Pay attention to what’s included, such as packing materials, insurance, and door-to-door delivery. Depending on the services you need, some movers could seem pricier at first but end up being the cheapest way to ship your personal belongings overseas.

International Furniture Movers

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

Find a moving company in your state or have a look at the best international removal companies in the US to safely move household furniture overseas.

1. Star International Movers – Dulles, Virginia

9.6

288

Star International Movers

Dulles

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M&M Moving and Storage Company – Westborough, Massachusetts

9.6

179

M&M Moving and Storage Company

Westborough

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Laser Moving – Woodridge, Illinois

Mesa Moving and Storage – South Salt Lake, Utah

9.4

975

Mesa Moving and Storage

South Salt Lake

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Aragon Movers – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

9.8

89

Aragon Movers

Fort Lauderdale

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How to Ship My Things Like Furniture When Moving Overseas?

1. Hire a moving company to ship your furniture: While there is always the option to pack your stuff, load it into a rented truck, and drive to the destination yourself, the investment is worth the time, headaches, and stress you would have without these heroes.
2. Decide on shipping by air or sea freight. Sea freight is more affordable but slower, while air freight is faster but costlier. The size and weight of the furniture to move overseas will be an important factor in your decision.
3. Pack. Doing it yourself when moving overseas is the cheapest option, but can be time-consuming, stressful, and risky if you’re not using the right materials. A professional mover can include packing in their quote to move your belongings overseas. There are even removal companies who can help you pack in a hurry during short-notice moves.
4. If your furniture includes heavy items like a piano, it’s best to work with a removal company specializing in this. The same goes for shipping artwork or when packing fragile items.

What to Do with Furniture When Moving Overseas

Before moving all your furniture overseas, assess whether it’s worth transporting every item. If the costs outweigh the value, it might be time to say goodbye to things.

How to Get Rid of Your Stuff When Moving Overseas

There are a few ways to get rid of stuff when moving overseas: recycling, donating, or selling.

When selling furniture, see what’s easiest in your area. It might be a yard sale or a local shop that buys second-hand furniture. Or perhaps someone in your friend or family circle could use the furniture you’re selling. You can also use online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, or AptDeco.​

When moving overseas and getting rid of stuff, it can be hard to make a selection. Keep items that have sentimental value, are hard to find, or are too costly to replace. Also check if the furniture fits your new space, especially when downsizing.

Moving Special Items Overseas

Special care is required when moving large items overseas or shipping antique furniture.

Many removal companies offer specialized services for handling delicate items and moving heavy oversized items. For example, Hollander Moving offers vehicle, piano, and artwork transportation. These expert movers have the correct wrapping material, custom crates, and specialized equipment to ensure safe transport.

Especially when moving antique furniture overseas, it’s good to ensure it’s appraised and insured before the move. Certain countries could have special customs regulations or restrictions on which historical pieces can be imported. Your mover can help!

Insurance When Moving Furniture Overseas

Having good insurance for moving furniture overseas is essential, as your belongings will embark on a long journey. While moving companies are experienced with safely packing and transporting items, there is always the risk that items accidentally get damaged or lost.

Most international movers offer insurance options based on either volume or the declared value of items. Make sure to clearly understand what the insurance covers, such as damage, theft, or loss. You can also consider taking out additional coverage.

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