Deciding to move abroad is one of the most exciting (and logistically complex) decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re relocating for a career opportunity, reuniting with family overseas, or simply trading the Chicago winters for something sunnier, the question that lands at the top of nearly every planning checklist is the same: how much is this actually going to cost?
International moving costs vary enormously depending on where you’re going, how much you’re moving, and which services you choose. This guide breaks down every major cost factor so you can plan your budget with confidence, know how to choose international movers Chicago residents recommend, and avoid the surprises that catch so many movers off guard.
Before diving into the details, here’s a broad look at what most households spend on international relocation. These figures represent typical ranges for a full-service ocean freight move, which is the most common method for moving household goods abroad.
These are average starting points, not fixed prices. Your final quote will depend on a set of highly specific factors, all of which we cover below. If you’re in the Chicago metro area, working with experienced Chicago international movers, like Allied International, who understand U.S. export regulations and global logistics networks makes a measurable difference in both cost and peace of mind.
No two international moves are alike. Here are the primary variables that will shape your final bill.
International moving is almost always priced by either volume (cubic feet or cubic meters) or weight, whichever is greater. The more you ship, the more you pay — which is why a thorough home inventory before requesting quotes is so important. Many people are surprised to discover how much they can reduce costs simply by selling, donating, or storing items they don’t urgently need overseas.
Distance is only part of the equation. The logistics infrastructure at both your origin port and destination port matters significantly. Moves to major hubs — London, Sydney, Singapore, Toronto — tend to be more competitively priced than moves to landlocked countries or locations that require extensive inland transport. For residents of the Chicago area, partnering with international movers Chicago specialists who have established carrier relationships across global port networks can unlock better rates and scheduling flexibility.
Ocean freight is the standard choice for most household moves. It’s significantly more affordable than air, though it comes with longer transit times, typically four to twelve weeks depending on the destination. You’ll typically choose between a Full Container Load (FCL), where your belongings fill an entire moving container, or a Less than Container Load (LCL), where your goods share space with other shipments.
Air freight is faster (often five to ten business days) but costs roughly three to five times more per pound than ocean freight. Most people use air freight for small, urgent shipments or high-value items they want delivered quickly while waiting for their main ocean shipment to arrive.
Full-service packing is one of the most valuable options available through professional international moving companies. Professional packers use specialized materials designed for long ocean or air transit, and your goods are typically required to be professionally packed for insurance coverage to apply. Expect to add $500 to $3,000 or more to your total, depending on the size and fragility of your shipment.
Custom crating for large artwork, antiques, pianos, or fragile valuables will be quoted separately and can add $300 to several thousand dollars per item.
This is one of the most frequently underestimated costs of international relocation. Depending on your destination country, you may be eligible for duty-free importation of used household goods — but eligibility requirements vary widely. Some countries require you to have resided abroad for a minimum period; others levy import taxes on items above certain values.
A reputable international moving company Chicago like Allied International will help you understand the customs regulations at your destination and assist with the documentation required for a smooth clearance process. Failing to prepare for customs costs can result in significant delays and unexpected charges.
Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy almost certainly does not cover international transit. You’ll want to purchase a separate marine cargo insurance policy. Coverage typically costs 1–3% of the total declared value of your shipment and is strongly recommended given the handling involved in long-distance moves. For a shipment valued at $20,000, that’s $200–$600 for significant peace of mind.
The cost of your move doesn’t end when the container arrives. Destination services (port fees, customs clearance, local delivery, unpacking) add to the total. Some international moving packages include destination services; others quote them separately. Always ask for a full breakdown so you’re comparing apples to apples across different providers.
Vehicle moving, pet relocation, temporary storage, long carry charges (for buildings without elevator or dock access), and shuttle services for narrow roads or restricted areas can all add to your final invoice. Discuss your full situation with your moving consultant upfront so nothing comes as a surprise.
Even experienced international movers sometimes overlook costs that aren’t immediately obvious at the quoting stage. Keep an eye on the following:
While international moves represent a real investment, there are meaningful ways to manage costs without compromising the quality or safety of your relocation.
DIY international moving exists, but the complexity of coordinating export documentation, customs compliance, port logistics, and last-mile delivery across multiple countries makes it a path most experienced Chicago international movers don’t recommend. A single customs documentation error can result in weeks of delay and significant fines.
A professional Chicago international moving company brings established carrier relationships, destination agent networks, and experienced coordinators who have managed the specific paperwork requirements for hundreds of countries. For those relocating from the Chicago metropolitan area, choosing a Chicago international moving company with a proven track record (like Allied International) means access to local expertise combined with global reach, from O’Hare-area freight operations to port connections at the nearest ocean gateways.
Allied International has helped families and professionals relocate to every corner of the globe. Get a free, no-obligation quote from our team of international relocation specialists and move with confidence. Contact us today or get a free quote online to get started!
We carefully and methodically pack and crate your items, ensuring their safe and secure arrival. We take pride in the expert packing, crating, and handling of your possessions.
Our aim is to have your belongings safely and quickly transported to your new location, with a focus on customer service and your utmost satisfaction.
We provide you with a personal moving coordinator. You can check in any time you wish, connecting to the same person who will be very familiar with your particular custom moving plan.
