Moving overseas is one of the most complex, high-stakes relocations a person or family can undertake. Between navigating customs paperwork, coordinating ocean or air freight, managing timelines across time zones, and making sure every item arrives safely at a destination thousands of miles away, the logistical demands are enormous. Chicagoans planning an international move need a partner they can trust completely: one with deep experience, a proven global network, and the kind of personal service that makes an overwhelming process feel manageable.
That partner is Allied International.
For over 130 years, Allied International has been helping individuals, families, and businesses relocate across the globe with confidence and peace of mind. Serving Chicago and the surrounding region, our team brings world-class international moving capabilities right to your door. Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, South America, or anywhere in between, we have the resources, expertise, and dedication to get you there.
Here’s why Chicagoans trust us above all other Chicago international movers.
Experience matters in international moving, and few companies can match what Allied International brings to the table. With over 130 years in the industry, we have refined our processes, expanded our global reach, and built one of the most respected reputations in the business.
We have successfully completed more than 750,000 moves in the past 15 years alone. Our team has seen it all: tight timelines, complicated customs situations, fragile heirlooms, and multi-continent corporate relocations. That depth of experience means we know how to anticipate problems before they arise, and how to resolve them quickly when they do.
For Chicago residents exploring their options among international moving companies Chicago has to offer, that track record is difficult to ignore. Allied International doesn’t just promise a smooth move — we have delivered one hundreds of thousands of times.
One of the most important questions to ask any international mover is: do you have established relationships in the country I’m moving to? Not just a general claim of “worldwide service,” but actual agents, partners, and infrastructure on the ground at your destination.
Allied International operates a network spanning over 1,000 locations in more than 37 countries worldwide. That means when you move from Chicago to London, Tokyo, Sydney, or São Paulo, there’s a quality-rated Allied agent waiting on the other end — someone who knows the local customs regulations, understands the receiving logistics, and is accountable to the same standards our Chicago team upholds.
This global reach is what separates Allied International from smaller or less-connected international movers Chicago residents might encounter. A company can have a great local reputation but limited international reach. Allied has both, and that combination is what makes a truly seamless overseas move possible.
Anyone who has managed a complex project across multiple vendors knows how quickly communication breaks down. International moves involve an enormous number of moving parts: packing crews, freight carriers, customs brokers, overseas agents, storage facilities, and more. Without someone coordinating all of it on your behalf, critical details fall through the cracks.
Allied International solves this by assigning every client a dedicated Relocation Coordinator: a single point of contact who knows your move from day one and stays with you through delivery. No explaining your situation to a new agent every time you call. No wondering who’s responsible for which piece of the process. Your coordinator manages everything, keeps you informed, and serves as your advocate throughout the entire relocation.
This approach is one reason why Allied International consistently stands out among Chicago international moving companies. The experience of having one knowledgeable, accessible person handling your international relocation is a genuine differentiator, and it’s one our clients cite time and again when describing why they chose us and why they’d choose us again.
Allied International offers a full suite of international moving services, so there’s no need to coordinate between separate vendors for different pieces of your move. From the moment we begin planning together to the moment your belongings arrive at your new home, everything is handled by our team.
Our services include professional packing and crating using high-quality materials designed for the demands of international transit; ocean and air freight options to fit your timeline and budget; expert customs clearance support and documentation assistance; real-time shipment tracking so you always know where your belongings are; and short- and long-term storage in Chicago or at your destination country.
We also provide corporate relocation services for businesses moving operations or employees internationally, a specialized service that requires careful logistics planning to protect both assets and people. For companies and individuals alike, having all of these capabilities under one roof with one accountable partner is a significant advantage over piecing together services from multiple providers.
When Chicago residents compare international moving companies Chicago offers, Allied International’s breadth of services consistently makes the decision straightforward.
International moves are expensive, and the last thing anyone needs is a quote that balloons by the time the final invoice arrives. Allied International is committed to pricing transparency. We provide upfront, detailed estimates based on a proper inventory assessment (not rough guesses over the phone) and we guarantee our rates are among the fairest available.
There are no surprise charges, no hidden fees, and no required upfront contracts. Our goal is for you to begin your international move with a clear picture of what it will cost and confidence that the number won’t change dramatically by the time you’re overseas.
That commitment to honest, transparent business is a core reason why Chicagoans have been trusting Allied International with their most important moves for generations.
Choosing the right international moving company is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make during an international relocation. The company you hire will be responsible for your belongings, your timeline, your customs compliance, and ultimately the success of your move.
Allied International has earned the trust of Chicago residents and businesses with over a century of experience, a global network of 1,000+ locations in 37+ countries, transparent pricing, and the kind of personal service that treats every move as the major life event it is. As one of the most established international moving companies Chicago has to offer, we are ready to put that expertise to work for you.
Contact Allied International today to schedule your free consultation and get a personalized quote. Your next chapter (wherever in the world it begins) starts here. Get a free quote online or call us now to talk to our team.
Six months is ideal for planning an international relocation, as it allows ample time to coordinate container space, prepare documentation, and work with overseas agents. That said, Allied International can often coordinate a move within eight to twelve weeks when timelines are compressed. If your move date is set by an employer or visa requirement, contact us as soon as that date is confirmed so we can begin immediately.
Our team will connect you with a knowledgeable Relocation Coordinator who specializes in the customs process for your destination country. We help prepare the required documentation, ensure your shipment complies with international regulations, and guide you through any country-specific requirements. While customs clearance ultimately involves government agencies, Allied International does the heavy lifting so the process is as straightforward as possible for you.
Yes. Allied International offers base-value insurance plans for all international moves, and clients can upgrade to full value protection for their most valuable items. Having this coverage in place during a lengthy international transit provides genuine peace of mind and ensures you’re protected in the event of damage or loss.
Allied International offers both ocean freight and air freight depending on your timeline, budget, and the volume of items being shipped. Ocean moving is the most common and cost-effective method for full household moves. Air freight is faster and recommended for time-sensitive relocations or smaller shipments. During your initial consultation, your Relocation Coordinator will walk you through both options and help you determine the best fit for your specific move.
Absolutely. Allied International has been managing international corporate relocations for over 130 years. Our corporate relocation services cover everything from office equipment and business assets to employee household moves, property search assistance, and destination orientation. We tailor solutions to each company’s specific needs, keeping costs efficient without compromising on service. If you’re moving employees internationally, Allied International is the corporate partner equipped to do it right.
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.
