The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.
Updated: Feb 10, 2025, 12:12pm
Reviewed By
| Updates Editor and Home ExpertMoving internationally is no easy feat. Experts estimate that even once you have the proper documentation, it can take two to six months—from planning to getting the keys to moving into your new home abroad. You’ll need to take plenty of steps beyond those if you were moving down the block.
With these factors and more to consider, finding a moving company familiar with the ins and outs of international moves is vital. We chose JK Moving Services as the best moving company for international moves.
We evaluated nearly 30 international moving companies on factors like pricing, insurance options and add-on services. As part of our research, we obtained real quotes from the companies and evaluated them using our Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI), based on over 12,000 reviews from real customers.
In addition to our winner, JK Moving Services, we have listed several other options so you can compare the companies and find the best choice for you.
We’re committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the international moving companies methodology for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
International Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
2
American Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
3
Blvd Moving
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
4
Mayzlin Relocation
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
Key Takeaways
| COMPANY | OUR RATING | BEST FOR | BBB RATING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.6    | Best Overall | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Experience | NR | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.3 | Best Reputation | A+ | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.2  | Best Price Accuracy | A+ | ||
| 4.1 | Best International Reach | A+ | From Participating Partners |
Best Overall
Best Overall
JK Moving
JK Moving has four decades of moving experience and offers international moving services in 150 countries. The company is a FIDI Accredited International Mover, which can help assure customers that it has the skills to safely move their belongings around the world. While it’s not typically the most affordable mover on our list, it has some qualities, specifically around international moves, that can make it a great choice.
Learn more: JK Moving review
JK Moving provides full-service moving for international relocation, making it a good choice for those who are relocating but already have a lot on their plates. It offers packing and unpacking services, car shipping, and storage. It can handle employee relocation and government moves, partnering with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Census Bureau and other government organizations for the latter.
Why We Like It
JK Moving offers some unique services that many other companies don’t, which can be particularly useful for international moves. For instance, it offers GPS tracking, 24/7 customer support and a helpful mobile app. And because international moves can get pricey, we appreciate that it offers third-party move financing information.
What We Don’t Like
JK Moving has several drawbacks, including its lack of binding quotes or price-matching. It also requires a deposit that is not refundable if you cancel within two weeks of your planned move, which can be tricky for those moving internationally, as plans can change.
Who It’s Best For
JK Moving is likely best for those who want to finance their moves or are government employees.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Customers seem generally satisfied with JK Moving, with reviews being mixed to positive. More critical reviews mentioned issues with utilizing insurance options when items were damaged, as well as differences in the final price from the estimate. However, happier customers praised the company’s quick service and professionalism.
Best Experience
Best Experience
United Van Lines
United Van Lines has served customers and helped with international moves for nearly a century. The company performs moves in all 50 states and in over 150 countries, making it likely it’ll be able to help you with yours. United offers binding quotes and a wide range of moving services, plus it provides a move manager to help improve your experience and make your relocation successful.
Learn more: United Van Lines review
United takes steps to help eliminate surprises during your move, something many already-overwhelmed people taking on an international move will likely appreciate. Getting a quote takes time, as accurate quotes require an in-home or virtual tour—however, you may be pleased you got that binding quote when moving day rolls around, and you know exactly what to pay. Another feature that may appeal to those dealing with often-changing international moving timelines is that you can cancel your move up until it starts without paying a fee.
Why We Like It
United really puts the customer first with its binding quotes, flexible cancellation policy and lack of a deposit requirement. You can take advantage of full-service packing, car shipping, debris removal and other additional services, which make this a one-stop shop in many cases. You’ll also be paired up with a move manager who can help make things move smoothly during what will likely be a lengthy process.
What We Don’t Like
United had a few drawbacks: It tended to be a bit more expensive than some other companies on our list. Accurate quotes can also take a few days to arrive, and there are some customer service complaints.
Who It’s Best For
United Van Lines may be best for those willing to pay a bit more for attentive service and accurate pricing. It’s also a good option for those who may need the flexibility of free cancellation.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
United Van Lines has generally mixed to favorable reviews, which isn’t uncommon for a moving company. Its long history in the industry has helped secure a good reputation and many satisfied customers. However, negative reviews still seem to pop up fairly frequently, mentioning issues with pricing discrepancies, damaged items and a lack of communication from customer service.
Best Reputation
Best Reputation
Atlas Van Lines
Atlas Van Lines has been in the moving business for 75 years and offers an extensive range of local and international moving services. The company has many local agencies operating independently but working under the Atlas umbrella, allowing Atlas to serve many areas while still keeping high standards. Some notable features that can be helpful for international moves include storage, full-service moves and car shipping services.
Learn more: Atlas Van Lines review
The company is a FIDI Accredited International Mover, a prestigious award, and works with over 1,500 global partners in 17 countries. Atlas also touts its knowledge of military moves, with experience around the Personally Procured Move (PPM) policy guidelines. The company notes that it can also assist you as you complete any necessary forms for moving reimbursement, which can be helpful, and helped it win its “Best Customer Service” title.
Why We Like It
We appreciate Atlas’s strong accolades, including its designation as a General Services Administration (GSA) Approved Vendor and its ProMover certification. No deposit is required with Atlas, and it offers some discounts that international movers may want to take advantage of, including on rental cars, airline tickets and hotel reservations. There are also discounts for AAA members.
What We Don’t Like
Since each Atlas agency is individually owned, we noticed that experiences can vary. Be sure to research the local agency you’ll be working with. Additionally, we noticed that no instant quote option was available, which can make comparing quotes among companies difficult.
Who It’s Best For
Atlas Van Lines is best for those making an international move who are willing to take extra time to ensure their estimate is accurate. The company may also be a good fit specifically for military families.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Atlas Van Lines generally has mixed to positive customer reviews. Customers note its long history in the industry, and it boasts positive reviews that tend to mention reliable service. However, critical reviews often mention high prices, delivery issues and inaccurate estimates. Because of this, we recommend comparison shopping and sharing as much info as possible to get an accurate estimate.
Best Price Accuracy
Best Price Accuracy
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines boasts nearly 100 years of experience and wide availability, claiming to have 1,000 representatives in more than 130 countries. The company’s quote estimate process helps ensure accuracy, which many customers will appreciate when facing a pricey project like an international move.
Learn more: Allied Van Lines review
Allied Van Lines is a trusted partner for many during international moves, with a wide network of servicers in various countries. The company offers full-service moving, storage options and GPS tracking. If you’re moving internationally, finding a one-stop shop of a moving company can be a real benefit, and we think Allied fits the bill.
Why We Like It
We appreciate the company’s wide range of services, including GPS tracking, storage, assembly, disassembly and more, all of which can come in handy when moving internationally. The company also offers flexibility in some areas, like not requiring a deposit, and peace of mind in others, like guaranteeing accurate pricing.
What We Don’t Like
Allied suffers from some negative reviews on several customer review sites, which isn’t entirely uncommon for moving companies but can raise some eyebrows. It also wasn’t the most affordable option on our list.
Who It’s Best For
Allied Van Lines can be a great option for those seeking accurate moving estimates and those looking for full-service moving services while making an international move.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Allied Van Lines generally receives mixed, but more negative, customer reviews. The company’s overall reputation is one of reliability and experience, with positive reviews often mentioning the professionalism of movers and transparent pricing. However, negative reviews tend to share experiences of delivery delays, estimates that ended up being inaccurate and some issues with customer service.
Best International Reach
Best International Reach
International Van Lines
True to its name, International Van Lines offers service for international moves in a big way, boasting more than 3,000 moving partners worldwide. You’ll likely work with one of these partners for your international move. The company offers extensive international moving options and add-on services like car shipping.
Learn more: International Van Lines review
International Van Lines has been active since 2000 and offers flexible international moving services. Depending on your budget, location and needs, you can choose from port-to-port (dropping your items off in one location and picking them up at another), door-to-port (having your items picked up and then picking them up at a central location), port-to-door (dropping your items off in one location and having them delivered to your new home) and door-to-door (having your items picked up from your current home and dropped off at your new one). IVL also offers options like corporate relocation services and international car shipping.
Why We Like It
It’s understandable to worry about your items when they’re traveling to another country. We appreciate that IVL offers four different insurance options so you can protect your precious cargo to your comfort level. GPS tracking can also come in handy when your items are off to your destination without you. The company offers a fairly flexible cancellation policy: Moves are fully refundable up to 48 business hours before the scheduled pickup date.
What We Don’t Like
International Van Lines requires a deposit equal to 25% of your moving cost, which is not uncommon but may not be ideal. Customer reviews are fairly mixed, with some reviews mentioning customer service complaints.
Who It’s Best For
IVL is a company worth considering for a wide range of international moves, especially if you want added security like additional insurance and GPS tracking.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Reviews from International Van Lines tend to lean negative. Customers often mention issues with communication, high prices and estimates that were off from what they actually paid. Because it often works with partner companies, these reviews tend to vary by location, so we recommend seeking out reviews on specific partners.
Our list includes many great international moving companies, but choosing the right one for your family will depend on several factors.
Cost will likely be your number one priority when choosing a moving company, so be sure to take steps to ensure you get accurate quotes. Look for companies that provide binding quotes so there are no surprises on moving day, and you can comparison shop more accurately. You should also take time to note every item you’ll need a company to move so you can get the most accurate price.
We recommend obtaining at least three moving quotes for international moves—from there, you can see if any companies provide price-matching quotes. Although price is paramount, we caution against choosing the lowest price without any further research into a company’s reputation. After all, movers with frequent issues can cost you more in the long run.
A company’s reputation is another important factor to consider when choosing an international moving company. Because moving to another country involves so many steps and is so complicated, choosing a company that is well-versed in these types of moves is paramount. Search for reviews on sites like Yelp and the BBB and look at customer testimonials, especially those that mention moving to another country. And because many companies work with third parties to move customers internationally, be sure to look up reviews for every company involved in your move.
Reviews are only a piece of the puzzle, as you may also want to look up the company’s USDOT number to look at complaint and safety information. Things like years of experience and online presence can also play a part in helping you determine which company is right for your move.
When choosing a moving company, you’ll need to ensure that it serves both the area where you currently live and where you are going internationally. Similarly, when reaching out, you’ll need to be clear on your timeline so companies can let you know if they’re available during that timeframe and can work as quickly as you need them to.
Moving internationally typically involves an array of moving services, such as packing and unpacking, storage and car shipping, so make sure any company you consider offers the services you need. You may also want to inquire about things like GPS tracking so you can keep an eye on your items as they make their way to your new home.
Moving companies are required by federal law to offer full-value protection for an extra cost or released value protection (which provides less protection) for free. Many moving internationally will want additional protections on top of these options, so be on the lookout for the insurance options each company offers and how much they cost.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Long Distance Moving Companies
Free, No-commitment Estimates
The average cost to move internationally can vary widely because costs will depend on the specifics of your move. Generally, moving internationally costs between $1,750 and $13,000. The lower end of this cost generally covers smaller moves spanning shorter distances, while moves topping $10,000 typically involve high volumes of items and longer distances.
Get Your Free Moving Estimate
Receive a custom quote from a moving company today that's designed to meet your needs and budget by clicking on your state.
Moving internationally can be quite the feat—with 83% of movers overall in a recent Forbes moving survey finding the task stressful, the added task of changing countries can leave your head spinning. The list of tips below can help you start to get organized.
Moving internationally typically takes up to six months, but your personal timeline will depend on many factors. We recommend starting as soon as possible to ensure all packing, paperwork and logistical tasks are done on time. Start to make a rough timeline of when you’d like to have certain tasks completed, such as packing goals and flights booked.
We also recommend reaching out to moving companies ASAP, as companies will typically have more availability the further out you ask. If you’re flexible on a timeline, say that, as it can often save you money.
Moving internationally will often cost more than you think, especially when you factor in things like flights, accommodations and food in addition to moving services. That said, do some research on average international moving costs for similar moves to yours and figure out where your money will need to go. Certain things will be fairly static, but you may find you’ll need to forgo packing services to leave room in the budget for a hotel, for example.
Don’t be afraid to be honest with moving companies about your budget as well. They may be able to tailor services to get you closer to your budget or at least help set your expectations.
In a similar vein, run through your move in your head to figure out which moving services you’ll need a company to provide. If you’re moving into temporary housing when you arrive in your new country, for example, you’ll likely need storage services. If you want to bring your car, look into companies that offer car shipping services. This area is another where speaking with a moving company can help you get your ducks in a row.
This step should be done in tandem with the previous few—look into moving companies that service the location where you’re moving from and to and reach out for quotes. Look into reviews and other factors and compare quotes across companies.
You’ll want to choose a moving company ASAP and determine what it will handle for you—will you have to take care of immigration paperwork yourself, or will the company help? Are you opting for a full-service move? If so, this is the time to square away any details about what the company can and cannot move and how long everything will take.
Ideally, you’ll have a head start on the necessary paperwork long before you start packing your belongings, but you should keep important documents in mind throughout your move. Exactly what you’ll need will vary depending on the country you’re moving to and the reason for your move, but you should keep your items like your passport, birth certificate, social security card and marriage certificate handy.
Every country will be different, but personal items are typically waived from import duties. However, you’ll need to be sure to fill out the proper paperwork, and there can be exceptions to these rules, so be sure to discuss this with your moving company ahead of time.
The decluttering process will likely be a bit more involved for an international move. Decide what makes sense to take to your new home and start selling or donating other items as soon as you can. Garage sales and online marketplaces can be helpful for finding buyers.
After that, make a list of everything you’ll be bringing and get to work packing whatever you can as soon as you can. It generally makes sense to pack things by room, starting with items you don’t tend to use every day. From there you can work through your home to pack everything up, being sure to pack some essential items to keep with you as you travel to your new home.
Get Your Free Moving Estimate
Receive a custom quote from a Moving Company today that's designed to meet your needs and budget.
To determine and rank the best international moving companies, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 28 major international moving companies. Each company’s star rating was determined by a variety of metrics, including pricing and insurance, move types, services and options, customer reviews and support, nationwide availability and years in business.
Get Your Free Moving Estimate
Receive a custom quote that's designed to meet your needs and budget.
There are several things to consider when deciding which moving company is best for you, but most importantly, be sure to read reviews and get quotes from multiple companies. In our analysis, United Van Lines topped our list of the best international movers.
International moving companies have several specialized services tailored to individual needs beyond basic packing and shipping, such as interim storage and custom shipping, international moving consultations and insurance.
The cost of an international move is typically between $1,000 and $12,000. Factors like where you’re moving to and from, the size of the shipment and any add-on services will affect your final bill.
Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
Cassidy is an updates editor whose main responsibility is to write and edit articles on a range of home improvement topics. Her passion for lifestyle writing began with her editorial apprenticeship at Travel + Leisure magazine. Moving from travel to home, Cassidy now specializes in writing DIY and interior design content.
