Moving and Packing Tips

Save on Your Move Abroad: Understanding International Removals Prices

Fantastic Team
Published: Mar 27/2023
Last update: Apr 26/2024
7min read
Views: 80

In this article

International removals costs based on destination
Why international removals can become quite expensive?
How are the international removal prices calculated?
Is there a way to reduce the cost of your international move?
The importance of choosing a reliable removal company when moving abroad

Moving internationally can be an exciting and life-changing event, but it’s also a very complex process that requires careful planning and strict budgeting. One of the most important things to consider when planning an international move is the cost. With the magnitude of this task, it’s only logical that it won’t cost peanuts, so,

If you are planning to move to another country and have no idea how complicated and expensive it could be;
You don’t even know where to start.

Then read along. In this post, you will find more information on international removals prices, how they are calculated and what you can do to save some money.

International removals costs based on destination

The average price of international removals for a 3-bedroom house from the UK to other European countries ranges between £1,500 and £3,200. For moving to the US, it amounts to £1,000; £6,000 and even more.

Generally, everything comes down to different factors which you will read about in just a bit. Where you travel to also matters quite a bit as you will see in these exemplary prices.

Destination	Moving Price
Moving to France	£1,300 – £2,000
Moving to Spain	£3,000 – £4,000
Moving to Italy	£800 – £3,000
Moving to Germany	£2,300 – £3,300

Take these prices with a grain of salt as each relocation is completely unique from the next and there is no price-fits-all method.

Fantastic Services can help you with every step of the moving abroad process. Learn what we can do for you.

Learn More

Why international removals can become quite expensive?

There are many factors that interplay with one another and influence international removal costs. It’s very important to understand them, so you can make better-informed decisions when preparing your budget.

Transportation costs – The cost of transporting your belongings internationally is one of the biggest expenses you will encounter. It includes the cost of different types of transportation such as shipping, land transportation or air freight.
Distance – Probably the second most important factor. The bigger the distance, the more expensive your move will be.
Volume or weight of your items – As you can already guess, the more items you have and the heavier they are, the more it will cost to transport them from one country to another.
Packing materials – Before you know it, the cost of packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap can quickly add £200 to your final bill, sometimes even more. Most companies charge for this service, and it’s highly unlikely it’s included with no extra charge.
Timing – For international removals, the busiest times of the year tend to coincide with peak vacation seasons, as many people prefer to move when they have time off work or school. So, the most popular period to move is between May and September, as well as during the winter holiday season in December and January. So, this is when moving services are most expensive.
Insurance – International movers will typically offer insurance to protect your belongings during transit. The cost of insurance can vary depending on the value of the items being shipped and the level of coverage required.
Customs duties and taxes – When moving internationally, you may be required to pay customs duties and taxes on your belongings. The cost of these fees can vary depending on the destination country and the value of your goods.
Company fees – Each removal company may have different fees associated with their services, such as administrative fees or fuel surcharges.
Additional fees – There may be additional fees associated with an international move, such as visa application fees, pet transportation fees, and additional transportation costs if your destination is in a hard-to-reach location.
Storage – If your belongings cannot be shipped immediately, you may need to pay for storage. The cost of storage will depend on the duration and location of storage.

How are the international removal prices calculated?

The following factors are what most moving companies use when it comes to calculating a final moving price.

Distance – The longer the distance, the higher the cost, naturally because more fuel will be needed.
Volume of goods – The more items you have, the more space they’ll take up in the container or truck, which affects the cost.
Mode of transportation – The mode of transportation you choose affects the cost of your move. Shipping by sea is generally cheaper than air freight, but it takes longer.
Type of service – Full-service movers provide a comprehensive range of services, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading, while self-service movers require you to handle some of the work yourself.
Storage – You might need to store your goods before or after the move, it will add an additional cost. Some moving companies offer storage services, which can be convenient.

Is there a way to reduce the cost of your international move?

Discard unnecessary items – Sell or donate items you don’t need because the less you bring, the less you’ll pay.
Self-pack – Packing your belongings can save you money, but make sure you do it properly to avoid damage during transit. Mind you, you might not get insurance in this case.
Consider sea freight – Shipping your belongings by sea can be less expensive than air freight.
Use shared containers – If you don’t have enough belongings to fill an entire container, consider sharing one with others to reduce costs.
Look for deals on flights – Shop around for flights to your destination and consider travelling during off-peak times for lower prices.
Plan your move in advance – Giving yourself plenty of time to plan your move can help you save money on last-minute expenses and rush fees.
Compare currency exchange rates – Look for favourable exchange rates when transferring money overseas. Consider using a money transfer service to save on fees.
Research visa requirements – Make sure you understand the visa requirements for your destination country before you move. Failing to do this could potentially result in unexpected costs.

The importance of choosing a reliable removal company when moving abroad

Choosing the right company for an international move is crucial to ensure a secure and successful relocation. Here are some important reasons why:

Safe and secure shipping: Your possessions will be packed, loaded, transported, and unloaded in accordance with industry standards by an experienced international moving company. Additionally, the company will provide insurance protection against any potential cargo loss or damage.
Understanding of customs laws: International movers have the know-how and experience to manage complicated customs laws in different countries. They can assist you with all the required paperwork, licenses, and customs clearance procedures, which can help you save time and hassle.
Solutions that are economical: Long-term savings are possible if you pick the correct international moving company. A trustworthy business will provide you with a precise pricing estimate up front and assist you in better organising your relocation.
Saving time: Relocating to another country can take a lot of time, especially if you lack the knowledge and experience. By working with an international moving company, you may focus on other crucial parts of your transfer while saving time.

Now, regarding what is covered in the cost of a professional removals service, Fantastic Services offers a comprehensive international removals service that includes the following:

Pre-move survey and consultation to assess your specific requirements and provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
Packing and loading of your belongings using high-quality packing materials to ensure their safety during transit.
Unloading, unpacking, and reassembling your belongings at your new home.
Insurance coverage for any potential damage or loss during transit.
Assistance with customs clearance and documentation.
Storage solutions, if needed.