International Moving Services
Shipping Household Goods, Personal Effects & Furniture Worldwide
When you decide to move abroad, life suddenly becomes a mix of excitement and worry. New city, new culture, new routines – and meanwhile your belongings still sit in your old home. Movers BS steps in right there. With our international moving service, we take care of the heavy, complicated side of the move, so you can focus on the people side.
We don’t just ship boxes; instead, we design a complete door-to-door international moving plan that fits your family, your schedule and your budget.
What Do We Mean by International Moving?
International moving is more than loading a truck and driving across town. It usually includes:
- Professional export packing of your home or office
- Sea freight or air freight transport to another country
- Customs paperwork and inspection support
- Delivery and unpacking at your new address
- Optional help with vehicles, pets, storage and insurance
So, rather than coordinate five different companies, you work with one overseas moving company – Movers BS – that keeps the whole chain under control.
Core keywords: international movers, global relocation, overseas household moving, door-to-door international moving.
Why Choose Movers BS as Your International Movers?
Plenty of companies move cargo. However, moving people and their homes is different. Your boxes hold memories, not just items. That’s why Movers BS:
- Assigns a personal move coordinator who stays with you from first call to final box.
- Uses trained international movers who understand export wrapping, not just local shifting.
- Offers flexible choices: sea + air, full packing or partial packing, door-to-door or door-to-port.
- Communicates clearly about timing, cost and what you should expect at each step.
We try to talk like humans, not like a shipping robot. And we answer even small questions, because those are the ones that keep you awake at night.
Types of International Moving We Handle
Because every move looks different, our international moving services cover several scenarios:
1. Full Household International Moving
- Apartments, houses, villas
- Families relocating for work or lifestyle
- Includes furniture, appliances, decor, clothes, personal items
2. Small / Partial International Moves
- Students going for study
- Couples relocating with limited furniture
- Individuals sending a few cubic meters of belongings
3. Corporate & Employee Relocation
- Staff transfers to overseas branches
- Executive moves with premium service
- Coordinated moves for several employees at once
So whether you move a full villa or just a few boxes and a bike, Movers BS adapts the plan to the actual move, not the other way around.
Our 7-Step International Moving Process
To reduce stress, we follow a straightforward, transparent process.
Step 1 – Pre-Move Conversation & Survey
First, we talk with you. You share:
- Origin and destination countries / cities
- Target moving dates
- Rough size of your home
- Any special items like piano, artwork, big TV, or fragile collection
Then, we arrange a video survey or in-home survey to calculate the volume in cubic meters (m³). This allows us to choose the right container and give a realistic quote.
Step 2 – Custom Moving Plan & Quote
Next, we build a custom plan that shows:
- Mode of transport: sea freight, air freight, or a mix
- Type of container: FCL (20ft / 40ft) or LCL (shared)
- Packing level: full service or part-packing
- Approximate transit time door-to-door
You receive a written quote with clear inclusions and exclusions, so you understand what you are paying for. If something doesn’t feel clear, we explain it, no drama.
Step 3 – Packing & Inventory
On packing day, our international moving crew arrives with proper materials:
- Double-walled cartons
- Bubble wrap and foam sheets
- Furniture blankets and stretch wrap
- Custom crates for fragile or valuable items
We pack room by room, label each box with room and contents, and prepare a detailed inventory list. That list helps for customs, insurance and for you when you unpack.
Step 4 – Loading & Containerization
After packing:
- For FCL shipments, we load everything into your own 20ft or 40ft container, secured for sea travel.
- For LCL shipments, we send the goods to a consolidation warehouse where they share container space with other customers.
- For urgent items, we may prepare a separate air shipment.
We secure items properly to handle vibration, stacking and long distances.
Step 5 – International Transport
Now your shipment moves:
- By sea, on a scheduled container vessel
- Or by air, on a cargo or passenger flight
You receive key details like vessel name, flight info, ETD and ETA. We monitor the journey and share updates at important points, so you’re not just guessing where your belongings are.
Step 6 – Customs Clearance & Destination Handling
When your shipment arrives, our destination partners:
- Handle import customs procedures using your documents
- Coordinate any inspection if requested by customs
- Arrange port handling and release of your container or LCL cargo
We guide you ahead of time on what documents you need – for example passport, visa, inventory, residence permit, and any special forms required by your new country.
Step 7 – Delivery, Unpacking & After-Move Support
Finally, we:
- Deliver to your new home (door-to-door option)
- Carry items inside, place furniture in rooms
- Unpack standard cartons and re-assemble basic furniture (service-level based)
- Remove used packing materials
If you discover an issue later, we help you with documentation for any insurance claim. We don’t disappear the moment the truck leaves your street.
Sea Freight vs Air Freight for International Moving
Choosing between sea freight and air freight is a big decision. Therefore we always explain the trade-offs, not just quote prices.
Comparison: Sea vs Air for Household Goods
Feature | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
Typical use | Full homes, large volume | Essentials, small moves, high urgency |
Transit time (door-to-door)* | ~6–10 weeks (varies by route) | ~5–12 days |
Cost per kg / m³ | Lower | Higher |
Best when | You want to save money and can wait | You need things fast or volume is very small |
*Times are approximate and depend on origin, destination and customs speed.
Many customers choose a combo: send a small shipment by air (clothes, laptops, kids’ school things) and the rest by sea with Movers BS acting as a single coordinator.
Rough Cost Guide for International Moving
Every move is unique, but an example always helps. Below is a simplified cost guide for door-to-door international moving by sea freight. Figures are only illustrative in USD and can go higher or lower.
Home Size / Move Type | Typical Volume (m³) | Suggested Mode / Container | Approx. Cost Range (USD)* |
Student / small studio | 3 – 8 m³ | LCL sea or small air shipment | 1,000 – 2,500 |
1–2 bedroom apartment | 10 – 18 m³ | LCL or 20ft FCL | 2,500 – 5,500 |
2–3 bedroom home | 20 – 28 m³ | 20ft FCL | 4,500 – 9,000 |
3–4 bedroom house / villa | 30 – 40+ m³ | 40ft FCL | 7,000 – 14,000+ |
*Ranges may cover export packing, loading, sea freight and delivery at destination in many common routes. They typically exclude customs duties, taxes, long-term storage and insurance.
To know your real cost, we always do a proper survey and check current freight rates for your route.
Service Levels & Package Ideas
Different families need different support levels. So Movers BS can shape the move like this:
Package | Designed For | Main Features |
Essential | Budget-focused, flexible movers | Basic packing help, loading, sea freight, delivery to curb or ground floor |
Comfort | Most families & couples | Full packing, inventory, sea freight, inside delivery, basic unpack & setup |
Executive | Busy professionals / company-paid moves | Full packing & unpacking, detailed setup, priority support, often air+sea mix |
You can also mix features, for example Executive packing with Comfort delivery.
Extra Services for International Moving
Because moving life across borders touches more than just boxes, we also offer:
1. Storage Before or After the Move
- Short-term storage if your new home is not ready
- Longer storage if your plans change or you relocate in stages
2. International Vehicle Moving
- Shipping cars, bikes or small vehicles
- RORO or container options
- Coordination with vehicle import rules in your new country
3. Pet Relocation Coordination
- Connecting you with specialist pet transport partners
- Basic guidance on timelines and documentation
- Alignment with your own flight schedule where possible
4. Moving Insurance
- Transit insurance tailored to international moving
- Explained in simple language so you know what is covered
- Option to insure by full value or itemised list
With these add-ons, you build an international moving package that really matches your situation.
FAQs – International Moving
International moving means relocating your household or office belongings from one country to another using professional movers. It usually includes packing, shipping by sea or air, customs procedures, and delivery in the destination country.
Ideally, you should talk to international movers like Movers BS at least 6–8 weeks before your target move date. This gives time for survey, planning, booking containers or flights, and preparing all required documents. Of course, we can try to help with urgent moves too, but planning ahead is always better.
Local moving is normally a same-day job within the same city or region. International moving involves export packing, long-distance transport by ship or air, customs rules, paperwork in two countries, and coordination with partners overseas. It is more complex, so experience really matters.
We usually base the cost on:
- Volume in cubic meters (m³)
- Origin and destination
- Transport mode (sea vs air)
- Service level (door-to-door or door-to-port)
- Extra services like storage, vehicle or pet relocation
After a survey, Movers BS prepares a detailed quote that shows how the price is built, not just a random number.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you have old or low-value furniture, selling and replacing it may save money and reduce volume. However, if your furniture is high quality, fits you well, or is expensive in the destination country, then shipping it with an international moving company can still be better value. We can help you think through that.
Door-to-door international moving means the mover manages everything from your current home to your new home abroad. It includes pickup, packing, export handling, shipping, import handling and final delivery inside your residence. You don’t have to deal with ports or unknown local drivers by yourself.
Timing depends a lot on your route and mode. Sea freight moves often take 6–10 weeks door-to-door, while air freight can take around 1–2 weeks. Customs speed and local holidays can also affect the timeline. We always provide an estimated window and keep you updated.
Yes, you can pack some or even most boxes yourself, especially clothes, books and non-fragile items. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend that Movers BS packs fragile, valuable or large items like glassware, TVs and furniture. Professional packing reduces the risk of damage and is usually required for full insurance cover.
You should avoid:
- Flammable liquids, gas bottles, fireworks
- Perishable foods and some plants
- Illegal items of any kind
- Sometimes alcohol, weapons or certain medicines (depends on rules)
We will provide a destination-specific prohibited and restricted list before packing day, so you know what not to include.
Although it is not forced by law, moving insurance is highly recommended. Your belongings travel through trucks, warehouses, ships or planes, and handling points in two or more countries. Even with good packing, accidents sometimes happen. Insurance helps protect your finances if something goes wrong.
Common documents are:
- Passport copies
- Visa or residence permit (if required)
- Detailed packing list / inventory
- Work contract or relocation letter in some countries
- Customs forms specific to your destination
Movers BS sends you a checklist and helps you understand which paper goes where.
Often yes. We can load your car into a 20ft or 40ft container and then use remaining space for your boxed household goods, if regulations allow it. This combined international moving and car shipping solution can be cost-effective, but we must first check car import rules in your new country.
It depends on the service level you choose. Our standard international moving packages usually include unpacking of main cartons and reassembly of simple furniture (like beds and tables). For Executive style moves, we can unpack more deeply and help with more detailed setup.
When items are packed and loaded correctly, sea freight is a very common and safe way to move households. The key is good export packing, proper container loading and correct securing of furniture. We use materials and methods designed specifically for ocean transport, not just local shifting.
Pets usually travel by air, not inside your sea freight container. We cooperate with specialist pet relocation partners who handle airline, vet checks and crates, while we manage your household goods. We aim to align timelines so you, your pets and your shipment arrive in a sensible way.
There is no strict minimum, but very small shipments may make more sense by air freight or as a small LCL shipment. We handle everything from a few boxes up to large villas. We just advise on the most economical and practical method for your specific volume.
If your new home is not ready, we can place your goods into short-term storage at destination (or sometimes origin) until you can accept delivery. There will be storage and handling fees, but it removes pressure on you if construction or paperwork gets delayed.
Sometimes yes, but it depends on how close we are to the planned packing and shipping dates. We try to stay flexible; however, last-minute changes may involve additional charges if space was already booked or crews scheduled. The earlier you inform us, the better we can adjust.
Yes. Besides home moves, Movers BS also manages international office moving for small and medium businesses. We can pack workstations, IT equipment, documents and sometimes even small warehouse inventories, coordinating with your internal team and IT staff.
You just contact Movers BS via our website or phone and share:
- Your current city and destination city/country
- Approximate move date
- Size of your home (for example, 2-bed apartment or 4-bed house)
We then arrange a quick survey, calculate the volume, and send you a clear, no-obligation quote for your international moving project – along with honest advice on options that make sense for you.
