Cost of Moving Furniture Internationally

Cost of Moving Furniture Overseas

After spending a year locked down during a global pandemic, even moving to the next state can feel pretty special. Even so, there is something extra special about moving to a new country. You’ll get to experience new cultures, languages, places to see, food to taste…overall, it’s pretty awesome.

It can take a lot of work to get there. Preparing to move your furniture overseas requires extra care, and we will talk about that more later. For now, let’s talk about what is likely your most pressing concern: how much it is going to cost.

Shipping Costs

The first decision you will need to make when moving overseas is how you want to ship your belongings. Air freight is the most expensive and fastest method. Land and sea options are generally better and more cost effective. When shipping by these methods, you will need to think about how much space you will need. A full container is roughly 40 ft long and will fit the contents of an average 2-bedroom home. Don’t have enough stuff for a full container? You might consider opting for a half container, which means you will be sharing the container with another consumer.

So let’s say we have a lot of stuff we want to bring with us, so we are choosing a full container. The cost to ship a full container will depend on your destination. To ship from New York City to London, for example, you can expect to pay between $7,000 - $9,500. Los Angeles to Perth, Australia will cost $8,100 - $11,000.

Working an overseas shipping company is the best way to ensure that you don’t get burned by unexpected costs. Three Movers will provide you with a binding cost estimate so you don’t have to worry about surprise fees or penalties.

Handling Costs

There are additional costs associated with the handling of your goods. When it comes to making sure that your belongings are carefully packed and ready to spend several weeks bumping their way across land and sea to reach you, it’s going to either cost you extra time or extra money. Your belongings must be packaged with care if you hope to receive them at your new home without damage. Working an overseas shipping company to handle the packing of your items will give you great peace of mind, but it will add to your shipping costs.

Customs Duty and Taxes

Most countries will allow you to import your household goods tax and duty-free as long as you promise not to sell or dispose of the items for at least a year. There are some notable exceptions for specialty items or business assets, but your shipping company will be able to provide you with this information before you depart.

Three Movers

Did you know that most shipments of household goods to Australia or New Zealand are subject to quarantine? This is because wood furniture has the potential to harbor wood boring insects or other invasive pests that can be detrimental to these countries’ unique ecosystems. Many countries have rules that you may have never heard of, which can result in unwelcome surprises at the border. When you work with international shipping experts like Three Movers, you don’t have to worry about these petty details. With our deep expertise in international shipping rules, we can provide you with a seamless move. Call us today to learn more.