Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 24 2025
The price range for New Zealand international relocation services typically falls between $1,000 and $10,000 or more. Generally, this cost encompasses:
- Moving household goods and furniture
- Professional international movers expedite the moving process.
- Temporary storage if required
- Secure packaging for books and documents
- Shipping A Vehicle Overseas
Price Table for Moving Service
| Service Type | Basic Package | Premium Package | Deluxe Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | Included | Included | Included |
| Furniture Disassembly | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Loading | Included | Included | Included |
| Container for Sea Freight | Not Included | Included | Included |
| International Transport | Included | Included | Included |
| Customs Clearance | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Delivery | Standard | Standard | Express |
| Storage Service | Not Included | 7 days Included | 14 days Included |
| Price | $1,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
Hauling to a new country is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and costs. If you're planning an international move, it's essential to understand the factors that contribute to the overall cost. In this article, we will explore the cost of international shifting, discuss the factors that influence these costs, and provide tips to make your overseas move more affordable and stress-free.
Understanding International Moving Costs
When it comes to New Zealand international movers, the expenses can vary significantly depending on several factors. The cost of hauling is influenced by:
- Distance: The distance between your current location and your new destination plays a significant role in determining the cost of your move. The farther the distance, the higher the transportation costs.
- Volume of Goods: The amount of items you're planning to move will directly affect the cost. The more belongings you have, the larger the shipping container or space you'll need, leading to increased expenses.
- Destination Country: Different countries have varying customs regulations, import taxes, and fees. Understanding the destination country's specific requirements is crucial to avoid unexpected costs.
- Mode of Transportation: You can choose between air, sea, or land transportation for your belongings. Each option has its associated costs, and your choice will depend on your budget and timeline.
- Moving Services: Whether you opt for a full-service international transportation company or prefer a DIY approach, the services you select will impact your overall costs. Full-service companies offer packing, loading, unloading, and customs clearance, while a DIY move may require more effort but could save you money.
Average International Moving Costs
It's important to note that the average international shifting cost can vary widely. However, as a general guideline, you can expect the following price ranges for common international hauling services:
- Sea Freight: Shipping your belongings via sea freight is often the most cost-effective option. The average cost ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 for a 20-foot container and $3,000 to $8,000 for a 40-foot container, depending on the destination.
- Air Freight: If you need your possessions to arrive quickly, air freight is a more expensive but faster option. The average cost can vary from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
- Packing and Unpacking: Hiring professional packing and unpacking services can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the volume of items.
- Customs Clearance: Fees for customs clearance services usually range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of the process.
- Insurance: It's essential to protect your belongings with insurance, which typically costs around 1-3% of the total declared value of your items.
Tips for Reducing International Moving Costs
- Plan Ahead: Start planning your move well in advance to have time to research and compare moving companies and their pricing.
- Declutter: Minimize your belongings by selling, donating, or discarding items you no longer need. This will reduce your shipping costs.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Request quotes from several New Zealand international moving companies to ensure you're getting the best deal.
- Choose Off-Peak Times: Moving during non-peak seasons can often lead to cost savings.
- DIY Packing: If you're looking to save money, consider packing your belongings yourself, but make sure to pack them securely to prevent damage.
Conclusion
International moving can be a significant investment, but with careful planning and consideration, you can make it more cost-effective. Understanding the factors that influence moving costs, exploring various service options, and taking advantage of cost-saving measures will help ensure a smoother transition to your new home, whether you're moving to or from New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost to move household goods from the U.S. to New Zealand typically ranges from $7,500 to $18,000. Pricing is driven by shipment size (studio to 4BR), container type (shared or 20-foot or 40-foot), port access, and destination city. Sea freight is standard, with transit times of 6–10 weeks. Customs inspections, biosecurity cleaning, and insurance also affect totals. See detailed cost drivers on our international moving costs page.
Transit time from the U.S. to New Zealand averages 6–10 weeks by ocean freight. East Coast departures often run longer than West Coast ports like Los Angeles or Oakland. Timing depends on port congestion, container availability, customs clearance, and final delivery distance within New Zealand. Door-to-door moves add packing, loading, and inland transport days on both ends. Learn more about timelines on our moving overseas shipping costs resource.
New Zealand enforces strict biosecurity rules. Outdoor equipment, wooden items, shoes, and sporting gear must be professionally cleaned. Prohibited items include fresh food, untreated wood, soil, and some plant products. Shipments may be inspected by MPI, with cleaning fees applied if standards are not met. Accurate inventories reduce delays and costs. Preparation guidance is covered in our international overseas moving tips guide.
Insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. International valuation coverage typically costs 1–3 percent of declared value and protects against loss or damage during ocean transit and handling. Policies vary by deductible, coverage type, and packing method. Professionally packed shipments usually qualify for broader protection. Storage-in-transit coverage may be added if delivery is delayed. Coverage options are explained on our international moving and storage page.
Yes. Smaller moves commonly ship as shared containers (LCL), which lowers cost compared to exclusive containers. Partial shipments cost less but may add 1–3 weeks to transit due to consolidation schedules. Pricing is based on cubic feet, packing needs, and delivery access. LCL is ideal for apartments or minimal relocations. For estimating small shipments, see our moving overseas quotes information.
Customs clearance requires a detailed inventory, passport copy, and visa or residency documentation. Most household goods enter duty-free if owned and used prior to shipping. MPI biosecurity inspections are routine and may require cleaning. Clearance typically takes 3–7 business days, barring inspections. Delays increase storage costs, so paperwork accuracy matters. Clearance steps and preparation are outlined in our international moving costs overview.
