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Dreaming of swapping your daily commute for a stroll along the Seine, or trading your backyard for a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean? The right moving partner can help turn your ex-pat dream into a reality.
Explore some of the top-rated international moving companies and get valuable tips on finding long-distance moving services that fit your needs.
1. TSI SHIPPING
TSI Shipping is a strong partner for personalized long-distance small moves and specialty shipments. With a nationwide network of professionals, TSI specializes in handling items that other movers may not, such as antique furniture or pianos.
It offers multiple service options to fit your needs and budget, including full-service, consolidated and box-and-ship programs. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a long history of customer satisfaction, TSI is a trusted choice.
Key Features
- Focus on small and complex moves: Ability to handle moves of all sizes, with a specialty in smaller moves and complex shipments that require a higher level of care
- Flexible service options: Solutions for different budgets and timelines, including Full Service Expedited, White Glove Consolidated and Flat-Rate Box-and-Ship programs
- High-quality service: An A+ BBB rating and a 4.5/5 Shopper Approved rating from over 150,000 satisfied customers
2. Ship Smart
Ship Smart specializes in small moves, making them an excellent choice if you’re not moving an entire household. It has a strong focus on international moves to over 122 countries and can assist with customs clearance, helping you avoid delays or additional fees.
Ship Smart also offers professional packing services to ensure your belongings are safe and secure.
Key Features
- Small move specialist: Specialty in small moves, filling the gap between postal carriers and traditional moving companies
- Customs assistance: Provides help with customs clearance, which can be a complicated part of international moves
- Professional packing: Expert packing and crating services, especially for fragile and valuable items
3. MiniMoves
MiniMoves supports international moves through its global division, MM Worldwide. This division leverages MiniMoves’ expertise in handling small and complex shipments and applies it to the international stage. MM Worldwide is an excellent choice for those with smaller international moves who still want a full-service experience.
With a global network of partners, MM Worldwide can manage your move to virtually any destination worldwide, handling everything from customs documentation to final delivery.
Key Features
- International small-move specialist: Leverages the MiniMoves model to handle small international shipments that larger movers might not prioritize
- Full-service international moving: Offers a comprehensive, full-service moving experience, including professional packing, loading and furniture reassembly
- Dedicated move coordination: An assigned coordinator to handle all international moves, providing a single point of contact from start to finish
4. Crown Relocations
Crown Relocations has a presence in over 50 countries. It is a one-stop shop for international relocation, offering a comprehensive suite of services that goes beyond just moving.
In addition to shipping your belongings, Crown Relocations can assist with immigration, home and school searches, and even pet relocation, which often requires various documentation, such as proof of updated vaccinations or a certificate of health.
Key Features
- Comprehensive relocation services: Offers a suite of services, including immigration assistance, home and school searches, and intercultural training
- Pet relocation: Handles international pet transport so you can focus on other essential tasks, such as getting your pet acclimated to the new environment
- Flexible shipping options: Provides both shared and exclusive container options, allowing you to choose the most cost-effective solution
Evaluating Long-Distance Moving Service Providers
The featured companies have a long and proven track record in the moving industry. Comprehensive service options are desirable when navigating international moving logistics, so the top companies also offer a wide range of services, from all-encompassing relocation support to budget-friendly options.
These companies also demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction, as reflected in high ratings and positive reviews.
Comparing International Moving Companies
To help you compare your options, here is a side-by-side look at the top-rated international moving companies.
| Company | Fragile Shipping? | Moving Destinations | International Services | Service Options |
| TSI SHIPPING | Yes | U.S., Canada and select international locations | International air and ocean freight | Full Service Expedited, White Glove Consolidated and Box-and-Ship |
| Ship Smart | Yes | 122+ countries | Customs clearance | Full service and curbside delivery |
| MiniMoves | Yes | Worldwide | Customs documentation and international logistics | Full-service, DIY, and land, sea and air transport |
| Crown Relocations | Yes | Over 50 countries | Immigration, home and school search, and pet relocation | Shared and exclusive containers |
Understanding Your Moving Needs
Before you can find the right international moving service, you must understand what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine the best fit for your move.
Full-Service vs. DIY Moving
Full-service movers offer comprehensive support, from packing your belongings in your current home to unpacking them in your new one. This is a great choice if you’re short on time, have a large number of items or simply want to minimize the stress of the moving process. While it tends to cost more, the convenience and peace of mind can be worth the cost.
If you’re on a tighter budget, a DIY move might be the right choice for you. For international moves, DIY relocation typically involves container or partial-container shipping. For container shipping, you rent a shipping container and pack it yourself, and then the company transports it to your destination.
If you don’t have enough items to fill a whole container, partial-container shipping might be the better option. In this case, you’ll share a container with others to save money. This can be a good solution if you’re one of the over 18 million U.S. digital nomads and plan to move for a shorter period of time with fewer belongings.
Creating a Home Inventory
No matter which type of service you choose, creating a home inventory will help you get a more accurate moving quote and stay organized during the packing process. Here’s how to get started:
- Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Create a detailed list of everything you plan to move. For larger items, such as furniture, be sure to note their dimensions.
- Take pictures or videos of valuable or fragile items, especially if you need to file an insurance claim later.
- Consider the contents of drawers and closets. These items can add up in terms of both volume and weight.
The home inventory can also help you determine what you’ll need to purchase for your new home, such as small kitchen appliances, cleaning products, bed sheets and other home essentials. By waiting to get these items at your destination, you can save space in the shipping container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some common questions about international moves.
Q: Where can you find affordable long-distance moving services?
A: To find affordable long-distance moving services, consider your specific needs. Some companies specialize in smaller moves, which can be more cost-effective than hiring a traditional mover for a few items. DIY approaches, such as container shipping, can also save money.
Q: What is the difference between a full-service and a DIY move?
A: A full-service move means the company handles everything, including packing and unpacking your belongings. A DIY move is typically more budget-friendly and involves packing your own items while the moving company handles the transportation.
Q: How can you prepare for an international move?
A: Start by creating a detailed inventory of all the items you plan to take to get a more accurate moving quote. It’s also beneficial to sell, donate or discard items you no longer need since moving with less can lead to more savings.
Choosing Your International Moving Partner
Finding the right international moving partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your move abroad. There are a variety of moving companies to choose from, each with its own unique strengths.
Whether you’re looking for a full-service move with all the bells and whistles or a more budget-friendly DIY option, there’s a company out there that’s right for you.
