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Want to calculate your international moving costs? Read further to understand what contributes to the cost of moving overseas, and therefore help you save money on the big move.
International moving costs can range from £1,500 and £10,000. The average price will vary depending on the distance:
In this table you’ll find it detailed by European destination:
| Destination | Road Cost | Sea Cost |
| Moving to France (Paris) | £1,300 – £2,000 | £4,500 – £6,200 |
| Moving to Germany (Berlin) | £2,300 – £3,300 | £4,700 – £6,500 |
| Moving to Spain (Barcelona) | £3,000 – £4,000 | £4,700 – £6,300 |
| Moving to Switzerland (Geneva) | £2,200 – £3,100 | £4,900 – £6,600 |
If you’re moving further afield, as logical as it sounds, the prices will increase:
| Destination | Sea Cost |
| Moving to America (New York) | £5,100 – £6,900 |
| Moving to Australia (Sydney) | £7,000 – £9,500 |
| Moving to India (Delhi) | £6,200 – £10,000 |
| Moving to South Africa (Cape Town) | £4,900 – £8,000 |
Comparing different removal companies will also help you save some money. By checking their services, prices and reputation, you’ll find a reliable company adjusted to your needs.
Here we compare more in-depth the best international moving companies in the UK:
International Removal CompaniesIf you don’t want to spend all your free time before your big move contacting removal companies just to get quotes for the cost of moving overseas, click below and receive up to 5 free removal quotes and compare international moving costs!
The costs for shipping furniture or household goods overseas will swing around £3,500 to £15,540. The prices will increase or lower according to how much stuff you have to move – as you’ll need a bigger container – and the destination.
We’ve already hinted at some of the bigger factors that will affect international removal prices, such as distance and choice of removal company, but it’s time to delve a little further and with a more thorough explanation:
💸 Read more in detail about container shipping costs on our page here.
While most shipping companies include basic insurance as part of their quotes, this does not usually cover everything. Give yourself some peace of mind and factor insurance into your international moving costs.
💰 The approximate price is based on a move valued at £40,000, including breakage, from the UK to mainland Europe, insurance can cost between £500 – £600. From the UK to Australia, you are looking at figures closer to £850 – £1,000.
While a large moving box can be as little as £1.50, assuming you will need a few of these, it can begin to add up. As another estimate, a ten-metre roll of bubble wrap is usually in the range of £5-6, which you’ll quickly get through went packing. If you don’t know where to start searching for moving boxes, we have a guide for you by clicking here.
Sirelo tip: Save on your international moving costs by sourcing second-hand packing material. Learn more about eco-moving on our page. The environment will thank you! 😊
If you plan to send furniture ahead or keep it in storage in the UK, either way, it’ll only add to your international moving costs.
💰 On average, renting a storage space of 100 sq. ft, which fits a two-bedroom house, will cost around £280 per month.
Depending on where you’re moving, it can add £1,000-£3,000 to your international moving costs.
You’ll also need to obtain the relevant documents for car import and prove that the car passes safety and emissions standards. Your car removal company should be able to guide you in this process. Learn more about shipping car costs here.
Using a traditional bank can cost between 3-4% of the transfer amount. Money transfer companies usually have rates as low as 1-2% of the transfer amount.
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Read more about currency exchange and the top companies in the UK in our article here.
In most cases, countries will waive custom duties for household goods, provided that you have owned them for 6 months prior and do not intend to sell them for at least 6 months after arrival.
We recommend you budget:
You could also encounter fines or the cost of treatment or disposal. For example, in Australia, you can get a fine that can add over £1,000 to your costs of moving overseas for not properly treating or disposing of certain items (e.g.: plants, food, etc.).
If you’re moving a cat abroad, the costs will be between £500 – £1,000 and £1,000 – £4,000 for a dog.
Besides that, make sure they meet the specific import requirements of your destination country. Read about the common requirements and the typical methods to move your furry friends on our page about moving your pets abroad.
As an indicator, the most common employment-based visa in the US is around £450, but this can be as much as £2,100 for the Australian equivalent. Search the country you’re moving to on the page below to find specific information about visa costs:
Find My DestinationAnd, of course, if your destination is not within driving distance, be sure to consider the cost of your plane tickets.
Prepare and plan everything you need before your move with our detailed guide below. Read about the documents required, how to sort out your finances, services to hire and much more!
Feeling overwhelmed? Excited? We hope the latter! Our number one top tip is to start planning early. Not only will it make the moving process less stressful, but it is also likely to help you save costs.
Last, but by no means least, good luck! All of us at Sirelo are wishing you every success on your move. 🙂
