International Moving Costs 2022

International Removals Costs Factors

We’ve already hinted at some of the bigger factors that will affect international removals prices, such as distance and choice of removal company, but it’s time to delve a little further and with a more thorough explanation:

Choice of Removal Company

We can’t stress enough how a removal company will affect the cost of your move, but also the quality. It’s important to enquire about the services provided by the removal company as a service you need that isn’t provided will only add to your international moving costs.

Volume

Seem obvious right? The more you plan on taking, the higher the international removals price will be. If you are not sure how to measure the volume of your things, why not give our removal volume calculator a try!

Distance

While there’s not much you can do about the distance, lest you can warp time and space. It’s just important to remember that the further you intend to move, the more it will cost.

Time of year

This one is slightly less obvious, but a useful tip to know! Summer is considered peak moving season. If you can hold out until the winter, you are likely to save money on your international removals costs and have more choices on which removal company to choose.

Services included

International moving costs will also depend on whether you require any extra services from your removal company. Such services include packing and unpacking and moving of speciality furniture such as a grand piano or artwork.

💰 Approximate price: A professional packing service can add £200 to your international house moving costs while a fine piece of art or piano will add £400–£550.

Transportation method

As you likely already gleamed from the table, the cost to ship furniture overseas will be dependent on the transport method. Shipping via truck is a popular option and commonly used for moves across Europe. However, it’s not always viable, such as when moving to Australia, it’s safe to say you can rule this one out!

While sea freight is usually cheaper than air freight, it takes longer, so consider what your priorities are when figuring out international removals prices.

💡 If you’re intrigued by understanding the differing methods of transportation, you can read container shipping costs page to learn more!

Insurance Costs

Before you dismiss getting insurance as a necessary expense, think again! While it may be tempting to avoid this upfront cost; trust us, your international moving costs will be a lot higher if your furniture arrives damaged or in pieces and you have to cover the cost!

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.

💰 Approximate price: 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.

Additional Costs

Packing Materials

Don’t be deceived! It is unlikely that this will be included in international moving companies costs of moving overseas. 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.

Sirelo tip: Save on your international moving costs by sourcing second-hand packing material. If you want to learn more about an eco-moving, we’ve cover it on this page. The environment will thank you! 😊

Storage Costs

While it would be nice if all the stars aligned, unfortunately, like most things in life, moving abroad is never quite as simple as that. 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.

Prices will be based on the size of space you need to hire. Sometimes a removal company own warehouses and will store items for you, which will add to the cost of shipping furniture overseas but is a great option if you need some time before delivery. If you do opt for this, make sure to let them know.

💰 Approximate price: On average, renting a storage space of 100 sq. ft, which fits a two-bedroom house, will cost around £280 per month.

Car transportation

If you’re attached to your car and can’t bear to part with it, it’ll add to the international removals price. Which isn’t surprising, cars are big.

💰 Approximate price: 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.

Transferring money abroad

Leaving the UK means change from pound sterling to the local currency. However, headaches and costs arise when trying to transfer money or exchange currency.

💰 Approximate price: 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.

If you’d like to read more about money transfer, we have a great article that also list the top money transfer companies in the UK!