Debunking Common Myths About International Moving

An international move is a rewarding and exciting experience, but approaching this task without the right information can make it more challenging than necessary. Many misconceptions surround international moves, such as exorbitant expenses or customs requirements. Understanding the truth behind these immigration myths helps you navigate challenges, plan for various logistics and make your move as smooth as possible.

Myth 1: International Moving Is Always Extremely Expensive

While international moving can be costly, it doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive. International moving costs aren't fixed — they rely on a range of factors that can dramatically influence your expenses. The main cost variables associated with international moves are the distance between your current home and destination and the volume of belongings you're shipping.

Distance and Destination

In general, the farther the destination, the higher the costs due to increased fuel needs and shipping time. Moving between continents is typically more expensive than within the same region. For example, moving from Seattle to Vancouver is unlikely to come with exorbitant international shipping costs since it's within driving range. However, moving overseas, such as from New York to Sydney, is usually more expensive. Likewise, moving to remote islands, rural regions or other difficult-to-reach areas may increase costs. 

Volume and Weight of Goods

Moving more belongings typically correlates with higher shipping costs. A large volume of goods means your belongings occupy more space on the shipping plane or vessel, increasing costs. Heavier items can also influence shipping costs, especially when relying on air freight. Reducing the amount of shipped belongings may reduce these costs, but you may pay more at your destination to replace important items.

Shipping methods also have different costs, typically quoted per kilogram or cubic meter. Air freight typically costs about twice as much as sea freight but offers faster and more secure shipping.

Additional Costs

Other factors may also influence your costs, such as:

• Customs and import duties: Every country has its own customs regulations, fees and paperwork. Some tax imported goods depending on their value.
• Storage costs: Storing goods before or after the move may involve storage facility fees.
• Specialty items: Moving vehicles, large furniture and other items may incur additional charges due to the logistics involved.
• Seasonal fluctuations: Moving costs may shift throughout the year. Relocating during peak moving times can result in higher prices due to decreased demand, while off-peak moving can be more cost-effective.

Case studies

Review these international moving case studies to understand how these cost factors come into play:

Case Study: Los Angeles to Dubai

Consider a couple relocating to Dubai with a pet and a two-bedroom apartment's worth of goods. They're opting for air freight over sea freight to accommodate a short timeline, doubling their shipping costs. Their approximate costs may be:

• Air freight: $6,000-$9,000
• Customs fees: 5% of taxable items
• Pet import fees: $500 for health checks and vaccine boosters

Case Study: New York to London

Now, let's look at a family of four moving to London from New York. They're only moving personal items and small household goods and opting for sea freight. They plan to buy new furniture at their destination.

• Sea freight: $1,500-$2,500
• Customs fees: $400
• Purchasing new furniture: $7,000 to $13,000

Myth 2: You Can Handle an International Move Alone

The logistics involved in moving internationally are often far more complex than anticipated. Failing to plan for an international move properly can lead to significant delays, unexpected costs, lost or damaged belongings and other issues.

When you're handling personal moving tasks, such as sorting out visas and other documents, these challenges can quickly become impractical to handle alone. In contrast, hiring a professional moving company saves time and money by providing expertise and security.

Logistics Coordination

International moving comes with various logistical challenges, and coordinating a move requires precise planning. For example, some international moves require several modes of transportation, such as land transport to and from sea or air freight.

Relocating abroad often involves shipping container management. Containers come in various sizes and are either exclusive or shared. Efficient and safe packing is time-consuming for an inexperienced mover, especially when handling other moving obligations. A professional moving company is experienced in shipping container management and optimization.

Professional moving companies handle other logistics tasks to ensure your belongings arrive when and where they're supposed to, including:

• Packing and crating for specialized items
• Labeling and managing inventory
• Tracking shipments and providing real-time updates
• Coordinating with various ports and regulations

Navigating Customs

When moving internationally, most countries require you to submit a customs declaration of the items you're bringing, including descriptions, values and intended use. Customs regulations vary between countries, and accurately navigating paperwork and documentation prevents delays, item seizures, unexpected fees and other challenges.

Professional movers can assist with documentation preparation required for customs clearing, such as inventories, and help determine which of your goods are subject to taxes, duties or exemptions. Movers are also familiar with restricted or banned item regulations in various countries, such as hazardous materials or food items.

Myth 3: All International Moving Companies Are the Same

International moving companies don't offer a universal standard regarding the range and quality of services, as the scope of services, level of expertise and reputation vary widely. Choosing the right international moving company makes the difference between a smooth relocation and a complex move.

Types of Moving Companies

There are two main types of international moving companies: full-service and self-service movers.

Self-service movers are less involved, typically providing support but leaving most of the responsibility to you. These companies may provide transportation, but their services mainly involve delivering a shipping container or truck to your home. If you hire a self-service mover, you need to handle the following: 

• Packing: You supply the packing materials and pack your items yourself.
• Loading and unloading: You need to load your packed items into a shipping crate or truck and unload your belongings at the final destination.
• Customs and paperwork: You're responsible for filling out customs declarations, shipping documents and import permits.

Opting for a self-service moving company may save upfront costs and offer greater flexibility, but the added responsibilities can also come with higher pressure and time obligations. For example, inefficient loading, mistakes with paperwork or shipping methods and other factors may lead to higher costs.

In comparison, full-service international moving companies provide a comprehensive package of services. Their services typically include coordinating the entire logistics of your move, whether high-quality packing materials and methods, efficient loading and unloading or unpacking and setup. They also assist with customs-related paperwork, offer various insurance options to protect your items from damage or loss and provide specialized moving services for pets and vehicles.

Choosing a Reputable Moving Company

The right moving company doesn't just depend on the type of services — finding a mover that aligns with your needs also means vetting your options and verifying their credibility. Consider these tips when choosing a moving company:

• Read testimonials and reviews from prior customers to gauge reliability and service quality.
• Look for experience or specialization in international moves to ensure expertise in handling the complexities of shipping.
• Narrow your options based on the services offered by the company.
• Watch for red flags, such as poor communication or unrealistically low quotes.

Myth 4: You Don't Need to Worry About Customs When Moving Internationally

Many people dismiss the importance of customs regulations when moving abroad. In addition to varying rules on items permitted for importation, countries have certain prohibitions, restrictions or conditions on imported items. This process often involves extensive paperwork. Neglecting these factors can result in shipping delays or additional costs.

To prepare for customs clearance, follow these tips:

1. Research customs regulations: Research your destination country's customs website for prohibited items, duty-free allowances and quantitative restrictions. Verify whether certain belongings, such as pets or medication, may be subject to special conditions or fees.
2. Prepare documentation: Complete and organize documents for customs clearance, such as your passport and visa, country-specific importing forms and a detailed inventory of your belongings.
3. Label boxes: Clearly label each box to show what it contains in case of inspection.
4. Work with a moving company: Hire a moving company  with international expertise to handle and optimize the customs process.

Myth 5: Packing Your Belongings Yourself Is Always Cheaper

A DIY approach to packing can save upfront costs, but it isn't necessarily the best strategy. 

The potential for damaged items is one of the main risks of DIY packing. Professional movers employ specific techniques to minimize the risk of damage during transportation, such as using proper packing materials. This is especially important for high-value items, such as artwork or jewelry, which may need custom crating or padding and extra care. Packing also influences customs — if you rush through organizing, packing and labeling, clearance may involve more delays than necessary.

Organizing your belongings and packing is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. With the additional complexity of an international move, packing your entire home can easily take several weeks. By offloading these tasks to professionals, you can relax and focus on arranging the other details of your move. Professionals are skilled at organizing and labeling boxes and can typically pack a home much more efficiently and securely than DIY packers.

Ensure a Smooth Move With Atlas

Whether shipping arrangements or customs clearance, international moving inevitably comes with challenges and complexities. With support from professional international movers, you can better understand the requirements of your move, minimizing stress and costs throughout the process. Ready to plan your move abroad and thrive in a new country? Contact Atlas International for personalized moving solutions.