Moving & Logistics

Relocating internationally as a US citizen involves orchestrating dozens of moving parts across a 6-12 month timeline: selecting a reputable international mover, deciding what to ship versus sell or store, preparing pets for quarantine and health certification, assembling apostilled documents, and navigating destination-country customs rules. Costs vary enormously — a 20-foot container from the US to Europe typically runs $4,500-$9,000, while a 40-foot container to Asia or Australia can exceed $15,000, and air freight for small loads runs $8-$15 per pound. Budget an additional 10-20% for customs duties, port fees, and destination delivery charges that are rarely included in initial quotes. The most common mistakes movers make are underestimating the timeline for pet import permits (some countries require 4-7 months of advance preparation), assuming household goods will clear customs quickly (2-6 weeks is normal), and failing to get apostilles on vital documents before leaving the US. Start by getting at least three binding quotes from FIDI-FAIM or IAM-accredited movers, as these carry financial protection and quality standards that unaccredited brokers do not. Door-to-door service with full packing, customs clearance, and destination delivery is worth the premium for first-time international movers. For items you keep, decide early between shipping (best for heirlooms and hard-to-replace items), selling (best for furniture, appliances, and anything voltage-incompatible), and storing (best for items you may want within 2-3 years). Most expats report that shipping furniture rarely pays off financially — replacement abroad is often cheaper than freight plus customs plus the risk of damage.

Key Points

• 1Start 6-12 months out: get 3+ quotes from FIDI-FAIM or IAM-accredited movers, and confirm they handle destination customs clearance, not just port-to-port freight.
• 2Decide ship vs sell vs store by cost-per-cubic-foot math: if replacement cost abroad is less than $8-$12/cu ft (the typical shipping rate), sell it. Keep heirlooms, specialty tools, and irreplaceable items.
• 3For pets, check USDA APHIS Pet Travel by destination immediately — the EU requires an ISO microchip, rabies vaccine 21+ days before travel, and an EU Health Certificate endorsed by a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days of departure. Rabies-free countries (UK, Australia, NZ, Japan, Hawaii) require titer tests and 3-7 month waiting periods.
• 4Apostille these before leaving: birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, FBI background check, and any power of attorney. Order FBI checks 8+ weeks ahead; state apostilles take 2-6 weeks.
• 5Expect customs to restrict or tax: alcohol (heavily taxed or prohibited), firearms (often banned or require permits months in advance), prescription medications over 30-90 day supply, food items, plants, and vehicles (often cheaper to sell and buy abroad).
• 6Set up destination services before arrival: temporary housing (30-60 days while waiting for shipment), a local bank account (many require in-person appointments), an international health insurance policy (Cigna Global, GeoBlue, IMG), and a VPN plus mail forwarding service (Traveling Mailbox, Earth Class Mail).
• 7Keep a 'hand-carry' box with 2-4 weeks of essentials: prescriptions in original bottles with doctor's note, passports with 6+ months validity, printed reservations and addresses, power adapters, and a change of clothes — sea freight routinely arrives 6-10 weeks after you do.