Introduction
So, you’ve decided to relocate. Maybe it’s a new job, a lifestyle change, or simply the need for a fresh start. Whatever the reason, one of the first questions you’ll face is: how far am I moving, and what does that mean for my wallet, my schedule, and my sanity?
If you are moving within your city, across state borders, or to a completely new country with an international relocation, there are a ton of different aspects to consider involving cost, time, and, of course, stress. I will go through everything you’ll need to know in this guide to help you plan your move.
What Is an Intercity Move vs an International Move?
Moving costs can be complicated, so let’s clear everything up before diving into it.
Intercity moving (also known as a domestic long-distance move) includes moving from one city to another, still within the same country. Moves are in the same country, but they can still cross large distances, like Mumbai to Delhi or Mexico City to Monterrey.
Moving across international borders is a different story. If you are moving to Delhi from Mexico City, you will have to consider customs regulations, shipping lanes that are different from what you are used to and import duties. Plus, there are a ton of new legal considerations to consider.
There are a million logistics that go into moving both interstate and international, and understanding the logistics of both is crucial to making the right choice for you.
Intercity and International Relocation – Cost Comparison
Let’s talk about costs, this is where most people get caught off guard.
Intercity Moving Cost
The cost for an intercity moving service is most influenced by three things: the distance between the cities, the total volume (or weight) of your items, and the kind of service you want (full-service, self-pack, or DIY truck rental).
Typically, for a standard two-bedroom home, intercity moving services cost approximately $1,500 to $5,000. This is an estimate for a domestic long-distance move for 500 to 1,000 miles. If you have speciality items like a piano or pool table, that cost will increase.
Major cost factors for intercity moving services typically include the following:
- Transportation fees that are based on the weight and distance
- Storage costs if there is a time gap between your move-out date and move-in date
- Optional insurance for valuable items
International Moving Cost
Now, this is where things get a lot more expensive. Moving costs internationally are influenced by a lot more factors, and the cost ranges are extremely wide.
Standard international shipments for a two-bedroom home cost $3,000 to more than $15,000. The destination country influences this, the choice of shipment (sea freight or air freight) and customs.
When relocating, the costs listed below may be alarming:
- Import taxes and customs costs
- Fees for handling and terminals at ports
- Fees charged by destination agents for delivery
- If you are shipping internationally, insurance is required
- For inspections of quarantined items (offered) in Canada and Australasia
Generally speaking, international moving estimates are 2 to 5 times greater than estimates given for relocating within the same country. Always budget and secure three estimates from international moving services that are bonded and licensed.
Timeframe Variations: Duration of your Move
If you have a job or school that requires you to be there by a specific date, moving requires you to juggle your schedule, and time may involve more than money.
Moving Domestic Timelines
When moving from one state to another, there is a lot of planning, and it’s encouraged to book a service that helps you transport all your belongings. The transport portion is usually the shortest and takes 2 to 7 days.
For your things and planning to be less than 6 weeks, it can take all together from 3 to 6 weeks.
Moving International Timelines
When previously planning an international move, one of the most important things to be prepared for is to be patient.
Moving everything using sea freight is the most affordable option, and the timeframe can be 12 weeks.
Moving from India to Canada will take 6 to 8 weeks by ocean freight. India to Australia will take 4 to 6 weeks. Shipments from North America to Europe will take 2 to 5 weeks. Economy air freight is much quicker and will take 3 to 7 days. However, it is much more expensive and is only worth it for time-sensitive and expensive shipments.
Consider customs. When relocating, customs can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to clear, depending on the country and whether or not the documentation is completed correctly. On the whole, international movers should expect to take an additional 3 to 6 months from the time they have made the decision until they are able to move.
What Are the Risks of International Relocation?
Every move involves risks to some degree, but the type of risks involved varies depending on the type of relocation involved.
Intercity Moves
- Delivery may be delayed because of construction, bad weather, or even the driver’s schedule.
- Damage may occur if items are not packaged correctly or if the employees are not careful.
- Hidden fees may occur when your moving company is not licensed or if your company is not licensed and verified.
- If you are sharing a truck with someone, items can go missing or be taken by others.
International Moves
Due to the sheer number of moving parts in international moves, the risks associated are greater:
- Customs may delay or even hold your belongings if there are items in your shipment that are prohibited or not allowed in customs.
- The longer the items are in transit and the greater the number of times they are handled, the greater the chance they will be damaged.
- Your relocation budget may be affected by the currency you are moving to, so keep that in mind.
- When moving to a country, you may not be able to take certain pieces of furniture, electronics, or even food.
- The international moving market has many scam companies, so be cautious.
Do not ship items that will be prohibited in the country you are moving to, as every country has those rules, and ignorance of the rules does not exempt you from the penalties set by the customs officials of that country.
Intercity and International Moving Documentation and Legal Requirements
International moves and intercity moves are very different in the amount of documentation you will have to manage. When moving to another country, there is much more paperwork.
Moving abroad requires a lot of paperwork. Here’s a general list of items you’ll need to consider relocating to a new country:
- An inventory list that includes everything you are shipping
- Proof of residency or a visa to the country you are shipping
- Customs declaration documents to the country you are shipping
- The shipment’s insurance certificate
- Tax exemption certificate if you are a returning resident or diplomat
Make sure to consult with an international relocation specialist. Missing just one of these documents could incur a cost of weeks in customs, which will add a lot of money to your shipment.
Packing and Logistics
There are significant differences in the types of relocation and the way packing is organized.
In an intracity move, the distance to be covered is short and so the number of times the van is loaded is also minimal. Use simple cardboard boxes with protective wraps and coverings.
In an international relocation, packing needs to be of much higher standards. Most international moving companies will use:
- Export approved double wall cartons
- Custom made wooden boxes or crates for fragile or expensive items
- Fabric items packed in vacuum packaging to avoid moisture in humid
- Silica packs to absorb moisture in vacuum sealed containers
Taking shortcuts in packing is one of the biggest mistakes to make in international shipping. Arriving with a lot of trouble will be the result of saving a little money before the shipment.
How to Cut Moving Expenses & Risks
No matter the kind of move you are making, these tips will help you save money and ease the burden:
- Declutter before moving; you will save money the less you move. Sell, donate, and throw away anything that is not worth the moving cost.
- Before choosing, look at the reviews and prices of at least three moving companies.
- Always move during the slow season. Movers are busiest in the summer and at the end of the month.
- For international moves, comprehensive moving insurance is a must.
- For international moves, have a documentation checklist to keep you organized.
- For better rates, the more flexible your dates are, the further out you will want to book your move. For international moves, 8-12 weeks is ideal.
What Type of Move are You Making?
You have to make a move based on your needs, budget, and how long you want it to take.
Intercity moving is the best option within the same country. It is more manageable, keeps the costs down, and with proper planning can be done in a matter of weeks. Moving is more predictable, and the risks, as well as the paperwork, are less.
Lots of planning, money, and time will be required if you are moving out of the country. That is known as an international relocation, and it requires more than just a little prep. Moving companies are the answer to making this process so much easier. Each year, millions of people successfully make international moves.
People often make the mistake of underestimating the complexity of a move. Regardless of the distance or coverage, be sure to budget your time, money, and effort more than you expect.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to move to a new place without the process being too overwhelming. By understanding the differences between intercity and international moves, you will have a better understanding of the control you have over the move.
Do your research and find a good moving company, organize your paperwork, and get a good insurance plan to protect yourself during the move. Well planned internation moves will be a good move.
Your new chapter is ready. Now you just need to carry your belongings.