Total volume (CBM)
The single biggest lever on cost. Every CBM shipped costs money — declutter aggressively to reduce volume before your survey.
International moving service
International Household Goods Moving
An international household move ships your belongings by sea — either in a full container (FCL: a 20-foot container typically suits a 1–2 BHK home; a 40-foot container handles a 2–3 BHK or larger) or through shared groupage (LCL, priced per cubic metre, suited to smaller loads that don't fill a full box). Air freight is occasionally used for a small, urgent portion of a shipment. The primary cost driver is volume, measured in cubic metres (CBM), followed by the sea route and destination customs duties.
FCL / LCL / Air
Options
Volume (CBM)
Priced by
Sea freight
Primary mode
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Shipping an entire household internationally is a volume-and-logistics exercise. Sea freight in a dedicated container (FCL) is the standard mode for a full home — it's the most predictable in cost and schedule. Smaller loads that don't justify a full container use LCL groupage, where your goods share space with other shippers' cargo and you pay per cubic metre. Air freight is reserved for a small, time-critical portion of a shipment when cost is secondary to speed.
Destination customs is the other variable that significantly affects both cost and timing. Used personal effects moved by the owner relocating internationally are often eligible for duty-free entry in many countries — but the conditions and documentation requirements vary. A professional mover experienced in the destination country's customs procedures is the most reliable way to navigate both the freight and the paperwork.
Key takeaways
- Three modes: FCL (full container — 20ft or 40ft, best value for a whole home), LCL groupage (shared container, priced per CBM, suited to smaller loads) and air freight (small urgent essentials only — significantly higher cost per kg/CBM).
- Volume in cubic metres (CBM) is the primary cost driver for sea freight. Decluttering before you move is the single most effective way to reduce the bill.
- Professional packing protects fragile goods during transit and typically speeds up customs clearance — insurers and customs authorities both expect a professional packing list and inventory.
- Used personal effects moved by a relocating owner are duty-free in many destination countries, subject to proof of residence abroad. The exact conditions, documents required and eligible goods vary by destination — verify with a customs broker for your specific country.
- Insure on full declared value, not on a per-weight tariff. Standard freight liability is typically cents per kilogram — a fraction of the actual value of household contents.
FCL vs LCL vs air freight — which mode is right for you?
| Feature | FCL (Full Container) | LCL (Groupage) | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Whole home (1 BHK+) | Part-home or studio | Urgent essentials only |
| Container size | 20ft (~25–28 CBM) or 40ft (~55–58 CBM (standard; ~66 for high-cube)) | Shared — pay per CBM | N/A — weight/volume based |
| Cost basis | Per container (fixed box cost) | Per CBM (pro-rated) | Per kg / volumetric weight |
| Relative cost | Most cost-effective for full loads | Higher per CBM than FCL for large volumes | Highest — commonly 5–10× sea freight for equivalent volume — viable only for small, urgent loads |
| Transit time (sea) | Faster — no consolidation wait | Slower — waits for consolidation | Fastest (days vs weeks) |
| Customs | One clearance event | One clearance event (your portion) | Separate air waybill entry |
How an international household move works — step by step
Survey & quote
A pre-move survey (in-home or virtual) produces a volume estimate in CBM. The mover quotes FCL or LCL based on your volume, the route and your destination.
Declutter
Reducing volume is the most direct lever on cost. Sell, donate or dispose of items you won't need before the survey is finalised.
Book & choose mode
Once volume is confirmed, you commit to FCL or LCL (or a hybrid: sea for the bulk, air for urgent items). Vessel schedules and port cutoffs drive the packing date.
Professional packing & inventory
The mover's team wraps, boxes and labels every item. A detailed packing list and valued inventory is produced — this document is both the insurance schedule and the customs declaration.
Loading & origin customs
Goods are loaded into the container or consolidated (LCL) at the origin warehouse. Export customs formalities are completed at origin.
Sea transit
The container (FCL) or consolidated consignment (LCL) is in transit. Tracking is available by booking or Bill of Lading reference.
Destination customs clearance
A licensed customs broker at the destination lodges the customs declaration (typically using the valued inventory as the basis), pays any duties and taxes, and obtains release of the shipment.
Delivery & unpacking
The container is delivered to your new home. Many movers offer unpacking and placement services; debris removal (packing materials) is typically included as an optional add-on.
What drives the cost of an international household move
FCL vs LCL
FCL is most cost-effective when you have enough to fill (or nearly fill) a container. LCL's per-CBM rate can work out higher for larger volumes, but it's the right choice for smaller loads.
Route & distance
Longer routes cost more. Availability of direct vessel services, port handling charges and origin/destination port pair all affect the freight rate.
Property access
Walk-up access (stairs, no lift), long carry distances from the property to the vehicle, or tight urban access (requiring a shuttle vehicle) add labour cost at both ends.
Destination port & handling charges
Destination terminal handling, customs examination fees and delivery transport from the destination port all add to the delivered cost.
Insurance
All-risks declared-value insurance is strongly recommended. Premiums are typically a small percentage of the declared value — far less than the risk of relying on standard freight liability.
Add-on services
Storage (origin or destination), unpacking and placement, debris removal and specialist crating for art or antiques are priced separately and can add materially to the total.
Documents typically required for an international household move
- Passport & visa Current passport and destination entry visa (or proof of residency/right to reside). Required by destination customs to confirm your eligibility for any duty-free entry concession.
- Valued inventory / packing list A detailed, itemised list of every article being shipped with an estimated replacement value. Prepared by the mover — the cornerstone of both the customs declaration and the insurance policy.
- Bill of Lading (sea) / Air Waybill (air) The transport contract and title document issued by the shipping line or airline. Required for customs clearance at the destination port.
- Customs declaration A signed declaration of the goods being imported, their value and their intended use. Your customs broker prepares this on the basis of the packing list.
- Proof of residence abroad Documents supporting the claim that the goods were used at your overseas address — typically a combination of a lease/rental agreement, utility bills, employment letter or bank statements from the country of origin. This is the key document to support a duty-free used-effects concession, where it applies.
Planning smart — making the most of your move
Declutter before the survey. Volume is the primary cost driver for sea freight — every item you remove from the shipment reduces cost directly. A room-by-room declutter before the mover's volume survey locks in a lower quote.
Check prohibited and restricted items for your destination before packing. Most countries restrict or prohibit certain foods, plants, soils, alcohol and controlled substances in household-goods shipments. Some also restrict firearms, medications and CITES-listed goods. Your mover or customs broker can advise on the specific destination's list.
Insure on full declared value, not on a replacement-value shortcut. Household contents — electronics, appliances, jewellery, art — add up quickly. Standard freight liability pays out at a per-kilogram rate that covers a tiny fraction of real losses. All-risks declared-value marine insurance is the appropriate cover for an international move.
Book early, especially in peak seasons (northern-hemisphere summer and year-end), when container space is tight. Allow a 6–8 week lead time as a sensible minimum for a full-container move.
International household goods moving — frequently asked questions
FCL or LCL — which is right for my move?
FCL (full container) is the better value option when you have enough volume to fill — or nearly fill — a 20ft or 40ft container. A 20ft container typically accommodates a 1–2 bedroom home; a 40ft suits a 2–3 bedroom home or larger. LCL groupage is the right choice for smaller loads (a studio, a few boxes or selected furniture). If you're on the borderline, your mover will quote both and the math will usually favour FCL from around 15–17 CBM upward.
How is the cost of an international move calculated?
Sea freight is quoted primarily on volume (CBM) for LCL, or per container for FCL. On top of the freight rate you pay origin charges (packing, loading, export customs), destination charges (port handling, customs clearance, delivery transport) and insurance. Your mover should provide a fully itemised quote so you can compare like-for-like.
How long does sea freight take for an international household move?
Sea transit varies significantly by route — from under 2 weeks for short regional lanes to roughly 5–8 weeks port-to-port for longer intercontinental routes; door-to-door adds packing, customs and delivery. See your specific route page for corridor-level estimates. LCL shipments may take slightly longer due to consolidation and de-consolidation.
Are used household goods duty-free at the destination?
In many countries, used personal effects and household goods imported by a relocating owner are eligible for duty-free entry — subject to conditions such as proof of residence abroad, a minimum period of prior use, and the goods being for personal use rather than for sale. The exact conditions, the documents required and the categories of goods covered vary by destination country. Verify the duty-free conditions for your specific destination with a licensed customs broker before shipping.
Is professional packing included in the move quote?
This varies by mover and service tier. Full-service quotes typically include professional packing at origin; partial-service (self-pack) options are cheaper but may affect your ability to claim under cargo insurance if damage occurs (most policies require professional packing for fragile items). Clarify exactly what is and isn't included in packing, unpacking and insurance coverage when comparing quotes.
Is my shipment insured?
Standard freight liability (the carrier's default cover) is typically capped at a very low rate per kilogram — far below the replacement cost of household contents. You should take out all-risks declared-value marine cargo insurance for the full replacement value of your goods. Check whether your mover provides this or whether you need to arrange it separately, and read the policy exclusions carefully (self-packed items, pre-existing damage, pairs and sets clauses).
What items can't I ship in an international household move?
Most countries restrict or prohibit certain categories in household-goods shipments: fresh food, plants and soil; hazardous materials (chemicals, compressed gases, certain batteries); alcohol (treatment varies by country and mode); firearms and controlled substances. Some routes have additional restrictions — CITES-listed goods (ivory, certain timbers, exotic animal products) are restricted globally. Your mover and destination customs broker can give you the specific prohibited and restricted list for your destination.
Should I ship my household goods or sell and rebuy at the destination?
The answer depends on the volume and value of your goods, the cost of shipping, the destination duty regime and the cost of replacing equivalent items locally. High-quality furniture, appliances and personal effects with sentimental value often justify shipping. Low-value, bulky or easily replaceable items may be cheaper to replace at the destination, particularly if the shipping cost + duties would exceed the replacement value. A pre-move quote will give you the numbers to make an informed comparison.
Questions, answered
International Household Goods Moving FAQ
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL (Full Container Load) means your goods fill an entire 20ft or 40ft container. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your goods share a container with other shippers' cargo and you pay per cubic metre (CBM). FCL is more cost-effective for larger volumes; LCL suits smaller shipments.
How is the cost of shipping household goods internationally calculated?
Primarily by volume (CBM) for LCL, or per container for FCL. Additional costs include origin packing/loading, destination port charges, customs clearance fees, delivery transport and insurance.
How long does it take to ship household goods internationally?
Sea transit typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on the route, plus time for packing, port handling, customs clearance and delivery. Total door-to-door timelines are commonly 6–12 weeks for longer international routes.
Are my household goods duty-free when imported?
Used personal effects are duty-free in many countries for relocating owners, subject to conditions (typically proof of residence abroad + minimum prior use). Conditions vary by destination — verify with a customs broker.
What documents do I need for an international household move?
Typically: passport and visa, a detailed valued inventory/packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, customs declaration and proof of residence abroad. Your customs broker will advise on destination-specific requirements.
Is my shipment insured?
Standard carrier liability is very low (per-kg rate). Take out all-risks declared-value marine cargo insurance for the full replacement value of your goods.
What items can I not ship internationally?
Prohibited or restricted items typically include fresh food, plants and soil, hazardous materials, alcohol (treatment varies), firearms and CITES-listed goods. Destination-specific rules apply — ask your mover and customs broker.
Is it worth shipping or better to sell and rebuy?
It depends on volume, shipping cost, destination duties and local replacement cost. High-value and hard-to-replace items usually justify shipping; bulky low-value items may be cheaper to rebuy locally.
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