The cost of moving overseas depends on your shipment volume, shipping method, destination and the extras you need, so no single price fits every move. Groupage, LCL, FCL and air freight suit different budgets and deadlines. Request a free survey and we will work out a quote for your move.
Which shipping option suits your move?
Groupage, LCL, FCL and air freight are the four main ways to move overseas. Urgency and budget usually decide between them: air freight is the fastest and the most expensive, while the sea options suit most household and corporate moves. The table below compares the four.
This table compares the main options, so you can see how each one affects the cost of moving overseas.
| Option | What it is | Suited to | Points to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groupage | Your goods are consolidated with other customers’ shipments | Moves where sharing space and costs makes sense | Ask how the departure schedule works for your route. |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | Your goods share a container | Many corporate-funded relocations | Almost all corporate-funded moves use LCL or FCL, often with a small air freight allowance. |
| FCL (Full Container Load) | A full container is used for your goods | Larger shipments and corporate moves | Within the Asia Pacific, LCL or FCL has an average transit time of about 10 days (Intra-Asia). |
| Air freight | Your goods travel by air | Time-critical shipments and essentials | The most expensive mode. Charges are mostly based on weight. |
The cost of moving overseas is a regular concern for customers seeking international moving quotes for themselves or their employees. There are different options for International Moving Services, namely Groupage shipments, LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, FCL (Full Container Load) shipments as well as Air Freight. The two main factors affecting our customers choice of shipping would be the overall shipment cost as well as the urgency of the shipment.
Almost all Corporate funded relocations are moved as LCL, FCL shipments with a small Air Freight allowance to cater for the quick arrival of essential items in anticipation of the Sea shipment.
In time-critical shipments, we always recommend Air Freight. However, this is the most expensive mode of transport.
For short distances (eg within the Asia Pacific), we recommend LCL or FCL shipping, which has an average transit time of about 10 days (Intra-Asia).
What should you know about the cost of moving overseas?
The cost of moving overseas varies with your requirements, your shipment and your preferences, so there is no one-size-fits-all price. Our pricing team calculates the cost after assessing your needs and recommends a solution that fits them. A survey gives the most accurate figure.
- International Moving costs vary significantly depending on customer requirements, shipment requisites and personal preferences.
- Hence, there is no one-size fits all cost of an International Move
- At CM Relocation, our pricing team calculates the moving costs after assessing your needs.
- We will recommend a solution that fits your needs after our assessment.
How much does an international move cost?
Unfortunately, there’s no universal answer to this question, as the move cost is highly dependent on the individual customer’s case. Thus, providing a ballpark cost without prior knowledge of a customer’s unique requirements is often inaccurate.
International Moving costs depend on:
- Labour Costs
- Packing Materials
- Local Transportation
- Special Items to be moved (Pianos, safes, pool tables)
- International Freight (Air or Sea)
Let’s have a more detailed look at the factors which make up the price of an International Move:
How does the freight route affect the cost of moving overseas?
The shipping costs depend mainly on the distance between the departure point and the destination. However, the costs are not directly proportional in line with the distance sailed as our pricing team may find a more direct route with a cheaper carrier, shipping routes change from time to time depending on demand, supply and world events.
How does the mode of transport affect packing and cost?
The packing materials and the need for specialised crating will be decided according to the mode of transport. For example, if your goods are to be moved via Air, and the charges are mostly based on the weight of the shipment, we will do all we can to reduce the weight of the packing materials utilized while ensuring your cargo is still well protected. The cost of these purpose built crates may be more, but the savings on the overall air freight cost will more than compensate for the difference.
How does short notice affect the cost?
Short notice can affect your quote, because we must check resource availability and shipping schedules at the time of booking. Starting as far ahead as possible is easier and more cost-effective, although we understand that property dates, school terms and work commitments sometimes make last-minute moves unavoidable.
How do storage requirements affect the cost of moving overseas?
Although none of us like changes, they are sometimes inevitable. When the need arises, we offer storage solutions at the origin and/or destination country if immediate sailing or delivery is not possible. Storage costs add to the total move cost but we almost always try to reduce them by opting for the longest transit time possible so that storage costs are minimized.
How does special handling affect the cost?
Besides the usual furniture, some of us have items such as pianos or an extremely valuable painting that needs to be moved. Our basic quotation does not cover this and either extra labour or equipment is required to safely relocate these items professionally. It is often necessary to organize additional resources for the safe handling of these special items. For example, moving an upright piano down a flight of stairs would be considerably more expensive than using an elevator due to the additional number of personnel involved.
How do you estimate the cost of moving overseas?
Five factors shape the cost of moving overseas: the freight route, the urgency of the shipment, short notice, special items and storage. Tell us about each, and we will build a customised door-to-door quote from our base cost plus any extras you need.
In short, International Moving Costs vary significantly due to the following:
- Freight Route
- Urgency of the Shipment
- Short Notice
- Moving of Special Items
- Storage Requirements
We will work out a customised door-to-door quote for your international move, using our base cost and your additional requirements (if any).
Is insurance included in a moving quote?
By default, Insurance is excluded from the door-to-door moving quote that we provide, but can be purchased at an additional premium. The reason that we are unable to offer a quote with insurance included is because the cost of insurance is based on the value of your goods, and the value of everyone’s goods is different. We have a very handy insurance valuation form which allows you to list everything in your home and obtain the cost of insurance for your move.
What extras should you budget for beyond the moving quote?
Beyond the mover’s quote, budget for insurance, which is priced separately, storage if your dates do not line up, and any charges at the destination. Customs rules differ by country and can include duties, taxes and biosecurity costs, so check your destination’s rules before you ship.
- Insurance: excluded from the door-to-door quote by default, and priced on the value of your goods.
- Storage: needed if sailing or delivery cannot happen straight away.
- Special items: pianos, safes, pool tables and valuable paintings need extra labour or equipment.
- Destination rules: as of October 2026, the Australian Border Force duty-free and personal effects guidance says unaccompanied belongings may be taxed unless you have owned and used them for 12 months, and the Department of Agriculture guidance on moving to Australia with personal effects says goods may need treatment, export or destruction at your expense.
How can you keep the cost of moving overseas down?
You can keep the cost of moving overseas down by planning early, shipping only what you need and choosing the slowest option that still meets your deadline. Each choice changes the quote, so share your dates and any flexibility with your mover at the start.
- Plan as far ahead as possible. Last-minute moves are sometimes unavoidable, but early planning is easier and more cost-effective.
- Choose sea freight unless the shipment is time-critical, because air freight is the most expensive mode.
- Ask whether a longer transit time lowers your storage costs.
- Ship only what you need, and tell your mover about special items early.
- Ask for each quote’s inclusions and exclusions in writing, so you can compare like with like.
How can you get a quote for an international move?
Contact us at +65 6265 7664 or send us an email at [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss your moving requirements in detail and visit you for a complimentary, no-obligations in-home survey so that we can size your move and give you an accurate quote. If however, you are still at the “price-gathering” stage and would like to just have an estimate, we can generate a quote for you based on our most basic package and all the information given to us via email / phone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of moving overseas?
There is no average that suits every move, because the cost of moving overseas depends on your requirements, shipment and preferences. Labour, packing materials, local transportation, special items and international freight all contribute. A complimentary in-home survey lets us size your move and give you an accurate quote.
What is the difference between groupage, LCL and FCL?
The cost of moving overseas changes with the option you choose. Groupage consolidates your goods with other customers’ shipments. LCL (Less than Container Load) shares a container with other cargo, and FCL (Full Container Load) uses a full container for your goods alone. Air freight is a separate, faster option. The right choice depends on your volume, budget and deadline.
When should I choose air freight for an overseas move?
Choose air freight for time-critical shipments. It is the fastest mode and also the most expensive part of the cost of moving overseas, so most corporate-funded moves use sea freight with a small air freight allowance for essentials you need quickly. Air freight charges are mostly based on weight, so pack only what you need.
Does storage add to the cost of moving overseas?
Yes. Storage at the origin or destination adds to the total cost of moving overseas when immediate sailing or delivery is not possible. We usually try to reduce it by opting for the longest transit time, so tell us your dates early and we can look at the options.
Is insurance included in an international moving quote?
By default, insurance is excluded from the door-to-door quote we provide, but it can be bought for an additional premium. The cost depends on the value of your goods, which is different for everyone. Our insurance valuation form lets you list your belongings and obtain the cost of cover.
Why do pianos and other special items cost more to move?
Special items such as pianos, safes, pool tables and valuable paintings need extra labour or equipment to move safely. Our basic quotation does not cover them. For example, moving an upright piano down a flight of stairs costs more than using a lift, because more people are needed.
How long does shipping within Asia take?
For short distances, such as within the Asia Pacific, LCL or FCL shipping has an average transit time of about 10 days (Intra-Asia). Actual times depend on the route and the sailing schedule, so ask for a schedule with your quote. Air freight is faster for urgent goods.
How can I get a quote for moving overseas?
Call +65 6265 7664 or email us, and we will arrange a complimentary, no-obligation in-home survey to size your move and give you an accurate quote. If you are only gathering prices, we can generate an estimate from our most basic package and the information you give us.