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FIDI & IAM Movers · Free Service · No Obligation, Ever

Moving Abroad?
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A comprehensive resource for anyone relocating their household from the United States - covering customs, shipping options, timelines, and how to find a certified international mover. Free quotes available when you're ready, on your terms.

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Not sure what you need? Read the moving guide first ↓

FIDI & IAM Movers
You Choose 1 to 5 Quotes
Free, No Obligation, Ever
Worldwide Destinations
Simple Process

Three Steps to Your Move

We designed this to be as simple and spam-free as possible. No account required, no credit card, no commitment.

1

Tell Us About Your Move

Share where you're moving from, where you're going, roughly when, and how much you're shipping. It takes about two minutes and you stay in control throughout.

2

Choose How Many Quotes

This is the part that's different. You tell us: do you want just one carefully matched mover, up to three options, or up to five? We respect whatever you choose.

3

Hear From Vetted Movers

Only certified movers who serve your specific route will contact you - and only as many as you asked for. No surprise calls from companies you've never heard of.

The JustOneQuote Standard

Four Things We Do Differently

This service was designed to fix the things people dislike most about requesting moving quotes online.

01

You Control the Volume

Before you submit anything, you choose how many certified movers see your request - 1, 3, or up to 5. No one contacts you beyond the number you select. No exceptions.

02

Certified Movers Only

Every company in our network holds active FIDI FAIM or IAM certification - the two most respected quality standards in international moving, backed by independent third-party auditing.

03

Route-Matched Specialists

We only connect you with movers who specialize in your specific origin–destination pair. Not generalists who subcontract your shipment to whoever is cheapest that week.

04

Free, With No Fine Print

This service is completely free to you. We earn a referral fee only when a move is successfully completed. No subscriptions, no hidden charges, no pressure to book.

Your Choice

How Many Quotes Do You Want?

There's no wrong answer. It depends on how much you want to compare and how much contact you're comfortable with.

1

Just One Quote

We match you with one carefully selected, top-rated certified mover for your exact route. One call. One proposal. Zero overwhelm. Perfect if you already have a sense of who you want to work with, or simply want a calm, focused experience.

5

Up to 5 Quotes

Maximum comparison. Great for larger moves where even a small percentage difference in price translates to real savings. You get the widest view of available movers and pricing for your route - and still only from certified, vetted companies.

The International Moving Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Whether you're moving to Europe, Asia, Australia, or anywhere else, the fundamentals of international relocation are the same. This guide covers the key topics.

Before You Move

Moving Timeline & Checklist

International moves require planning that starts months - sometimes a year - in advance. Use this timeline as your roadmap.

9–12 Months Before

Research & planning

  • Decide what you're shipping. Go room by room and categorize: Ship, Sell, Donate, Discard. The less you ship, the lower your cost.
  • Research your destination city - neighborhoods, cost of living, schools, healthcare, and rental markets.
  • Get preliminary moving quotes. The earlier you start, the more leverage you have on scheduling and price.
  • Begin visa and residency paperwork if applicable. Processing times vary widely by country and can take months.
6 Months Before

Book your mover and secure housing

  • Book your international mover. Peak seasons (May–September) fill quickly. Get everything in writing.
  • Secure housing at your destination. You'll need a confirmed address for residency registration on arrival.
  • Begin gathering customs documentation: proof of ownership, receipts for high-value items, and prior residence proof.
  • Review your destination country's duty-free rules. Most require items to have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
2–3 Months Before

Prepare documentation and finances

  • Prepare US deregistration documents: lease termination, utility cancellation - proof you've relinquished your US residence.
  • Update US agencies: USPS mail forwarding, Social Security, IRS Form 8822 for change of address.
  • Confirm ship date and packing schedule. Containers are typically packed 4–6 weeks before your destination arrival date.
  • Open a bank account in your destination country if possible.
Moving Week

Pack, document, and ship

  • Create a detailed packing inventory listing every item with estimated values. This is legally required by most customs authorities.
  • Photograph high-value items before packing: electronics, art, antiques, jewelry.
  • Do not pack prohibited items: hazardous materials, perishable food, firearms without permits, large quantities of alcohol.
  • Keep essential documents with you on the plane: passports, birth certificates, financial records, medication.

Ready to get moving quotes now?

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Customs & Duties

Understanding Duty-Free Household Goods Exemptions

Most countries offer a duty-free exemption for used household goods when you're establishing permanent residency. The specific rules vary by destination, but the core requirements are similar everywhere.

The Good News

In most countries, personal household goods that you've owned and used can be imported duty-free when you are establishing your main residence there. This exemption can save you thousands of dollars in import duties and VAT - but you need to meet the eligibility requirements and have the right documentation.

Common eligibility requirements (most destinations)

  • You are establishing permanent residency in the destination countryMost exemptions apply to people transferring their primary home, not temporary residents.
  • You have lived outside the country for a qualifying periodTypically 12 consecutive months or more. Some countries require fewer.
  • Items have been owned and used by you for at least 6 monthsBrand-new or recently purchased items generally do not qualify. Keep receipts for high-value items.
  • You intend to continue using the items in the destination countryDuty-free goods typically cannot be sold for a set period (usually 12 months) after import.
⚠️ Important: Rules Vary by Country

The details matter, and they differ significantly between countries. Your international mover will know the specific rules for your destination and will guide you through the documentation. Always confirm customs requirements with your mover or the destination country's customs authority.

Documents typically required for customs clearance

  • Detailed packing inventoryA complete itemized list of everything being shipped with estimated values. Must be signed by you.
  • Proof of prior US residenceLease agreement, utility bills, or bank statements showing your US address.
  • Proof of US departure / deregistrationLease termination or other documentation showing you've given up your US residence.
  • Destination residence proof or visaYour residence permit, lease, or registration certificate at your destination address.
  • Passport copyA certified mover will advise on exactly what's needed for your specific destination.

A certified mover handles your customs paperwork.

Get Matched with Movers →
Shipping Your Belongings

All Shipping Options: Sea, Air, Groupage & Baggage

The right method depends on your volume, budget, and timeline. Here's a plain-language comparison of all five options.

Method Best For Transit Time (from US) Approx. Cost Value
Sea – Full Container (FCL)
20ft or 40ft, exclusively yours
2–4+ bedroom homes 8–12 wks depending on destination $8,500–$18,000+ Best value for large moves
Sea – Shared Container (LCL)
Your goods consolidated with others
Studios & 1–2 bed apartments 8–10 wks depending on destination $2,000–$8,500 Good value for small moves
Air Freight
Urgent or small shipments
Essential items, documents, valuables 5–10 business days $2,500–$10,000+ Best for speed / small volumes
Sea – Groupage Service
Your goods grouped with other customers' shipments; door-to-door all-inclusive pricing
1–2 bedroom homes, partial furniture moves 6–16 wks (varies by destination) $2,500–$6,500+ Best value for mid-size moves
Baggage & Parcel Shipping
Excess baggage or courier-style boxes shipped separately; delivered curbside
Personal items, books, clothing, overflow luggage 5–14 business days $800–$2,500 Best for boxes/luggage, not furniture
Shared vs. Dedicated: The 15 CBM Rule of Thumb

If your shipment is under 15 cubic meters/530 cubic feet (roughly a furnished 1–2 bedroom apartment), a shared container (LCL or Groupage) is usually more economical. Above that threshold, a dedicated container (FCL) typically has better rates on a per cubic meter/foot basis. Your mover will assess your volume and recommend the right option.

Not sure what you need? A certified mover will advise you for free.

Get a Free Quote →
Choosing a Mover

What FIDI and IAM Certification Actually Means

International moving is a high-value, high-trust transaction. Here's how to know the difference between a legitimate company and one that could make your move a nightmare.

  • 🏅
    FIDI FAIM CertificationFIDI's FAIM standard is the only independently audited quality certification in the international moving industry. Companies must comply with 200+ requirements and are re-audited every 3 years by EY. Verify at fidi.org.
  • 🏅
    IAM MembershipThe International Association of Movers has 2,000+ member companies across 170 countries. Membership signals professional accountability and industry standing. Verify at iamovers.org.
  • ⚠️
    Red Flag: No physical addressLegitimate movers have real offices. If a company exists only as a website and a phone number, investigate thoroughly before signing anything.
  • ⚠️
    Red Flag: Unusually low quotesLowball quotes often become much higher invoices after pickup through hidden fees, re-weighing, and "fuel surcharges." Always get a detailed written quote.
  • ⚠️
    Red Flag: Demands for full payment upfrontReputable international movers do not require full payment before your goods are delivered. Be very cautious of any company that does.

We only work with FIDI & IAM certified movers.

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Our Standards

How We Vet the Movers We Work With

We are selective about who we match you with. Every moving company in our network has been reviewed against the following criteria before we send them a single lead.

🏅

Industry Certification

We only work with companies holding active FIDI FAIM or IAM membership for your specific destination route. No uncertified brokers or subcontractors.

🗺️

Route Specialization

We match you with movers who actually specialize in your origin–destination pair - not just any company that claims to go "anywhere in the world."

Customer Ratings

We review customer feedback and complaint history before onboarding any company. Consistently low-rated movers are removed from our network.

What Customers Say

Real People, Real Moves

A few words from people who used JustOneQuote.com for their international move.

★★★★★

"I chose Just One Quote because honestly I didn't want the hassle of five companies calling me. The mover I was matched with was professional from the first call. Our stuff arrived in the UK in perfect condition."

👤
Sarah T. Austin, TX → London, UK
★★★★★

"I went with 3 quotes and was able to compare prices side by side. Saved about $2,200 versus the first company I had spoken to before finding this site. The process was smooth and no one harassed me."

👤
Marcus W. New York, NY → Berlin, Germany
★★★★★

"Moving to Australia was stressful enough. The last thing I needed was 10 moving companies blowing up my phone. I got 3 quotes, all from certified movers, compared them calmly, and booked within a week."

👤
Jennifer K. Chicago, IL → Sydney, Australia
Free · No Obligation · 2 Minutes

Get Your International Moving Quotes

Tell us about your move. You decide how many certified movers contact you.

1-5 quotes, you choose
$0 no cost, free
2 min to complete
Step 1 of 4 - Your US Location

Where are you moving from?

Enter your current city and state in the United States.

Please enter your city.
Please select your state.

Where are you moving to?

Select your destination country and city so we can match you with the right movers.

Please select your destination country.
Please enter your destination city.
Please select an approximate move date.

About your shipment - and how many quotes?

This is the step that makes us different. You choose how many certified movers contact you.

Please select a home size.

Where should we send your quotes?

Certified movers will contact you directly - and only as many as you chose.

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid phone number.

You're all set!

Your request has been sent. The certified mover matched to your route will be in touch shortly. Check your email and phone - movers typically respond within a few hours on business days.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between getting 1 quote vs. up to 5?+
If you choose 1 quote, we match you with a single, carefully selected certified mover for your specific route. You'll get one call, one email, one clear proposal - no comparison shopping needed and zero noise. If you choose up to 3 or up to 5, we match you with multiple vetted movers so you can compare pricing and services. The choice is entirely yours, and no one will contact you beyond the number you select.
How much does it cost to move internationally from the US?+
Costs vary by destination, volume, and shipping method. A shared container (LCL) for a 1–2 bedroom apartment typically runs $2,000–$8,500. A full 20ft container for a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $8,500–$15,000+. Air freight starts around $2,500 and scales quickly with weight. The only way to get an accurate number is to request quotes from certified movers - which is exactly what this service does, for free.
Is this service really free?+
Yes, completely free for you. There is no fee, no subscription, and no credit card required. You owe us nothing regardless of whether you book a move.
Are the movers you work with vetted and certified?+
Yes. We only work with movers who hold recognized industry certifications - FIDI (Federation Internationale des Demenageurs Internationaux) FAIM certification and/or IAM (International Association of Movers) membership. FIDI FAIM requires independent auditing by EY against 200+ quality standards every three years. We also review customer ratings and complaint history before onboarding any company, and remove consistently poor performers.
What countries do you cover?+
We cover moves from the United States to most international destinations worldwide, including the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Singapore, UAE, and many more. If your destination isn't listed in our form, select "Other" and include a note - we'll do our best to find the right mover for your route.
How long does international sea freight take?+
Transit times vary significantly by destination. To the UK or Europe from the US East Coast: approximately 8–12 weeks. To Australia or New Zealand: 6–10 weeks from the West Coast. To Southeast Asia (Japan, Singapore, etc.): 4–8 weeks. Air freight dramatically reduces transit to 5–10 business days but at significantly higher cost. Factor in additional time for customs clearance at your destination (typically 3–10 business days).
Will I have to pay customs duties on my household goods?+
Most countries offer a duty-free exemption for used personal household goods when you are establishing permanent residency. The typical requirements: items must have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months, you must be moving your primary residence (not temporarily relocating), and goods must arrive within a set window after you establish residence. Specifics vary by country - your certified mover will know the rules for your destination and guide you through the documentation.
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