International moving services usually refer to a collection of services. They include packing, transportation, customs paperwork, delivery, and unpacking.
If you use full-service international movers, they can help you move your belongings through ocean or air freight. They’ll also let you know all the requirements you’ll need to get your stuff out of customs.
International moving services (with a market size of $18.5 billion, by the way) will handle most of the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Pre-Move Planning and Consultation
The full-service moving segment holds an estimated 43.7% share as of 2025. And every move starts with planning and consultation. The movers will look at all the household goods you want to ship. After that, they’ll provide you with a shipment volume assessment. This will help you gauge the moving costs.
This is also when international moving companies recommend a shipping method. Your options usually boil down to ocean and air freight. Don’t be afraid to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The movers are there to answer your questions.
You’ll receive a timeline and a list of customs requirements. Please review them carefully.
Professional Packing and Export Preparation
The next step in the moving process is packing. Professional movers know how to pack items specifically for international transport. They know export rules and the issues that come with long transit times. Their preparation techniques reduce the risk of damage.
There are two main types of packing, standard and specialty.
Standard Packing Services
- Export-Grade Packing Materials: You get stronger boxes, moisture barriers, and materials built for moving abroad.
- Wrapping and Padding for Furniture: You protect furniture surfaces, corners, and fragile parts during handling and transit.
- Inventory Creation and Labeling: You receive a detailed inventory to support customs clearance and final delivery.
Specialty Packing & Crating
- Custom Wooden Crates: You secure items that can’t be safely packed in standard boxes.
- Artwork, Antiques, Electronics, Pianos: You protect high-value, fragile, or oversized items that require specialized handling.
International Transportation and Freight Coordination
At this point, relocation companies coordinate with transportation authorities. That way, they can move your belongings across borders more smoothly. Global relocation requires a lot of paperwork. Your movers will take care of it for you.
Depending on your agreement, you’ll ship your items either through air or ocean freight.
- Air Freight: This is faster than ocean freight. However, you can only ship smaller items due to the weight limit. Also, this method is more expensive.
- Ocean Freight (FCL & LCL): It’s the cheaper option of the two. It’s slower than air freight, but you’ll be able to ship more items.
Note: FCL stands for Full Container Load. It means all your items are placed in one container. LCL stands for Less Than Container Load. You’ll share your container with other customers.
For a detailed explanation of FCL and LCL, see our post on Air Freight vs Ocean Freight for International Moves.
What’s Included
Relocation services will handle the booking and monitoring throughout the journey. It will also go over port handling, ensuring items are loaded and transferred properly. If you’ll be sharing moving containers with other customers (as is the case with LCL), movers will manage that as well.
International moving services work with global logistics partners. When your packages arrive at their destination, trusted agents handle delivery to your new home.
Customs Documentation & Clearance Support
The moving quotes you receive will include customs documentation processing. Handling paperwork yourself can be daunting. But if you hire international movers, they’ll take care of it for you along with the other requirements you need.
- Export Documentation: Movers will prepare the paperwork needed to meet origin country rules and carrier requirements.
- Destination Country Requirements: These requirements make sure your shipment complies with local import laws, forms, and filing deadlines.
- Prohibited and Restricted Items Guidance: This lets you know what you’re allowed to ship, so none of your items get fined or confiscated.
- Customs Clearance Coordination: Movers will submit documents, answer questions, and release your shipment for delivery to brokers and authorities.
For a full walkthrough, see How Customs Clearance Works for International Moves.
Destination Services and Final Delivery
After your possessions arrive, they will finally make their way to you. They’ll be moved out of your shipping container so that movers can begin packing and loading for final delivery.
So what’s the customs process like? How do movers handle the shipping logistics from this point on?
- Port Arrival Handling: Your shipment will be received, inspected, and processed after arrival.
- Inland Transportation: Movers will bring your belongings from the port to the destination city or residence.
- Delivery to Final Residence: You receive your shipment at your new home, apartment, or temporary housing.
- Unpacking and Debris Removal (If Selected): The movers will help with unloading and unpacking boxes. They’ll also dispose of packing materials and moving supplies so you can settle in faster.
Optional Add-On Services
International shipping companies are flexible. They offer other services that you might not even realize you need until asked.
- International Moving Insurance: A relocation specialist will suggest that you insure your belongings. That’s probably a good idea. It will protect you financially against loss or damage during transit.
- Short- and Long-Term Storage: Moving companies also offer storage solutions if your home isn’t ready at pickup or delivery.
- Vehicle Shipping: You can transport your car, motorcycle, or other vehicle overseas through special crating options.
- Pet Relocation Coordination: You can work with your move manager to help with paperwork, travel planning, and destination rules for pets.
What’s Not Always Included (Important to Know)
As helpful as the moving industry is, it can’t cover everything. Here are some of the things movers might not be able to help with.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: You may need to pay import taxes or duties required by the destination country.
- Destination-Specific Fees: You’ll have to shoulder the expenses for some destination-specific fees. You might be charged extra for permits, port congestion, or local regulations.
- Long Carry or Stair Fees: You may pay more if team members must carry items long distances or up multiple flights of stairs.
- Third-Party Services: You’re sometimes billed separately for services handled by outside providers. The list includes customs brokers or specialty handlers.
How Oz Moving Delivers Full-Service International Moving
Oz Moving focuses on simplifying complex international moves. You get structured support and clear communication. It makes moving a stress-free experience.
End-to-End International Moving Support
Work with dedicated move coordinators who manage details, timelines, and paperwork. If you choose door-to-door service, Oz Moving will cover pickup through final delivery.
The company is part of a proven global partner network. That means it supports reliable handling at every destination.
Expertise Across Shipping Methods
Receive air and sea freight solutions based on your priorities. Oz Moving has the experience to avoid common customs and delivery issues.
You also get volume-optimized shipping recommendations. This means you don’t overpay for unused space.
Why Customers Choose OZ Moving
You work with a licensed and accredited international mover. You receive transparent quotes with fewer surprises. You also see strong customer reviews and repeat clients that reflect consistent service quality.
Talk to an International Moving Specialist if you’d like to learn more about Oz Moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does international moving include packing?
Yes, most full-service international moves include professional packing. Note that you can choose between partial and full packing. It will come down to your needs and budget.
Is customs clearance included?
Customs clearance support is typically included. Your mover prepares documents and coordinates with brokers, but duties and taxes are usually separate.
Do movers unpack at the destination?
That’s something you’ll have to discuss with your mover. This is an optional service. If you select it, movers unpack boxes and remove debris after delivery.
Is insurance included or separate?
Insurance is usually separate. You can add coverage based on shipment value and risk level.
How to Get Started With International Moving Services
Starting an international move might feel overwhelming. But in reality, it’s not that hard. Here’s what you need to do.
- Request a Free Quote: You share basic details about your move to get an initial estimate.
- Complete a Virtual or In-Home Survey: This lets movers know what you’re shipping. This will allow the team to provide cost estimates.
- Receive a Custom International Moving Plan: You get a clear plan that matches your timeline, destination, and budget.
