How Much Will It Cost to Move Overseas? International Costs Explained
Published on , in International Removals.
Published on , in International Removals.
Many people moving abroad are often surprised by the exorbitant cost of the whole process. Many feel overwhelmed half-through the process. But since we know just how high the expenses can add up, we want to help you understand all the costs of moving overseas. From transportation to storage to flights, we’ve covered the expected and unexpected cost of moving overseas.
The cost of moving overseas varies depending on several factors. While some will simply pack everything in their rucksack and leave, others will carry all the contents of their five-bedroom.
From this premise alone, the transportation cost will be affected by several factors:
Size of the move:The volume and weight of your belongings determine the amount of space your items take in a container—the bigger and heavier your belongings, the more expensive.
Mode of transport:Air travel stands out as the most expensive means of transport compared to sea or rail. Air travel can only accommodate a small volume of goods, say the content of one bedroom. Sea travel is the cheapest. It can also accommodate a huge volume of goods.
Distance:The further you move from the U.K., the higher the cost of moving.
Route:Moving overseas to common destinations such as Australia or New Zealand may be less expensive compared to less popular destinations like Cyprus or South Africa. This is because there’s high competition in the popular destinations.
Time of the year:It goes without saying that moving overseas during high seasons like summer will be more expensive than in low seasons.
Depending on these factors, you can expect to pay anything from £1,000 to £5,000 as transportation costs.
Moving overseas is no small fit, especially if you throw in the packing to ensure that your belongings are secured and arrive safely at your new destination. Packing for moving overseas requires sturdy packing materials and thorough planning.
Of course, if you are up for a challenge, you can pack everything yourself. However, it will be best to source the help of professionals. Some shipping companies offer their clients packing, unpacking, loading and unloading services. Moving companies can also help with this task.
For half of a 20 ft container, you can expect to spend around £100 for packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading—the more your belongings, the more you can expect to spend on packing and unpacking.
Some shipping companies provide insurance cover for the cargoes. In case of any eventualities, theft, or damage, you’ll be compensated. However, you would want to know what the policy covers, as many of the shipping companies’ policies are not as comprehensive.
The last thing you want is for your belongings to reach the destination with damages and no compensation. Hence, it will be in your best interest to pay an extra cost where the policy is not comprehensive enough.
The policy premium is usually based on the value of the items in transit. The cost ranges between 0.6% to 4% of the total value of the cargo. Of course, the longer the distance and the higher the value of the goods on transit, the more expensive it will be. The moving insurance cost starts at £100.
There are several reasons you may need a storage unit when moving overseas. One, if you are flying ahead of the cargo, you may need storage services for your belongings until the transit date. Two, once you arrive in the new country, it may take some time to find a house and settle in. In the meantime, you may find storage services helpful. And lastly, a storage facility can store some of the items you are not travelling with. Suppose the move is temporary. A storage facility may also hold your belongings for the duration you'll be away.
The price of the storage unit depends on how big the unit is, usually measured in sq ft. In the U.K., storing your belongings for one month in a 100 sq ft unit ranges from £150-£200. The cost will vary depending on the country you are moving to.
Another cost you must consider when moving overseas is the custom duty charges and taxes.
While some countries like the U.S. and Australia have a duty-free policy for household items, in some countries, you'll be required to pay a customs duty fee which is directly proportional to the value of your items.
The fee varies per country. The amount you'll pay depends on the item you are transporting and its value. The global average cost for custom duty charges 2.59% of the value of the item on transit.
Whether you are moving for education, employment or tourism, you must apply for a visa, which involves paperwork and, of course, some fees. The cost of a visa varies from one country to the next, although there are several countries where you can go without a visa.
Apart from visa costs, there's also the cost of flight tickets. Whether it's a short-haul or a long-haul flight, booking in advance can help you save on a few coins as the prices are prone to go up towards the travel date.
Suppose you must move with your pets. The cost of moving overseas will go up. You'll have to get your cat or dog a pet visa and flight ticket. Not only that, there are other expenses involved, including a microchip, vaccination, and travel crate. It's worth noting that travelling with a dog is far more expensive than travelling with a cat. The cost of moving a cat abroad is between £500 and £1,500. On the other hand, a dog may cost you from £1,000 to £4,000.
Lastly, we have the housing cost. Before settling for a property, it's crucial to understand all the costs involved, apart from the buying price or the rent. Inquire whether there are taxes and any other charges. The fees involved vary by country, so make sure you know the total cost of a house before you settle in.