"How much will it cost?" is the first question of almost every international move — and the hardest to answer in one sentence. Two families moving between the same two cities can pay very different prices, simply because one ships 15 m³ by shared load and the other 45 m³ in a dedicated truck with full packing. This guide explains how prices are built, gives you real starting points, and shows where you can save.
Why international moving quotes vary so much
Most of the gap between two quotes comes from different assumptions rather than different prices. Before comparing, check that both quotes are built on:
- the same volume in cubic metres;
- the same transport mode — shared load or dedicated truck, shared or exclusive container;
- the same services — packing, dismantling, reassembly, storage;
- the same access at both addresses — floor, lift, parking, carrying distance;
- customs included or not, when the move crosses a border.
A quote that looks cheaper because it assumes 20 m³ when you really have 30 will be corrected on collection day.
What drives international moving prices
Volume
Volume, measured in cubic metres (m³), is the main cost driver: it decides the size of the truck or container and the time needed to pack and load. As a guide:
| Home | Typical volume |
|---|---|
| Studio | 10 to 15 m³ |
| 1-bedroom flat | 15 to 25 m³ |
| 2-bedroom home | 25 to 40 m³ |
| 3-bedroom home | 40 to 60 m³ |
| 4-bedroom house or larger | 60 m³ and more |
Distance and route
Within Europe, road transport is priced largely by distance. A ferry crossing, a mountain route or a delivery to an island adds to the base price.
Transport mode
- Shared load (groupage): you share a truck with other clients. Cheapest for small and medium volumes, with flexible dates.
- Dedicated truck: the truck is yours. Faster, with fixed collection and delivery dates.
- Sea container: your own 20- or 40-foot container (FCL), or space in a shared one (LCL), for intercontinental moves.
- Air freight: for small volumes and urgent essentials.
Starting prices on popular European routes
These are starting prices for 20 m³ by dedicated truck, between major cities, calculated with the same tool as our online estimator. Your own price depends on your exact addresses, volume and services.
| Route | Starting price for 20 m³ |
|---|---|
| Netherlands → Spain | From €3,330 for 20 m³ |
| Belgium → Spain | From €3,220 for 20 m³ |
| Germany → Spain | From €3,520 for 20 m³ |
| Netherlands → Portugal | From €4,200 for 20 m³ |
| Germany → Portugal | From €4,550 for 20 m³ |
| United Kingdom → Spain | Quote on request |
| United Kingdom → France | Quote on request |
Sea freight between continents
For a move between Europe and North America, Asia, the Middle East or Australia, the price depends on:
- the container: a 20-foot container suits most 1- to 2-bedroom homes, a 40-foot one larger houses;
- own or shared: a shared container (LCL) costs less for small volumes but takes two to four weeks longer;
- the ports of departure and arrival, and the road transport at both ends;
- customs and port fees at destination;
- the season and fuel prices, which move sea freight rates throughout the year.
Because these rates change often, we send a detailed written quote for every intercontinental move rather than a fixed online price.
Air freight
Air freight is priced by weight and volume. It is the fastest option — one to two weeks door to door — but quickly becomes expensive above a few cubic metres. Many families combine a small air shipment of essentials with the rest of their home by sea.
Road, sea or air: a quick comparison
| Road (Europe) | Sea (intercontinental) | Air | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Any volume within Europe | Full homes between continents | Small volumes, urgent items |
| Door-to-door time | Days (dedicated) to weeks (shared) | 6 to 14 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Cost per m³ | Lowest | Low for large volumes | Highest |
| Fixed dates | With a dedicated truck | Depends on sailings | Yes |
What else changes the final price
The season
Summer and the end of each month are the busiest periods. Moving in autumn or spring often gives you more choice and better prices.
Packing
Full professional packing saves you days of work and protects fragile items, but adds to the price. Packing your own boxes and leaving fragile items to the professionals is a good middle ground.
Access
Upper floors without a lift, narrow streets, long carrying distances or the need for an external lift all add time and equipment.
Customs
Moves crossing a customs border include export and import formalities. If you qualify for transfer of residence relief, your belongings enter duty-free — but the clearance itself still has a cost.
Insurance
The carrier's legal liability applies to every transport. Insurance based on the declared value of your belongings is an option, priced as a percentage of that value.
How to lower your budget
- Sort before you pack. Every cubic metre you don't ship is money saved — sell or donate what you won't use.
- Choose a shared load if your dates are flexible.
- Avoid the summer peak and the last days of the month.
- Pack your own boxes and keep professional packing for fragile and valuable items.
- Leave large appliances behind when moving to a country with a different voltage, such as from the USA to Europe.
- Get an accurate volume first, so your quote doesn't change on collection day.
Frequently asked questions
More guides
- How to choose the best international moving companyWhat separates the best international movers from the rest: quotes, customs, insurance, red flags and the questions to ask before you book.
- Cross-border moving in Europe: how a European move worksHow cross-border moves work in Europe: transport options, transit times, when customs applies and how to choose a European moving company.
- Transfer of Residence relief explained: moving your belongings duty-free to Europe and the UKHow to bring your household goods into the EU, the UK, Switzerland or Norway without paying import duty or VAT: conditions, forms and country-by-country rules.