International Moving and Storage

International Movers

Stewart Moving & Storage: Highly Rated and Professional International Moving Company

Moving abroad is one of life's most complex transitions—coordinating shipments across oceans, navigating customs regulations, and ensuring your belongings arrive safely thousands of miles away. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we've spent over 25 years perfecting international moving and storage solutions that eliminate the guesswork and stress from overseas relocations. As a family-owned company with a BBB A+ rating and AMSA ProMover certification, we combine the personal care you'd expect from a trusted neighbor with the global logistics expertise of seasoned international moving and storage companies.


Our strategic warehouse network across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, North Carolina, and Florida positions us to serve families and businesses throughout the East Coast preparing for international moves. Whether you're relocating for a corporate assignment, military deployment, educational opportunity, or a fresh start abroad, our team handles every detail, from professional packing and custom crating to ocean freight coordination and destination delivery. We don't just move your belongings; we manage the entire transition so you can focus on the exciting journey ahead rather than the overwhelming logistics behind it.

Why Choose Stewart Moving & Storage for International Moves

Competitive Quotes with Transparent Pricing

We offer three convenient ways to receive your international moving estimate—in-home consultations, detailed online assessments, or phone quotes—ensuring you understand every cost before committing. Our transparent pricing eliminates surprise fees, and we provide clear explanations of charges related to packing, shipping, customs, and delivery so you can budget confidently for your overseas relocation.

Award-Winning Movers with Proven Excellence

Our BBB A+ rating and AMSA ProMover certification reflect our commitment to professional standards and customer satisfaction. With over two decades of experience in complex relocations, our team has earned the trust of thousands of families and businesses navigating international moves, consistently delivering belongings safely across continents.

Family Values with Global Reach

We've built our business on treating every customer like family. This personal approach extends to our international services—you'll work with dedicated move coordinators who know your name, understand your specific needs, and remain accessible throughout your entire move, from initial consultation through final delivery abroad.

Comprehensive International Moving and Storage Solutions

Our secure, climate-stable storage for international moves gives you flexibility when timing doesn't align perfectly. Whether you need short-term storage while awaiting visa approval or long-term warehousing during extended assignments, our facilities feature 24/7 video surveillance, electronic tracking, and fire monitoring to protect your belongings until you're ready for delivery.

Specialized Expertise in Complex Relocations

From custom crating for antiques and artwork to coordinating military household goods shipments, we handle specialized international moving and storage requirements that standard moving companies often avoid. Our experience with delicate instruments, high-value items, and oversized furniture means your most precious possessions receive the expert care they deserve during international transport.

Strategic Partner Network Worldwide

When you’re searching for overseas removals near you, it’s important to seek out a company with a vast network of partners and resources. Twenty years of building relationships with international shipping lines, customs brokers, and destination agents means smoother transitions and faster problem-solving. Our established partnerships ensure your shipment moves efficiently through ports, clears customs without unnecessary delays, and arrives at your new home on schedule.

Our International Moving and Storage Services

Expert International Packing Services

International move storage begins with proper protection. Our professional packing teams use industry-grade materials specifically designed for ocean freight: heavy-duty boxes, moisture barriers, and cushioning that can withstand weeks at sea and multiple handling points. We inventory every item, label boxes clearly for customs, and create detailed packing lists that satisfy international documentation requirements while helping you locate belongings quickly after arrival.

Export Preparation and Furniture Wrapping

Ocean transport subjects furniture to humidity, temperature fluctuations, and extended transit times that standard moving blankets can't protect against. Our export wrapping process encloses furniture in multiple protective layers—plastic sheeting for moisture protection, padding for impact resistance, and reinforced corners for high-stress areas. This specialized wrapping has protected everything from family heirlooms to corporate boardroom tables during journeys across the Atlantic and Pacific.

Partial and Full Container Shipping

We offer flexible shipping options matched to your volume and budget. Full container loads (20-foot or 40-foot) provide exclusive use, faster transit, and reduced handling for households with substantial belongings. Partial container shipments (LCL - Less than Container Load) allow smaller moves to share space, reducing costs while maintaining the same protective packing standards. Our logistics team recommends the most cost-effective option based on your specific inventory.

Ocean and Air Cargo Services

Ocean freight remains the most economical choice for household goods, with transit times typically ranging from 4-8 weeks depending on the destination. For time-sensitive moves or essential items needed immediately, we coordinate air cargo services that deliver within days rather than weeks. Many international relocations benefit from a hybrid approach—air shipping immediate necessities while ocean freight handles the bulk of household goods.

Custom Crating of High-Value Items

Artwork, antiques, musical instruments, and fragile electronics require protection beyond standard packing materials. Our custom crating service builds wooden containers engineered specifically for each item's dimensions and fragility. Internal bracing prevents shifting, moisture barriers protect against humidity, and reinforced construction withstands the rigors of international handling. Each crate receives proper export documentation and hazardous material compliance where applicable.

Short and Long-Term Storage

International storage and removals often require warehousing flexibility. Our climate-stable storage facilities accommodate from a few weeks to several years, common for expatriate assignments, visa processing delays, or staged international moves. Electronic tracking monitors your inventory, security systems provide 24/7 protection, and our insurance options ensure coverage throughout the storage period. When you're ready, we coordinate delivery to your international destination or return shipment to the United States.

Popular International Moving Destinations

Stewart Moving & Storage coordinates international moving and storage plans at destinations across six continents. Our most frequent international relocations serve:

  • Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, supporting both military deployments and civilian relocations to major European cities and rural communities.
  • Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, with specialized experience in military household goods shipments to Pacific bases and corporate transfers to Asia's business centers.
  • Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, serving the energy sector, military contractors, and diplomatic assignments with expertise in regional customs requirements.
  • Latin America: Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, coordinating moves for business relocations, retirement destinations, and family reunifications with thorough understanding of Central and South American shipping routes.
  • Africa: South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, supporting humanitarian organizations, corporate ventures, and educational institutions with container shipping through Africa's major ports.
  • Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, providing seamless cross-border relocations with expert handling of Canadian customs and border requirements.


Our established shipping routes and destination partnerships ensure reliable service regardless of where your international journey takes you.

How Much Does It Cost to Move Internationally?

International moving & storage costs vary significantly based on several factors, making personalized quotes essential for accurate budgeting. Distance and destination play the primary role—shipping to neighboring Canada or Mexico costs substantially less than relocating to Southeast Asia or Africa. Volume determines whether partial or full container shipping makes economic sense; a studio apartment might spend $3,000-$6,000 for shared container space, while a four-bedroom home requiring exclusive container use could range from $12,000-$25,000 or more.


Service level affects pricing considerably. Self-packing and delivering items to our warehouse reduces costs, while full-service options including professional packing, furniture disassembly, custom crating, and destination unpacking increase investment but eliminate physical labor and logistics coordination. Timing impacts rates as well—peak moving season (May through September) and holiday periods often carry premium pricing, while off-season moves may qualify for discounted rates.


Customs duties and destination charges add costs beyond our moving fees. Some countries impose tariffs on imported household goods, require local delivery agents, or mandate specific documentation that carries processing fees.


Our transparent international moving and storage estimating process identifies all potential costs upfront. We review your inventory, discuss service preferences, explain destination-specific requirements, and provide detailed breakdowns so you understand exactly what you're paying for. Interest-free financing is available for qualifying moves, and we accept multiple payment methods to accommodate international banking needs.


International Moving Process by Stewart Moving & Storage

Consultation

Your international move begins with a thorough consultation during which we discuss your destination, timeline, household inventory, and specific needs. Our moving coordinators explain the international shipping process, answer questions about customs requirements, and outline service options. This conversation establishes realistic expectations and helps us design a moving plan tailored to your situation.


Survey and Quotation

We conduct a detailed inventory of items you're shipping internationally, either through in-home survey, virtual walkthrough, or itemized list you provide. This survey captures furniture dimensions, special handling needs, and total volume, allowing us to recommend appropriate container size and calculate accurate shipping costs. You'll receive a comprehensive written quote breaking down all charges—packing, loading, ocean freight, customs clearance, destination delivery, and any additional services requested.


Packing and Loading

Our professional crews arrive with specialized international packing materials—export-grade boxes, moisture barriers, furniture wraps, and custom crating for fragile items. We inventory and label every box, creating detailed packing lists required for customs documentation. Items receive protective wrapping appropriate for ocean transit, and loading follows strategic placement plans that minimize shifting during transport. You'll receive copies of all inventory documentation before your shipment departs.


Shipping and Transport

Once loaded, your container moves to the departure port where it's transferred to ocean vessels operated by our established shipping partners. We provide estimated transit times based on destination and current shipping schedules, typically ranging from 4-8 weeks for most international routes. Throughout the voyage, our tracking systems monitor your shipment's progress, and we maintain communication regarding any schedule changes or port delays.


Customs Clearance

Our customs documentation expertise ensures your shipment includes all required paperwork—detailed inventory lists, valuation statements, and destination-specific forms. We coordinate with customs brokers at your destination port, providing necessary information for inspection and clearance. While customs processing timelines vary by country, our experience with international regulations helps prevent delays caused by incomplete documentation or improper declarations.


Delivery and Unpacking

After customs clearance, our destination agents coordinate delivery to your new home. Depending on your service package, this includes placement of boxes and furniture in designated rooms and optional unpacking services. We work within your schedule to arrange delivery timing, and our destination partners maintain the same professional standards you experienced during the packing phase.


Post-Move Support

Your Stewart Moving & Storage relationship doesn't end at delivery. We follow up to ensure everything arrived safely, address any concerns, and assist with claims processing if damage occurred during transit. Our commitment to your international moving and storage satisfaction means we remain accessible for questions about your move long after your belongings reach their international destination.

FAQ about International Moving and Storage

  • What is the cheapest way to ship belongings internationally?

    The most economical option is partial container shipping (LCL - Less than Container Load) combined with self-packing. By packing your own boxes and sharing container space with other shipments, you reduce both labor and transportation costs. However, this approach requires more personal effort and may extend transit time since shared containers wait for full loads before departure. Ocean freight consistently costs less than air cargo, though it takes longer. For minimal belongings, packing and shipping boxes through postal services or freight forwarders can work, but household goods shipments typically benefit from specialized international movers who handle customs documentation and destination delivery.

  • Is it worth it to ship furniture overseas?

    This depends on furniture value, sentimental attachment, and replacement costs at your destination. High-quality, expensive pieces (heirloom furniture and custom-built items, antiques) usually justify shipping expenses since replacement would cost more. Conversely, mass-produced furniture from retail stores often costs less to replace than to ship internationally. Consider your destination's furniture availability and pricing; some countries have expensive imported furniture while others offer affordable local options. You may want to ship sentimental pieces that can't be replaced, regardless of monetary value, or stored securely if your move abroad is temporary. Our team helps you evaluate which furniture makes sense to include in your international shipment.

  • Do international movers charge by weight or volume?

    International moving and storage companies typically charge based on volume (cubic feet or cubic meters) rather than weight, though both factors influence final costs. Ocean freight rates reflect container space occupied, so we calculate charges using your shipment's dimensions and total volume. However, weight matters for air cargo, where charges follow pound or kilogram calculations. Destination delivery fees sometimes incorporate weight, particularly if stairs, elevators, or long carries are involved. During your estimate, we explain how our pricing works for your specific move, whether you're shipping via ocean freight, air cargo, or a combination of both methods.

  • How long does overseas shipping take from the United States?

    Transit times vary significantly by destination and shipping method. Ocean freight to Europe typically takes 2-4 weeks from East Coast ports, while West Coast to Asia runs 3-5 weeks. Australia and New Zealand require 4-6 weeks, South America ranges from 2-5 weeks depending on specific country, and Africa averages 3-6 weeks. These estimates cover port-to-port transit; total door-to-door timeline includes domestic transport to departure port (1-2 weeks), customs clearance (3-10 days), and destination delivery (several days to two weeks). Air cargo delivers in 1-2 weeks total. We provide specific timeline estimates based on your exact origin and destination, current shipping schedules, and seasonal factors affecting transit.

  • Do I need to be present during customs clearance?

    You typically don't need physical presence at the port during customs clearance. Our customs brokers handle documentation submission, answer inspector questions, and facilitate the clearance process on your behalf. However, you must provide accurate, detailed information for customs forms—complete inventory lists, honest valuations, and any restricted items. Some countries require specific documents you'll need to supply (passport copies, visa information, residence permits, employment letters). Occasionally, customs officials request additional clarification about particular items, which our brokers communicate to you remotely. Physical inspection happens rarely, and when required, customs agents conduct it without owner presence. You'll need to be available at your destination address for final delivery, which occurs after successful customs clearance.

  • What items should not be packed for international moving and storage?

    Prohibited items vary by destination country, but common restrictions include hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, aerosols, propane tanks), perishable food, plants and seeds, weapons and ammunition (without proper permits), illegal substances, and flammable liquids. Many countries restrict or ban alcohol, tobacco products, prescription medications (without documentation), and batteries. Valuable documents (passports, birth certificates, financial records) should travel with you personally rather than in shipped containers. Electronics with lithium batteries sometimes face restrictions. Sentimental items you can't replace—family photos, irreplaceable heirlooms, essential documents—belong in your personal luggage. During consultation, we review your destination's specific restrictions and provide a complete prohibited items list.