Moving internationally means leaving the safety of your belongings in the hands of professionals who understand customs regulations, climate control, and fragile handling across borders. Whether you're relocating to London, Singapore, or Sydney, specialized packing and unpacking services can mean the difference between arriving to intact possessions and discovering costly damage at your destination. Here's what you need to know to hire the right team.
What International Packing Services Actually Include
Legitimate overseas packing services go far beyond wrapping items in bubble wrap. Full-service providers handle customs documentation preparation, climate-controlled packing (critical for humidity-sensitive items), specialized crating for antiques or art, and unpacking and placement at your destination address.
Most reputable companies conduct a pre-move inventory audit—either in-person or via video walk-through—to provide accurate quotes and identify high-value or fragile items requiring extra care. They'll also arrange for shrink-wrapping of furniture and supply custom-built boxes rather than standard cardboard, which matters significantly on long ocean voyages where temperature and pressure fluctuate.
Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay
International packing costs depend heavily on distance, volume, and service level. Expect to pay $2,000–$8,000 for a one-bedroom apartment move within the EU or North America, while intercontinental moves (North America to Asia-Pacific) typically run $6,000–$18,000+ for comparable volumes.
Labor typically represents 40–50% of costs. Professional packers charge $50–$150 per hour depending on location and experience level. Materials (boxes, padding, crates, protective film) add another 20–30%, with specialized crating for pianos or fine art pushing costs substantially higher.
Don't forget hidden fees: customs brokerage (usually $300–$600), storage during transit (if applicable, $100–$300/month), and destination unpacking services (often billed separately at $40–$100/hour).
Timeline: How Long Does International Packing Take?
The packing phase itself typically takes 3–7 days for a standard household, depending on volume and complexity. However, total timeline from first appointment to final delivery can span 6–12 weeks for overseas moves.
Here's the realistic sequence:
- Week 1: Initial assessment and quote
- Week 2–3: Booking confirmed, materials ordered
- Week 4–5: Packing phase (3–7 days of actual work)
- Week 5–12: Transit and customs clearance (varies by destination)
- Week 12+: Unpacking and placement at destination
Tropical or high-humidity destinations like Bangkok or Miami require additional acclimation time (2–3 days minimum) after arrival to prevent wood warping and moisture damage.
Red Flags When Comparing Providers
Not all packing companies have the credentials for international moves. Check these specific requirements:
- FIDI or IAM membership: These international moving federations enforce compliance standards for customs, insurance, and handling protocols.
- Liability insurance minimum: Look for providers carrying at least $250,000 in coverage for goods in transit.
- Customs expertise: Ask whether they handle HS codes and import documentation themselves or outsource it (delays happen with the latter).
- References from your destination country: A packer excellent in London may lack knowledge of Australian quarantine requirements.
- Transparent pricing model: Hourly labor rates, material costs, and fixed fees should be itemized—not bundled vaguely as "service charges."
What to Do Before Hiring
Create a detailed inventory of what's moving. This isn't about guessing—photograph items, note dimensions for large pieces, and flag anything fragile, valuable, or restricted (electronics often require voltage converters; some countries prohibit certain wood types due to pest regulations).
Get minimum three written quotes specifying what's included. "Full packing service" means different things; one quote might include unpacking, another might not.
Request a site visit estimate rather than phone quotes. Professional packers need to see your space, assess stair access, and evaluate whether items require partial disassembly.
Finding Trusted Providers
Services like Mercoly let you compare vetted packing and unpacking providers in your area and destination, with transparent pricing and customer reviews—saving time on vetting credentials yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I pack items myself to save money on international moves? A: Not recommended. International customs inspections often penalize poorly packed items, and damage claims are easier to process when a licensed professional did the packing—plus labor costs are typically lower than damage replacement.
Q: What items are usually prohibited in international moves? A: Hazardous materials (paint, batteries, propane), certain foods and plants, and sometimes electronics depending on destination. Your packer should verify restrictions with your specific destination country; Australia and New Zealand have particularly strict biosecurity rules.
Q: Do I need separate insurance beyond what the moving company offers? A: Most moving companies offer basic coverage (typically $0.50/lb), which is insufficient for valuable items. Purchase full-value coverage or supplemental fine arts insurance for anything over $5,000 individually.
Compare multiple providers on Mercoly to find the right fit for your international move.