At Affordable Quality Moving & Storage, we help those who are moving to Southern California from somewhere outside the U.S.
Experienced International Movers
Moving overseas is one of those things that sounds exciting until you start thinking about all the logistics. The paperwork, the timing, the question of whether your grandmother’s antique dresser will actually make it across the ocean in one piece. It’s a lot. And honestly, most people don’t realize just how complicated an international move can get until they’re knee-deep in customs forms and shipping quotes.
That’s where working with experienced international movers makes a real difference. At Affordable Quality Moving and Storage, we’ve been handling moves of all sizes since 1996, and international relocations are something our team takes seriously. Whether you’re heading to Europe for a new job, relocating your family to Asia, or retiring somewhere warm in Central America, we’ve got the experience to get your belongings from Southern California to your destination country without the headaches.
What to Expect
A local move is pretty straightforward — you pack boxes, load a truck, drive across town, unload, and done. An international move is a totally different animal. You’re dealing with ocean freight or air-based shipping, customs clearance at both ends, potential restricted items that can’t cross certain borders, and timelines that can stretch weeks or even months depending on where you’re going.
The international moving process involves a lot of coordination between multiple parties: the pickup team here in California, the shipping company handling ocean or air transport, customs brokers in your new country, and the delivery crew on the other end. One miscommunication anywhere along that chain and your shipment could end up sitting in a warehouse overseas. Professional movers who specialize in international relocation know how to keep all those pieces moving together.
Preparation
If you’re thinking about moving abroad, the best thing you can do is plan ahead. International moves typically need at least three to four months of lead time — sometimes more, depending on your destination country and the size of your shipment. Rushing an overseas move is a recipe for stress, forgotten items, and unexpected costs.
Start by making a complete inventory of everything you want to bring. International moving costs are usually calculated by volume or weight, so knowing exactly what’s coming with you helps our team give you accurate estimates upfront. This is also a good time to decide what stays behind. Once you’ve got your inventory, reach out for a customized international moving quote.
Customs & Documentation
This is the part that trips most people up. Every country has its own rules about what you can bring in, what’s taxed, and what’s flat-out prohibited. Customs clearance isn’t just a formality — it’s a real step in the process that requires accurate paperwork and documentation.
Our international moving specialists handle customs clearance coordination as part of the service. That means we help you prepare the required documents, make sure your inventory lists match what’s actually in your boxes, and work with customs officials so your personal effects can clear without delays. Some countries require specific forms signed by their embassy before you even ship. Others have strict rules about bringing in food, plants, or certain electronics. We’ll walk you through what applies to your situation so there are no surprises when your shipment arrives.
What’s Included
When you work with our team for an international relocation, you’re getting more than just a truck and some movers.
Professional Packing
Full packing services with materials specifically designed for long-distance ocean transport.
Inventory Documentation
Detailed inventory documentation required for customs clearance in most countries.
Freight Coordination
Ocean freight or air shipping coordination depending on your timeline and budget.
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance support on the US side and guidance for your destination country.
Storage Solutions
Storage services available if your new home isn’t ready when your shipment arrives.
Dedicated Support
A responsive team that keeps you informed and updated throughout the entire process.
Pricing
International moving costs vary depending on a few key factors. Where you’re going matters — shipping to Canada is a lot cheaper than shipping to Australia. The volume of your shipment matters too. A studio apartment’s worth of stuff costs less than a four-bedroom house. And your timeline plays a role — air-based shipping is faster but significantly more expensive than ocean freight.
We provide detailed cost estimates so you know what to expect before you commit. No hidden fees, no surprise charges when your stuff is already on a boat somewhere. During your initial consultation, we’ll break down what each part of the move costs so you can make informed decisions about what to ship, what to store, and what to leave behind.
Most customers find that once they see the numbers laid out clearly, it’s easier to adjust their plan to fit their budget. Maybe you ship your essentials by air so they arrive quickly, and send the rest by ocean freight to save money. Maybe you put some things in storage here in Santa Clarita and decide later whether to ship them. There are options, and our job is to help you figure out what works best for your situation.
Before You Go
Whatever your reason for moving internationally, planning ahead is the single best thing you can do. Here are a few quick tips from our international movers:
Customer Reviews
Hundreds of five-star reviews from customers across Southern California and beyond.
Contact our experienced team for a free, no-obligation moving estimate.
