International Movers in Seattle

International relocation costs can vary widely, typically ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 or more. According to Relocately, “For instance, shipping costs for a 2-bedroom apartment can range from $4,000 to $10,000, while a larger home could cost anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 or more.” Factors that influence the price of an international move include:

• The distance of the move.
• Complexity of customs procedures in the destination country
• The volume and weight of belongings
• The chosen shipping method (air, sea, or land).
• Insurance coverage
• Any additional services required.

Auto shipping will add to that cost as well. According to Move.org, “On average, shipping a car to another country will cost you up to $5,000 or more.” 

With over 100 years of experience serving the greater Seattle area, Lincoln Moving & Storage understands that every international move differs. We aim to offer clear, fair, and tailored pricing that covers everything we’ve mentioned above. We’ll create a personalized quote based on what you specifically need. “Our team works with you to find the best cost-saving solutions while delivering top-notch service,” says International Move Coordinator Mary Bishop, who has over 10 years of experience specializing in international moving. Request your free international moving quote today by filling out our online estimate form or calling us at (800) 426-4780.

International moves require careful attention to customs regulations and documentation. Generally, movers must provide a detailed inventory of all shipped items, proof of ownership, and a valid passport. Certain countries require additional documents such as work visas, residence permits, or specific customs forms. When moving overseas, it’s also important to be aware of prohibited or restricted items, which can vary by country.

According to Moving.com, “Depending on where you’re moving, your belongings might be taxable (furniture, computers, musical instruments, cameras, etc.). The tax amount is determined at a certain percentage of the item’s value that you’ve declared.” In addition, certain items, like plants, certain electronics, alcohol, and firearms, may be prohibited or face restrictions in certain countries

At Lincoln Moving & Storage, we’re pros at dealing with international customs. We know all the latest rules and can help you get your paperwork together. We’ll guide you through the documents you need, help you list everything you’re bringing, and give you some tips for dealing with those tricky items. As Owner Chris DiJulio says, “We just want to make sure everything goes smoothly at customs to keep delays and problems to a minimum.”

International moving companies typically provide several insurance options, often called ‘moving valuation’ options. These differ from domestic moving insurance and typically only cover items packed by your moving company.

Lincoln Moving & Storage has two main insurance options for international moves: Replacement Value and Valued Inventory.

Replacement Value: This insurance option reimburses you at $8/lb for lost or damaged items. Any item valued at $500 or more must be declared and valued individually in order to get reimbursed for the full value of the item if it is lost or damaged during the move.

Valued Inventory: You must declare the value of each item you are moving in order for the insurance plan to cover them. Items with a value of under $500, like clothes and kitchen items, can be grouped together. Under this plan, you will be reimbursed for the individual value of any listed item that is lost or damaged.

Please note that these insurance options require all items to be carrier-packed. Lincoln does not offer insurance options for international moves on DIY-packed items.

As Mary Bishop, Lincoln’s Dedicated International Move Manager, says, “We’re all about keeping things clear and honest when it comes to insurance, so you know exactly what you’re getting into before your big move.”

The duration of international shipping times from Seattle can vary significantly depending on the final moving destination and shipping method. According to Move.org, “On average, international moves using air transportation take two-to-four weeks… [while] international moves by ocean take six to eight weeks.” Ocean freight, the most common option, varies based on location. The following list gives standard ocean freight shipping times (with door-to-door delivery) for common locations:

• Asia: 6-10 weeks
• Australia: 5-7 weeks
• Caribbean: 6-8 weeks
• Europe: 5-9 weeks
• Mexico & Canada: 2-4 weeks
• South America: 6-9 weeks

Factors like customs clearance, port congestion, and local transportation can also affect delivery times.

As a member of the International Association of Movers, Lincoln Moving & Storage works hard to ensure timely and stress-free deliveries for all international moves. We provide estimated timeframes based on your specific move details and inform you of any changes. Our partnerships with reliable shipping companies and efficient logistics management help minimize delays. “While we can’t control all aspects of international shipping, we aim to make the process as smooth and predictable as possible,” says VP Danny DiJulio.

When moving internationally, you can trust professional international movers to pack your belongings safely for transit. They utilize top-tier packing materials such as robust boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam sheets and even offer custom crating for delicate or valuable items. 

Moreover, many companies provide comprehensive packing services, where their skilled professionals meticulously wrap and pack all your items with the correct materials and techniques. According to Architectural Digest, “A full packing service has the movers handle the entire packing process, so you don’t have to lift a finger. It reduces stress and ensures your belongings are properly packed for safe transport.”

Lincoln Moving & Storage takes great care in packing your belongings for international moves. Our team uses premium packing materials and employs proven techniques to ensure maximum protection. We offer full packing services performed by our experienced staff, who are trained in the best practices for international shipping. For delicate or high-value items, we provide custom crating solutions. “We aim to deliver your possessions safely, no matter how far they travel,” says Tacoma General Manager Tony Bouie.

Many international moving companies offer temporary storage solutions for customers facing delays in their new location. This service can be crucial when arrival dates don’t align with shipping schedules or when unexpected delays occur during the moving process. Storage facilities are typically secure and climate-controlled to ensure the safety of stored items.

Lincoln Moving & Storage understands that international moves don’t always go according to plan. We offer flexible storage options at our secure facilities in Tacoma (30,000 sq ft), Kent (50,3000 sq ft), and Everett, WA (57,000 sq ft). Whether you need long or short-term storage, we can accommodate your needs. Our storage warehouse facilities are under 24/7 surviellance and climate-controlled to protect your belongings. “We make it easy to access your items when needed and can arrange for delivery to your new home when you’re ready,” said Owner Chris DiJulio, who has over 55 years of experience in the moving industry.

Good communication is essential in international moving. Most reputable movers assign a dedicated move coordinator to each customer. This person is the main point of contact throughout the move, providing updates on shipping progress, answering questions, and addressing any concerns. Many companies also offer online tracking systems and regular email or phone updates.

At Lincoln Moving & Storage, we believe in clear and consistent communication. Each of our international moving customers is assigned a personal move specialist. Your assigned moving specialist will provide updates and address your questions or concerns throughout the entire moving process. “Our team proactively reaches out with important information and is always just a phone call or email away if you need anything,” says Vice President Danny DiJulio, who has over 25 years of experience in the moving industry.

Many international movers provide services at the destination, including unloading, unpacking, and basic setup. This can include placing furniture in designated rooms, reassembling items that were disassembled for the move, and removing packing materials. The level of service can often be customized based on the customer’s needs and preferences.

Lincoln Moving & Storage offers comprehensive destination services to make your transition as smooth as possible. We work with international partners who handle everything from unloading and unpacking to furniture assembly and placement. We work efficiently to help you settle into your new home or office quickly. “If you prefer to unpack yourself, we can simply unload your belongings and remove packing materials,” says Tacoma General Manager Tony Bouie, “Our goal is to tailor our moving and storage services to your specific needs and preferences.”

Reputable international moving companies should be able to provide references or reviews from past customers. Many companies feature testimonials on their websites or direct potential customers to third-party review sites. It’s also common for movers to offer contact information for recent customers who have agreed to serve as references. According to Moving.com, “If a moving company can’t give you references who will vouch for their service, this is a sign that something is wrong.”

At Lincoln Moving & Storage, we’re proud of our track record of successful international moves. We’re happy to provide references from customers who have recently completed similar moves. Our website features reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers, and we encourage potential customers to check our reviews on independent platforms. “We believe that our best advocates are the people we’ve helped move across the globe, and we’re confident in the quality of our services,” says Owner Chris DiJulio, who started working for Lincoln Moving & Storage when he was 16.