When you're planning to relocate abroad, the costs involved can sometimes represent a substantial investment. You need to take this into account right from the start, to make sure you're making the right choices for your expatriation. How do you estimate the cost of an international move? What criteria influence the cost of transporting your belongings? Les Gentlemen du déménagement gives you the keys to understanding how an estimate is drawn up for an international move.
As with a domestic move, the price of an international move depends first and foremost on the volume of personal effects to be moved, and the conditions under which they will be handled at the home (access, floors, etc.). But the remoteness and location of the destination country also play a decisive role in the price, and may require the use of fairly expensive modes of transport such as air. In some cases, you may also have to pay for customs formalities, which are an additional cost of the move.
In any move, the price of the service depends first and foremost on the volume of goods to be moved. This volume not only determines the cost of packing and handling, but also the means of transport required. In the case of heavy or fragile loads, the use of specific handling equipment and special protection requirements can also increase the price.
Before you start, you need to think carefully about what you'll really need in your new life. Sorting out your belongings and putting them in storage can save you a lot of money. Don't hesitate to ask a moving professional for advice. The more items you have to move, the more expensive the move will be.
In an international move, transportation is the most important cost item. The further away the destination, the higher the costs. But prices also vary according to the mode of transport used.
Road and rail transport are obviously the least expensive. They are preferred for all international moves within Europe. But they are not always possible. For a long-distance move or a move to another continent, the costs are much higher, as goods have to be transported by ship or plane.
Although slower than air transport, sea freight is the most economical solution. It's the best mode of transport for large volumes. Air transport, on the other hand, is recommended for smaller volumes and reduced total weight. In all cases, air transport remains the fastest means of transport.
Depending on the destination, any administrative formalities are added to the transport costs. This applies in particular to customs duties. For a move within the European Union, there are no customs duties. But you should be aware that a move outside the EU requires specific formalities which are your responsibility, and may be billed to you.
In addition to the mode of transport, you should also be aware that the period during which you are moving has a significant influence on costs. Rates fluctuate from season to season. If possible, you should opt for autumn or winter to move more cheaply. These are the least busy periods, and therefore the most advantageous in terms of rates.
It protects your belongings during loading and transportation. In fact, it's essential for a worry-free move. In the event of damage, you can be compensated by the insurance company. Compensation is calculated on the basis of the declaration of value you are required to draw up before the move. The price of the insurance is generally calculated on the basis of a percentage applied to the estimated value of the goods. Don't hesitate to ask your mover for advice on the best way to define the value of your goods at the time of declaration.
Given all the criteria that go to make up a quote, it's very difficult to give a global price estimate for an international move. Each project has its own specificities, which require a careful examination of all particular conditions.
The best way to find out how much you need to spend on your international move is to ask for an estimate. This will give you a precise idea of the operations involved. Depending on your needs, we can propose different solutions.
A final word of advice: when choosing a service provider for your international move, don't focus solely on price. Even more so than domestic moves, an international move is a complex operation requiring considerable expertise. So it's best to call on a professional to move your belongings safely, and to make sure you meet the regulatory requirements of your destination country. You should also take into account the moving company's resources, references and quality certifications (ISO 9001, 14 001...).
Don't hesitate to contact us for an estimate of the costs involved in your international move. Thanks to our network of movers throughout Europe (European Moving Group) and our membership of the worldwide IAM network (International Association of Movers), Les Gentlemen du déménagement can assist you with your move anywhere in the world. You benefit from a single point of contact to manage all the administrative and logistical operations involved in your move, whatever your destination country.