Ever dreamt of moving overseas but dreaded the cost?
International moves are pricey. Like, extremely pricey. 76k pricey.
If you’re planning on shipping containers to or from abroad, you’ll probably be forking out a small fortune too. The average international relocation package for families is $76,000 according to WiFi Talents.
Cue the horror-movie music.
But wait, there’s a silver lining:
International moving pods have been a game-changer. A cheaper alternative to the big scary full-service moving companies. And with the right strategy, you can make big savings too.
In this ultimate guide to using international moving pods, we’ll cover:
- The Reasons Moving Pods Are Inexpensive
- Top Cost-Saving Strategies
- The Full Container Load vs Partial Container Load Debacle
- Best Times To Move For Maximum Savings
- Expenses To Include In Your Budget
Ready to learn how to move overseas for less? Let’s get it!
The 2 Reasons Moving Pods Are Cheaper In The First Place
It’s no secret that the relocation industry is booming.
The global relocation market size is expected to reach $94.2 Billion by 2025 according to Zerosset. Yet here’s the kicker…
Very little of that money is being spent on affordable moving options.
International moving pods provide a better solution. You pack the container yourself and a company transports it overseas. The ‘Do It Yourself’ element of it is what makes them so inexpensive in the first place.
Shipping an international container typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000 for a full container load. That’s a tiny fraction of the price compared to traditional moving companies
So there you have it. The money-saving secret to moving pods. You do a little bit of the work yourself and the moving company takes care of transport and logistics.
Seems simple enough right?
The Top Cost-Cutting Strategies For Your Move Overseas
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty. How can you save the most money on your move overseas?
We’ll share some tried and true cost-cutting strategies used by families all over the world who’ve saved a bundle on international relocations.
Declutter BEFORE You Pack
This might be the single most ignored piece of advice of all time.
Every item you put in your shipping container costs you money. The more items you have, the bigger the container you’ll need to rent. The bigger the container, the more you’ll pay.
Here’s a shortlist of suggestions:
- Sell furniture that costs less to replace than ship
- Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year
- Digitize documents rather than packing paper
- Throw away bulky items that won’t fit in your new home
The rule is simple. Less items means less shipping costs. Thousands of families have saved thousands of dollars just by downsizing before they packed.
Self-Pack Your Belongings
Self-packing is another massive money-saving strategy. According to International Van Lines, it can shave off around 10% of your total moving costs. That can really add up on a large international move.
Self-packing means that you are responsible for the boxing and wrapping of your items. The moving pod company is responsible for transport.
The advantages are obvious:
- Lower labour costs
- Greater control over how items are packed
- Flexibility in packing up at your own pace
- No need to rush to a moving crews schedule
The key is to do it right. Damages from inadequate packing won’t be covered by insurance.
Full Container Load vs Less Than Container Load
This is a big decision that could make or break your moving budget.
Renting a Full Container Load (FCL) means renting out the entire container. You pay for all of the space even if you don’t fill it.
Renting Less than a Container Load (LCL) means sharing container space with other shipments. You only pay for the space you use.
Here’s how to know which one to choose:
- Go with FCL if: you have enough belongings to fill a 3+ bedroom home
- Go with LCL if: you’re moving a small apartment or just need to send minimal items
Renting LCL is typically more affordable than FCL if you’re only moving a smaller amount of belongings. FCL typically gives you more control and often comes with faster delivery times.
The tipping point is typically if your belongings will take up less than 15 cubic metres of space. If it’s less, go LCL. If it’s more, FCL is usually the better value.
Timing Your Move For The Best Deal
When you move is just as important as how you move.
Peak moving season is considered to be between May and September. This is when most people are moving and so demand and prices are higher.
Saving money on shipping costs can be as simple as moving off-season:
- Book your move in the off-season from October to April to get cheaper rates
- Avoid moving during the holiday season
- Move in the middle of the month instead of end
- Schedule pickup on a weekday if possible rather than the weekend
A recent study by WHR 2024 Benchmark Study found that 68% of relocation programmes are now focussing on reducing costs. Businesses have cottoned on to the benefits of strategic timing. You should do the same.
Hidden Costs That Sneak Up On You
Shifting stuff via international moving pods is never all inclusive. Costs are sure to pop up unexpectedly.
Keep an eye out for the following expenses:
- Customs fees – Allow around $100-$250 per shipment for clearance
- Port handling charges – Expect to pay between $100-$400 at the destination
- Insurance – Don’t skip this out on this. Costs vary from $35-$470 per month
- Duties and taxes – Import duties range from 5-20% of the value of your items
- Storage fees – Can’t receive immediately? You’ll have to pay to store them
The trick is to ask for a quote with all costs up-front. Get it in writing before you sign on the dotted line.
Comparing Your Options Like A Professional
Don’t book anything before you check prices elsewhere. Get at least three quotes from different companies.
Compare the following before you decide:
- Total cost with all fees included
- Container sizes offered
- Insurance options and limits
- Estimated delivery time frames
- Customer reviews and ratings
Don’t just opt for the cheapest deal. Look for the best value. A slightly higher price might offer a better insurance or faster shipping.
The Bottom Line On Saving Money Overseas
The people who always save the most money with international moving pods are the ones who do their research.
It really does come down to careful planning and strategy.
Here’s a recap of what we covered on how to save money with moving pods:
- Declutter everything before you pack
- Self-pack to save 10% or more
- Decide if you need a full container or less than
- Time your move to when rates are low
- Get a quote that’s all-inclusive of fees
- Shop around before you book with a company
The difference between a smart move and a stupidly expensive one? Planning.
Wrap Up
Shipping your items overseas with an international moving pod company is one of the best ways to move overseas without breaking the bank.
They strike the perfect balance between cost savings and convenience. Of course, to get the most value, you have to know how to use international moving pods to your advantage.
The strategies we’ve outlined above are simple but effective. They just take a bit of planning and effort.
The best way to start is to just do a bit of research.
Get quotes from a few different companies. Check out different sizes to see what you actually need. Factor in the best time to move. Work out all of the hidden costs.
If you do the legwork right, moving overseas with an international moving pod suddenly becomes affordable.
And that money you save? That’s money in your pocket for settling into your new life abroad. Now isn’t that what you want?
