Moving overseas is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and the cost of moving overseas is notoriously difficult to pin down. Between shipping costs, customs duties, insurance, packing materials, and destination delivery charges, industry pricing for a move like this typically falls somewhere between roughly $1,200 for a handful of boxes and $20,000 or more for a full household — as a very rough market guide, since the real number depends heavily on volume, destination and shipping method. Worse, most international moving companies will not give you a straight answer on price until after you have committed.
We built City Post Express to change that. We quote flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees — the price we quote is the price you pay. In this complete guide, we break down every cost involved in an international move from the United States to Europe, provide real price ranges by shipping method and destination country, and show you exactly where you can save hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
Whether you are relocating for work, retiring abroad, or starting a new chapter as an expat, this guide covers everything you need to budget accurately for your overseas move.
What Determines the Cost of Moving Overseas from the US?
Before we dive into specific numbers, it helps to understand the five main factors that determine how much it costs to move overseas:
- Shipping method — Ocean freight (shared container or full container) vs. air freight vs. parcel shipping through carriers like USPS or FedEx
- Volume and weight — Whether you are shipping 5 boxes of personal items or a full household with furniture makes a massive difference
- Destination country — Shipping to Ireland costs differently than shipping to Germany, Spain, or Italy
- Service level — Door-to-door delivery, port-to-port, or self-pack with carrier pickup
- Time of year — Summer (May through August) is peak moving season with higher rates and tighter availability
Let us break each of these down with real pricing data so you can build an accurate budget for your international move.
International Moving Costs by Shipping Method
The shipping method you choose is the single biggest factor in your total overseas moving costs. Here is how the three main options compare for a move from the US to Europe.
Ocean Freight: LCL (Less Than Container Load)
Ocean LCL shipping is the most popular and cost-effective choice for people shipping between 5 and 50 boxes overseas. You share container space with other shipments, so you only pay for the cubic footage you actually use. This method is ideal for international mini moves — when you are shipping personal belongings but not an entire household worth of furniture. The ranges below are indicative industry figures, not a quote — actual pricing depends on your carrier, the season, and your exact volume, so treat them as a planning guide.
| Shipment Size | US to Ireland | US to UK | US to Germany | US to France | US to Spain | US to Italy | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 boxes (~25 cu ft) | $600–$1,500 | $600–$1,400 | $700–$1,700 | $700–$1,700 | $750–$1,800 | $750–$1,800 | 4–6 weeks |
| 10 boxes (~50 cu ft) | $900–$2,200 | $800–$2,000 | $1,100–$2,600 | $1,100–$2,600 | $1,200–$2,700 | $1,200–$2,700 | 4–6 weeks |
| 20 boxes (~100 cu ft) | $1,400–$3,400 | $1,200–$3,000 | $1,600–$4,000 | $1,600–$4,000 | $1,700–$4,250 | $1,700–$4,250 | 4–6 weeks |
| 40 boxes (~200 cu ft) | $2,200–$5,250 | $2,000–$4,750 | $2,500–$6,000 | $2,500–$6,000 | $2,500–$6,250 | $2,500–$6,250 | 4–6 weeks |
| 50+ boxes (~250+ cu ft) | $2,750–$6,750 | $2,500–$6,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $3,250–$8,250 | $3,250–$8,250 | 4–6 weeks |
Best for: Students moving abroad, expats shipping personal belongings, partial household moves, and anyone looking for the cheapest way to ship overseas.
Ocean Freight: FCL (Full Container Load)
If you are moving the contents of an entire apartment or house, a dedicated full container is typically more cost-effective than paying LCL rates for a very large shipment. You get the entire container to yourself, so pricing is based on the container size rather than per-box or per-cubic-foot rates.
| Container Size | US to Ireland | US to UK | US to Germany | US to France | US to Spain | US to Italy | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-ft container (~1,000 cu ft) | $2,750–$6,750 | $2,500–$6,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $3,250–$8,500 | $3,250–$8,500 | 3–5 weeks |
| 40-ft container (~2,000 cu ft) | $4,250–$10,500 | $4,000–$9,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | $5,500–$13,500 | $5,500–$13,500 | 3–5 weeks |
Best for: Families moving entire households, anyone shipping furniture, appliances, and large items. Check out our full container package for all-inclusive pricing.
Air Freight
Air freight is significantly faster but costs 4 to 6 times more than ocean freight per pound. It makes sense for small, time-sensitive shipments or high-value items you cannot wait 4 to 6 weeks to receive.
| Shipment Size | US to Ireland | US to UK | US to Germany/France | US to Spain/Italy | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 boxes (~50 lbs) | $450–$1,200 | $400–$1,100 | $550–$1,400 | $600–$1,500 | 3–7 days |
| 5 boxes (~100 lbs) | $900–$2,400 | $800–$2,200 | $1,100–$2,700 | $1,200–$2,900 | 3–7 days |
| 10 boxes (~200 lbs) | $1,900–$5,000 | $1,700–$4,500 | $2,200–$5,500 | $2,250–$6,000 | 5–10 days |
| 20+ boxes (~400+ lbs) | $3,750–$10,000 | $3,500–$8,750 | $4,250–$11,000 | $4,750–$11,500 | 5–10 days |
Best for: Time-sensitive moves, small shipments of essentials, high-value electronics, or important documents.
Cost of Moving Overseas by Destination Country
Where you are moving matters almost as much as how much you are shipping. Shipping rates to Europe vary based on the distance from US departure ports, the volume of commercial traffic on each shipping lane, and the inland transit distance from the European port of entry to your final address.
Below is a destination-by-destination breakdown for a typical 20-box shipment via ocean LCL from the US East Coast. As with the tables above, treat these as indicative industry ranges rather than a quote — get an actual number for your shipment before you budget around it.
Shipping to Ireland
Ireland is one of the most affordable European destinations to ship to from the United States, thanks to direct shipping lanes and high volumes of US-to-Ireland traffic. Dublin and Cork are the primary ports of entry.
- 20 boxes via ocean LCL: $1,400–$3,400
- Customs duties: Typically $0 with Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief
- Total landed cost: $1,400–$3,600
- Transit time: 4–6 weeks door-to-door
Ireland uses the EU Transfer of Residence scheme, which allows duty-free import of personal effects when you are genuinely relocating. You will need proof of your new Irish address, employment contract, or residency documentation. Read our complete guide to moving to Ireland from the US for full details on customs requirements, documentation, and what to expect.
See our 20 Boxes to Ireland package for flat-rate pricing.
Shipping to the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is typically the cheapest European destination to ship to from the US because of heavy commercial traffic and direct routes to ports like Southampton and Felixstowe.
- 20 boxes via ocean LCL: $1,200–$3,000
- Customs duties: Typically $0 with Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief
- Total landed cost: $1,200–$3,200
- Transit time: 4–6 weeks door-to-door
Since Brexit, the UK has its own customs regime separate from the EU. However, the UK still offers Transfer of Residence relief for personal effects. You will need to apply through HMRC and provide proof that you are moving your primary residence. Post-Brexit, some items that previously moved freely may now require additional declarations. See our guide to moving to the UK from the US for details.
Check out our 20 Boxes to UK package for transparent pricing.
Shipping to Germany
Germany is the most popular continental European destination for American expats. Shipping costs are moderately higher than Ireland or the UK due to additional inland transit from the port of entry (typically Hamburg or Bremerhaven) to your city.
- 20 boxes via ocean LCL: $1,600–$4,000
- Customs duties: Typically $0 with EU Transfer of Residence relief
- Total landed cost: $1,600–$4,300
- Transit time: 5–7 weeks door-to-door
Germany requires an Anmeldung (registration of address) upon arrival, which also helps with your ToR customs claim. EU regulations allow duty-free import of personal belongings that you have owned and used for at least six months. Our full guide to moving to Germany from the US covers everything from customs paperwork to German bureaucratic requirements.
Shipping to France
France receives shipments primarily through Le Havre and Marseille. Costs are similar to Germany, with the inland transit distance to your final address being the main variable.
- 20 boxes via ocean LCL: $1,600–$4,000
- Customs duties: Typically $0 with EU Transfer of Residence relief
- Total landed cost: $1,600–$4,300
- Transit time: 5–7 weeks door-to-door
France requires a carte de sejour (residency permit) for non-EU nationals, which doubles as documentation for your ToR customs claim. Our guide to moving to France from the US walks through every step of the customs and relocation process.
Shipping to Spain
Spain is increasingly popular with American retirees and remote workers. Shipments arrive through Barcelona, Valencia, or Algeciras, with slightly higher costs than northern European destinations.
- 20 boxes via ocean LCL: $1,700–$4,250
- Customs duties: Typically $0 with EU Transfer of Residence relief
- Total landed cost: $1,700–$4,550
- Transit time: 5–8 weeks door-to-door
You will need a NIE number (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) to clear customs in Spain and to handle virtually every administrative task in the country. Apply for your NIE before shipping or immediately upon arrival. See our guide to moving to Spain from the US for a complete breakdown.
Shipping to Italy
Italy receives freight through Genoa, Naples, and La Spezia. Costs are comparable to Spain, with transit times slightly longer for southern Italian destinations.
- 20 boxes via ocean LCL: $1,700–$4,250
- Customs duties: Typically $0 with EU Transfer of Residence relief
- Total landed cost: $1,700–$4,550
- Transit time: 5–8 weeks door-to-door
Italy requires a Codice Fiscale (tax identification number) for customs clearance and nearly all official transactions. You can apply for one at your nearest Italian consulate before you move. Read our guide to moving to Italy from the US for comprehensive relocation advice.
Destination Cost Comparison Summary
| Destination | 20-Box Ocean LCL Cost | Customs Duties (Personal Effects) | Total Landed Cost | Door-to-Door Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $1,200–$3,000 | $0 (ToR relief) | $1,200–$3,200 | 4–6 weeks |
| Ireland | $1,400–$3,400 | $0 (ToR relief) | $1,400–$3,600 | 4–6 weeks |
| Germany | $1,600–$4,000 | $0 (ToR relief) | $1,600–$4,300 | 5–7 weeks |
| France | $1,600–$4,000 | $0 (ToR relief) | $1,600–$4,300 | 5–7 weeks |
| Spain | $1,700–$4,250 | $0 (ToR relief) | $1,700–$4,550 | 5–8 weeks |
| Italy | $1,700–$4,250 | $0 (ToR relief) | $1,700–$4,550 | 5–8 weeks |
Key insight: The UK and Ireland are consistently the cheapest European destinations to ship to from the US because of direct shipping routes and high traffic volumes on those lanes. Continental European destinations cost more due to additional inland transit from the major port of entry. Check our Europe shipping page for the latest rates to all destinations.
The Hidden Costs of Moving Overseas (What Most Guides Leave Out)
The shipping quote you receive is just the starting point. Here are the costs that catch people off guard — and that many international moving companies conveniently omit from their initial estimate.
1. Customs Duties and Import Taxes
Estimated cost: $0–$500+
Most European countries offer duty-free import of personal effects if you are genuinely relocating your primary residence. This is known as "Transfer of Residence" (ToR) relief in both the EU and the UK. However, you must provide documentation proving your move, such as a residency permit, employment contract, or signed lease. New items with tags still attached or items purchased specifically for the move may be assessed duties of 5 to 20 percent of declared value. Read our customs clearance guide for country-by-country requirements.
2. Insurance
Estimated cost: $50–$650
Marine cargo insurance typically runs 2 to 3 percent of the declared value of your goods, so the cost scales with what you are shipping — the higher the value you declare, the more cover costs, in roughly the same proportion. We strongly recommend insurance for any international shipment. Ocean carriers' standard liability is limited to roughly $500 per container under standard maritime liability rules, which will not cover much if something goes wrong during a multi-week voyage.
3. Packing Materials
Estimated cost: $40–$550
If you self-pack (which we recommend for cost savings), budget for sturdy double-walled boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. For a 20-box shipment, expect to spend roughly $80 to $250 on materials. Professional packing services add $150 to $1,000 depending on the volume of your shipment.
4. Storage Fees
Estimated cost: $0–$400 per month
If your shipment arrives before your housing is ready, or if you need to store items at origin before shipping, warehouse storage typically costs $40 to $200 per month for a small shipment and $100 to $400 per month for larger loads. At City Post Express, we offer short-term storage at no additional charge for qualifying shipments.
5. Destination Delivery and Last-Mile Charges
Estimated cost: $50–$650
Getting your goods from the destination port to your front door is an often-overlooked cost. This includes port handling, local delivery truck hire, and sometimes stair-carry fees for apartments without elevators. Some companies quote "port-to-port" to make their prices appear lower, then surprise you with these additional charges at the destination.
6. Fuel Surcharges and Peak Season Premiums
Estimated cost: $40–$650
Many carriers add fuel surcharges that fluctuate monthly, plus peak season surcharges from May through August. These can add 10 to 20 percent to your base shipping rate. At City Post Express, our flat-rate quotes include all surcharges — no surprises when the bill arrives.
7. Documentation and Customs Brokerage
Estimated cost: $40–$400
Bills of lading, customs declarations, and import paperwork need to be filed correctly or your shipment could be delayed or held at the port. Some companies charge separate customs brokerage fees of $50 to $400. We include customs documentation assistance in our standard service.
Complete Cost Breakdown: What a Typical Overseas Move Actually Costs
Let us put it all together with a real-world example: a 20-box shipment from New York to Dublin, Ireland, comparing three service levels and where the costs actually show up along the way.
| Cost Category | Budget (DIY Approach) | Mid-Range Service | Full-Service Move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean shipping (LCL, 20 boxes) | Booked and shopped around yourself | Booked through a broker, usually marked up | One flat quote, confirmed before pickup |
| Packing materials | You buy and assemble | Sometimes included | Included |
| Professional packing | Not offered | Available at extra cost | Included |
| Insurance | Arranged separately, priced on declared value | Arranged separately, priced on declared value | Arranged as part of the quote |
| Pickup / collection | You drop off yourself | Extra charge | Included |
| Customs documentation | You file it yourself | Sometimes included | Included |
| Customs duties | $0 (ToR relief) | $0 (ToR relief) | $0 (ToR relief) |
| Destination delivery | Extra charge | Sometimes included | Included |
| Storage (if needed) | Extra charge | Sometimes included | Included |
| Fuel and peak surcharges | Added after booking | Added after booking | Built into the quote |
| Total | Adds up as you go | Some certainty, some surprises | One number, fixed before you commit |
Notice something important? The "budget" approach often is not actually cheaper once you tally all the hidden add-on costs. That is exactly why we offer flat-rate pricing that includes pickup, customs documentation, destination delivery, and all surcharges in one transparent price. You know your total cost before you commit.
How City Post Express Compares to Other Shipping Options
We know you are comparison shopping — and you should be. Here is how our pricing and service stacks up against the alternatives for a common shipment: 20 boxes from the US to Ireland.
| Provider Type | Method | Cost (20 Boxes) | Transit Time | Door-to-Door? | Hidden Fees? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Post Express | Ocean LCL | One flat quote, fixed before pickup — no per-pound maths | 4–6 weeks | Yes | None — flat rate |
| USPS Priority Mail Int'l | Parcel post | $2,800–$4,500 | 6–10 days | Yes | Per-box pricing adds up fast |
| FedEx International | Air express | $4,000–$7,000 | 3–5 days | Yes | Fuel surcharges, remote fees |
| UPS Worldwide | Air express | $3,800–$6,500 | 3–5 days | Yes | Fuel surcharges, duties billed separately |
| Full-service int'l mover | Ocean FCL | $4,500–$8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Yes | Survey fees, crating, storage extras |
| Self-ship via freight forwarder | Ocean LCL | $1,200–$2,000 | 5–8 weeks | No (port-to-port) | Customs, delivery, handling all extra |
The takeaway: Parcel carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS are fast but become extremely expensive for multi-box shipments because they price per package. Full-service international movers include everything but charge a premium. Self-ship freight forwarders look cheap upfront but pile on extras at every stage. City Post Express sits in the sweet spot — consolidated ocean shipping with full door-to-door service at a flat rate.
How to Save Money on Your International Move
Based on two decades of shipping personal belongings overseas, here are our top strategies for reducing the cost of your international move.
1. Downsize Before You Ship
This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Every box you eliminate typically saves somewhere in the $40 to $200 range in shipping costs. Sell, donate, or give away anything you can replace at your destination for less than the cost of shipping it. Be ruthless — most people discover they can cut their shipment by 30 to 50 percent with focused downsizing.
2. Choose Ocean Freight Over Air Freight
Unless you need items within days, ocean freight saves 75 to 85 percent compared to air freight. Ship the bulk of your belongings by sea, and carry essentials in your checked luggage or send a small air shipment for items you need immediately upon arrival.
3. Self-Pack Your Boxes
Professional packing services typically add $150 to $1,000 to your move. If you pack carefully using proper materials (double-walled boxes, plenty of bubble wrap, no empty space inside boxes), you can eliminate that cost entirely. We provide detailed packing guidelines with every booking.
4. Ship During Off-Peak Season
September through February is the off-peak season for international moves. Shipping rates can be 10 to 20 percent lower, and you will have more flexibility with pickup dates and transit options.
5. Apply for Transfer of Residence Relief
If you are genuinely relocating, most EU countries and the UK offer duty-free import of personal effects through Transfer of Residence programs. This alone can save you $150 to $1,500 or more in customs duties. We help all our customers with ToR documentation as part of our service.
6. Bundle Your Shipment
Shipping 20 boxes in one consolidated shipment is dramatically cheaper than sending 20 individual packages through a parcel carrier. Our 20 Boxes to Ireland and 20 Boxes to UK packages are designed for exactly this scenario.
7. Get a Flat-Rate Quote Before You Commit
The biggest hidden cost in international moving is the cost you did not budget for. Fuel surcharges, destination charges, and customs brokerage fees can add hundreds to your total. By getting a flat-rate quote from City Post Express, you know your total cost upfront. No surprises, no renegotiation at the destination.
Cost of Moving Overseas by Shipment Size
Not sure how many boxes you will need? Here is a general guide to help you estimate your shipment size and the associated international moving costs. As a rough industry guide, the ranges below move with fuel costs and carrier pricing, so use them for planning rather than budgeting to the dollar.
| What You Are Shipping | Estimated Boxes | Ocean LCL Cost (US to Europe) | Air Freight Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just clothes and essentials | 3–5 boxes | $600–$1,700 | $450–$1,500 |
| Clothes, books, kitchen items | 10–15 boxes | $900–$3,000 | $1,900–$5,500 |
| Studio or 1-bedroom apartment contents | 20–30 boxes | $1,400–$5,000 | $3,750–$11,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (no furniture) | 30–50 boxes | $2,250–$6,750 | Not practical — use ocean freight |
| Full household with furniture | 20-ft container | $2,750–$8,000 | Not practical — use ocean freight |
| Large household or vehicles | 40-ft container | $4,250–$12,000 | Not practical — use ocean freight |
Pro tip: For most people moving overseas, the sweet spot is 10 to 30 boxes via ocean LCL. It is enough to bring everything that matters — personal items, sentimental belongings, kitchen essentials, clothing — without paying for a full container. If you are also shipping furniture, a full container package becomes more economical. Our mini move package is perfect for lighter shipments of 5 to 15 boxes.
When Is It Cheaper to Buy New Than to Ship?
One of the most common questions we hear is "should I ship it or replace it when I get there?" Here is our honest cost comparison to help you decide.
| Item | Estimated Shipping Cost | Replacement Cost Abroad | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA bookshelf | $150–$500 | $60–$120 | Replace it |
| Quality sofa or armchair | $300–$1,000 | $800–$2,500 | Ship it |
| Kitchen small appliances | $40–$150 per box | $200–$500 | Ship if voltage-compatible |
| Books (heavy) | $50–$200 per box | Irreplaceable | Ship selectively |
| Clothing | $40–$100 per box | $500+ per box worth | Always ship |
| Bed mattress | $200–$750 | $300–$1,000 | Usually replace (size differences) |
| Sentimental or irreplaceable items | Varies | Priceless | Always ship |
Bottom line: Ship clothing, sentimental items, and high-quality furniture. Replace cheap furniture, bulky appliances (especially those that run on 110V and will not work on Europe's 220V power), and anything easily and affordably available at your destination.
City Post Express: Transparent, Flat-Rate International Shipping
We have been shipping personal belongings from the US to Europe since 2004, and our entire business is built around one principle: the price we quote is the price you pay.
Here is what every City Post Express quote includes:
- Door-to-door service — pickup from your US address and delivery to your overseas address
- All shipping charges — ocean freight, fuel surcharges, port handling, with no extras
- Customs documentation — we prepare and file all required paperwork including ToR applications
- Destination delivery — from the port to your new front door
- Shipment tracking — know where your belongings are at every stage
- Expert support — real people who answer the phone and guide you through the process
No fuel surcharges appearing after you book. No surprise customs brokerage fees. No "destination delivery is extra." Just one flat price that covers everything from your doorstep in the US to your doorstep in Europe.
See our How It Works page to understand the step-by-step process, or learn more about why customers choose City Post Express over traditional movers.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today — tell us where you are moving and how much you are shipping, and we will send you a flat-rate price within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Moving Costs
How much does it cost to move overseas on average?
As a rough industry guide, the average cost of moving overseas from the US falls somewhere between $1,200 and $6,000 for a box-based shipment (5 to 30 boxes via ocean freight) and $3,000 to $15,000 for a full container (household move with furniture). The biggest variables are your destination country, shipping method, and the total volume you are moving, so treat these as a planning range rather than a quote.
Is it cheaper to ship by ocean or by air?
Ocean freight is typically 4 to 6 times cheaper than air freight for the same volume. As a rough industry guide, a 20-box shipment to Ireland runs somewhere around $1,400 to $3,400 by ocean versus $3,750 to $10,000 by air. The trade-off is speed: ocean takes 4 to 6 weeks while air takes 3 to 10 days. For most moves, we recommend shipping the bulk by ocean and carrying immediate essentials in your luggage.
What is the cheapest way to move overseas?
The cheapest way to move overseas is to downsize aggressively, self-pack, and ship via ocean LCL (shared container) during off-peak season (September through February). Using a consolidated shipping service like City Post Express is significantly cheaper than shipping individual boxes through USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Read our full guide to the cheapest way to ship overseas.
Do I have to pay customs duties on personal belongings?
In most cases, no. If you are genuinely relocating your primary residence, the EU, UK, and Ireland all offer Transfer of Residence relief that allows you to import personal effects duty-free. You will need documentation proving your move, and items must have been owned and used for at least six months. New, unopened items may be subject to duties of 5 to 20 percent. Our customs clearance guide explains the process for each country.
How much does it cost to ship 20 boxes to Ireland?
The cost of shipping 20 boxes to Ireland via ocean LCL depends mainly on how much space those boxes actually take up in the container, the season you are shipping in, and current carrier rates — which is why a door-to-door service like City Post Express prices it individually rather than off a published rate card. What you get with a flat-rate quote is one number, confirmed before pickup, covering shipping, customs handling, and delivery to your Irish address with no hidden fees added afterward.
How much does it cost to ship 20 boxes to the UK?
The cost of shipping 20 boxes to the UK via ocean LCL works the same way — priced by the container space your shipment takes up rather than off a fixed rate card, with a quote confirmed before pickup. The UK is typically the cheapest European destination thanks to high shipping volumes and direct routes from US ports, so it is worth getting a quote even if you are comparing several destinations.
What hidden fees should I watch out for with international movers?
The most common hidden fees, as a rough industry guide, are: fuel surcharges (10 to 20 percent extra), destination delivery charges ($50 to $650), customs brokerage fees ($50 to $400), storage fees ($40 to $400 per month), peak season surcharges ($40 to $300), and port handling fees ($40 to $200). These figures move around by carrier and season, so always ask for an all-inclusive written quote. At City Post Express, our flat-rate quotes include all of these charges.
How long does an overseas move take?
Ocean freight from the US to Europe typically takes 3 to 6 weeks port-to-port, plus 1 to 2 weeks for pickup, customs clearance, and final delivery — approximately 4 to 8 weeks total door-to-door. Air freight takes 3 to 10 days total. Customs clearance at the European destination usually takes 2 to 5 business days.
Should I use a moving company or ship boxes myself?
For 5 to 50 boxes, a consolidated shipping service like City Post Express offers the best value. You self-pack (saving on packing costs) but get professional door-to-door shipping, customs handling, and destination delivery. Full-service international moving companies make sense for very large moves with furniture but, as a rough industry guide, cost $4,000 to $20,000 or more. Shipping individual boxes through USPS or FedEx works for 1 to 3 boxes but becomes prohibitively expensive for larger shipments.
Related Guides
- Cheapest Way to Ship Overseas from the US
- Moving to Europe from the US: Complete Guide
- Moving to Ireland from the US
- Moving to the UK from the US
- Moving to Germany from the US
- Moving to France from the US
- Moving to Spain from the US
- Moving to Italy from the US
- Retiring to Ireland from the US
- Customs Clearance for International Shipping