In today’s economy, it’s no surprise that many people are considering a move to another country, even across continents. Whether it’s for lower living costs, better job opportunities, or a more appealing lifestyle, international relocation can offer fantastic financial benefits. Not to mention life experiences.

But while the potential savings are enticing, the costs of relocating to another country can often add up quickly if you’re not careful. Here are some of our best tips for minimizing moving costs while ensuring a stress-free transition to your new international home.

6 Tips for Minimizing Moving Costs on an International Journey

Pack Smarter, Not Harder

When you’re moving internationally, every inch of space counts. Shipping costs are often calculated by volume, so the less you pack, the less you pay. You should begin by downsizing your belongings, and this can be done by  selling, donating, or simply discarding items that either won’t serve you in your new home or can be replaced for less than the cost of moving such items. Once you’ve decluttered your belongings, you can the focus on packing essentials and irreplaceable items.

Also consider investing in vacuum-seal bags to compress clothing and soft goods, which can save a surprising amount of space. And if you’re still lugging around lots of books, whether they be novels, coffee table books, or ancient textbooks from college, you may want to consider ditching the books and replacing your physical library with digital eBooks.

Doing your own packing can also save a ton on labor costs, and you can more easily group items together and label boxes as you wish. Make use of old towels, clothing, or newspapers to protect breakable items instead of paying a lot of money for bubble wrap.

You may be able to collect free boxes from local stores. Many businesses often receive stock regularly that of course comes to them in boxes of all shapes and sizes. They often break down these quality boxes and simply place them in their recycle dumpsters. Simply give them a call to see if you can swing by and make use of the boxes before they get picked up.

Compare Movers’ Quotes

Not all movers are created equal, especially when it comes to international moves. Some companies specialize in overseas relocations and can offer better deals or more tailored services.

We recommend gathering quotes from at least three different movers. To simplify this process, consider using a moving cost calculator. It’s a handy tool that lets you calculate your moving costs so you can prepare in advance.

But don’t just look at the price, rather pay close attention to what’s included. Find out if the moving company offers free packing materials, included insurance, or provide complimentary customs clearance in their fee. Reading reviews from other expats or checking out forums can also give you a sense of who’s reliable and who’s not.

Explore Shipping Options

Airfreight might get your belongings to your new home faster, but it’s also the most expensive option. If time isn’t a constraint, consider shipping by sea. Yes, it’s slower, but also significantly cheaper.

Another option is shared or consolidated shipping, where your items share container space with others, thereby reducing costs. But be mindful that with shared shipping, the timeline might be less predictable, so plan accordingly.

Find Free Resources

There’s no need to pay for every little thing when you’re preparing for an international move. Many community groups, especially those for expats, offer free moving boxes or packing supplies. You can also find detailed country-specific relocation guides online, often created by other expats who’ve already gone through the process.

These guides can save you both time and money by helping you avoid common pitfalls. And don’t overlook government resources either, since many countries provide online tools or brochures that explain the logistics of importing personal belongings. This can help you avoid unexpected fees.

Take Advantage of Airline Allowances

When booking your flight, check your baggage allowance carefully. Some airlines offer generous baggage policies, especially on international flights. If you’re a frequent flyer with a specific airline, you might be eligible for even more.

Take full advantage of this by packing heavier or more valuable items in your checked luggage, reducing the volume of what you need to ship separately.

Plan Ahead

We recommend planning your move as early as possible. This will give you time to shop around for deals, both for moving services and for flights. And if you have the flexibility, moving during the off-season can save you a bundle. Many movers offer discounts during less busy months, typically in the fall or winter, when fewer people are relocating.

Save on Visa Fees

You may also want to explore ways to save on visa costs when relocating internationally. Be sure to research all available visa categories, since some may have lower application fees or longer validity periods, which could save you money in the long run.

Many countries now offer special visas for remote workers or digital nomads, often with lower fees and simpler application processes. Some companies may also be willing to cover the full cost of a visa as part of their relocation package. There are even certain countries that will offer financial incentives to people choosing to move and remain in their towns for a set period of time.

While visa agencies can be helpful, handling the application yourself can save you a lot of money. Most visa applications are rather straightforward. Simply follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate and rely on official government websites for guidance to avoid misinformation that could lead to costly mistakes.

Submitting your visa application directly to the embassy or consulate will also save money, as opposed to going through a third-party service, which often charge extra fees. Many third-party visa websites are scams and charge substantially more for services that you can do yourself for free or at a much lower cost.

Getting your visa well in advance of your move will help you avoid expedited processing fees, which can be quite a bit higher. Applying early also gives you time to correct any errors or submit additional documents without needing to reapply, which would cost more.