ETA and the New Entry Requirements for the UK
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Planning an international move comes with many questions—one of the biggest being the cost. How much does it actually cost to relocate your belongings to another country? The answer isn’t straightforward, as the final price depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll break down what influences the cost, look at a real-world example, and share some tips on how to save money on your move.
Every move is different, which is why final prices can vary significantly. Let’s take a look at the key factors that influence the total cost.
TIP: Check out our pricing for international moving services.
One of the most important factors is the distance. Moving companies charge per kilometer, including the return journey, as vehicles must travel back to their base. The farther you move, the higher the costs for fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and the moving crew’s time.
If you pack your belongings yourself, you can save on this service, but you’ll still need to factor in the cost of packing materials—boxes, bubble wrap, furniture corner protectors, and other supplies. Opting for professional packing by the moving company increases the cost, but it ensures better protection for your belongings.
The volume and weight of your items determine what type of moving vehicle is required and how many workers will be needed. A smaller apartment can be moved using a van, while a larger household may require a truck with more storage capacity. Weight is also a key factor, especially for long-distance moves or when toll fees apply along the route.
Moving to a city center with narrow streets or limited parking may require the use of smaller vehicles or special permits, which can affect the price. Likewise, if you’re moving to an upper floor without an elevator, handling heavy furniture will take more time and may result in additional costs.
If you’re relocating heavy or bulky items such as a piano, safe, or large wardrobe, expect an extra charge for the complexity of the move. In some cases, special equipment like cranes or stair-climbing dollies may be necessary to complete the job safely.
How much does an international move cost? The price depends on the distance and range of services required. For instance, moving to Germany starts at around 800 € for shorter distances near the border.
To give you a clearer idea, let’s look at a specific example. Imagine moving a 2-bedroom apartment from Prague to Berlin. The total distance between the two cities is 350 km, but since moving companies charge for both the outbound and return journey, we calculate 700 km in total.
Of course, every move is different, and the price can vary depending on the specific situation. For example, if the client packs their belongings themselves, they can save several hundred euros. On the other hand, if they require express transport or assistance with complex handling, the cost may increase.
Want to reduce the cost of your move? The key is proper planning and carefully considering which services you truly need. The biggest savings come from handling some tasks yourself. The fewer belongings you take, the less you pay—so it’s worth decluttering, selling, or donating unnecessary items. Packing on your own can also lead to significant savings, as you’ll only need to cover the cost of packing materials.
Timing also plays a major role in pricing. If possible, avoid moving on weekends, holidays, or during peak summer months when demand is highest and prices tend to rise. Flexibility can also help when choosing transport—some moving companies offer shared transport options, where multiple customers’ belongings are combined into one trip, reducing costs.
Every international move is unique, and standard pricing can often be misleading. That’s why we provide customized, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today and find out how much your move would cost!
