San Francisco / Bay Area International Movers
Moving can be one of the most stressful and debilitating experiences of your life. Conversely, it could be one of the most exciting life changes somebody could make. An international move is scary, but knowing your property and belongings have been handled with care by professional San Francisco/Bay Area international movers will help limit the stress!
As one of the top-rated Bay Area / San Francisco international moving companies, we have the history and experience necessary to ensure a stress-free relocation and get your new adventure started off on the correct foot. Bekins AMS services those living in San Francisco and the Bay Area, along with San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties.
What Is a San Francisco International Move?
An international move is when a business, person, or family decides to relocate from San Francisco to another country. More often than not, these relocations end up with a final destination overseas somewhere. In this case, much of the relocation expense gets tied up in flights or boat transport. In some scenarios, people relocate from San Francisco to Mexico or Canada. These expenses tend to be more modest as trucks are available for use rather than moving overseas.
What International Moving Entails
- Thorough planning: Coordinating everything from packing and crating furniture to gathering important travel documents.
- Shipping & transit: Often via ocean freight for large items, though air freight may be used for smaller, urgent shipments.
- Customs & clearance: Ensuring your belongings comply with the entry and exit requirements of both countries to help ensure compliance with international regulations.
- Delivery & setup: Arranging final delivery to your new address and helping you settle in for a smooth transition.
Why It Matters
Relocating across international borders can feel daunting – there’s a lot more at stake than just moving boxes. Choosing a reliable international mover offers peace of mind, so you can stay focused on the next chapter of your life, whether that’s a fresh career opportunity, retirement in a dream destination, or finally joining a loved one overseas. The right relocation solutions make all the difference when moving abroad.
International Relocation Services Offered by Our International Movers
- Expert packing & crating: Safeguarding fragile or high-value items with specialized care so they arrive in pristine condition.
- Ocean & air freight: Determining the most cost-effective or time-sensitive way to ship your belongings.
- Customs paperwork & fees: Handling the details so you don’t get lost in red tape.
- Temporary Storage: Providing short-term storage or long-term storage services if your new home isn’t quite ready, so that your belongings are stored in secure facilities.
- Insurance coverage: Protecting your personal effects from potential damage in transit, your belongings stay safe.
Estimated Cost & Timeline
Costs vary widely depending on the volume of items, distance, and choice of shipping method. Transit times can range from a couple of weeks to over a month, so it’s important to plan in advance, so it’s important to start planning well in advance.
Going Deeper: A More Detailed Look at the International Moving Process
When it comes to moving from San Francisco and any of the Bay Area counties, you would be surprised at the number of terms and parties that are needed to be involved.
Ironing out details with everybody on this list and working with helpful international movers will complete the move without too much fuss.
- The shipper – The person shipping belongings from the area of origin. In this scenario, the San Francisco Bay Area.
- The origin agent – A company is hired to handle your belongings in the city/country of origin. They send an agent to evaluate your belongings long before the move to create an accurate quote and plan.
- The freight forwarder – This would be the company hired to arrange the export and import of your belongings. We recommend that the origin agent and freight forwarder be from the same company.
- The consolidating warehouse – Where your belongings are sent to be intelligently packed into shipping containers with other people’s goods or materials for optimization.
- The export/origin port – The origin port of departure (OPD) is the sea port from which your items leave.
- The carrier – The ship liner used to haul your items in the shipping container(s) to the destination port.
- The destination port – Final sea port destination where your items are checked through customs and assigned “Destination Port Fees.”
- Customs – This often tends to be the lengthiest portion of your property’s time away from you. Rules vary, but in some countries, you have to be there when your belongings first arrive, while in others, you simply wait for notice that they’ve been cleared.
- The destination agent – A hired company with availability to process your belongings through to your door. They help with port activities, customs, storing, and delivery to your new location.
There are many reasons people choose to hire international movers and relocate abroad, but we’ve found that a select few are the most common. First and perhaps most expected of which is that people are frequently required to relocate for work. Sometimes a new opportunity has presented itself, while other times, our customers have been forced to relocate temporarily by their employer.
Establishing a new household is another common reason people relocate overseas. People from different countries meet in one way or another, things go well, they fall in love, and they inevitably want to be together permanently. The third common reason would be retirement.
You’d be surprised how many people retire to another country just for a change in climate, because finances go further, or just to experience another part of the world! Some of these individuals get dual citizenship and live in the San Francisco area part time and in another country part time.
How to Move Internationally From the Bay Area
It’s nice to know that when you work with our San Francisco international movers, you don’t need to know much about the ins and outs of an international relocation! We’ll happily handle every detail for you, from the heavy lifting to managing international regulations.
The best way to relocate internationally, be it land-based or an overseas relocation, is by hiring a San Francisco, CA international moving company like us to get your full service international move up and running. We develop a custom relocation plan tailored to your specific needs, giving you more control over every step of the process.
We have some of the best professional international movers in the area to help with your Bay Area international move. Armed with the experience you need, we’re confident we can help you relocate your vehicle, your business, your household, and your most prized possessions. Our full list of comprehensive services for international relocation offered by the best Bay Area movers is very extensive, and it includes (but is not limited to):
- Online shipment tracking with real-time tracking updates
- Third party services
- Protective padding of furniture
- Professional packing services and partial packing service options
- Special handling of antiques with specialized services
- Hand wrapping of fine china & glassware using the highest quality packing materials
- Containerized storage available
- Customs clearance
- Short and long-term storage
- Specially designed dollies and ramps
- Supplies for self-packing
- Custom crating for fine art & mirrors
- Complete inventory of items, ensuring everything is properly packed
- Comprehensive valuation protection
With these superlative international relocation services, the international movers at AMS Bekins can move you to a number of worldwide destinations, including:
Cost of International Moving
The cost of San Francisco international moving services will differ widely on every use case. The destination country is a pretty significant factor in the final cost, but we can give you a reasonably accurate estimate once you’ve met with one of our origin agents. We’d be happy to get you a free quote if you call and set up an estimated visit.
There are no hidden fees, and the total price is usually more affordable than people would expect because we have most of the services you need to utilize and the knowledge and connections to get you the ones we don’t offer in house.
How Much Do International Movers Cost?
The legal fees, customs fees, time of year, amount of materials/household goods being relocated, and whether you need international shipping for a vehicle are all significant factors in the final cost of working with Bay Area international movers.
Perhaps the biggest factor influencing the cost of international relocation services is how the move happens. Trucks for relocation to Canada or Mexico are significantly cheaper than air travel or ocean travel to other countries.
Air is exceptionally expensive and is reserved almost exclusively for very small shipments or those that need to reach a final destination in a hurry. For most international travel, we will rely heavily on shipping containers and cargo ships. Generally, there are three container sizes…
- 20 feet long – allows for 1,172 cubic feet of volume or 33.2 square meters
- 40 feet long – allows for 2,120 cubic feet of volume or 60 square meters
- There is even a 40 foot high cube (that means it is taller)
Whether you need a full or partial container load, our international movers won’t know which one you’ll need or how we’ll load it until we come for the initial walk-through (when we provide you with an estimate). Perhaps you can get away with a partial container, but we won’t know for sure until we get the origin agent’s eyes on your property.
Once we determine the cubic feet required, we can provide a full estimate for the entire moving process. At this point, we’ll review the other services you want to use and provide a final estimate.
The final quoted price of an international relocation is dependent on the above factors and several other factors, including:
- Which country you are relocating to (overseas shipping vs. land shipping services)
- The cubic feet of your property/belongings
- Relocation dates
- Are packing services required?
- Are unpacking services required?
- Customs clearance and paperwork fees
- Insurance costs
- Are you shipping a vehicle?
- Other moving services, including storage
As a leading international moving company, our experienced movers can help you out sooner by doing a virtual survey to provide a detailed international moving quote. You can even help us walk through your home remotely. We’re here to help you every step of the way and want to make the process as easy as possible!
Agencies and Resources for International Moving
- USA.GOV – Important and official US website with resources for any American before traveling outside of the US.
- STEP – You will want to register with the U.S. Embassy’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This will keep you updated on the safety conditions in your new country and allow the embassy to quickly notify you in case of an emergency.
- U.S. Embassy or Consulate website – Here, you can find contact information for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you are moving to.
- International Driving Permit – AAA is authorized by the US Department of State to issue International Driving Permits.
- US Department of State – The State Department provides up-to-date, accurate information on all Countries, including COVID-19 status, travel information, contacts, and what you need to know.
International Moving Tips from San Francisco
Our Bay Area / San Francisco international movers have completed thousands of international relocations from the Bay Area and the many cities near San Francisco and know the ins and outs of a successful transition. With careful planning, here are a few insider tips to make your international move the best it can be and your transition smoother:
- Plan everything as far out as possible
- Book tickets and hotels long ahead of time; be sure to understand cancellation policies
- Research destination driving license procedures
- Start packing NOW
- Locate all important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, etc.
- Do fun research about the destination country!
- Understand customs forms and customs clearance
- Sell everything you really, truly don’t need. Reducing space reduces the costs of international movers
- Call AMS Relocation, Inc. to handle your international relocation!
Choosing the Best San Francisco International Movers
Choosing which Bay Area international moving company to help with your international relocation can be pretty daunting. You will be entrusting these international movers with your belongings, after all. We recommend considering the history and experience of the international moving company, only looking at licensed and insured companies, checking Yelp and Google reviews, and simply asking around the city.
People just like you will have suggestions and horror stories! Trust your peers! Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and make some phone calls to the different final contenders. Remember how you’re treated because they’re going to treat your property the same way.
FAQs
How to Find Reliable International Movers in the Bay Area?
To find reliable international movers in San Francisco / Bay Area, look for companies licensed with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Verify they have an experienced team to of movers to handle overseas relocations, customs documentation, and container shipping from major ports like the Port of Oakland. Read recent customer reviews, request in-home or virtual surveys, and compare written estimates. Reputable Bay Area international movers clearly explain timelines, insurance options, and destination services to ensure a smooth move.
What Are Some Best Practices for Packing Fragile Items for International Shipping?
Packing fragile items for international shipping requires extra protection due to long transit times and multiple handling points. Use double-walled boxes, high-quality packing paper, bubble wrap, and foam padding to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your destination. Each item should be wrapped individually, with heavier items placed at the bottom. Fill all empty spaces to prevent shifting during ocean freight. Clearly label boxes as “Fragile” and inventory high-value items for insurance and customs purposes when shipping from San Francisco.
How Long Does International Shipping Take From San Francisco CA?
International shipping times from San Francisco depend on destination, shipping method, and customs clearance. Ocean freight typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for Asia and 6 to 10 weeks for Europe or Australia when departing from Bay Area ports like Oakland. Air freight is faster, usually 7 to 14 days, but significantly more expensive. Delays can occur due to customs inspections, weather, or port congestion, so flexibility in scheduling is important.
How to Avoid Scams When Hiring International Movers in the Bay Area?
To avoid scams when hiring international movers in the Bay Area, never accept quotes without a detailed survey of your household goods. Be cautious of unusually low estimates, large upfront deposits, or companies lacking a physical Bay Area address. Confirm FMC licensing for ocean freight and ask for written contracts outlining services, transit times, and insurance. Legitimate San Francisco international movers provide transparent pricing and verifiable customer references.
What Are the Average Costs for Shipping Household Goods Overseas From San Francisco?
Shipping household goods overseas from San Francisco generally costs between $3,000 and $18,000 or more, depending on shipment size, destination, and transport method. A 20-foot ocean container typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, while a 40-foot container can cost $5,000 to $12,000+. Air freight is faster but usually costs between $4,000 and $15,000. Insurance, packing, storage solutions, and customs fees can add several hundred dollars.
Which Bay Area Movers Specialize in Overseas Relocations?
Several Bay Area movers specialize in overseas relocations, offering services like international packing, customs coordination, and ocean freight shipping. Bekins AMS supports international moves for San Francisco residents and across the Bay Area, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties. With a dedicated team of Bay Area movers, we can manage export packing, documentation, and destination delivery, helping households relocate smoothly from Northern California to global destinations.
Call Our International Movers for a Free Quote!
Trust the experienced professionals at AMS Relocation to make your international relocation a successful one. As the best international movers offering long-term solutions for families and businesses alike, we’ve helped over 100,000 San Francisco Bay Area families since 1949 and are not strangers to international moves! Fill out our online form to get a quote for door-to-door service today, or give us a call at 650-284-2931.