Relocating from the United States to another country is one of life’s most significant transitions. Whether you’re moving from Virginia to France, Florida to Ireland, or Atlanta to Paris, choosing the right international moving company can mean the difference between a seamless experience and a logistical nightmare.
For American families planning overseas moves, the stakes are exceptionally high. You’re not just transporting belongings across state lines—you’re navigating customs regulations, international shipping timelines, and the emotional complexity of starting fresh in a new country. This comprehensive guide will help Americans identify truly reliable international movers and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Verify International Moving Credentials and Licensing
Before trusting any company with your belongings for an overseas move from the USA, verify they possess the proper credentials for international relocations.
Essential certifications for US-based international movers:
FMC Registration (Federal Maritime Commission)
For international moves from the USA requiring ocean freight, the company must be registered with the FMC. This registration ensures they comply with US shipping regulations and can legally arrange international container shipments from American ports.
International Association of Movers (IAM) Membership
IAM membership demonstrates a mover’s commitment to industry standards and ethical practices in international relocations. Members must meet stringent quality criteria and follow a strict code of ethics. Companies like BLUEmove International, based in Washington DC, hold IAM membership—a significant trust signal for Americans planning overseas moves.
IAM membership ensures:
- Adherence to international moving best practices
- Access to vetted partner networks worldwide
- Commitment to resolving customer disputes fairly
- Regular industry training and compliance updates
Warning sign: If a company cannot immediately provide their FMC registration number or IAM membership verification, or claims they “don’t need credentials” for international moves from the USA, walk away. These are non-negotiable requirements for legitimate international movers.
2. Analyse Google Reviews for American International Moves
Online reviews reveal patterns that distinguish truly reliable international movers from mediocre ones. For Americans relocating abroad, focus specifically on reviews mentioning USA-to-international routes similar to yours.
What excellent international moving reviews actually say:
Look for specific details rather than generic praise. Here’s what real reviews from Americans who’ve moved internationally reveal:
Communication throughout the process: “Mark and Jennifer were very communicative throughout the process and made sure all my questions were answered… My boxes all arrived safe and sound with no customs issues.” — Ashlee Gonzalez (USA to Netherlands)
Arrival condition: “A seamless move from northern Virginia to France. I moved a 20-foot container… communications were constant, clear, and helpful. Pack-out was in late February 2025 and delivery was April 1. I recommend BLUEmove International without hesitation.” — D.S. (Virginia to France)
Professional handling: “Everything was handled in an efficient, professional manner for my move from Florida to Dublin IE. I would recommend BLUEmove International without reservations.” — Casey O’Reilly (Florida to Ireland)
Multiple successful moves: “Best movers we’ve ever hired! We used Bluemove to relocate overseas and then back to the US three years later and both times the move went flawlessly.” — Colleen Hill (USA to overseas and return)
Red flags in reviews:
- Vague complaints without specific details
- Multiple reviews mentioning unexpected cost increases
- Delayed deliveries without communication
- Customs clearance issues (indicates lack of international expertise)
- Damaged items due to poor packing
What to trust: Reviews mentioning specific routes (Atlanta to Paris, Virginia to France, Florida to Ireland) from verified Google reviewers carry more weight than anonymous testimonials.
3. Assess Diplomatic and Corporate Moving Experience
For Americans relocating abroad, a company’s track record with diplomatic and corporate clients speaks volumes about their reliability and expertise.
Why diplomatic experience matters:
The US State Department and international corporations have rigorous standards for moving companies. If a mover has successfully served diplomatic families for 20+ years, they’ve proven they can:
- Navigate complex international customs regulations
- Handle time-sensitive relocations
- Maintain clear documentation for government compliance
- Coordinate with partners worldwide
- Provide white-glove service under pressure
Washington DC-based movers often have extensive diplomatic experience due to proximity to embassies and government agencies. This expertise translates directly to better service for private American families moving internationally.
Evidence from real diplomatic clients: “Thank you very much Mr. Ambassador. I will ensure our entire team is aware of your satisfaction and kind comments!” — BLUEmove response to diplomatic client review
“General Garcia, muchas gracias! It was truly a pleasure helping with your move.” — Response to military/diplomatic client
4. Verify Specific USA-to-Destination Route Experience
Generic “we ship everywhere” claims mean little. Ask if the company has recent, documented experience with your specific route from the USA.
Routes requiring specialized knowledge:
USA to France:
- Port selection (Le Havre vs. Marseille)
- French customs documentation (attestation de déménagement)
- VAT exemption procedures for Americans
- Partner coordination for final delivery
USA to UK/Ireland:
- Post-Brexit customs requirements
- UK import regulations
- Door-to-door delivery logistics in British cities
- Insurance requirements
USA to Spain/Portugal:
- Spanish fiscal representative requirements
- NIE number coordination
- Mediterranean port logistics
- Rural delivery capabilities
USA to Asia/Latin America:
- Extended shipping timelines (45-90 days)
- Tropical climate packing requirements
- Port infrastructure variations
- Local partner reliability
Proof from verified American clients:
“Blue Move was instrumental for my move from Atlanta to Paris, very efficient, comprehensive and fast.” — David Ruffel
“Overall, the moving experience from Washington DC to the south of France was excellent. Teams on both sides were professional and very helpful.” — Mary Carnell
“My husband and I shipped 20 boxes from northern Virginia to Pontevedra, Spain… delivery was timely, well orchestrated, and professional.” — Maria Luisa Clark
5. Evaluate Communication Standards and Transparency
Responsive, transparent communication distinguishes exceptional international movers from average ones. For Americans coordinating moves across continents and time zones, this becomes critical.
What responsive communication looks like:
Named team members: Reliable companies assign dedicated coordinators who become your point of contact throughout the move. Reviews consistently mentioning the same names (like Mark Spitzer and Jennifer Bridge at BLUEmove) indicate stable, experienced teams—not revolving-door staffing.
“Mark Spitzer was extremely knowledgeable, competent, kind, and helpful. My experience with Jennifer Bridge in the US and Jennifer Sloan in France was equally good.” — Tina Bucuvalas (USA to France)
“Mark, Jennifer and others at Blue Move were a pleasure to work with… They communicated quickly and clearly the entire time.” — Ian Sole (USA to overseas)
Proactive updates: Expect regular status updates as your container moves from US pickup through ocean shipping to final delivery abroad. Communication gaps of more than 5-7 days should raise concerns.
“BLUEmove made my international move incredibly stress-free. Mark and Jennifer were constantly on top of communications… Any time I had a question, they answered quickly.” — Derin Basden
Transparency in pricing:
Request detailed, written estimates that specify:
- Volume-based pricing (cubic feet or container size)
- Packing materials and labour costs
- Ocean freight charges
- Destination port fees
- Customs clearance costs
- Delivery to final address
- Insurance coverage levels
Red flag: Companies that provide only verbal estimates or refuse to itemize costs are hiding something.
Positive indicator: “I spoke with numerous companies who ship internationally and Bluemove was not the cheapest and not the most expensive. I felt Mark was experienced, honest and patiently answered all my questions.” — Stuff From Kenya
6. Compare Value for International Moving Services
For Americans moving abroad, “cheapest” rarely means “best value.” International relocations require expertise that budget companies simply cannot provide.
What you’re actually paying for:
Professional packing for ocean shipping: Items must withstand 4-8 weeks of ocean transit plus handling at multiple ports. Professional international packing differs significantly from domestic moving.
“The packing crew in Virginia and delivery and unpacking crew in France were both great.” — D.S. (20-foot container, Virginia to France)
Customs expertise: A knowledgeable mover prevents costly delays at customs. They understand:
- Required documentation for each destination country
- Tax exemptions available to Americans relocating permanently
- Prohibited items by country
- How to properly declare valuable items
“The paperwork was easy and straightforward, and the goods went through Spanish customs without a glitch.” — Maria Luisa Clark (Virginia to Spain)
Door-to-door coordination: True full-service means pickup from your US home and delivery inside your new residence abroad—not just container drop-off at the destination port.
End-to-end accountability: When problems arise (delayed ships, customs questions, delivery scheduling), you need a single point of contact who handles resolution.
Understanding the premium pricing reality:
“BLUEmove might cost a little more than other companies, but their overall competence, knowledge about the legal and practical exigencies of a transnational move (in my case to France), and willingness to answer questions or concerns was worth every penny.” — Tina Bucuvalas
Translation: Saving $500 on a $8,000 international move means nothing if your belongings arrive damaged, delayed, or stuck in customs.
7. Request References from Recent American Clients
Established international movers serving Americans will gladly provide references from clients who’ve completed similar moves within the past 6-12 months.
Questions to ask references:
- Route-specific: “How did customs clearance go for your USA to [country] move?”
- Timeline accuracy: “Did your belongings arrive within the promised timeframe?”
- Condition upon arrival: “What percentage of items arrived damaged?”
- Communication: “How often did the company update you during transit?”
- Would you use them again? (The ultimate test)
Pattern recognition in reviews:
“I have worked with Mark since 2008 when I first made an international move, and I highly recommend his services. Thanks Mark for a comfortable move.” — Lakshmi Moola (Multiple international moves since 2008)
15+ year client relationships indicate consistent quality and trust. Americans don’t repeatedly use the same international mover unless they’re exceptional.
8. Identify Warning Signs and Dealbreakers
Protect yourself from international moving scams targeting Americans planning overseas relocations.
Immediate disqualifiers:
🚩 No physical US office address (only P.O. box or website)
🚩 Cannot provide USDOT or FMC registration numbers
🚩 Demands large deposit (>25%) before providing written contract
🚩 Quotes significantly lower than competitors (for international moves, lowball quotes hide fees)
🚩 No insurance options or unclear coverage
🚩 Generic email domains (@gmail.com instead of company domain)
🚩 No verifiable Google reviews from Americans who’ve moved internationally
Concerning behaviours:
⚠️ Evasive answers about international moving experience
⚠️ Cannot name destination port partners
⚠️ Provides only cost ranges, not itemized estimates
⚠️ No clarity on customs clearance process
⚠️ Pressures you to decide immediately
⚠️ Claims “we handle everything” without explaining how
Positive indicators:
✅ Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia-based (diplomatic moving hub)
✅ 21+ years serving Americans relocating internationally
✅ Named team members consistently mentioned in reviews
✅ Specific route expertise (USA to your destination country)
✅ IAM membership and FMC compliance
✅ Transparent, itemized pricing
✅ Patient, detailed responses to questions
✅ Multiple positive reviews mentioning “seamless,” “stress-free,” “professional”
Real Success Stories from Americans Moving Internationally
The difference between choosing a reliable international mover versus a mediocre one becomes clear in these verified experiences from American families:
USA to Thailand (Long-distance expertise):
“I moved a lot of my belongings to Thailand. BLUEmove was super responsive. This was the longest move that I have ever experienced and it was the best by a mile!” — Phil Galbraith ($2,000+ move)
USA to France (Most requested route):
“From start to finish, my experience with BLUEmove International was exceptional! Mark Spitzer was extremely knowledgeable… their overall competence, knowledge about the legal and practical exigencies of a transnational move (in my case to France) was worth every penny.” — Tina Bucuvalas
USA to New Zealand (Complex logistics):
“Excellent moving company for an international relocation between US and New Zealand. We shipped a 2br house worth of items in a 20ft container… Everything arrived in good condition. Good communication throughout (especially with port strike delays).” — Parth Sheth
Round-trip moves (Ultimate trust test):
“Bluemove moved us from England to Delaware. From the people who arranged the move to the crews on both sides we had a fabulous experience. We’d definitely work with Bluemove again.” — Susan O’Grady
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing International Movers from USA
How do I verify an international moving company is legitimate?
Check their USDOT number on the FMCSA website, verify FMC registration for ocean freight, and confirm IAM membership. Review their Google reviews specifically from Americans who’ve moved to your destination country.
What’s the average cost for international moving from USA?
A 20-foot container from the US East Coast to Europe typically costs $5,000-$9,000 including packing, ocean freight, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery. West Coast to Asia runs $6,000-$11,000. Always request itemized estimates.
How long does international shipping take from USA?
USA to Europe: 4-8 weeks door-to-door USA to Asia: 6-10 weeks USA to Latin America: 4-6 weeks Timeline includes packing, port processing, ocean transit, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Should I choose a USA-based or international moving company?
Choose a US-based company with international expertise. They understand US customs export requirements, hold proper US licensing, and coordinate with trusted partners at your destination. Washington DC-area companies often have diplomatic moving experience—the gold standard for international relocations.
How can I avoid international moving scams?
Never pay large deposits before receiving a written contract. Verify the company has a physical US office, proper licensing (USDOT, FMC), and recent Google reviews from Americans. Be wary of quotes 30%+ below competitors—international moving has real costs.
What insurance do I need for international moving from USA?
Request “All Risk” replacement value coverage, not basic liability. Confirm the policy covers ocean transit, not just ground transport. Review exclusions carefully—some policies don’t cover certain electronics or require professional packing for claims.
Can international movers help with customs paperwork?
Yes—reliable international movers handle customs documentation as part of their service. They should provide clear guidance on what you need to declare, tax exemptions available to Americans relocating permanently, and required forms for your destination country.
How do I choose between shared container vs. exclusive container?
Exclusive 20-foot container: Best for 2+ bedroom homes, gives you control over timing, typically 4-8 week delivery
Shared container: More economical for studio/1-bedroom, but timing depends on filling the container, can take 8-12 weeks
Making Your Final Decision: A Checklist for Americans
Before committing to an international moving company for your USA-to-abroad relocation, verify:
- FMC registration confirmed for ocean shipping
- IAM membership (International Association of Movers)
- Customs broker partnerships in USA and destination country
- Specific experience with your USA-to-destination route
- Recent Google reviews from Americans (not generic testimonials)
- Named team members who will coordinate your move
- Itemized written estimate with no vague “additional fees may apply”
- Insurance options clearly explained with coverage levels
- Customs clearance process outlined in detail
- Door-to-door service confirmed (not just port-to-port)
- Timeline expectations realistic and documented
- Communication commitment (how often you’ll receive updates
The Bottom Line: What Reliable International Movers Deliver
For Americans relocating from the United States to Europe, Asia, Latin America, or anywhere abroad, choosing the right international moving company transforms a potentially stressful experience into a seamless transition.
The hallmarks of truly reliable international movers serving Americans:
✅ 21+ years of proven international moving experience
✅ Washington DC/diplomatic moving expertise (the highest standard)
✅ Transparent, detailed communication from named team members
✅ Comprehensive door-to-door service from your US home to your new address abroad
✅ Professional packing designed for ocean freight
✅ Customs clearance expertise for your destination country
✅ Consistent positive reviews from Americans who’ve moved internationally
As one satisfied client summarized: “This was the longest move that I have ever experienced and it was the best by a mile! Based upon my experience, you can’t go wrong with these guys.”
Ready to Plan Your International Move from the USA?
BLUEmove International has been helping American families relocate abroad for over 21 years, with proven expertise in moves from the United States to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Our Washington DC-based team specializes in stress-free international relocations with full door-to-door service.
Get started with your USA-to-international move:
📞 Request a free estimate: Contact our team for a detailed, itemized quote for your specific route
📋 Schedule a video survey: Get an accurate volume assessment from the comfort of your US home
💬 Speak with us: Discuss your timeline, destination requirements, and any questions about your international move
📍 Based in Columbia, Maryland (Washington DC metro) | Serving Americans in all 50 states for international relocations
🌍 Specialist routes: USA to France, UK, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Costa Rica, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, and more
Visit www.blue-move.com or call (855) 808-4900 to begin your international relocation from the USA.
“We don’t just move boxes. We bring families home.”
