International moving from New Jersey is a major undertaking — far more complex than a typical cross-state relocation. Whether you’re relocating for a career opportunity, reuniting with family overseas, or retiring abroad, the process involves navigating customs regulations, freight logistics, and careful planning that stretches across weeks or months. At Lincoln Moving & Storage, we’ve guided New Jersey families and professionals through overseas moves for over 100 years, and we know exactly what it takes to get your belongings safely across borders.
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- International moves from NJ require 8–12 weeks of advance planning, including customs documentation and freight booking
- Ocean freight is the most cost-effective method for household goods; air freight works for time-sensitive or small shipments
- You’ll need a detailed inventory, customs declaration forms, and valid passports/visas before shipping
- Lincoln Moving & Storage handles door-to-port and door-to-door international relocations from our Berkeley Heights, NJ headquarters
- Full-service options include packing, crating, customs brokerage, and destination delivery coordination
Table of Contents
- Why International Moving from NJ Is Different
- Step-by-Step Timeline for Your International Move
- Ocean Freight vs. Air Freight: Which Is Right for You?
- Navigating Customs and Documentation
- How to Pack for an International Move
- Understanding International Moving Costs from New Jersey
- Choosing the Right International Moving Company in NJ
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why International Moving from NJ Is Different
A domestic move — even a long-distance one from Berkeley Heights to California — follows a predictable pattern: load, drive, unload. International moves introduce an entirely different set of challenges. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), international household goods shipments are governed by both U.S. export regulations and the import laws of the destination country, creating a dual layer of compliance requirements that domestic moves simply don’t have.
From our experience handling overseas relocations along the Route 22 and Route 78 corridor in Union and Morris Counties, we’ve found that the biggest surprises for families are the timelines. A domestic move might take days; an international move can take 4–10 weeks from pickup to delivery, depending on the destination.
You’re also dealing with multiple parties — the origin moving crew, the freight forwarder, the shipping line, customs brokers on both ends, and the destination delivery team. Coordinating all of these moving parts is exactly why working with an experienced full-service moving company matters.
Step-by-Step Timeline for Your International Move
We recommend starting the process 8–12 weeks before your desired departure date. Here’s the timeline our team at Lincoln Moving & Storage uses for international relocations from New Jersey:
8–12 Weeks Out: Research and Planning
- Contact Lincoln Moving & Storage for an in-home or virtual survey to estimate volume and cost
- Research your destination country’s import regulations (some countries restrict certain electronics, food items, or medications)
- Verify passport/visa validity — most countries require at least 6 months of remaining validity
- Begin decluttering — international shipping is priced by volume, so every cubic foot matters
6–8 Weeks Out: Documentation and Booking
- Complete a detailed household inventory (required for customs declarations)
- Obtain any required import permits from your destination country
- Book your shipping container or shared container space
- Arrange insurance — standard carrier liability is minimal for international shipments; full-value protection is strongly recommended
2–4 Weeks Out: Packing and Pickup
- Professional packing and crating by our crew (especially important for fragile and high-value items)
- Loading into shipping containers at our Berkeley Heights facility or at your home
- Final inventory check and seal of the container
Transit: 2–8 Weeks (Depending on Destination)
- Ocean transit to Europe: approximately 2–3 weeks
- Ocean transit to Asia/Pacific: approximately 4–6 weeks
- Air freight: 5–10 business days to most destinations worldwide
Arrival and Delivery
- Customs clearance at the destination port (our partner agents handle this)
- Delivery and unpacking at your new home
- Debris removal and container return
Ocean Freight vs. Air Freight: Which Is Right for You?
The two primary methods for international moving from New Jersey are ocean freight and air freight. Each has distinct advantages depending on your budget, timeline, and shipment size.
Ocean Freight
Ocean freight is the standard choice for full household relocations. You’ll typically choose between a Full Container Load (FCL) — a 20-foot or 40-foot container exclusively for your goods — or a Less-than-Container Load (LCL), where your shipment shares container space with other customers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shipping costs have stabilized from the 2022–2023 surge, but container rates from Port Newark still fluctuate based on season and route. A 20-foot FCL from New Jersey to Western Europe typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 for the freight alone, while a 40-foot container runs $5,000 to $9,000.
Air Freight
Air freight is faster (5–10 days) but significantly more expensive — roughly $5–$10 per pound. It’s best for small shipments (under 500 lbs), urgent items, or supplemental shipments of essentials you’ll need immediately while ocean freight is in transit. Newark Liberty International Airport, just 20 minutes from our Berkeley Heights headquarters, is a major air freight hub that offers competitive rates on many international routes.
Navigating Customs and Documentation
Customs is where international moves get complicated — and where experience matters most. In our 100+ years of handling relocations from Somerset, Union, and Morris Counties, we’ve learned that documentation errors are the number-one cause of shipping delays.
Here’s what you’ll need for a standard international household goods shipment:
- Detailed Inventory List: Every item being shipped, including serial numbers for electronics and apparel descriptions. This is required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Passport and Visa Copies: Proof of identity and legal right to reside in the destination country.
- Customs Declaration Form: Declares the contents and value of your shipment. We help you complete this accurately.
- Work Permit or Residency Documentation: Many countries (especially in the EU) require proof that you’re relocating for legitimate purposes before they’ll clear your goods duty-free.
- Insurance Documentation: Proof of full-value protection coverage for transit.
Pro tip from our team: start a shared Google Doc or spreadsheet for your inventory as soon as you begin packing. Photograph high-value items (art, antiques, electronics) with timestamps. This documentation speeds up both export and import customs processing.
How to Pack for an International Move
International packing standards are more rigorous than domestic ones. Items shipped overseas need to withstand weeks of transit, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and the vibrations of ocean freight. At Lincoln Moving & Storage, our packing crews use export-grade materials and techniques that meet International Association of Movers (IAM) standards.
Custom Crating
Fragile, oversized, or high-value items — artwork, marble tabletops, antique furniture, grand pianos — require custom wooden crates. Our Berkeley Heights warehouse has a dedicated crating shop where we build to-spec crates for each item.
Items You Can’t Ship Internationally
Most countries prohibit or restrict:
- Perishable food items
- Flammable liquids (paint, solvents, cleaning agents)
- Plants and soil
- Firearms (require separate licensing and import permits)
- Prescription medications in large quantities (check destination country rules)
- Certain electronics — some countries impose import duties or restrictions on high-value electronics
We provide a destination-specific prohibited items list during your pre-move consultation so there are no surprises at customs.
Understanding International Moving Costs from New Jersey
International moving costs vary widely based on volume, destination, and service level. Here’s a general breakdown for a typical 3-bedroom home leaving from the Berkeley Heights/Summit area:
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Full Container (20ft) — Europe | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Full Container (40ft) — Europe | $5,000–$9,000 |
| Full Container (40ft) — Asia/Pacific | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Professional Packing + Crating | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Customs Brokerage | $300–$800 |
| Full-Value Insurance | 1–3% of declared value |
| Air Freight (500 lbs) | $2,500–$5,000 |
Total all-in costs for a door-to-door international move typically range from $8,000 to $25,000. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to request a free in-home survey from our team.
Choosing the Right International Moving Company in NJ
Not every mover can handle international relocations. When evaluating companies for an overseas move from New Jersey, look for:
- FMCSA registration and proper licensing for international household goods
- Membership in IAM (International Association of Movers) — this ensures access to a global network of vetted destination agents
- Established track record — Lincoln Moving & Storage has been managing NJ relocations since 1920, with a 97% referral rate and 5-star Google reviews
- In-house packing and crating — avoid companies that subcontract this critical step
- Transparent pricing — beware of lowball estimates that balloon with hidden fees for customs documentation, port handling, or fuel surcharges
We encourage you to read our guide on local vs. long-distance moving to understand how different move types compare before committing to an international relocation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Moving from NJ
How far in advance should I book an international move from New Jersey?
We recommend 8–12 weeks minimum. This gives enough time for the in-home survey, customs paperwork, container booking, and packing. Peak season (May–September) may require even earlier booking.
Can I ship my car internationally from NJ?
Yes. Vehicle shipping is handled separately from household goods and requires its own customs documentation, including the vehicle title and a bill of sale. Port Newark is one of the largest vehicle export facilities on the East Coast.
Will I have to pay customs duties on my household goods?
In most cases, personal household goods imported as part of a permanent relocation are duty-free, provided they’ve been owned for at least 6–12 months. New or recently purchased items may be subject to duties. Rules vary by country — we’ll advise you during the planning phase.
Is my shipment insured during ocean transit?
Standard carrier liability provides minimal coverage (often just $0.60 per pound). We strongly recommend full-value replacement protection, which typically costs 1–3% of your declared shipment value. This covers damage, loss, and even total loss at sea.
What happens if customs holds my shipment?
Customs holds usually result from incomplete paperwork or restricted items. Our destination agents work directly with customs authorities to resolve holds quickly. Accurate documentation up front — which our team helps you prepare — is the best way to avoid delays.
Ready to Start Your International Move from New Jersey?
International moving from New Jersey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With over a century of experience, a 97% referral rate, and 5-star Google reviews, Lincoln Moving & Storage has the expertise to make your overseas relocation smooth, safe, and stress-free. From our Berkeley Heights headquarters, we’ve helped thousands of NJ families start new chapters around the world.
Contact Lincoln Moving & Storage today for a free in-home survey and international moving estimate. Call us at 800-524-0567 or fill out our online form to get started.