Moving overseas is unlike any other kind of relocation. There’s customs paperwork, shipping logistics, destination-country regulations, and a timeline that can stretch out over weeks rather than days. When you’re planning an international move, you need a partner who has actually orchestrated these moves before and knows how to keep a global relocation on track.
- 70+ Years of experience
- Family-owned & operated
- Backed by Allied Van Lines’ international network
- Full-service international moving services
- Packing & storage services
- Unparalleled customer service
Since 1954, Morse Moving & Storage has moved families and businesses across long distances, and as an agent for Allied Van Lines, we have access to one of the largest international moving networks in the world. Whether you’re moving for a job overseas, relocating a family for personal reasons, or heading back home, we handle the details so your move doesn’t become a second job on top of everything else you’re managing.
“I used Morse Moving to pack my 2 bedroom apartment in Detroit and move to Toronto Canada. These guys were great, they brought all of the materials, packed me up moved and unloaded me in 2 days! They handled all of the Paperwork for Customs and the move was smooth as could be. They gave me a flat rate which did not change at delivery as I have experienced twice before on my moves. They are professional, friendly, efficient and most of all HONEST!” — Rutget
GET A FREE INTERNATIONAL MOVE QUOTE
Our International Moving Services
International relocation involves more moving parts than a domestic move, and each one needs to be handled correctly for streamlined, stress-free results. Here’s what Morse Moving & Storage provides for customers moving overseas.
Full-Service Overseas Relocation
We manage the complete process from your current home to your new address abroad. That includes an in-home or virtual survey to assess your belongings, professional packing designed for ocean or air freight, crating for oversized or fragile items, transportation to the port or airport, and coordination with our international partners on the receiving end. You have a single point of contact throughout, so you’re never left wondering who to call with a question.
Customs Documentation and Clearance
Every country has its own import rules, and getting the paperwork wrong can delay your shipment for weeks or result in fines. We help you prepare and organize the documentation your destination country requires, including inventories, valuation forms, and any permits specific to the items you’re shipping. We guide you through what’s needed and flag potential issues before they become problems at the border.
“I really thought an international move would be so stressful but Tom made it so easy for me! He was patient and helpful in walking me [through] the process to cross the border. Honestly, he went above and beyond to make this process as easy as possible for me.” — Sandra L.
Custom Crating and Export Packing
Ocean freight is a different environment from a moving truck. Humidity, handling, and the length of the journey mean your belongings need packing built for security and protection. Our crews use export-grade materials and, for high-value or oversized items, build custom wood crates designed for transport. Furniture, artwork, electronics, and specialty items all get packed according to what they’ll actually experience in transit, not just a generic wrap-and-box approach.
Vehicle and Piano Shipping
Shipping a car or a piano overseas requires equipment and expertise most movers simply don’t have. Morse Moving & Storage handles both. Vehicles are prepared, documented, and secured for international transport according to the destination country’s import requirements. Pianos, whether upright or grand, are crated and shipped using techniques that protect the instrument’s structure and finish from the vibration and climate shifts of a long journey.
“We had a very heavy treadmill and piano moved. Everything was wrapped and protected. Was very pleased and would [definitely] hire them again for any future move.” — Sandra L.
Storage in Transit and at Destination
International moves rarely line up perfectly with a single moving date. We offer secure, climate-controlled storage at our Michigan facilities for as long as you need it before your shipment departs, and we can coordinate storage-in-transit or destination storage through our international partner network if your new home isn’t ready when your belongings arrive.
Corporate and Employee Relocation
For businesses moving employees overseas, we offer coordinated relocation services that take the logistics off HR’s plate. This includes household goods shipment, destination services coordination, and consistent communication so your employee has one moving company managing their transition, not a patchwork of contractors pieced together at the last minute.
Countries We Serve
As an Allied Van Lines agent, Morse Moving & Storage has access to a shipping network that reaches destinations across the globe, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Central and South America. Wherever your move is taking you, we can typically get your belongings there.
Curious about your destination country? Reach out to us for more information. Some countries have longer lead times, stricter import restrictions, or seasonal shipping windows, and knowing your destination up front lets us plan your timeline accurately instead of guessing.
Our International Moving Process
An overseas move has more steps than a local or long-distance move within the U.S., and the process matters. Here’s how we manage it.
Step 1: Consultation and Survey
We start with a detailed conversation about your move: destination country, timeline, visa or work permit status if relevant, and the scope of what you’re shipping. For most international moves, we conduct an in-home or virtual survey so we can give you an accurate estimate based on the actual volume and nature of your belongings, rather than a rough guess.
“From the initial consultation with Jeff to scheduling with Tracy to the final box being placed in my new home, the level of punctuality, professionalism, and efficiency displayed by the entire team was truly exceptional.” — Mohamed E.
Step 2: Planning and Documentation
Once we understand the scope of your move, we build a shipping plan and walk you through the documentation your destination country will require. We help you understand what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and what paperwork needs to be in order before your shipment departs. This is also when we discuss shipping method (ocean freight or air freight) based on your budget, timeline, and what you’re shipping.
Step 3: Packing and Crating
Our crews arrive to pack your belongings using export-grade materials suited for international transit. Items that need extra protection get custom crating. Everything is inventoried and labeled clearly, both for your own records and for customs purposes at your destination.
“These were the best I’ve ever had at moving my stuff the care and the way they packed and transported my things were all top notch. I would highly recommend Morse Moving for all of your moves hands down!” — Paul T.
Step 4: Transport to Port or Airport
Once we’ve packed, your shipment is transported to the appropriate port or airport for export. We handle the logistics of getting your belongings from your home to the point of international departure, coordinating timing so nothing sits in limbo longer than necessary.
Step 5: International Transit
Your shipment travels via ocean or air freight, depending on the method selected during planning. Ocean freight is typically more economical but takes longer; air freight moves faster but at a higher cost. We keep you informed of your shipment’s status throughout transit so you’re not left wondering where things stand.
Step 6: Customs Clearance and Delivery
At your destination, your shipment goes through customs clearance according to that country’s import regulations. Once cleared, our international partner network coordinates final delivery to your new home. If destination storage is needed before delivery can happen, we help arrange that as well.
Step 7: Follow-Up
After your belongings arrive, we check in to confirm everything made it safely in good condition. International moves are complex, and if anything needs attention, we work with you and our international partners to resolve it.
What Sets Morse Moving & Storage Apart
International moving is a specialized service, and not every mover does it well. Here’s why families and businesses trust Morse for their overseas relocations.
Backed by a Global Network
As an Allied Van Lines agent since 1989, Morse has access to an international shipping network most independent movers can’t match. That means more destination options, established customs relationships, and a higher level of logistical support than our competitors.
70+ Years of Experience
Morse Moving & Storage was founded in 1954 and remains rooted in the family. Our longevity comes from doing complicated moves correctly, including the international ones that require more coordination and attention to detail than a typical domestic relocation.
Certified and Credentialed
We’re American Moving and Storage Association Certified ProMovers and have been ISO certified since 2000. For an international move, the margin for error is smaller and the stakes are higher, and those credentials reflect our standards and accountability during these complex relocations.
Elite Fleet Drivers
Several of our drivers and crew members carry Allied Van Lines’ Elite Fleet designation, awarded to the top-performing professionals in the Allied network. That’s a crew you can trust to handle the export packing and transport for your shipment.
“How pleased and surprised I was at the helpfulness of the crew and driver who showed up to make my move simple and stress-free! I would certainly recommend Morse Moving & Storage to anyone facing a big move like mine!” — Jill S.
Custom Crating and Specialty Item Expertise
Vehicles, pianos, fine art, and other high-value items require specific handling for international transit. We have the equipment and trained crews to manage these items correctly with the utmost care.
One Point of Contact
During international moves, it’s easy for details to fall through the cracks as you coordinate with multiple companies. With Morse, you work with a dedicated relocation consultant who stays with your move from the first survey through delivery at your destination.
“After the initial contact, our representative from Morse was the only mover who followed up and was timely on all communication. Our movers were thorough, efficient, pleasant throughout the move.” — Team Ripinski
Local Presence, Global Reach
Our branches across Michigan and into Cleveland mean you’re working with people who know your community and can meet with you in person, while still having the resources of a national and international shipping network behind them.
Get Your Free International Moving Quote
Planning a move overseas is a big undertaking, and the moving logistics shouldn’t be the part that keeps you up at night. Morse Moving & Storage has the experience, the network, and the local presence in Michigan and Ohio to manage your international relocation from start to finish.
Call us today at 888-616-2810 or get a free quote online now to speak with one of our relocation consultants about your move. We serve Detroit, Romulus, Lansing, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, and the surrounding communities, and we’re ready to help you get where you’re going.
International Moving | FAQs
Yes. International moving is a core part of what we do. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or any other reason, our team has the experience and the Allied Van Lines network to manage a move to nearly anywhere in the world.
We recommend starting the process at least two to three months before your target move date, and earlier if possible. International moves involve customs documentation, shipping schedules, and sometimes destination-country restrictions that take time to sort out. Ocean freight, in particular, has longer lead times than domestic moving, and booking early gives us room to plan your shipment properly rather than rushing it.
We assist with preparing the documentation your shipment needs and guide you through the customs process, working alongside our international partners at the destination. Customs clearance itself is handled according to the receiving country’s regulations, and our role is to make sure your paperwork is accurate and complete so your shipment moves through that process as smoothly as possible.
Yes. Vehicle shipping and piano shipping are both services we offer for international moves. Vehicles are prepared and documented according to your destination country’s import rules, and pianos are custom-crated to withstand the length and conditions of international transit. Let your relocation consultant know if either applies to your move so we can plan the logistics and cost accordingly.
Yes. We offer secure, climate-controlled storage at our Michigan facilities if your move date and shipping date don’t align, and we can coordinate storage-in-transit or destination storage through our international partner network if your new home isn’t ready to receive your belongings when they arrive.
Detroit
