One of the first questions anyone thinking about moving abroad asks is: how much will it cost? The honest answer is: it depends. That’s why we’re breaking down the 12 factors that determine the price of an international move, so you can compare quotes fairly, avoid surprises, and make the best decision with confidence.
At Translowcost, we’ve been handling international moves for years, and we know that budget transparency is what our clients value most. That’s why this guide exists — so you arrive at our conversation already informed.
The 12 factors that determine the price of an international move
1. Distance between origin and destination
The longer the route, the higher the cost of fuel, tolls, and crew travel time. A move from Portugal to Spain is naturally less expensive than one to Germany, Finland, or the UK. Distance is the baseline factor on top of which every other cost is added.
2. Total volume of belongings
Volume, measured in cubic metres, is one of the most decisive factors in the final price. A studio apartment might take up 10 to 15 m³, while a 3-bedroom flat can easily exceed 35 m³. That’s why we always request a detailed inventory — it’s the only way to calculate an accurate quote with no surprises on moving day.
3. Type of service chosen
Translowcost offers three service tiers tailored to different needs and budgets:
- BASE — transport of your belongings, already packed by you, with basic insurance included.
- PLUS — includes professional packing, transport, and basic insurance included.
- Premium — full service: complete packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, transport, collection of packing materials, and basic insurance included. The choice for those who want zero hassle.
Choose the tier that balances your budget with the care your belongings deserve.
4. Exclusive service vs. groupage
With exclusive service, the vehicle is reserved solely for your move, giving you more control over dates and delivery time. With groupage, your volume shares space in the same vehicle with other clients heading to a similar destination. Groupage costs considerably less, but requires more flexibility on pickup and delivery dates. For smaller volumes or flexible schedules, groupage is often the smarter choice.
5. Access at origin and destination properties
Access conditions have a direct impact on the time and resources required. Upper floors without a lift, narrow streets with no parking for a large vehicle, or the need for an exterior lift all add to the cost. Always let us know about these conditions when requesting your quote — it avoids extra charges on moving day.
6. Date and seasonality
Summer holiday periods see the highest demand in the international moving sector. Booking with little notice during this time can mean higher prices and fewer available dates. Whenever your schedule allows, opt for lower-demand months like October, November, or January, and book at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
7. Packing materials
For services that include professional packing (PLUS and Premium), materials — boxes, bubble wrap, and protective blankets — are included in the quote. With the BASE service, packing is the client’s responsibility. Always confirm exactly what’s included before signing any proposal, regardless of which company you choose.
8. Special items
Pianos, safes, motorcycles, valuable artwork, sculptures, or professional equipment require special handling methods and equipment. These items carry an additional cost that must be declared when requesting your quote. Leaving this out is one of the most common mistakes, and it almost always leads to unpleasant surprises on moving day.
9. Insurance coverage
Basic contents insurance is included with every Translowcost service — BASE, PLUS, and Premium. This covers damage caused by accidents during transport. For situations requiring broader coverage, additional insurance can be arranged. Contact us to find out what options are available for your case.
10. Storage services
Sometimes delivery at the destination can’t happen right away — the new home isn’t ready yet, the move-in date has changed, or you simply need to store a few items for a while. Storage services, available in Portugal and several European destinations, have a monthly cost that varies with the volume stored. Contact us to find out what options are available for your case.
11. Urgency of the move
A move planned in advance is always more affordable. Requests with less than a week’s notice may involve surcharges, limited date availability, or the risk of being unable to guarantee the service you need. If your situation is urgent, contact us directly by phone — we’ll do everything we can to find a solution.
12. Destinations outside the EU
For countries like the UK, Switzerland, Norway, or other destinations outside the Schengen area, additional costs may apply related to customs paperwork, declarations of goods, or border formalities. At Translowcost, we guide our clients through this process, but it’s important to factor these costs into your overall moving estimate.
How to get the most accurate quote possible
The more information you share with us, the more precise and fair your quote will be. For a reliable estimate, have the following ready:
- Full address of origin and destination (including floor and access conditions)
- Type of property (1-bed, 2-bed, 3-bed, house…)
- List of main furniture items and estimated volume
- Preferred date or range of possible dates
- Any special items requiring specific handling
- Need for storage, packing, or assembly services
Translowcost quotes are always free, with no obligation, and sent quickly — usually the same day or the next.
Frequently asked questions about international moving prices
What’s the average price of an international move from Portugal? The price varies depending on volume, destination, and the type of service chosen. For an accurate figure tailored to your situation, the best approach is to request a personalised quote — free and with no obligation.
Is the quote binding? Yes. Translowcost quotes are presented in detail with no hidden costs. If the conditions of your move match what was described when you requested the quote, the price won’t change on moving day.
Can I move just a few pieces of furniture, not my whole home? Yes. We work with any volume, including small loads. In these cases, groupage is usually the most economical and efficient option.
How long does an international move take? It depends on the destination. For countries like Spain or France, delivery can happen within 1 to 3 days. For more distant destinations like the Scandinavian countries or the UK, it may take a little longer. With exclusive service, timelines are generally shorter.
💶 Want to know exactly how much your move will cost? Request your personalised quote at translowcost.com — free, with no obligation, and a fast response.
