Understanding the Real Costs of Relocation: How to Prepare for Your International Move
If your company is looking to expand its business, one key reason to utilise Employer of Record (EOR) services is that it allows you to expand globally without the need to set up a local entity. By outsourcing employment-related responsibilities to an EOR, businesses can hire employees in different countries quickly, while remaining compliant with local labor laws and regulations. This approach enables rapid market entry and scalability, without the complexities and costs of establishing a physical presence or managing international payroll and tax compliance.
Another reason companies choose EOR services is to mitigate legal and compliance risks. Employment laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements vary across countries and can be difficult to navigate. EOR providers are experts in local regulations, helping businesses stay compliant and avoid costly legal issues. This reduces the risk of fines, lawsuits, or penalties, and ensures businesses remain on the right side of the law as they expand into new markets.
What Are the Common Costs of Moving?
Relocating to a new location, whether it’s across the country or around the world, is an exciting yet often expensive process. Being aware of the common costs associated with moving can help you avoid surprise expenses and better manage your budget. The main costs typically involved in a relocation are moving and transportation fees, housing-related expenses, legal and administrative costs, and additional expenses tied to family, pets, or other personal items. Understanding these costs ahead of time gives individuals and families the chance to plan more effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.
Moving and Transportation Costs: The First Step in Your Relocation Budget
The physical aspect of relocating your belongings is often the largest portion of your moving expenses. Costs vary significantly depending on the type and distance of the move, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of what to expect.
For local moves, full-service movers typically charge between $1,000 and $5,000. However, for long-distance or cross-country moves, the price tag can jump significantly, sometimes exceeding $10,000 (Moving.com, 2025). If you’re looking to reduce costs, renting a truck or container and handling the move yourself may be a viable option. Additionally, shipping a vehicle can cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the distance.
Legal and Administrative Expenses
Relocating also involves a host of legal and administrative responsibilities that are often overlooked. For international moves, visa and permit fees can significantly impact your budget (The Balance, 2025). Additionally, you may need to update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and other forms of identification. Expect activation fees when setting up utilities like electricity, water, and internet.
To make the transition smoother and ensure compliance with local laws, Gibson Watts Global provides expert relocation services. We work closely with clients to guide them through immigration processes, help secure necessary work permits, and ensure all legal requirements are met, so that your employees can focus on settling into their new environment while we take care of the logistical and legal details.
Estimating Your Relocation Costs
Creating an accurate relocation budget is essential. Start by outlining all possible expenses, from moving services to transportation, housing, and legal requirements. Researching these costs and ensuring you’re aligned with market rates will help you manage your financial expectations.
Relocating for Remote Work: Unique Considerations
Relocating for a remote job presents both advantages and challenges. On the one hand, remote work eliminates many of the costs associated with traditional office-based relocations, such as commuting or proximity to a physical office. However, there are still several important considerations.
For instance, moving further from urban centers can result in higher transportation or delivery costs for work-related materials. International moves also require more self-management in terms of securing visas, work permits, and complying with local laws.
While global HR platforms provide comprehensive relocation support, it’s important to note that services often extend beyond simply managing logistics. Employees relocating internationally often need personalized assistance for navigating the complexities of legal and regulatory compliance, which is where specialized relocation companies like Gibson Watts Global come in.
Preparing for a Smooth Relocation
Moving, whether for work, family, or personal reasons, can be a major undertaking. There are numerous costs and considerations to factor into your budget, from transportation and housing to legal fees and unexpected expenses. By understanding these common costs ahead of time, you can create a realistic relocation plan and budget, minimizing surprises and ensuring a smooth transition.
If you’re looking for more than just basic logistical support, Gibson Watts Global offers tailored relocation services to ensure your employees’ move is seamless and stress-free. With personalized attention and a focus on building relationships, we can help you manage the complex process of relocation – from moving expenses to legal compliance – allowing you to focus on what matters most: a successful new chapter in your business or personal life.
We’re proud to support businesses expanding in over 120 countries globally, offering a wide variety of different global expansion services. Working as an extension of our clients’ teams, we help to identify international opportunities, where they are, and the best way to achieve them. Our robust EOR / PEO covers everything from global HR, payroll, compliance, in-country support, immigration, visas, and more. This tailored service is designed to work closely with businesses until they are ready to establish a permanent entity overseas.
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Written by Gibson Watts Global Relationship Manager, Hollie Parker
With over 6 years of experience as a Relationship Manager, Hollie specialises in building and maintaining strong connections between clients, employees, and local teams. Holding a 2:1 Honours Degree in Accounting and Finance, Hollie’s expertise combines financial knowledge with a deep commitment to customer service.
In her current role, Hollie not only prioritises an exceptional, human-led service, but also plays an active role in the company’s marketing activities. Hollie collaborates with external partners on innovative projects, and contributes to the creation of industry-relevant content that informs and engages.