Tips For Choosing International Movers

By International Sea and Air Shipping / January 21, 2020

Whether you’re relocating your homes or offices, reliable international moving services are a must-have to live with an adventure of mind. A challenging part that most people find hard is that moving their belongings overseas is a daunting task; therefore, hiring the right professional international house-to-house movers will facilitate how you transfer your stuff from one country to another.

There will be plenty of international moving companies ready to assist you. But a wrong choice can make a process fraught with tension even more stressful. In this guide, we’ll go over a few key things that can help the process be less stressful and hopefully more successful:

1. Choose a Reputable Moving Company

Further interrogate the international moving companies goodwill before you decide who to hire and entrust your overseas move with. Search online reviews and BBB ( Better Business Bureau) for what past customers are sharing.

You can make an informed decision with input from customers. You can also reach out to friends or family for recommendations on a reputable international moving company.

2. Check for Industry Certifications (like FIDI FAIM)

There are great removal companies for local moves, but international relocation requires a different skillset. Check if the movers on your shortlist are FIDI FAIM certified. This is a quality standard specifically designed for international shipping. To get this certification, companies are pre-vetted by independent auditors in areas like customer service, facilities, training, and financial standing, giving you peace of mind that you’re choosing a reputable mover.

3. Seek a Head Start

An overseas move is more difficult than a local move for multiple reasons. In addition to customs regulations, you’ll need various documents when shipping household goods internationally, by sea or air.

You need to go about planning the move well in advance, given the nature of things to fall into place slowly. It is advisable to employ a international shipping company in advance and not lose the possibility of doing it last few weeks.

Prepare your move at a minimum of two months in advance. Whether it is summer or winter, this timeline will have the movers fully prepared for a successful move, whatever the season.

4. Know How Long It Will Take to Get There and Make a Moving Plan

Your orders from the company is promised at varying times. Ensure you know the door-to-door transit time (not just port-to-port), and that it works for what you need. Consider what you would do while your stuff is missing – would you need to put yourself up in a furnished rental, or rent furniture? It’s an important point to think about when moving with young kids.

The method of transport (e.g., exclusive or shared container) and specific sailing routes can significantly impact the schedule, so ensure the chosen plan meets your personal needs.

5. Search for Specific Experience

For an international move, select an experienced moving company with expertise in coordination and execution. Many may promise, but without experience, it’s a big risk.

Since you’re moving most of your lifetime’s possessions to a new country, an experienced moving company will take steps to prevent damage.

6. Look for a Moving Company with Customs Expertise

While hiring an international shipping company, you must ensure that the company has adequate knowledge of customs rules and regulations of your destination country where you will be relocating. A reliable moving company will share anticipated costs like customs duties and port charges, as well as the paperwork required for a hassle-free customs clearance.

There may be a time when you will need to hire a local agent who will manage the customs clearance of your belongings. However, it’s recommended to carefully check with the local consulate or embassy.

7. Documentation and Customs Clearance

And wherever you are going, your belongings will have to clear customs. This involves extensive paperwork, such as forms and lengthy inventories. Make sure your mover has experience filling out these forms and can advise you on what is going to create problems at customs, so that your possessions are not delayed or prevented entry for restricted items, or even forbidden goods.

8. Seek at Least Three Moving Estimates

Choosing the first international movers you come across isn’t a bad idea, but until you compare their moving estimate with a few others, you won’t be sure about the decision. So, it’s advisable to obtain on-site moving quotes from a minimum of three companies before making your final decision.

When it comes to hiring international movers, you will only get those services for which you will pay. It’s recommended not to go for the cheapest deal, as this can land you in big trouble.

9. Check What’s Included and Excluded in Your Quote

This can vary between companies. Make sure you have a good understanding up front of any charges that are NOT included in your quotation (for example, customs inspection charges). Understand if your quote is a fixed price or just an estimate that could change. Also, clarify additional services: Will they do the packing for you? Can they dismantle large items? Who is responsible for booking parking permits? Understanding the full scope of service is crucial.

10. Check for Licenses and Bond

You need to check whether an international moving company has a license with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) or not. You can simply check their website or call for confirmation.

Any international movers that deal with ocean freight shipments need to be licensed, or they will be considered illegal. Moreover, they will presume that there won’t be any liability if your belongings get lost or damaged.

Overall, it’s a common practice for reputable overseas movers to display their licensing information at the bottom of their web page.

11. Insurance Coverage

The good news is that most pro international movers provide full insurance coverage to protect your stuff if anything should get broke. You want to know what’s covered and what’s not, if there will be any other information you need to provide so that you can easefully take advantage of your coverage in the event anything is lost or damaged.

12. Important Questions to Ask

Here’s a list of important questions to ask international movers. Asking the right questions will help you ensure that you pick the company with the experience and trustworthiness to pull off a smooth international move.

By asking the appropriate questions, you can align yourself with the most suitable international movers for relocating to a new country.

13. Reading the fine print is important

Before hiring an international moving company, make sure you read the fine print in their moving estimate. Usually, any exclusions will be mentioned at the bottom of the moving quote, and you can check the potential charges as well.

It will be a good idea to request the moving company to read out the details of the moving estimate, and don’t feel hesitant to ask them if you feel anything isn’t included. If a moving company is reputable, in the first place, they won’t have any hidden costs. But it’s recommended to read every possible detail before you enter into a contract with an international moving company.

14. Response time is imperative

Transferring to another country is a tough thing, so an international moving company must give you quick confirmation. So, if a moving company isn’t interested in accommodating your move, take the opportunity to then decide on another moving company that appreciates and understands how important it will be for you to make your transition as smooth as possible.

The Importance of Trust in Your Decision Making

When it comes to picking an international removal company, at the bottom line you want to know who’s going to deliver all your stuff from A-B with as little stress. Don’t let price be the only criterion for decision making. Compare quotes, plans and past customer experiences. If in doubt, ask for a second opinion. You want a confident and hassle-free event, this can only be achieved if you have a partner whom you can trust.

Moving household items to a new country won’t be an easy thing to do. So, you should look for the best international movers who will help you easily walk through the entire process. You should consider all the above factors before hiring an international moving company, but at the same time, you shouldn’t ignore your gut as well. Hire a moving company that will make you feel comfortable.

Overall, if you choose the correct and experienced moving company, your anxiety will be reduced to a great extent, which in turn will help you contribute towards the other aspects of the move.

FAQ’s