Tips For Choosing International Movers

By International Sea and Air Shipping / January 21, 2020

Regardless of whether you will relocate your house or office, choosing international movers carefully is essential, as moving to a new country will be full of adventures. Moving all your possessions from one country to another can be a stressful task, so it’s recommended to hire a professional international moving company to help you with it.

There will be a huge list of professional movers who can handle your international relocation. However, selecting the wrong company can make the entire process more stressful. In this guide we will learn about a few important steps that will make the process easier and smoother:

1. Choose a Reputable Moving Company

Evaluate the reputation of the international moving company before choosing them for your overseas move. Check online reviews and BBB ( Better Business Bureau) for insights into previous customers experiences.

With customer feedback, you can make a more informed decision. Also, ask friends or relatives for referrals to a trusted 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 must start planning the move well ahead of time, as making the required arrangements will be a lengthy process. It’s recommended to hire an international moving company in advance and not wait until the last few weeks.

Plan your relocation at least two months before the moving day. Whether it’s in summer or winter, this timeline ensures the movers have everything they need for a successful move, regardless of the season.

4. Understand Transit Times and Create a Moving Schedule

Different companies offer different timescales for your shipment. Make sure you understand the door-to-door transit time (not just port-to-port) and that it suits your requirements. Think about what you will do while you are without your items – will you need to stay in a furnished rental, or hire furniture? This is a crucial consideration when moving with young children. 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

Wherever you are moving, your items will have to pass through customs. This requires a significant amount of paperwork, including forms and detailed inventories. When choosing your mover, ensure they have experience completing these forms and can guide you on what is likely to cause issues at customs, ensuring your items are not delayed or barred from entry due to restricted or prohibited items.

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

Most professional international moving companies offer comprehensive insurance cover to protect you if something gets damaged. It’s important to know what is included and excluded in your cover and what information you’ll need to provide to ensure you’re fully protected in all events, so you won’t be at a financial loss if anything is lost or broken.

12. Important Questions to Ask

Here’s a list of important questions to ask international movers before hiring them. Asking the right questions ensures you choose a company with the expertise and reliability needed for a smooth international relocation

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

Relocating to a new country is an arduous task, so you will need quick confirmation from an international moving company. So, if a moving company isn’t interested in helping you relocate, consider moving on and choose another company.

The Importance of Trust in Your Decision Making

Choosing an international removal company ultimately boils down to who you trust to transport all your items as safely, quickly, and securely as possible to your new home. Avoid making a decision based purely on price. Check quotes, plans, and previous customer experiences. If you are unsure, get a second opinion. Your goal is a smooth and stress-free experience, and that requires a partner 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