Have you just written in Google, “international moving company” and the amount of search results is overwhelming? Is it price the single factor to consider when choosing an international mover? Discover the best tips to choose a trustworthy moving company
Once the destination is chosen, the next question that comes to a future expat mind is: how do I organize my international move? Or actually, how do I move abroad? Most expats, either for the destination or for the number of goods they are planning to take, choose to move to another country with the assistance of a specialized international moving company. However, the offer can be as overwhelming as the preparation of the move itself. How can one then decide which the most suitable moving company is?
Here some tips which will definitely make your selection process much, much easier.
Start early
Don’t underestimate the time required to organize your relocation. Comparing the different options, organizing consultations, making bookings… all these are necessary and important activities to do for your move planning, and unfortunately, they are not a one-day thing. Thus, give yourself plenty of time to organize and finalize your arrangements stress-free and with the confidence that there is nothing missing.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend you make contact a minimum of twelve weeks prior to your planned moving date.
Look beyond price
More often than not, we tend to rely on a single differentiator: price. But how do you know that your special requirements and particular timings are taken into consideration? Or that the items to transport are assessed correctly if an estimate is exclusively made over the phone or by email? Here some questions which you should be answered before committing to any company:
• What are the extra charges if volume or weight exceeds estimate?
• Does the estimate include port charges?
• Is it a room-to-room service?
• Do they assist with customs clearance?
• Does the estimate include normal customs fees?
• Does the company manage their own insurance?
• Do they have their own office in the destination country?
• Are they using an agent? If so, make sure you research them as well.
While it may be convenient to get international moving estimates on the phone or email, it can end up costing you more, sometimes as much as twice or three times the offer that was signed. And your goods will be held hostage until the bill is paid. If there is a big price difference between companies, then there usually is a reason for it.
Ensuring quality: checking quality standards
When we are overwhelmed by options, a key differentiator is quality standards. Check if your short-listed moving companies have some internationally recognized quality standards. An example of them is the ISO certification, which Crown Relocations has earned in the majority of its worldwide locations.
Another important indicator of high-quality standards is the option of insuring your goods. If the moving company offers you some kind of insurance for your belongings, it is a sign of caring for their job. It is important to remember that your goods will be traveling by truck, plane, ship, or another mode of transport—each of which carries inherent risks.
No matter who you relocate with, if your shipment is over the size of the contents of one bedroom, you should have a consultant visit you in-person in your home. And even then you should read the fine print and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Like most things, you get what you pay for.
If more than 50 years’ experience moving people internationally, Crown Relocations can help you in organizing a door-to-door move. Fill the free quote form and one of your consultants will contact you at your earliest convenience.