Choosing your international moving company is one of (if not the) most crucial decision you will make throughout the entire relocation process.
Choose wisely and you’ll reap the considerable rewards as your moving company provides help, support, efficiency and professionalism from the very start of your moving process through to its completion. Their reliability will help to ensure your stress-levels remain manageable for the entire duration of your move.
Choose poorly and you’re in danger of heading into nightmare territory. A moving company not up to the task at hand will pile megatons of stress on you at a time that is already intensely pressurised. Possessions getting damaged, items getting lost, your shipment not arriving on time, non-existent communication - all of this and more could well be headed your way.
To help you make that all-important decision, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask your potential international moving company.
- Is the company FIDI certified?
FIDI-FAIM certification is an independent audit that sets a common standard across the globe when it comes to international moves. Choosing a moving company that holds the FAIM certification guarantees that you are dealing with a professional organisation that has the resources and expertise to make the transition as smooth as possible; an organisation that reaches, and indeed surpasses, the very highest standards. The importance of this certification cannot be overstated.
- What insurance cover and insurers do they recommend?
These are your precious possessions we’re talking about here. Even with expert care, attention, and the best will in the world, accidents caused by external factors can happen. It’s for this reason that we highly recommend you take out a comprehensive insurance policy on your belongings. Any reliable relocation company will be partnered with a globally respected insurer. Make sure yours is.
- What is covered in the quote?
Your international moving company should be happy and able to supply a complete and comprehensive breakdown of exactly what services are provided in its quotation. You should know exactly what you’re paying for and exactly what to expect. If there are any grey areas here, it should serve as a warning sign that this, potentially, isn’t the company for you.
- Do they offer packing services?
The best moving companies take pride in their packing services. They’re professionals with years of experience. Their team will be highly trained, taking all the necessary care and attention when packing up your belongings and transporting them to their final destination. You should feel assured and confident in their abilities. If you don’t feel that way, it might be time to reconsider your options.
- Does the company own storage facilities?
You might not be able to move into your new home straight away on arrival in your new country of residence. You might be downsizing to the extent that all of your belongings won’t effectively fit into your new residence. Whatever the reason, it is wise to ask your internal moving company if they offer storage facilities – both short-term and long-term. Even better if they own and run those storage facilities.
- What about moving specialist items (e.g. piano, artwork)?
You know how it is. Not everything can be packed up into a standard-sized box, labelled and then sent happily on its way. Some items require even more special care, attention and thought in order to be shipped safely. You might own a piano, a pool table, a full size slushie machine, a Leonardo da Vinci original. Whatever that special item is, you need to know that your chosen moving company has the knowledge and experience to effectively and safely ship it. Question your moving company on the specifics - the right company will be more than happy to provide answers
- Do they have experience of moving to your new home country?
This one is fairly self-explanatory. You should want the company you choose to have considerable experience of relocations to your new country of residence. If they have that experience and knowledge, you will feel the benefit on multiple levels.
- Are there any restrictions on what and how I pack?
This comes back to the experience, knowledge and professionalism theme. Your international moving company should be able to provide an all-encompassing guide on what you can and can’t pack, and how to pack it or better still provide the services of professional packers.
- How long will the move take?
A reliable relocation company should pride itself in being able to supply its clients with an accurate timeline for their entire moving process. Tread carefully and with caution if a company is sketchy on the details.
So, there you have it. It is fair to say that if you can find yourself an international moving company that can answer all the above questions in the positive, then your search is over and you have found yourself a deserving winner.
