Are you moving overseas to a new country? If so, you’ll need to find a reputable international mover to transport your belongings. But how do you choose the right one for the job? Here are some tips on how to choose a moving company when relocating across the world.
If you’re moving internationally, it’s important to choose an international moving company that is up for the task. International movers vary in their ability to accommodate different relocations, so it’s important to do your research before settling on one. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a company for an international move. With some relocation tips, you should have a good idea of what to look for when choosing international moving services.
How to Choose a Moving Company – Start With Getting Referrals
If you’re planning to move to another country, you’ll need to pack some relocation essentials for the road. But more importantly, you should find a reputable international moving company to help transport your belongings and move efficiently. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why you should use some relocation hacks that could help you avoid making any relocation mistakes and hiring scammers.
The best way to find good assistance for the upcoming move is to get referrals from people you know and trust. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they’ve used such a company before and if they were happy with the service. If you don’t know anyone who has used an international mover, you can also check online reviews. But be sure to read the reviews carefully because some companies pay for fake ones.
Don’t Settle for the First Company
Once you’ve gathered a few referrals, it’s time to start doing some research in order to move across the world without any fuss. Look at the websites of each company and see what services they offer. Make sure they have experience with moves like yours (for example, if you have a lot of delicate items, so you’ll need a packing service). Once you’ve looked at all the information available online, it’s time to start making some phone calls.
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Get Quotes From Several Companies
This is where things can get tricky. Some companies will give you a quote over the phone without even knowing what kind of move you’re doing or what kind of items you have. These quotes are often lowball estimates that end up being much higher by the time the move is actually done. To get an accurate quote, most companies will need to come to your house and do an in-person estimate based on your relocation inventory.
Ask for References
References should also be a priority on your to-do list. When you’ve narrowed down your options, be sure to ask each company for references from past customers. This will give you a chance to hear about other people’s experiences with the movers and make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If you want to live in another country without having unnecessary stress, you should watch for warning signs of relocation scams during the estimate. If we look at the majority of reliable relocation specialists, they wouldn’t ask for a large deposit prior to the move. It might not be a real service if the mover appears too eager to take the initial payment. While the estimate is done, pay attention to the movers’ appearance and professionalism. Search for someone different if the team you’re considering seems unreliable, appears unskilled, or is not responding to your questions. Additionally, watch out for any movers that arrive in a hired relocation truck. A reputable business will have its own gear.
Check Their Credentials
When you’ve narrowed down your options to a few companies, the next step is to make sure that they are properly licensed and insured. This is especially important when you’re relocating abroad alone, as there are additional regulations that apply. You can typically find this information on the company’s website, or you can give them a call and ask. Perhaps the best way to check for the license is to search for the company’s USDOT number given by the US Department of Transportation FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
Better Business Bureau Is a Great Source of Information
Before you start making a list of who to notify about your move, you should check the Better Business Bureau’s website. There, you’ll find a relocation company’s ratings and thus find out about the reputation of a certain relocation company for free online. You should always remain with movers who are BBB accredited or, at the very least, have a decent rating. If the international movers are not on the BBB’s list, think about finding one that is.
Professional Accreditation
No matter what reasons are behind your move, you should relocate stress-free. One of the ways you can ensure you are not a victim of fraud is to check the professional accreditation of a company you’re looking into. Keep in mind that trade groups will examine each business before giving them membership approval or a stamp. Although it’s not imperative, you can look for a relocation business that displays the ProMover logo from the American Moving and Storage Association. You can also visit the website of the American Moving and Storage Association and conduct a direct search for approved businesses.
Check for a Physical Address
You should also get a business card from the mover and keep it along your relocating abroad checklist. Visit their website, and then look up the provided address in the phone book or online. Ensure that the address of the company is documented and listed under the business name. Avoid any address which seems listed with a residential home and consider it a major red flag.
Go Through Reviews
Reviews can be a great way to get an idea of which international moving company is the best for your move. Reading reviews from other customers who have used the company will give you an honest account of how their service was and whether they met expectations. Here’s what you should pay special attention to:
- When researching various international moving companies, look for ones specializing in specific types of moves, such as moving from one country to another. This will ensure that they have the expertise and experience necessary to assist you with your move.
- Reading customer reviews will also give you an idea of how reliable their services are and if there were any issues with their services or products.
- Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews when researching international moving companies. While it’s natural to be drawn to the positive reviews, it’s important to read the negative ones as well. This will help you get a full picture of what kind of service and experience to expect from that company.
- Finally, look for customer reviews on third-party websites like Yelp or Trustpilot. These are reputable sites where customers can leave honest reviews about the companies they’ve used, and you can get an unbiased assessment of how good each company is.
Avoid Large Deposits
More than 20% of the expected cost of the move should not be requested as a deposit by the moving firm. A lot of places won’t demand payment until your items are delivered. Put any down payments or additional charges on a credit card so you can dispute it if something is wrong. Try contacting the police because they might be able to help if a mover holds your belongings hostage to get you to pay more.
File a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for an interstate relocation and the Better Business Bureau if you have a problem with a mover. Make a complaint to the American Moving & Storage Association as well if the mover belongs to it.
Make a complaint to the state or local consumer protection bureau as well. The Maryland attorney general compelled a corporation to pay fines and fees totaling more than $500,000 in November after it was charged with overcharging clients and keeping their belongings hostage. This included at least $117,000 in consumer compensation.
Beware of Extra Charges
While you still haven’t decided on a mover, it is important to ask them for a complete breakdown of all charges associated with their services. This includes any additional fees that may be charged for packing materials, storage service, customs clearance, insurance, overseas vehicle shipping, and more. Make sure to review this list carefully, as it can help you compare different companies and avoid hidden costs.
It is also important to ask about any restrictions or limitations the company may have when it comes to international moving. Some items movers won’t move and may not be able to ship certain objects, such as furniture, appliances, or electronics. You should also find out if there are any size and weight limits for your shipment that you need to be aware of.
Finally, always make sure to read the small print before you sign any contracts with an international relocation company. Make sure you understand all details related to payment, insurance coverage, and any additional fees or charges that may apply. Knowing exactly what you are getting into can help avoid unexpected costs down the line.
Choose Experts That Can Offer You a Variety of Services
When you’re moving internationally, it’s important to find the right moving experts that can offer a variety of services. From packing and shipping your items overseas to customs clearance and delivery at your new destination, international movers have the experience and expertise needed to make sure your move is successful.
It’s also important to make sure that your moving experts can provide the service you need. This can include packing, loading, and unloading services, as well as cleanup and final delivery at your destination. To ensure quality, look for a company that offers insurance on all of their shipments and makes sure to treat your items with care throughout the process.
The most important thing when choosing a moving expert for international moves is to make sure that they are experienced and knowledgeable about the local customs, regulations, and procedures in your new home country. Working with a company that has experience in the area will save you time and money in the long run, as they will be able to help you understand what paperwork needs to be filled out and what fees may be due. This will also help you organize important documents needed for your relocation.
Your priceless grand piano or any other instrument or valuable object shouldn’t be transported by just anyone. A relocation company with specialists that understand how to handle specialty objects, such as pianos, exercise equipment, or pool tables, should be sought out if you have any of these items on your moving-out list.
Take Your Pick and Move Safely
Relocating can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. But relocating internationally takes that stress to another level, with a variety of factors to consider and organize. To ensure your move goes smoothly, it is important to choose experienced international movers who know how to handle all the complexities involved in an international relocation. However, with the right assistance and proper preparation, you will relocate without any fuss and experience all the benefits of relocating to the fullest. Just remember to tip the movers for the job well done in the end.