What To Look For In An International Removals Company
Moving to a new country is a big step and it can be a stressful time so you will want to make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible. The secret lies in being prepared and getting the right support. Choosing the right removals team can save you a lot of stress.
But how do you pick a removal company that you can trust? Normally you might ask friends for a recommendation but that’s not so easy for an international move. Here are a few things to help you choose.
Experience
Make sure to choose a company that specialises in international moves. It they are basically a local company willing to take on a bigger job they are likely to lack the skills and expertise you need.
Look out for those whose websites focus on international moves and better still, find one that offers you a designated member of staff to plan and co-ordinate all aspects of the job.
It is also worth checking if they are a member of any of the relevant international removals organisations. This will ensure that they meet the professional standards.
Local Knowledge
Check what countries they have experience of working in. International doesn’t necessarily mean that they work everywhere. Some may specialise in moving to Europe, or to the Far East for example.
Don’t forget that there are rules about what you can and cannot bring into certain countries – a company with experience in your destination country should be able to offer you guidance so that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises at customs.
Services
Some companies offer air freight, some ocean shipping and others a combination of both.
If you can combine both, you can have the things you need most urgently sooner but not pay the expense of air freight for the things you don’t need right away.
It may be worth choosing a moving company that offers specialist packing services. This will not only save you time, it will also ensure that your precious belongings are well protected on their long journey especially if it will involve the additional risks of travel by air or sea.
You can even bring the pets with you!
It goes without saying they should be insured. But insurance policies can vary enormously so read the small print to see what is covered and what exemptions might apply.
With good preparation and the support of an experienced removals team your move abroad can be an exciting and stress-free adventure.