Top tips to help you find a removal company for your move abroad
You need to find a removal company who is professional and organised at assisting international relocations. The right company can help make the move as smooth and as stress-free as possible for you.
International transport options for moving your worldly goods are by sea, road or air; or a combination of all three.
If you are moving to another continent the bulk of your possessions will travel to your new home by container ship. This slow voyage means that you are without most of your belongings for quite some time. Depending on where you’re heading this could be about two months, possibly more.
Air freight is expensive and is charged by weight and volume. However, it may be worth sending a few items this way so they arrive before your shipment. This is not guaranteed when you expect it though, due to customs controls, so don’t pack anything absolutely vital in this.
Road transport is only really feasible if you’re moving within your continent.
Choosing a removal company
Here are some pointers to help you make the right decision for YOUR move abroad.
Plan ahead
Start researching as soon as you know you are moving overseas as the process can take time. A lot of time! Once you start asking for quotes, you may be given an estimate first. To get a true, accurate quote, the company needs to send an assessor to your home to calculate precisely how much needs to be packed. If you’re getting several quotes, this process alone will take time.
Shop around
Get in touch with at least three removal companies for quotes. What you are looking for is confidence in their abilities, professionalism, friendliness and efficiency. Find out what their services include.
You can get FREE quotes right here, right now!
Get recommendations
The best way to choose a removal company is to have friends and colleagues recommend one. If this isn’t possible, go with your instincts. You will be trusting all your worldly goods to these people, so you need to have confidence in them.
Insurance
A good removal company includes insurance to cover against loss or damage during transit, so ensure this is included before making your booking. It’s also wise to contact your own home contents insurer to find out if your policy will cover your contents while they are being packed.
Don’t pack it yourself
Choose a removal company that includes a packing service. It’s not too expensive and can save a huge amount of stress, time and energy that’s best spent elsewhere. Besides, insurance cover is cheaper if the company packs your items themselves. They are professional packers and can squeeze far more into a box than you can. It’s quite something to watch!
While it’s quite daunting watching strangers move through your home with the speed and alacrity of locusts, it’s well worth it in the long run. There are a few pointers to take into account with this, and I’ve written about our own experiences in this post. You also need to be aware that they will pack everything… everything. Including rubbish bins and other unexpected items.
Customs and delivery to your new home
Your chosen removal company will have contacts at all destinations and will deal with the customs clearance for you. Once everything has cleared customs, your goods will either be placed into temporary storage or delivered to your new home.
To sum up
- Plan a long way ahead.
- Get several quotes.
- Choose an accredited company from the website links above.
- Ask for with personal recommendations or your go with your instinct.
- Insurance is vital.
- Choose a professional packing service.
To make your overseas relocation as smooth and hassle-free as possible, plan every step with care. Rely on your removal company to take as much of the inevitable stress away from you. They are the experts and can advise you on any specific questions you may have.
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