In many cases, if you are transferring overseas for work, the use and cost of relocation services is employer driven. However, there are also packages for individuals and providers tailor packages to match customer needs. The advantages of using a professional relocation service are significant, providing a single point of contact for all aspects of the relocation thus saving time and effort. Employers recognise the importance of getting an employee on seat as fast and effectively as possible and relocation services help families set up home more quickly. Those moving abroad with a family are more productive in the workplace when their spouse and children feel settled and happy in their new environment.
Comprehensive
relocation service companies organise overseas moves from start to finish, down to the finest detail. This begins with providing support to prepare for the move.
The provision of family guidance, with the emphasis on preparing children for a move, may be a top priority for some new expatriates to help their family understand the reason for the relocation, the impact it will have, and what measures to put in place to facilitate the relocation.
Relocation companies plan the physical move in intrinsic detail, ranging from the legal, technical and practical aspects to the logistics of the packing, shipment, storage and unpacking of personal belongings.
Preparation will also include guidance and information on the legislation and policies within your destination country on issues such as the importation of goods, working, schooling, immigration and housing. A relocation services company can also advise on importing your car.
Once you arrive in your destination country, a representative will welcome you. Meeting your focal point face to face provides you with an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter to you and your family. With the use of pre-prepared checklists and a welcome pack, your focal point will inform you about subsequent actions and guide you through each major process to get you and your family established in your new country.
Finding a house is intrinsically linked to finding the right school, and relocation services can assist you with both, as well as helping with administration for immigration and local registration processes.
Once you have a place to live, the children have a school to go to and your documentation is in order, your relocation services focal point will concentrate on settling you into your new neighbourhood.
Settling-in services span from opening bank accounts to providing information about local expatriate groups, toddler groups and gym memberships; in short, information about the issues that effect day to day life in your family.
Some companies provide an accompanying spouse with additional support in the form of guidance on educational courses in the area, assistance to find a job, arranging work permits, or providing information on local volunteer opportunities and networking groups.
At the end of an overseas assignment, relocation service companies are on hand again to assist you; disconnecting utilities, notifying local authorities, ending leases and arranging for the return of deposits.
Whatever package you choose, you need to feel confident that you are placing your trust in a reliable company so here are a few things to keep in mind when you are choosing a
relocation service provider:
- For an individual move, get recommendations and check references.
- Talk to partner companies and get references from them too.
- Consider which services you need prior to your search and match a company to those requirements.
- Check if the company is a member of an accredited organisation in your home country.
If your employer is responsible for the provision of relocation services, then make sure you are clear about which costs the employer covers, and what will be for your own account. Moving overseas is not cheap, but bear in mind the old saying “You get what you pay for”. Cutting corners to save money when the contents of your entire house, and setting up your new life abroad is at stake, makes little sense.
Amanda van Mulligen
