How to Prepare for International Removals

Moving can be a very stressful experience, especially if it’s an international relocation. You need a superhero that you can fully trust to carry all your personal belongings and help you during the process. And, depending on where you’re moving to, the procedures and rules could change. For this reason you need an expert to help you with your move whether nationally or internationally.

ExpatFinder.com talks to AGS to understand the process and preparations needed when you choose a removal company. Read information straight from one of the best international removals companies in the world.  

Are you moving soon? Click here for a free quote.

Here are a few tips to help you pick the superhero you need:

Start early with preparations

A relocation can be a long process. Start your research and planning in advance, at least two months before the scheduled departure date.

The removal industry is seasonal and the high season is between June and September. If you’re moving around summer time, try to start early to have enough time to get quotes and compare all the services. If you rush, you’ll be more stressed and you could miss the chance to move with the company of your choice.

Get a quote that fits your needs

Most removal companies offer a free quotation which is nice, but what matters most is to ensure that they’re services fit your specific needs.

A professional company will always require as many details as possible about your specific move in order to provide an accurate quotation. They may also send a representative to your home to do an inspection. The representative will be able to calculate the volume of your furniture and recommend the best packing method for your specific items. Furthermore, the representative can identify the items that might be difficult to move through the house and might need specific tools to disassemble. Some removal companies also offer a virtual visit via a tablet or a smartphone.

No matter which removal company you decide on, ensure that they provide a quotation that includes the VAT price, the customs fees for an international move, costs of the tools that were used, the timelines and the insurance.

Think about your destination

It might be risky to choose a removal company that doesn’t have a presence in your destination country. Every country has different rules regarding transport, the items allowed within the country and customs. For this reason you should try to opt for a company that’s familiar with the rules and regulations that apply to your destination country. They’ll be capable to provide you with all the information you need and make the transfer easier for you.

Furthermore, an international company will also be able to advise you on different transportation options to move your furniture according to your budget and your personalised items. Although shipping is most common, in some instances it could be cheaper and faster to send part of your belongings by plane.

Take the best

When comparing the different removal companies within your area, you’ll be able to identify the best ones based on the quality of their website, the array of services they offer and the recommendations they’ve received.

Moreover, there are accreditations and certifications you can trust. For example, the International Organization for Standardization publishes standards every year in order to answer the question: “What is the best way of doing this?”. This is an international certification and one of the most recognised within the industry. The FAIM accreditation by FIDI is the strictest accreditation within the moving industry and a company that complies with these standards will offer an additional security to your international move.

There are thus many ways to compare different organisations. Try to find the best one according to your specific needs. But be sure to always take additional insurance because even a superhero can have an accident sometimes.

This article is sponsored by AGS Worldwide Movers, a global leader in the removals industry.