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Moving experts at Santa Fe Relocation offer a comprehensive guide to choosing an international mover
2 October 2019
| Last updated on 19 January 2020
Choosing an international mover can be very overwhelming, especially considering there are usually hundreds to choose from, just a stone's throw away...
Although pricing is definitely a big factor for consideration, there are also many other factors you should check before selecting your mover.
Below you will find the top 9 factors to consider before parting with your hard-earned cash and choosing a mover...
1. Seek out recommendations
In order to find the best moving company for you, start by seeking out recommendations. These recommendations could come from family members, friends, and co-workers but you can also check online. Most reputable moving companies will have hundreds of reviews online, either through Google, Trustpilot, social media or other online review platforms.
2. FIDI & other accreditations
FIDI is an independent global organisation representing fully qualified professional international moving companies. When it comes to relocating, it is a must to only use FIDI accredited companies to avoid any issues with the transporting, packing and unpacking.
It is also recommended to check if they have any other country-specific accreditations such as the EuRA (European Relocation Association) or LACMA (Latin American association).
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Shipping Guide
Other important accreditations are IAM (International Association of Movers), ISO9001 Quality Management, ISO27001 Data Security, OHSAS18001 Health & Safety Management and ISO14001 Environmental Management.
3. Trust and transparency
This might sound obvious, but you should be able to trust the company you are selecting.
Whether this trust comes through answering all of your questions openly and honestly, having an office at your destination to ensure a smooth transition or even just having a gut feeling that this is the right company.
4. Comprehensive insurance options
Every reputable moving company will have various insurance options; see what options are available and if they are able to be tailor-made to meet your needs.
You should also check which insurance company they are working with, and check how easy is it to make a claim. This will help to ensure a smooth-running operation if anything was to go wrong during your move.
Check out our other article related to Insurance by clicking here.
5. A trusted global network
When you're researching to select a mover, finding one with a trusted global network is vital. You need to know whether they have an office at your destination or whether they will be using a service partner. If they are using a service partner, you need to find out the vetting process the company has to select them and check the reviews of the partner.
Many companies will use non-accredited or poor-quality partners at the destination end to make their prices look more attractive, but this can give you a big headache later on.
6. Years of experience and community involvement
The number of years of experience can play a big part into the quality of services that they provide. When moving your goods internationally you need a trusted and experienced company. If the moving company has a good track record with a decade or more experience, then this will start your moving process on the right path.
Community involvement is also important; does the moving company take part in events and get involved with the community? A good community involvement shows that they care about the people, and will also show their familiarity within the local area.
7. Carefully review the estimated cost
When you have received your estimates, carefully review them all. Selecting the cheapest may cause you to have many ‘surprise’ costs at the other end.
SEE ALSO: Your Guide for Shipping to the UK
Compare the inclusion and exclusions of all the quotations. Has one included more services and options than another? Does one have more comprehensive insurance (including mold and mildew, electrical and mechanical derangement and sets and pairs all with no deductibles)? Does one quotation have a lot of jargon on their quote to confuse you? Are the prices clear and transparent? And make sure if something is unclear in the quotation to ask your representative from the moving company to clarify before proceeding.
8. Check the physical address
To ensure the company is legitimate, you can go and check their office or request to see photos of their facilities. This will allow you to see the working environment, the resources and type of company that will be handling your move.
A company that provides its employees with a good working environment is more likely to care more about its customers.
9. A good fit for your individual needs
Lastly, it is vital to find a mover that thinks, cares and can accommodate your individual needs. Every move is different, and your requirements may differ significantly from your friends/family.
Ask all the important questions to make sure the mover can meet your needs:
- Are they available on your required move date?
- Can they provide the full range of services you need? (full door to door services, comfort calls at destination, customs regulations advice)
- Can they provide all the right packing materials? (acid-free tissue paper, hanging boxes for clothes, crating for fragile items)
If you follow these 9 easy steps before selecting your international mover, you will be in a better position to have a successful move!
If you’re thinking about moving abroad and would like to find out how we can support your move from A to B, get in touch with a member of our friendly expert team on 04 332 1595, today.
Authored by Gemma Barakat
Team Lead - Consumer Sales
Santa Fe Relocation
