Moving abroad is a challenging yet exciting task. It may be business, family, or friends or just a new adventure. The whole process involves very careful planning and organization. You always have to make the right decision before choosing a moving company. International movements are a little more complicated than over the border and therefore need specialized services and service providers as well.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about companies for International Relocations, including what services they provide to choose the best one that suits your needs. We will even find a way to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding international moving.
1. What are International Moving Companies?
International Moving Companies specialize in moving individual families and business households from one country to another. Services they offer are a mix through which overseas moving becomes easy and hassle-free. Such services offered include all those activities ranging from packing and moving your goods to having clear customs clearances done.
Common services offered by Moving Companies:
- Packing and unpacking
- Freighting
- Storage solutions
- Clearances and documentation of custom procedures
- Transportation of vehicle and specialist goods
2. Types of International Moving Services
There are various kinds of services offered in overseas moves, depending on your needs. These services can be customized according to your timeline, budget, and specific requirements.
Full-Service International Movers
Full-service movers take care of everything from beginning to end. This includes the entire process, starting from pack to shipping container, handling customs, paper work, and finally delivering every item into your new home abroad. They even give unpacking services upon arrival.
House to House Relocation Services:
Door-to-door service provides the assurance that all your shipments are collected from the old home and delivered straight to the new home. This is very convenient because you are not required to make any extra arrangement for transport once your goods reach your destination country.
Port-to-Port Shipping
Port to port service: The moving company transports your commodities from one shipping port to another specific port. Once your commodities have reached the destination port, you will then be responsible for arranging for final transportation to your home. This option is typically less expensive but more complicated, requiring greater consumer involvement.
Freight Forwarding Services
An overland freight forwarder would arrange the movement of merchandise but cannot be expected to offer full moving capabilities. They deal with logistics like booking cargo space, handling customs, and coordinating shipments, making them an incredibly valuable resource for international relocation.
3. How to Select a Good International Moving Company
Selecting a good moving company is of extreme importance when you plan to shift to another country. Here are some considerations to consider while choosing a good company.
Reputation and Reviews
You should always research before choosing an international moving company. Check for customers’ reviews, testaments, and ratings of a reviews website. You may also seek recommendations from friends or colleagues who have moved abroad.
Accreditation
Choose an accredited moving company by organizations like FIDI or IAM, it means the moving company upholds international standards.
Experience
The experience the company has in handling international moves goes a long way. Pick companies that have a proven track record of expertise in handling relocations.
Insurance
Many accidents could occur while moving. Even when moving over a long distance, something could go wrong, so ensure the company has full coverage for your belongings during the moving process.
Cost Transparency
Ask for detailed quotes from at least three companies and request that the costs of moving your belongings be fully covered. Also, beware of surplus fees that may charge you for storage or other handling charges, or even customs duty.
4. Important Considerations About Overseas Moving
Overseas moving involves moving out from a house and taking everything to a new destination. There are many aspects to plan while planning an international move, which includes, among others:
Customs Regulations
Every country has its laws on what you are allowed to bring to the country and how much is taxed or duty levied. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations at your destination country, so you don’t get delayed or incur extra charges while clearing customs.
Duration
International moves take longer than local ones due to shipping time and procedures that have to pass through customs. Prepare all the things well in advance, especially if you have critical deadlines of work or studies.
Paperwork
You will have documents for your stuff, but also for yourself, like a passport, a visa, work permits, if any apply to you. Your moving company should prepare the customs papers on your behalf. Do, however, check all paperwork twice.
5. Common Issues That Happen In International Moving
Overseas moving indeed is one of the stress-factors if not considered. Here are a few common issues and how to go about them:
Language gap
Assuming you are moving to a country where the language is different, communication breaks down mostly on customs. Use a moving company, which is conversant with local regulations and can help you translate the documents to avoid time- and confusion wastage.
Transit Delays
Transit delays can be weather, customs hold up, or port congestion. A contingency plan on transit delays should involve temporary stay or warehousing.
Damage to Shipment
Long-distance shipments increase the chances of damage in your shipment. Pack delicate or valuable pieces adequately and add extra insurance cover.
International Moving Cost
Overseas moving cost includes an agent’s commission to help distribute the risk when shipping to another country.
The price of moving overseas is a wide range, depending on the volume of goods, distance, and levels of service you want. Some of the cost considerations are:
Shipping Costs
This is the most significant cost component. Shipping cost is decided by the size, weight, shipping method (sea or air freight), and distance between the countries of origin and destination.
Customs and Import Taxes
In some countries, when goods you purchased arrive in the new country, customs duties or import taxes will be paid on them. This varies with the country and type of goods imported.
Storage Fees
If you will not be able to occupy your new home upon receiving your household effects, you will have to pay for holding charges. Most companies that ship your belongings usually carry medium-term storage areas as well as short-term storage facilities.
Insurance Charges
Then it is high time to insure your shipment as described above. Most of the time its charges depend on the total sum of your cargo.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Overseas Moving Companies
Q1: How do I get an international moving company?
It is also highly advisable to book an international moving company 3-4 months prior to the actual date of move. You should be giving enough time for preparation in terms of packing, shipping, as well as preparation of documents needed at customs.
Q2: How long will it take to forward the belongings overseas?
It actually varies according to distance and method of transportation. Normally, sea freight takes between 2-8 weeks, while air freight might take just a few days, though this would cost more.
Q3: Can I take my car?
Yes, most overseas moving companies have the option to transport vehicles as well. Please remember though that it may be required by the destination country for you to register your vehicle in their country.
Q4: What are the usual items that are not allowed in international moves?
Firearms, alcohol, plants, perishables, and electronics are some of the usuals. You should clear this up with your moving company as well as with customs officials first.
Q5: Air freight is costlier than sea freight cost?
It costs much higher than sea freight and is delivered much faster.
Sea freight is very cheap for large consignments, but the delivery of shipments via sea freight takes too long.
Conclusion
International relocation is one of those life-altering events, and it’s pretty important that you get a good, efficient international moving company that is going to ensure a hassle-free and stress-free relocation. Knowing the varying kinds of services available, proper research on your moving options, and proper planning well ahead of time will actually help you manage your home relocation pretty easily, whether you are going to make use of full-service providers or handle the more simple aspects of the move.
