How to Choose an International Moving Company to Relocate Abroad?

7 Jun 2022

Moving abroad is a great event in one’s life and requires heavy planning and proper decision-making. One of the most essential facets of a prosperous overseas move would be the selection of a proper moving company. Since the process may be overwhelming, proper tips should enable you to make an informed decision for a smooth and hassle-free relocation. Asian Tigers Group is an international moving company that provides comprehensive service backed by expert advice to guide you on your way. This article discusses how one can select the best international moving company for relocation abroad.

Understanding Your Moving Needs

Assess Your Specific Requirements 

Before you start searching for help with your international moving, you need to understand your specific moving requirements. This should include the volume of your goods, the distance of the move, and if there are any special requirements that could be involved.

1. Inventory List: Make a list of all moving items; this helps one get the proper quotation price and assures that nothing is left behind.
2. Special Items: Items requiring special handling: antiques, artwork, large pieces of furniture.
3. Destination Details: Logistics at destination, access points, local regulation, and unique challenges

Define Type of Services Required

Moving companies can offer a variety of services ranging from just the move itself to full relocation packages that include packing and unpacking with storage solutions.

1. Full-Service Moving: If you want things the easy way, this combines packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking.
2. Partial-Service Moving: This includes transportation with loading and unloading services; you pack and unpack.
3. Self-Service Moving: You pack and load your stuff; the moving company moves it.

How to Research a Moving Company and Make a Short List

Check for Reputable Companies

This can be the case when you think about an international moving company. Its reputation counts a lot. Look out for organizations with good reputations and nice customer reviews.

1. Company Credentials: It is important to consider the licenses, certification, and membership in professional associations like FIDI or IAM, which are always good pointers toward credibility.
2. Experience: This means considering how long the company has been in business and experience regarding international moves.
3. Reviews and Testimonials: Customer reviews and testimonials at independent review sites will provide some idea of their reputation.

Get Referrals

Personal recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have moved abroad are equally useful.

1. Word of Mouth: Ask around in your network about referrals or experiences with international movers.
2. Professional Networks: Ask for advice from professional networks or expatriate communities.

Compare Quotes and Services

Obtain quotes from several moving companies so that you have something to compare. Be wary of quotes that come in far below others, as this could be indicative of subpar service or hidden fees.

1. Detailed Quotes: Ensure the quote includes an itemized list of all costs involved, including transportation, packing materials, labor, and any additional services.
2. In-Home Surveys: Some will set up an in-home survey where they can assess your belongings in order to provide a better quotation for their work.
3. Service Comparison: Comparison of the nature of services each firm offers, from all other services like storage or relocation of pets.

Comparing Moving Companies

Licensing and Insurance 

Check that the moving company is properly licensed and adequately insured so that you are protected if damage or loss occurs during a move.

1. Licensing: Check that the company is equipped with all the licenses needed to operate at an international level.
2. Insurance Coverage: Check whether the company offers you good enough insurance coverage for your things.
3. Valuation Options: See if the company offers several valuation options available for your stuff.

Evaluate Customer Service

Good customer service is central to a hassle-free moving experience. You assess how responsive and professional the company’s customer service staff are.

1. Communication: Pick one that clearly communicates from the start to the end of the moving process.
2. Accessibility: Make sure that it is an easily accessible and communicative enough company to give you all the necessary replies for your concerns.
3. Problem Resolution: Look for a company with satisfactory resolution of customer complaints or problems.

Check their Record 

A company’s record speaks much about its trustworthiness and service quality.

1. History of Performance: Request companies’ performance history profiles, including recognitions or any award.
2. Past Customers: Obtain references directly from former clients to learn more about their experience.
3. Industrial Standing: Check if the firm has a good standing with the concerned industry and professional associations it may be a part of.

Preparing for Your Move

Plan out a Timeline

Work out the moving timeline in detail with the moving company. This will ensure everything goes according to schedule.

1. Advance Booking: Book well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and get your preferred date for the move.
2. Flexible Scheduling Options: Look for a firm that has flexible scheduling possibilities so that you may adjust if required.
3. Confirmation: It is vital to confirm all the details of the move on paper, including date and time of move and services.

Organize Your Stuff

Organize your things in a proper way to make relocation smooth. Use quality packing material and label all the boxes clearly.

1. Supplies: Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape
2. Labeling: On every box, indicate the contents and which room they go to for easy unpacking.
3. Breakable Items: All breakable items shall be packed separately, with extra padding, and marked “fragile.”

Address Customs and Documentation 

Ensure that all required customs paperwork and documentation are correctly filled out. Your moving company will help facilitate this.

1. Documentation: Ensure you have all the documents, such as a passport, visa, or detailed inventory lists.
2. Customs Forms: Ensure completion of all customs forms correctly with accompanying documentation if asked for by customs authority.
3. Compliance: Ensure compliance with all import regulations and restrictions for the destination country.

Moving Day and Beyond

Oversee the Move 

Everything has to be done perfectly on the moving day. So, be organized and coordinate well with the moving company so that all things go smoothly.

1. Supervision: Supervise the process of packers and loaders to ensure that everything is fine.
2. Checklist: With a checklist, you will never miss a thing.
3. Emergency Kit: Prepare an ’emergency kit’ containing all your essentials such as toiletries, medicines, other important documents, etc.

Settle Into Your New Home 

Once you are in your new home, get settled and fix any problems that arise.

1. Unpacking: First, unpack the necessities, then unpack the rest gradually.
2. Utilities and Services: Utilities and Services—set up electricity, water, internet, phone.
3. Local Resources: Seek out local resources: find a healthcare provider, schools, places to buy food.

Address Post-Move Issues

Some issues, no matter how well planned, may arise only after your move is conducted. Address them quickly to minimize stress and disturbance in your life.

1. Damage Claims: Immediately report damage or loss to your movers and file a claim with them if there is an appropriate case for one to be made.
2. Adjustments: Make adjustments in the new home, including any necessary repairs or modifications.
3. Feedback: Provide any feedback that will assist the moving company in improving its services for other customers in the future.

Conclusion on choose an International Moving Company

Choosing the right international moving company is quite essential to having a great relocation abroad. A smooth and stress-free move means proper knowledge of the moving needs, researching and comparing companies, proper evaluation of services and support, and good preparation. Among the leading international moving companies available today is the Asian Tigers Group, which offers complete services with professional guidance on the intricacies of international relocations.

Asian Tigers Group makes moving internationally as smooth and hassle-free as possible with customer satisfaction, reliability, and professionalism atop their agenda. Their experience builds the means to arrange all of your moves—from planning and packing to transportation and settling in. With their help, you can confidently overcome an overseas relocation process with tips and strategies described in this guide.