Choosing your Overseas Removal Company

Moving house is indisputable one of the most stressful tasks you are likely to undertake in your life and it follows that moving to a new home overseas will be more stressful still with so many extra issues to contend with like visas, bank accounts, local property agents and possibly starting a new job at the same time. Therefore choosing a removals firm who you can trust to look after your possessions and manage your move overseas with the care and attention it deserves is essential. The checklist below outlines some common questions and tips for you to consider when looking for a company to handle your house move.

Personal recommendations

Ask among any friends or family who have emigrated and may have experience with international removers

Consultancy

Ask all the removals companies who quote on your move to come to your home to properly evaluate your requirements and give you an accurate price. It is hard to accurately quote for removals electronically

Insurance

Make sure you use a company who are adequately insured both in the country you are moving from and too

Professional qualifications

Find out what sort of professional training and associations your removals company are part of, for example in the UK, B.A.R.T.S

Packaging & Wrapping

Can they provide packaging for your move and will that be adequate to ensure your possessions are protected on the long journey to your new home overseas

Will they wrap, pack and then unpack your possessions each end of your removal? Moving overseas is stressful enough, when you arrive at your new home you’ll have plenty else to think about.

Storage

Can they provide storage at your destination in case your belongings arrive early or your new home is not ready on time.

Experience

Do they have international experience in the country you are moving from and too. You may be able to ask for references from past customers.

Local representatives

Does the removals company have local representatives or work with local companies in your destination country? It is common for international removals companies to have partnerships with local removals companies who will have expert local knowledge. For example if you’re moving to Dubai, a local company in the UAE may handle the final part of your move.

Local considerations

They should inform you about local issues to be aware of during your move in particular regulations around importing goods and taxation on imports. For example Cyprus charge an import tax on new furniture or electronic goods but not on used goods so it is a good idea to unpack any new belongings you purchase at home before your move.

Price

Find out exactly what the price the removals company quotes you includes. For example does it include insurance, packaging, packing and unpacking. Don’t be tempted to just go for the lowest quote you receive.