5 Tips For Finding The Best International Moving Company
Florida may be among the most popular states for people moving within the US, but there are also families that do decide to move out of the country. And while moving to a different city within the US may be simple, going abroad from Florida can involve a different set of challenges.
International moving involves more costs than a move within the country, but at the same time, it also comes with additional issues. This means that when shifting to another country, you’ll need to change the planning process.
Fortunately, if you are moving from the state of Florida, there are a lot of moving companies that can help. However, before you find the right one, you need to put in some effort in determining the best service provider for the job because, after all, you wouldn’t want to trust someone to move your personal belongings thousands of miles without knowing they are everything that they claim to be.
This article outlines what you need to look for in an international moving company, whether you are moving from Florida or any other state in the US or to another country from the East Coast.
1. Reputation
For any Florida international moving company, rapport in the market is the strongest suit. And thanks to the internet, learning about a company’s reputation is easy. Before you get on the internet, though, it is better still to ask around in your trusted circle to see if anyone has personally used any type of international moving services. Recommendations for any type of service are often the best option.
However, if no one in your family, close friends, or other trustworthy people have a recommendation then it’s time to turn to the Internet. Searching online with the term “best international moving companies” should produce several results. You can then read reviews and even cross-check the results with the Better Business Bureau. When a business doesn’t deliver as they promise, people tend to speak their minds online, and you can easily find out if a company has too many bad reviews. It is an instant red flag. You can ideally shortlist a few service providers based on their reputation amongst previous customers.
2. Compare Costs
The associated costs of moving your stuff abroad can easily exceed $10,000. It is ideal to get estimates from at least three companies that are highly rated. Then compare them apples to apples and make sure to read the fine print. Sometimes companies will try throwing in additional charges in the fine print instead of including it in the estimate with the hopes you’ll select them over the competition.
When an international moving company is transparent about their charges and open to explaining the complete breakdown is generally the one you’ll want to hire. And don’t be afraid to ask if they have any type of moving incentives or discounts. Every penny counts when moving!
Moving to another country can be difficult, but if you hire the best international moving company it'll make the entire process a lot easier. #realestate #moving3. Look for the Services Offered
Take a look at the services each international moving company offer. You may be able to obtain this information online, if not make sure it’s included in your estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying for. It’s also important to understand their process. Will you be working with a dedicated manager or coordinator who you can contact at any time during your move or will you have to call a 1-800 number? The top international moving companies will always have a single point of contact during your move to help streamline the entire process.
You’ll also want to make sure the company knows all the details about international moves like customs clearance, import and export requirements, duties, taxes, various shipping fares, operations, and feasibility of using either air or sea freight, etc. This should all be in addition to the general services of flexible loading and packing, along with various other solutions that any reputable mover offers.
4. Necessary Certifications & Accreditations
Verify that the moving company you are choosing has all the required accreditations to safely and legally complete your relocation. Overseas moves are challenging and necessitate navigating the administrative procedures of several different nations.
The FIDI Accredited International Mover certification, which demands audits on more than 200 components of the moving process, is the most popular industry accreditation. In addition, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) requires that international movers get licenses and bonds. To verify the license details your movers provide you with, you can contact the FMC.
These documents are important to check before you can finalize hiring an international moving company because you don’t want your belongings to be stuck at the port and the service provider not responding to your calls because they dropped the ball or made a mistake.
5. Relevant Liability Insurance
While there are risks of damage caused by accidents in a national move, international relocations are substantially more challenging in this regard. It is natural to hope nothing will go wrong, but it never hurts to be prepared in case it does. It is always better to play safe than sorry. Therefore, it is important to check beforehand if your moving company has adequate insurance coverage to make up if you have any losses.
A reliable and professional international moving company must have complete, minimal, or partial insurance on the items they are shipping. Home insurance might cover some elements of the move, but once your belongings are in the air or on a shipping container sailing through the Atlantic Ocean, only the service provider’s liability insurance may be able to cover it.
Moreover, once the goods land in a different company, they are no longer covered by your US insurance plans. This is all the more reason to only pick a moving company with the proper insurance to cover any damages.
Final Thoughts
Moving to another country from the States is not an easy task. Even if you’ve moved within the country, you may not be prepared for the challenges that come with an international move. Fortunately, a reliable moving company can streamline the entire process for you. The only caveat is that you have to spend a significant amount of time and effort trying to find the most trustworthy, professional, and affordable international moving company. You are trusting the company with a lot of your valuable belongings, which is why you want to make sure to hire the best possible company out there.
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Moving to another country can be difficult, but if you hire the best international moving company it'll make the entire process a lot easier. #realestate #movingPopular International Moving Questions
How do I know if my moving company is reputable? Making sure a moving company is reputable will take some work on your part. First, research each company thoroughly by checking their online ratings. Reputable companies tend to have a majority of positive reviews, but in this case, it’s also important to focus on the negative reviews.
Request references from the company and actually contact previous clients to inquire about their experiences. Reputable movers will happily provide references and have satisfied customers willing to vouch for their services. Finally, consider the company’s longevity and experience in the industry. Established moving companies with years of experience often have an excellent track record of reliability and customer satisfaction.
What is the best way to move internationally? The best way to move internationally will ultimately depend on your specific needs, budget, and the distance involved. Generally, hiring a reputable international moving company is the smart choice. These companies have experience in handling international relocations and can provide comprehensive services such as packing, shipping, customs documentation, and delivery at your destination. An international moving company can also offer guidance on visa requirements, import regulations, and any necessary permits.
Another option is to use a freight forwarder, who specializes in managing the logistics of international shipping. This can be a more cost-effective solution. However, you could be in charge of your entire move from start to finish. In most instances, the potential savings may not be worth it.
How much does it cost to move internationally? The cost to move internationally can vary widely and depend on several different factors. These factors include the distance, volume of belongings, mode of transportation (air, sea, land), destination country, additional services required, and any customs or import fees.
Generally, international moves are more expensive than domestic moves due to the complexity of the logistics involved. To get an accurate cost estimate, it’s recommended to contact multiple reputable international moving companies and request detailed quotes. They will typically assess your specific needs, conduct a survey of your belongings, and consider the aforementioned factors to provide you with a personalized estimate. Keep in mind that additional expenses like insurance, packing materials, storage, and temporary accommodation may also contribute to the overall cost.
About the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “5 Tips for Finding The Best International Moving Company”
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc is a full-time REALTOR who has been specializing in Wellington Florida real estate since 2001. This veteran of the real estate industry has expertise in technology, marketing, and social media.