Did you know more than 281 million people live outside their country of origin? This figure is expected to grow over the next few years. People move for jobs, security, and safety issues.

Regardless of the cause, international moving is risky. It involves transporting your belongings across borders. You’re likely to have a lot of essential things like electronics.

Getting your furniture and electronics in good condition creates a smooth start. This is only possible if you are working with reliable international movers. Unfortunately, determining which international moving company is reliable can be tricky.

Moving companies brand themselves positively to create customer appeal. This can be confusing because their flaws are hidden. However, there is a way to avoid lousy transport service.

Keep reading to learn four important things to consider when hiring international movers.

1. Services

Look at different services a moving company offers. What kind of value will they add to your home moving plans?

The following are services to look for when you decide on an international mover:

Door-to-Door Service

Movers should provide door-to-door moving services, not just door-to-port. This means they will keep your items in storage until you find a place to live. Storage costs are included in the total price of moving.

Inventory Lists

Movers should offer an inventory list of all your belongings. This includes their condition before and after the move.

Moving services are required by law to provide a list of all the items in your shipment. This features the estimated value of each item on the list.

Packaging and Offloading

Check whether the company offers “white glove service.” This service allows movers to go above and beyond what is expected. This includes packaging and offloading services.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is a written contract that guarantees the price and date of your move. This includes base quotes for boxes, packing supplies and other services, and additional charges. Both you and the moving company must sign it.

You need this agreement to make claims in case of some drawbacks.

2. Insurance Coverage

Choosing an international mover without insurance could mean losing all of your belongings. Customer-oriented international movers take sufficient insurance coverage. This protects the company from significant liabilities and the client’s property.

International moving insurance covers damage or loss of your belongings. It also covers unexpected expenses that may arise during the move.

Here are some of the things you can be covered for when moving overseas:

• Injury or death of a mover or family member due to a moving accident
  
  
  
• Damage to property during the move
  
  
  
• Extra expenses due to weather conditions, war, civil unrest, etc.
  
  
  
• Excess valuation coverage for your belongings
  
  

If the company has insurance, don’t overlook how they handle insurance claims. An international mover with a great insurance policy saves you significant trouble.

3. International Movers Reputation and History

Take into account the reputation and history of the moving company. Consider how long the company has been in business? How often do they move people?

What kind of customer service do they provide? Is there a rating/review system on their website? It’s recommendable to check reviews from third-party online reviewers.

Beyond online reviews, consult close friends and family about their experience with the company. Online reviews are subject to manipulation. However, family and friends have nothing to gain, so they offer genuine feedback. 

Best movers maintain a positive record. Negative reviews and complaints are indicators of potential problems for your moving experience.

With history review, the years of experience and equipment. It is better to hire a company that has been around for years than a new one. Also, hire a professional mover with the right equipment.

4. Custom Expertise

The most stressful part of relocating abroad is all the paperwork. There is an endless number of forms and procedures to go through. You have to contact a dozen different companies.

You can get lost in the maze of paperwork, bureaucracy, and complicated procedures. Having a moving company with custom experience will save you some burdens. Their expertise alleviates the worry of meeting legal requirements for moving.

International movers need a strong knowledge of the local region they are moving into. They need to understand the local laws and restrictions to serve their clients properly.

Remember, moving is stressful enough. You plan on renting an apartment, arranging your internet connection and mobile contracts. You also need a bank account, figure out all taxes and insurance.

You need someone who will make things a little easier. The company should offer expert advice on all aspects of relocation. This saves you hours of research and planning what needs doing.

The Best International Movers Have Your Best Interest at Heart

International moving is not an easy process, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. The best moving company will make the process as painless and smooth as possible. Consider the above factors when choosing international movers.