7 tips for a successful international move

You’re moving abroad: it’s an exciting time. Whether you’re moving within Europe or to another continent, there’s always a lot to take care of. Here are 7 tips to make your international removal go as smoothly as possible.

1. Make sure you arrange an international removal company on time

This first tip might be obvious, but start planning your move in plenty of time. This way, you can be sure that your belongings will be in your new house or apartment on time.

We recommend that you contact removal companies 3 to 6 months prior to the move and request quotations. And if you want to be sure that your goods will arrive on time in, for example, Switzerland, Australia or America, discuss your mode of transport as soon as possible. By air is the quickest, but also the most expensive form of transport.

2. Save costs. Consider groupage transport

Transport of your goods can be done by road, sea or air, but you can also use groupage transport. Groupage transport is the combining of multiple smaller loads into one large load. The advantage is that the cost of a shipping container or large trailer can be shared between several households. The disadvantage is the longer transfer time. But if you start planning on time, that shouldn’t be a problem at all.

3. Choose a recognised international removal company

A move requires a lot of organising, which can make it quite stressful. If you don’t want to organise everything yourself, or you simply don’t have the time, choose a certified international removal company or ‘Erkende Verhuizer‘. This way, you’re assured of a carefree move carried out by professionals.

4. Check the references

In addition to being certified, references also say a lot about a removal company. This is why it’s important to read reviews. Make sure that they’re impartial, so you get as honest a picture of the organisation as possible.

5. Request multiple quotations from the same removal company

Many people are uncertain about what they should and shouldn’t take with them abroad. This is why we always advise you to request two quotations from the same removal company. One quotation in which you only include the essential and personal belongings, and another quotation in which you take all your possessions with you. This can help you determine whether you think it’s worth moving all your belongings.

6. Take out all-risk insurance to prevent any surprises

When handing over your personal belongings, it’s important that they’re properly insured. A recognised removal company is, of course, also covered, but this is a basic responsibility. To ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled, we therefore advise you to take out all-risk insurance for your belongings. You can arrange this via your removal company.

7. Have your household contents packed professionally

You’ve decided! The international removal company and the transport date are set, and the insurance has been taken out. Now it’s time to pack. We advise you not to do this yourself, but to outsource it to your removal company. This has many advantages:

• No stress about packing
• Everything is packed correctly to minimise the risk of damage
• The correct packaging is used
• You prevent extra customs costs

If you have any questions based on these tips, would like to know more about how we work, or if you want a carefree international move, please contact us. Our Move Managers will be happy to help you.