Moving abroad is challenging and exciting! You may not want to spend a lot of time looking for a removal company. But choosing the right international removals company can save you time, money and heartache in the long run, so invest some effort into selecting the right one for your move.
So how do you know that a mover offers the best quality service from start to finish? And who do you trust with your valuable possessions? These 10 tips will help you make an informed choice when using a removals service provider, and bring you one step closer to ensuring a hassle-free move. So you can spend more time helping your family settle-in rather than worrying about your personal belongings. Here’s what you need to look for when choosing a removals company:
FAIM and ISO are international quality standards that the removals industry uses to measure a company’s level of service. When you choose a company that bears these hallmarks, you are assured of the best service on offer in the international removals industry. To find out whether a company is FAIM accredited, visit www.fidi-faim.com . For a comprehensive list of the companies that are ISO certified in your region, visit www.isocertification.org/ . You can also check if your mover is a member of organizations such as the British Association of Movers (BAR) and International Association of movers (IAM).
When moving abroad, you need the same high standard of service from start to finish. A company that offers a complete relocation solution from departure to arrival ensures that you receive the consistent service - from Lisbon to London or South Africa to Singapore. The preferred choice is a mover that has a global network of branches following the same quality standards, at the point of departure and destination. If not, the mover should work with highly acclaimed, accredited and financially resourceful agents and partners in countries where it does not have subsidiaries. You should also look for a company that offers secure storage of your goods in case of delays or a change of plan, whether at the origin or the destination country.
A company is only as good as its staff. A professional international mover will employ trained, professional and multilingual staff who has the necessary skills and knowledge relevant to their industry - from packers to top management. For example, staff should have the appropriate knowledge of clearing, forwarding and customs regulations. They should be customer-focused and work according to a quality manual set out by the company. This ensures that all staff is aware of the level of service required during the move. Packers should be able to communicate with you at your home in a language you understand. Ask a company for its business policies, which should include reliability, credibility, empathy, communication, and responsiveness to clients’ needs.
The goods that you are moving are likely to be of great value – whether monetary or sentimental. A top class removals company will use only the best quality materials which comply with FAIM standards. Combined with tailor-made packaging, the risk of damage to goods will be reduced considerably. The use of renewable material, like plywood, will allow for environmentally-friendly disposal and show the company’s commitment to good business practice.
What security measures does the company have in place to safeguard your goods? Does staff undergo security procedures before employment? Find out whether the company has secured and ventilated warehouse facilities, should the need for storage arise when your goods arrive. Look for innovation in the company, like the European lift van which is compact, shock absorbent, can easily transport goods and acts as a storage unit. Enquiring about the mover’s security policies will provide you with the peace of mind that your goods are in capable hands.
The financial stability of a company is of paramount importance. Does it belong to a larger global network that can provide additional support should the need arise during a move – be it financial, human resource or technical? An established company with over 30 years of experience, for example, is likely to provide the best quality service due to the knowledge it has gained over the years.
While your valuables are in transit, you will want to know their exact whereabouts and estimated delivery time. Choose a mover that offers the technology to help you track your goods during the various stages of a move. One way is via an online portal where you can track your valuables any time you choose. In addition, enquire whether your information is available to the movers at both departure and arrival, so either has access to the information should any queries arise.
Insurance is essential when conducting a move to safeguard your valuable possessions. Establish if the company offers insurance, so that you will receive adequate compensation in the event of any damage to your goods. In addition, look at the degree of insurance cover on offer and the steps needed. The onus is on you to ensure that you are properly insured!
Moving has a big impact on the environment. Carbon emissions and the use of packing materials which are not environmentally friendly have an adverse effect on the planet. In this regard, a lot can be said about a company by its business values and ethics. A good choice is a company that links its business policies and practices to sustainable development, including social and environmental responsibilities. For instance, look for a company that participates in the United Nations Global Compact, which encourages good business practice in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti corruption.
The biggest mistake you can make is to select a company on price alone. A company worth its weight in gold puts its customers’ needs first, not their bottom line. By spending extra on appropriate packing material and skilled packers, your belongings are more likely to arrive at their destination in perfect condition. By choosing a well-known company with an established network, your goods have a much better chance of being shipped on time, and arriving on time. By choosing a business that has invested in customer online tools, you not only have peace of mind, but also another way to communicate with your mover.
So choose a company that is innovative, resourceful, and efficient while offering top quality service. Investing now in the right removals company will allow you and your family to concentrate on your new life when you arrive in your new home. After all, moving should be exciting, not a hassle.
This article is submitted by:
AGS Worldwide Movers, Expert in international removals for 38 years, with a large network of 124 locations in 76 countries; visit our website and request a Free moving Quote Now! www.agsmovers.com