Choosing International Moving Companies & Moving Out Of The Country

Moving to another country is an exciting yet complex process, one that requires careful planning and expert help.

Among the many tasks on your to-do list, choosing the right international moving company is perhaps one of the most critical.

The company you select will be responsible for safely transporting your personal belongings perhaps thousands of miles, so it’s essential to make the right choice.

In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to take when choosing an international mover, including advice on dealing with regulatory bodies, deciding what to take with you or leave behind, and red flags to watch out for.

You may also like to read: How to Ship a Car Overseas. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about shipping a vehicle overseas.

Understanding Regulatory Bodies and Accreditation

When it comes to international moves, you should work with a moving company that is regulated and accredited by industry-recognized bodies.

These organizations help ensure that companies operate legally, follow high standards, and provide reliable services.

Here are some regulatory bodies you should be aware of:

FIDI (Federation of International Movers)

FIDI is the global alliance of international moving and relocation companies.

A company that is FIDI-accredited adheres to the FAIM (FIDI Accredited International Mover) quality standard, which is one of the most rigorous benchmarks in the industry.

FAIM-certified movers undergo regular audits to maintain their status, ensuring that they deliver excellent service consistently.

Visit the FIDI website here.

IAM (International Association of Movers)

IAM is another reputable organization that represents over 2,000 moving companies in 170 countries.

Membership in IAM gives you confidence that the mover adheres to global standards for safety, customer service, and ethical practices.

Visit the IAM website here.

BBB (Better Business Bureau)

Though primarily focused on North America, the Better Business Bureau is a valuable resource if your move involves U.S. companies.

Checking the BBB rating of a company gives you insight into its reputation and past customer experiences.

Visit the BBB website here.

FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)

If you’re moving to or from the United States, the FMCSA regulates interstate and international moving companies.

It’s crucial to verify that your mover is registered with FMCSA, as this ensures they comply with safety and insurance regulations.

When vetting moving companies, ensure that they are accredited by one or more of these organizations to avoid dealing with unqualified or fraudulent movers.

Visit the FMCSA website here.

You may also like to read: Moving Abroad Checklist. There are an awful lot of things to remember to do when moving abroad. This checklist will ensure that nothing is forgotten.

Red Flags to Watch Out For When Choosing an International Mover

Unfortunately, the international moving industry isn’t immune to fraudulent activities and bad practices.

To avoid being scammed or having a bad experience, keep an eye out for the following red flags:

Lack of Proper Licensing or Accreditation

A reputable international mover will be registered with relevant regulatory bodies such as FIDI, IAM, or the FMCSA.

If a company cannot provide evidence of proper licensing, it’s a major red flag. Always ask for their credentials and verify them independently.

No Physical Office or Address

Scammers often operate out of virtual offices or P.O. boxes.

A legitimate moving company will have a physical location that you can visit, along with a local office and customer service team.

Be cautious of movers who don’t have a real-world presence.

Unclear Pricing or Quotes

A reliable moving company will provide a clear, written estimate after assessing the volume and nature of your belongings.

Beware of companies that offer unusually low quotes or refuse to give you a binding estimate.

Vague quotes may result in hidden fees down the line. Make sure the pricing covers all services, including packing, shipping, insurance, and customs clearance.

No Insurance Offered

A professional moving company will offer a range of insurance options for your belongings.

If the company does not provide insurance or downplays its importance, this is a warning sign.

Insurance is essential when shipping items internationally, as the risk of damage or loss increases significantly.

Pushy Sales Tactics

A trustworthy company will give you time to review your options and make a decision.

Avoid movers that use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to sign a contract quickly. Take your time to research, get multiple quotes, and compare services.

No In-Home Survey

For larger moves, legitimate companies will want to conduct an in-home or virtual survey of your belongings before providing an estimate.

If a company is unwilling to perform this inspection and instead gives a quote based on rough estimates, be cautious. This could lead to significant price hikes later on.

Negative Reviews and Poor Communication

In today’s digital world, customer reviews are crucial.

Check for reviews on websites like MoveAdvisor that take steps to validate reviews to help ensure that they are genuine.

If a company has a pattern of complaints, particularly around pricing discrepancies, damage, or delivery issues, avoid them.

Similarly, if communication is slow or inconsistent, this can be a sign of disorganization or lack of professionalism.

It should however be noted that many international moving company reviews are unfair and often the reviewer has not read or understood the contract, or delays have been due to customs clearance that the mover has no control over.

That said, how the mover responds to the review or communicates during the move will tell you a lot about the standard of customer service you can expect to receive.

You may also like to read: How to Avoid Moving Scams. In this guide, we share the most common home moving scams and how to avoid them.

How to Compare International Movers

When planning an international move, it’s essential to get quotes from at least three different companies.

This will give you a good sense of pricing, available services, and the level of customer care provided.

Compare the details of what each mover offers—such as door-to-door service, packing assistance, customs clearance, and insurance coverage—and be cautious of any outliers that seem too cheap or too expensive.

During this process, ask detailed questions about:

Transit times

Handling of fragile or valuable items

Options for storage in case your move-in date is delayed

Experience with moves to your specific destination country

Note that, depending upon the destination, the mover you hire here will not be the mover making the delivery to your new home. They are more than likely going to be a third party.

Find out whether your mover offers door-to-door service and if not who the delivery agent will be so that you can also research them.

You may also like to read: How to Compare Movers. In this guide, we explain how to compare the prices and services offered by different moving companies.

Choosing What to Take or Leave Behind

Before getting any quotes for your move be sure to decide exactly what you are going to be taking with you.

It is the only way to get an accurate quote for your move, and an international move is the perfect time to reevaluate what belongings you truly need and want in your life.

Remember that the fewer things you take, the cheaper the move will be.

Shipping goods overseas can be costly, and many countries have strict regulations about what can and cannot be imported.

Here’s how to decide what to take or leave behind:

Evaluate the Essentials

Consider the size of your new home and how it differs from your current one.

Apartments or houses in many countries tend to be smaller, which means you may need to downsize significantly.

Start by focusing on the essentials: clothing, documents, electronics, and personal items that are irreplaceable or difficult to purchase in your destination country.

Also, bear in mind that your destination country will likely have a different voltage system or plug type so it may not be worth the expense of taking your electronics with you.

Research Local Availability

Check whether certain items, such as furniture, appliances, or electronics, are easy to buy in your new country.

And it is also a fact that homes come already furnished in many countries.

Usually, it makes more sense to sell large, bulky items and replace them upon arrival, rather than paying hefty shipping fees.

Be Mindful of Cultural Differences

Before packing your entire wardrobe, consider cultural norms in your new country.

Some clothing that is perfectly acceptable in one country might be inappropriate or impractical in another.

Similarly, household items or décor that are meaningful to you may not fit well with your new lifestyle abroad.

Assess Customs and Import Regulations

Each country has its own rules regarding what can and cannot be brought in.

For example, many countries restrict or prohibit the import of plants, food, and certain types of electronics.

Make sure to check the customs regulations of your destination country before packing your belongings, as failing to comply can result in hefty fines or confiscation of items.

A good international mover will be able to advise you but always double check for yourself.

Sentimental vs. Practical

Some items are hard to part with, even if they aren’t practical.

Family heirlooms, photographs, and sentimental items should be prioritized, but weigh these carefully against the cost of shipping and the potential risk of damage or loss during the move.

You may also like to read: How to Declutter for a Home Move. In this guide, we share some tips for making decluttering your home easier and quicker.

Choosing the Right Mover is Crucial

Choosing the right international moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning an overseas relocation.

By paying attention to accreditation, thoroughly reading and understanding any paperwork you are given, keeping an eye out for red flags, and thoroughly researching your moving partner, you will have done all you can to ensure a smooth home move.

And don’t forget that decluttering is an essential part of preparing to move abroad and ensuring that the quotes you are given are totally accurate.

You may also like to read: Moving Pets Overseas. If you are planning on taking your pet abroad with you then you will find this guide invaluable.

Be sure to visit our International Home Moving Blog which is packed with guides to make your move abroad easier, cheaper, and safer.

Good luck!