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Specialist assistance essential
Ian Pettey is MD Africa at Crown Relocations and says it’s not just a question of ‘let’s up and go!’ No, moving your home and life to another country comes with endless checklists and questions.
‘Choosing the right international relocation specialist is one of your most important decisions. With so many companies offering similar services, it can be challenging to know where to start.
‘That’s why it’s crucial to ask the right questions before your final decision on whom to entrust with transporting your family’s prized possessions across the world,’ says Pettey. He lists the questions here as an essential start to your relocation process.
How do you ship and what does it cost?
Moving abroad is expensive, so it is essential to find a removal company that offers the most cost-effective shipping method. Ask about options such as sea freight or air freight – ‘The best option will not always be the speediest depending on your destination,’ explains Pettey.
‘Also of great practical importance is a full door-to-door service. It can come as a nasty surprise when you realise you have to pay for getting your possessions from the arrival port to your new home.’
Pettey says it’s well worth your while to ensure that your chosen removal company offers door-to-door service delivery. This means they take care of everything from packing your belongings at your old abode to delivering them to your new home.
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Tracking and storing your stuff
Knowing where your belongings are during the move provides peace of mind, so check if the company offers shipment tracking so you can keep an eye on your belongings throughout the move.
Once your shipment has arrived safely, the issue of storage in the destination city may emerge if you are not able to move into your new home right away. This may require temporary storage space for your belongings.
‘Ask if the removal company provides safe storage at the destination city and if there are additional costs,’ Pettey advises, adding that you should enquire about any unforeseen additional charges such as customs or storage fees, which will help you budget for the move more accurately.
‘And, as per any important documentation, remember to read the terms and conditions carefully before entering into any agreement.’
Full protection is priceless
Anything can happen between points A and B; protecting your belongings during the move is essential, so make sure that the company offers full-value protection insurance.
‘This means that if anything gets lost or damaged during the move, you’ll be fully compensated – and remember to read the small print,’ says Pettey. He adds that it’s worthwhile checking on other services that are offered since international relocations involve much more than just shipping your household effects.
‘Ask the company about other services such as pet relocation, visa assistance, finding a rental property, and language training. The more help you receive, the easier the relocation will be.’
Research tips
When choosing a removal company for your international relocation, it’s important to do your research to ensure that you’re choosing the right company. Here are some additional tips on how to do proper research:
Check online reviews: Look for reviews of the company online, and read both positive and negative reviews to get a better idea of the company’s strengths and weaknesses.
Word of mouth: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have moved internationally for recommendations. They may be able to recommend a company they had a positive experience with.
Get multiple quotes: Contact multiple removal companies and compare the quotes and services offered to determine best value for your money while meeting your specific requirements.
Check for licenses and certifications: This will ensure that they have the necessary experience and expertise to handle your move.
Ask for a detailed contract: Make sure your contract outlines all the services included as well as additional fees or charges. Read the contract carefully before signing it to avoid any surprises later on.
Communication: Make sure the company is easy to reach and respond to your queries promptly. Good communication is key to a successful move.
By doing proper research, you can ensure that you choose a reputable and reliable removal company that can provide you with the services you need for a successful move abroad.
