An international move is a major undertaking no matter how large or small your household might be. Whether you’re moving yourself and your personal belongings, or your entire family, it can be stressful, complex and expensive. As part of your due diligence, you should get quotes from different moving companies so you can compare prices, services and other elements and, ultimately, make an informed decision. The problem is that not all international moving quotes are created equal. What does that mean for your move? Let’s take a closer look.
Services Included
Moving internationally requires a lot of planning and forethought, and the majority of that should fall on your moving company. Different companies provide a varying range of services, and some firms charge premium prices while only providing a handful of services. Take a long, hard look at the services included for the price, and then compare those offerings from each company. You need to ensure that you choose a company that offers fair pricing for the highest quality range of services to make your move a seamless, stress-free experience. Key services to look for in an international mover include the following:
- Home finding
- School search
- Door-to-door moving
- Area orientation tours
- Temporary accommodations
Help with Pets
If you have pets, you face significant challenges during an international move. Many moving companies offer no assistance at all when it comes to moving your pet. However, the right company will not only provide you with shipping options for your pet, but can also help you navigate the sometimes-murky waters of international breed/species acceptance, quarantine time, shipping methods and more.
Quality Concerns
Not all companies promising to get you out of the US and into your new country are worth your time, and it can be difficult to tell this from a simple price quote. Look for a moving company that is FIDI certified, as this ensures the highest quality operations and customer service in the market.
Outsourced Customer Service
Imagine having a problem during your move. You contact your moving company for help, only to find that they outsource their customer service to another company, possibly in a completely different country. This doesn’t offer peace of mind or expedite a resolution. Make sure the company you choose has their own in-house customer service department.
These are just a few of the ways in which international moving quotes differ. Scrutinize each quote and ensure that you’re comparing apples to apples to find the right international moving company.