Relocating your home or business is always an adventure, but moving internationally is a different kind of challenge. It can be quite overwhelming to move all your belongings to a different country. This makes choosing a good international mover that will help facilitate your relocation really important.
There is a lot of international movers out there, and if you choose the wrong one, the move can get more complicated than it’s supposed to be. So before contacting international movers Singapore, you should take time to go over these tips that will help you find the best one.
Assess the Move Size
Carefully assess the move size by thinking about which items you will be bringing with you. Research on general regulations that indicate what can be brought overseas. As a general rule of thumb, the cost of the move is directly proportional to the size of the move. The more you move, the more you pay.
The country you will be moving to might also have specific regulations, so you should consider those, too. If you’re already consulting with an international mover, you can think of them as an information source because they have experience in all aspects of the move.
Get Quotes from Multiple Movers
Get quotes from at least three movers because it can help you save up to 50%. One of the most essential steps in getting the best price for your move is to speak with several moving companies, compare their prices, and negotiate, if possible.
However, it would help if you remembered that it’s not all about price. You should also consider the quality, which is discussed in the next tip.
Reputation Matters
When selecting from multiple international movers, an essential step involves looking into their reputations before deciding which one to deal with. Always do your due diligence by reading reviews regarding the companies on your shortlist. Reviews you can find on the mover’s website are not always reliable, so you should look for neutral, unbiased ones.
Reviews from real people who have dealt with a mover can be a great guide in making an informed decision. You can also ask people who have moved to another country in the past, and ask for a reference.
Plan Ahead
There is a lot of complexities involved in an international move as compared with a domestic one. Aside from the paperwork and customs, you’ll be needing to coordinate the shipment of your items by sea or air. Making these arrangements can be a long, arduous process, so it’s crucial that you start planning the move ASAP. Waiting until several weeks before the move to choose a mover isn’t a good scenario that you wouldn’t want to find yourself into.
Services Offered
For a mover to give you an accurate quote, you need to schedule them to do an in-house survey. A representative from the moving company will visit your home or office, assess the items that you want to bring with you, ask additional related questions, and then provide an accurate quote based on the assessment.
During the assessment, the representative may also ask you if you wish to avail of their additional services, which may include:
- Surveying items
- Packing / Unpacking
- Disassembling and reassembling equipment, furniture, etc.
- Disconnecting and connecting certain electronics, kitchen appliances, etc.
- Hoisting bulky furniture or equipment that may not fit through the door of your new home or office
- Warehouse handling
- Moving your vehicle/s
Look for Experience and Certifications
Your move may require a particular experience or expertise, so you need to check if the mover can handle it. Many moving companies may say that they can help you with your international move, but you might be risking a lot if they don’t have sufficient experience.
Your mover should also have current certification and license to operate. Certified movers can provide warehouse services and insurance, which means they can be held liable if they lose your belongings. They follow standards set by a regulatory body.
Moving internationally can be quite tedious, but it can be smooth and hassle-free with the tips mentioned above, so make sure you follow them before you call prospective international movers Singapore.