Look out for a company who offers you global coverage, while offering door-to-door service.
A regular certified moving company offers excellent national and local service but special certifications and strict policy adherence is necessary for internationally recognized moving companies. A professional and reliable international moving company will have a FIDI membership which confirms that the provider has experience with international removals. The FIDI membership is linked to FAIM or FAIM ISO quality assurance (third party audits), which provides an additional guarantee to you as a customer.

Try to provide moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the summer months (mid-May to mid-September) or at the beginning or end of a month (regardless of the season). We recommend making arrangements at least four to six weeks before your desired moving date. This will increase your likelihood of securing the pickup and delivery dates you desire. Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Try to determine which mover you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season.

The relocation consultant will arrive at your home to perform a physical survey of your items.

The relocation consultant must be able to clearly see what is being moved in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Don’t be alarmed if the relocation consultant goes through your cabinets and closets and looks under the beds and on top of cabinets. Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving so organize your house before the relocation consultant arrives. If you know of items that are out of view or will be eliminated be certain to point them out to the relocation consultant. Once completed the relocation consultant will calculate the volume, packing cost and any other charges related to your move.

Try to make a realistic time plan. Moving takes time and certainly an international move will require the appropriate duration for transport, also depending on the shipping option (ship, truck, airplane). You will need to organize a lot of things. It will be useful if you already know which goods need to move and which goods can be left behind.

The charges are based on the weight / volume of your shipment and mileage. A variety of additional charges that may appear on your estimate, so be sure to ask your relocation consultant to explain each item charge for you. Additional charges might include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, extra labour charges for bulky & over sized items. Be certain you understand these charges so you can accurately compare your estimates.

Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination. Payments can be made using cash or certified cheque. Other payment options such as a credit card can be arranged with your professional moving service provider. Discuss these options with your relocation consultant and / or the customer service representative. In the event that your employer is paying for the move the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. No matter what payment option you choose be sure to have it all worked out prior to packing and loading. If the method of payment is not established prior to day of loading it can cause you problems on delivery day.

All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.

Packed by owner boxes or package ( PBO ) is not acceptable now either with the insurance company in an event of any claim nor with customs/law enforcement agencies in many countries due to the increased security. It is recommended that you ask the movers only to pack the items.

Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected. Your estimator can help you understand how to these items are serviced. All local moving companies have business relationships with local service providers that handle this type of service. Be sure you know who your mover will be using as you will need to let these people into your home to provide the service.

Yes, provided you buy and insurance policy through the mover. Also, how much protection and the cost of the protection is dependant upon the valuation coverage you select. This can be one of the most confusing aspects of moving but it is important that you fully understand what is being provided to you.

The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which a claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier’s tariffs, as well as laws and regulations that have certain limitations and exclusions.

Full Value Protection or Coverage – This is your most comprehensive coverage. You may hear it referred to as “full replacement value” or “full value protection.” If you elect to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value. The cost of full value protection may be further subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for the details of their specific plan.