International Removal – Unique Situations and How Best to Choose a Moving Company

Preparing for an international removal can be as hectic as the actual moving process. There are a lot of things to think about and a lot to plan in advance. We have decided to summarise the most important things that you must take into consideration when planning an international relocation as well as some tips on how to choose the best international removal services.

Specifics of the International Relocation

We won’t take from your time with the usual suggestions what materials to use when packing or how to best organize your belongings. Although they are an important part of the removal process, those are constant, standard steps. Let us look at some of the unique points that occur during a relocation to a foreign country.

Visas

Are you legally allowed to live, work or study in this country? This is the most important question that you have to ask yourself. Be sure to check and double check all the legal requirements and the documentation needed with your immigration lawyer. If you can’t afford one you can always go to an immigration agent or contact the immigration office of the country to which you are about to move.

Documentation

Before you move there are some important things that you need to take care of, specifically your personal documents. That includes a marriage certificate, birth certificates, medical records, university diplomas and so on. Make a copy and scan everything. When you relocate be sure to take all with you and do not leave them in the moving trucks.

Another important document that you should think about is your driving license. Check if your license is accepted in the new country and if not, prepare your documents and apply for a new one.

Lastly, don’t forget to inform all government institutions like the postal service and the social security agency about the change of your address.

Insurance and Healthcare

It is recommended that you check the health care system your destination country and find out if you fill all the necessary requirements. Consult with a specialist in the field about the different options you may have and the different types of health coverage that you may obtain.

While we are still on the topic of health, think about making insurance for you and your family when the removal process starts. There are a lot of available options for travel and accident insurance policies.

Pets

When removing with pets you must consult with your moving planner to check if this animal can enter the country of your choice. Inform yourself about the different taxes that you must pay and vaccines that your pet must have. Carefully prepare the necessary documentation, and if needed, consult with your veterinarian.

When travelling take your pet with you, since the journey with a moving truck and in an unknown surrounding will be extremely stressful to the animal.

Electronics

Last but definitely not least there is the issue with the different electrical voltage in the different countries. For example, if you wish to remove to or from the UK, you must buy a plug or voltage adaptors to use the outlets in your new home. It is best to leave small electronics like hair dryers, irons, and mixers, and buy new ones when you relocate. Keep in mind that there is a possibility to experience a problem with your computer or laptop so be sure to visit a hardware specialist.

What to Look for When You Are Choosing an International Removal Company

In order to find international movers that are the most suitable for your needs, we put together some qualifications and requirements that your future ‘chosen one’ must possess.

Experience

A good company is a company that has experience in international removals and has experts capable of handling any kind of stressful situation. Although it may seem that every removal is the same, there are many elements that are unique to the current situation and it is critical to have trained professionals who can deal with any problem on the go.

Accreditations

Good accreditation and positives reviews are essential when picking a moving company. A sign that the company is reliable and experienced is if it is a part of the International Association of Movers. If you are relocating to or from the UK look also for accreditations from the National Guild of Removers and Storers.

Services

There are many international movers but you are searching for the best in your price range, and the easiest way to decide on a company is to compare the services they are offering. Look for a removing company that makes home visits and can provide you with a personal planner. A big advantage is if they offer packing and unpacking services as well as a broad range of packing materials. As you will read below, equally important are the good insurance coverage and the preparation of the customs documentation.

Insurance

One of the most important things when removing is the safety of your belongings. During the relocation, you entrust everything that you own to the moving company and you must feel good and secure. Inform yourself thoroughly about how your possessions will be covered and what the different types of insurances are. We advise you to think about taking full coverage insurance if your belongings include expensive pieces of art, antiques or designer furniture.

Documentation

Lastly, we recommend that you check what kind of services the moving company offers regarding any legal or customs documentation that you may need. The ideal international removal company can assign you to a removal agent with experience in the different international requirements and capable to provide you with all that is needed.

Stephanie Cooper

Stephanie is a content marketing specialist for Top Removals for the past several years. She has extensive experience working with moving companies and knows her audience. Stephanie creates engaging and useful content helping the customers of Top Removals with their struggles and providing them with the most accurate insight.