Moving Preparation February 16, 2023

Why, How, And When to Hire A Moving Company if You’re Moving Abroad?

Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

When you’re relocating overseas, there’s a lot to think about. You have to figure out all the logistics of your move and plan how you’re going to get your belongings to your new home safely. One thing that can definitely ease the burden is hiring a moving company. But how do you know which one is right for you? If you wish to learn more about hiring movers, just read on.

Hiring a moving company can save time and energy, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move, spend more time with your loved ones, and reduce the amount of stress. However, it is important to research different companies and compare prices, so you can choose a company that fits your needs and possibilities the most. Additionally, note that it is best to hire movers as early as possible in the planning process to ensure availability and allow for enough time to coordinate the move.

When Moving Overseas, Professional Movers Are a Necessity

International movers specialize in helping people move their belongings to another country. They have all the experience and expertise to handle all of the logistics involved in an international move. While simpler moves (such as local ones) can be organized without the movers’ help, many who plan to move abroad leave this process to the professionals. The reason is simple – handling the logistics and shipping household goods abroad has proven to be too complicated for inexperienced individuals.

International movers handle the planning and organizing of the shipping process so your belongings arrive at your new home safely as fast as possible. However, they will also take care of all the paperwork involved in an international move – which can be a minefield if you’re not familiar with it. In addition to that, an international relocation company can take care of many relocation-related tasks, so you can focus on settling into your new life after relocating overseas.

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Why Is Hiring an Overseas Moving Company Always a Better Choice Than Relocating by Yourself?

One of the biggest advantages of getting international moving services is the convenience they offer. When you’re trying to coordinate an international move, there are countless details to take care of – and that’s not even counting the actual process of packing up all your belongings! An experienced relocation team will take care of all the logistics for you, from securing the necessary paperwork to ensuring that your belongings are properly packed and protected for shipment.

Many people dread the high cost of hiring professionals – and rightfully so. There is no denying that relocating to another country doesn’t come cheap. However, if you don’t plan on relocating across the world with just your suitcase, a DIY move is bound to be costly as well. On the other hand, it will take a lot of your time, effort, and energy, not to mention that it can also be the reason for possible damaged belongings. Therefore, hiring a team of experts looks like quite a bargain for many.

Trustworthy Movers Guarantee Additional Safety

Top-notch movers offer a wide range of services to ensure the safety of your belongings – and your peace of mind. The experienced and reliable staff will be there to address all of your questions, pack heavy items such as furniture, and any other type of household goods, prevent goods from breaking and ship them securely to your new home. They’ll do everything to ensure your move goes smoothly and without any problems on the road. Even if some accident happens, you’ll have no reasons to worry since your belongings will be covered with moving insurance provided by your company.

Shepherd international movers
Professional movers are the best option if you want your household goods to get to your new home undamaged

You’ll Be Less Stressed About the Whole Process

If you’re planning a move, you’re probably feeling a little stressed out. There’s just so much to think about and organize! However, when you hire professionals, you can rest assured knowing that your belongings are in good hands. Movers are experienced and know how to handle even the most fragile items, so you can focus on other things during your move – such as exploring expat communities, for example, or learning a new language.

Additionally, when you’re responsible for everything, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, when you have someone else taking care of the logistics, you can relax a bit. This can make a huge difference in your overall experience and help reduce stress levels.

In the end, packing up everything you own and then transporting it halfway around the world is no small feat. By hiring someone else to do it, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy. This is especially helpful if you’re also trying to juggle work commitments or taking care of other important details related to your move – which can take a toll on your mental health.

You’ll Be Able to Free Your Time For the Things That Matter

If you try to do everything yourself, chances are it will take you much longer than if you had hired professional international movers. It’s especially tricky when you have a last-minute move and need to move as soon as possible. Packing up your whole life is a huge task, and it’s one that’s best left to the experts. Movers are experienced in packing quickly and efficiently, so they’ll be able to get the job done in a fraction of the time it would take you.

On the other hand, if you leave some of the hard and time-demanding relocation tasks for the professionals, you can focus on spending more time with your loved ones. When you’re not worrying and spending your energy on seemingly endless tasks on your to-do list, you can enjoy quality time with your family and friends.

friends-taking-a-selfie
By hiring professionals, you'll be able to focus on other important things before the move

How to Find a Reliable International Moving Company?

With so many options out there, how can you be sure you’re choosing a reputable company that will get your belongings to your new home safe and sound? Here are a few relocation tips to help you find a reliable international mover:

Do your research

There’s no substitute for good old-fashioned research. Start by asking your friends, family, and co-workers if they have any recommendations. Once you’ve got a few names, take to the internet and read reviews. Make sure to check out both third-party review sites, such as BBB, as well as the company’s own website. Pay attention to any red flags, such as many negative reviews or customer complaints.

Get quotes from multiple companies

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to several different companies and request free quotes. Be sure to give each company the same information so you can compare apples to apples. A good company should be able to provide you with an estimate based on the amount and type of belongings you’re shipping, as well as the destination and date of the move. Steer clear from companies ready to provide you with a quote based on little to no information on your side.

Make sure they're licensed and insured

When you’re entrusting your belongings to someone else, you want to be sure you’ll avoid relocation scams and end up working with a legitimate business. Ask each company if they have the necessary licenses for operating in both your current country and your destination country, as well as whether they’re insured against loss or damage during transit. You can usually find this information on the company’s website, but you can also check on FMCSA’s website by using the company’s unique US DOT number.

Additional Questions to Ask Movers

Even if you think you’ve found the right company to help you move to another country from the US, there are a few extra steps you need to take to secure a move without the unnecessary relocation stress. Here are some additional questions to keep in mind:

  • Will you need to pay a deposit, and how much? Be wary of any company that asks for a large sum of money upfront – hiring them would be one of the worst relocation mistakes you could make.
  • What payment method do they accept? Paying with a credit card or check allows for clear documentation of the transaction and provides protection in case of any issues with the move.
  • Is their quote guaranteed? It implies that the quote won’t change unless you make some changes to the initial deal. It can help you create a realistic relocation budget.
  • What is involved in the final bill? Avoid any unexpected fees and hidden expenses by getting this information upfront.

Additionally, make sure you never sign a blank contract. Also, before placing your signature, it’s important you read and understand every word it contains – it’s the best way to protect yourself from any possible future inconveniences and enjoy relocation benefits without worries.

Should You Choose Additional Services?

Additional services, such as packing service, can provide added protection for your belongings during the move. If you plan on living overseas, don’t forget that an international move can be hard on your belongings – but professional packers will know all about how to protect them to keep them safe. Additionally, you may not need overseas vehicle shipping when you plan to move to Canada. However, if you’re relocating to United Kingdom, Italy, or even South Korea, for example, transporting a car with the help of professionals is a must.

Whether you’ll get some of the additional services depends on your needs and financial possibilities. However, keep in mind that the more relocation work you leave to professionals, the higher the chance you’ll finish the move without any major issues down the road.

A man and a woman looking at bills
Make sure every part of your deal with a company is documented

When Is the Right Time to Contact and Hire a Moving Company?

If you decide to get help from professionals when moving internationally, it’s better to do so sooner rather than later so you don’t have to worry about coordinating everything yourself. Movers need to be hired at least two months before the planned relocation date or even more – if you plan to move during the busiest times. Keep in mind that reputable movers can be busy months in advance, so book your move on time.

Additionally, if you’re looking for the best time to move from a financial point of view, you should avoid relocating during the season’s peak (from April to September). It’s when relocation companies have the highest prices due to high demand. Not only that, but you’ll probably be faced with higher accommodation and travel prices, as well. Therefore, a winter move is your safest option if you’re looking to save on relocation expenses.

Hire a Good Overseas Shipping Company and Make Your Upcoming International Move Seem Like a Breeze

Although impending shipping overseas may seem daunting, by following the above-mentioned tips and tricks – and hiring trustworthy movers – you can make your transition into a new country smooth and stress-free. Find reliable overseas relocation experts that can help you move efficiently, quickly, and affordably, and make sure your new adventure is off to a good start.

That’s why you should hire Shepherd International Movers. Our crew of professional and highly trained international movers will make your relocation a breeze. We are a one-stop shop for all your relocation-related concerns. All you should do is give us a call, ask for a free quote, and book your overseas relocation.

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