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Are you certified by FIDI/FAIM?
The answer should be, “yes.” A rock-solid overseas mover will be certified by FIDI/FAIM, the gold standard when it comes to international moving. The accreditation ensures that crews and staff are trained to know how to properly load, pack, and move someone overseas. It also guarantees that you’ll have an English speaking crew that will deliver the same high level of service in your new country.
Do you provide in-home estimates?
The answer should be, “yes.” A professional mover will take a look at your space and furnishings in person, find out exactly what you’re moving overseas, and help you figure out how to ship your items (by land, air, or sea). Depending on where your moving, the moving company rep should be able to give you a general idea of how much customs taxes might cost, and the type and amount of insurance you’ll need to purchase.
Do you provide an itemize list of every item and a condition report before you load your truck?
The answer should be, “yes.” Itemized lists ensure a hassle-free experience with customs in your new country. The list also helps you properly track items, and ensures a quick claims process if any damage occurs on the trip.
Do you know the customs regulations in my new country?
The answer should be, “yes.” If your moving company is certified by FIDI/FAIM, it will know the various regulations and rules of that country. Funxion actually supplies an updated list of customs regulations online.
Are your movers full-time employees?
The answer should be, “yes.” Beware. There are movers out there who will pick up untrained, part-time crews at your local convenience store. Make sure your moving company only uses full-time, fully-trained crews.
Will the same crew handle my job from start to finish?
The answer should be, “no.” For an overseas move, your moving company will partner with a proven supplier from an exclusive network of moving companies.
Are my belongings protected during the move?
The answer should be, “yes.” Items should be wrapped in various packing materials to protect them, and then placed in durable and weatherproof wooden crates. Finally, they should be placed in metal shipping containers and locked with a specialized locking system.
Will my house be protected from the wear and tear of moving?
The answer should be, “yes.” Critical areas, including carpets, floors, doors, woodwork, doorjambs, and banisters should be protected.
Will I be able to track my shipment?
The answer should be, “yes while your shipment is in the United States.” A reputable moving company should outfit its trucks with GPS tracking devices. However, because different companies handle your shipment on an overseas move, there is no guarantee that your shipment will be able to be tracked once it leaves a U.S. port.
What happens to my move if a truck breaks down or a driver does not turn up?
The answer should be, “we’ll go to plan B”. A professional mover should have a back-up plan where extra resources are reserved ahead of time in case plans change.
Where will you be storing my possessions?
The answer should be, “in a well-maintained storage facility in the states or in your new country.” Most moving companies offer tours of their facilities. Simply ask to see them in person. And if that’s not possible, you might also be able to take an online tour. If you’re storing in another country, your moving company should choose from a solid network of FIDI/FAIM suppliers.