{"id":1997,"date":"2023-03-09T15:23:02","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T15:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/?p=1997"},"modified":"2024-05-31T09:59:25","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T09:59:25","slug":"choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing An International Removal Company For Your Move Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hey there! So, you&#8217;re in the thick of it, trying to find info on how to choose the perfect international removal company for your big move abroad? I get it mate. Sorting through all those half-baked guides online can be more frustrating than tracking down a missing sock in a missing sock in a laundry pile. But here&#8217;s the silver lining: your search has landed you on the one beacon of clarity amidst the jungle of half-arsed information.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s a glimpse into how to choose the right international removal company for your move abroad:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research your options to create a list of contenders.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weed out companies that don\u2019t meet bare minimum standards.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify your needs and preferences.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perform a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to make the final call.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s zoom in on these steps to help you understand their importance, how to go about each, what to consider, and much more. By the time we&#8217;re done, you&#8217;ll be ready to find that perfect company to whisk your stuff across borders hassle-free. Sound good? Let&#8217;s dive right in!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Research_Your_Options_to_Create_a_List_of_Contenders\" title=\"Research Your Options to Create a List of Contenders\">Research Your Options to Create a List of Contenders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Weed_Out_Companies_That_Dont_Meet_Minimum_Standards\" title=\"Weed Out Companies That Don\u2019t Meet Minimum Standards\">Weed Out Companies That Don\u2019t Meet Minimum Standards<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Experience\" title=\"Experience\">Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#A_Satisfactory_Range_of_Services\" title=\"A Satisfactory Range of Services\">A Satisfactory Range of Services<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Insurance\" title=\"Insurance\">Insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Pricing_Transparency\" title=\"Pricing Transparency\">Pricing Transparency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Customer_Support\" title=\"Customer Support\">Customer Support<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Licensing\" title=\"Licensing\">Licensing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Identify_Your_Needs_and_Preferences\" title=\"Identify Your Needs and Preferences\">Identify Your Needs and Preferences<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Your_Budget\" title=\"Your Budget\">Your Budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Temporary_Storage\" title=\"Temporary Storage&nbsp;\">Temporary Storage&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Specialized_Services\" title=\"Specialized Services\">Specialized Services<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Destination_Expertise\" title=\"Destination Expertise\">Destination Expertise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Customer_Reviews\" title=\"Customer Reviews\">Customer Reviews<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Perform_a_Multi-Criteria_Decision_Analysis_to_Make_the_Final_Call\" title=\"Perform a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Make the Final Call\">Perform a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Make the Final Call<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#List_Your_Key_Decision_Drivers_AKA_your_Selection_Criteria\" title=\"List Your Key Decision Drivers (AKA, your Selection Criteria)\">List Your Key Decision Drivers (AKA, your Selection Criteria)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Assign_Weights\" title=\"Assign Weights\">Assign Weights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Evaluate_Alternatives\" title=\"Evaluate Alternatives\">Evaluate Alternatives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Calculate_Weighted_Scores_for_Each_Company\" title=\"Calculate Weighted Scores for Each Company\">Calculate Weighted Scores for Each Company<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/#Make_the_Final_Call\" title=\"Make the Final Call\">Make the Final Call<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Research_Your_Options_to_Create_a_List_of_Contenders\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research Your Options to Create a List of Contenders<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This step is all about finding a preliminary pool of about ten international removal companies to choose from. You don\u2019t need to be too picky here; you\u2019ll be doing plenty of that later on. You just need to ensure the companies operate between your current location and destination.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding international removal companies that meet this criterion shouldn\u2019t be too hard. The easiest way to go about this would be to perform a quick lookup on your favorite search engine. Any search query along the lines of &#8220;<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">international removal companies from [your current location] to [your destination]<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8221; should yield a long list of options.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also check relocation directories or ask for a recommendation on expat communities, social media, and forum platforms such as Quora and Reddit.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to getting this step right is starting well ahead of time. This way, you give yourself plenty of time to research, gather information, and compile a preliminary list of removal companies before other international relocation stressors \u2014like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/moving-abroad\/packing-tips-for-international-relocations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">packing <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and saying goodbye to your favorite local haunts\u2014 catch up with you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weed_Out_Companies_That_Dont_Meet_Minimum_Standards\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weed Out Companies That Don\u2019t Meet Minimum Standards<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where the \u201cgetting picky\u201d starts. In this step, you\u2019re going to take a closer look at your preliminary list and narrow down your options to international removal companies that meet what I\u2019ll refer to as \u201c the bare minimum\u201d standards for lack of a better phrase.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are \u201c the bare minimum\u201d standards, you ask?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re the boxes an international mover must tick to get you to look in their direction; let alone choose them. Those \u201cboxes\u201d include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Experience\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want a mover who&#8217;s been around the block, literally. These are the folks who know their way around the intricacies of international shipping regulations, coordinating logistics across borders, and the nitty gritty details of different destination countries.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From handling paperwork to orchestrating seamless transitions between modes of transportation, seasoned movers have got it down to a science. That\u2019s the kind of company you want to help you with your overseas move.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Satisfactory_Range_of_Services\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Satisfactory Range of Services<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The keyword here is \u201csatisfactory\u201d. Different international removal companies offer varying service packages to accommodate varying client needs. Some provide the bare minimum services needed to get you from point A to point B, whereas others throw in extras for comfort and convenience.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At this point in your decision stage, you only need to be worried about making sure the companies you\u2019re considering provide the bare minimum services.&nbsp; To do that, you need to weed out any company that doesn\u2019t offer the following services:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packing and shipping. If a company can\u2019t offer these two services, can we really call it a removal company? I bet not.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customs clearance. Any international removal company worth its salt should help you with customs clearance procedures, including preparing and submitting necessary documentation, paying customs duty and other taxes, and complying with regulations at the origin and destination countries.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delivery services. You want to work with a company that offers door-to-door relocation services. This includes transporting your items to your new address, unloading, unpacking, and placing items in the designated rooms of your new home. Door-to-port services will have you dealing with unknowns like finding a way to move your stuff from the port to your new address and figuring out where to store everything while you find a way to do that.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tracking and communication. A reputable removal company will provide tracking services so you can monitor the status of your shipment throughout the journey. They\u2019ll also maintain open communication channels to keep you informed and address any questions or concerns you may have during the relocation process.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Insurance\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the wild world of transit, your stuff can face all sorts of adventures, from unexpected detours to accidental bumps along the road. That&#8217;s why you shouldn\u2019t even consider international movers who don\u2019t offer rock-solid insurance coverage. Trust me, you don&#8217;t want to be left hanging out to dry if things go south while your stuff&#8217;s en route.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For maximum peace of mind, spring for all-risk coverage. This coverage provides the most comprehensive protection for belongings during transit. It insures against all physical loss or damage risks, except those specifically excluded in the policy. So if you\u2019ve got the budget and the items you\u2019re moving are worth the extra protection, this is the kind of coverage you should be eyeing.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can&#8217;t afford all-risk coverage, the next best option would be declared value protection. This type of insurance allows you to declare the total value of your shipment based on the weight of your items.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it might not cover every little thing like all-risk coverage does, it still offers significant protection against loss or damage during transit.&nbsp; It\u2019s also more budget-friendly, making it a solid choice for those watching their wallets. Just make sure you&#8217;re clear on what&#8217;s covered and what&#8217;s not so there are no surprises down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Named perils coverage is another decent choice. This type of insurance protects against specific risks listed in the policy, like fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. If you can accurately identify the most probable risks and have them covered in your plan, it can give your items solid protection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pricing_Transparency\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pricing Transparency<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nobody likes getting hit with surprise bills. That&#8217;s why you need to choose a mover who&#8217;s upfront about their pricing right from the start. Clear pricing and no hidden fees \u2013 that&#8217;s the name of the game.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How would you know if a removal company is playing it straight with their pricing?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s not easy, especially if they&#8217;re intentionally trying to keep certain costs under wraps. However, that&#8217;s not an excuse for not doing your due diligence because there are a few signs you can watch out for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First off, take a look at how they present their pricing info. Are the quotes itemized? A breakdown of costs shows they&#8217;re transparent about what you&#8217;re paying for. That\u2019s a good sign.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, probe their communication style. Are they open to answering questions and addressing any concerns you might have about the pricing? A company willing to have an honest conversation about its pricing structure is likely to be more trustworthy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, look up customer reviews and testimonials. Do people mention transparency and clarity when it comes to pricing? If so, that\u2019s a sign you&#8217;re dealing with a removal company that lays all its cards on the table when it comes to pricing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Customer_Support\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer Support<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If things go south during your move (and they probably will), you want a mover who\u2019s there to offer help when you need it most. So make sure the companies on your shortlist have your back with responsive customer support.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bonus points if they provide customer support through various communication channels because you won\u2019t have access to your preferred mode of communication in emergencies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Licensing\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensing<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensing may not be the first thing on your mind when choosing an international mover, but trust me, it&#8217;s a crucial consideration.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s why:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a removal company is licensed, it&#8217;s a sign that they play by the rules. Why should you care whether a moving company plays by the rules? Well, some of those rules look out for you, the customer, by compelling international moving companies to maintain certain standards of safety, reliability, and professionalism throughout the moving process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There&#8217;s also the quality factor. Licensed companies usually must meet and maintain certain operational standards when it comes to things like staff training, equipment upkeep, and overall service quality. So when you go with a licensed mover, you&#8217;re more likely to get top-notch service.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, with licensing comes accountability. If something goes wrong during your move, such as damage to your belongings or a dispute over services rendered, a licensed mover will be held accountable by regulatory authorities. This means you have recourse and support in resolving any issues, providing added protection and peace of mind throughout the moving process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, working with a licensed removal company allows you to kick back and relax knowing you&#8217;re in safe hands. No shady operators or sketchy dealings \u2013 just smooth sailing to your new home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wondering how you can find out if the movers you\u2019re considering are licensed?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s pretty easy. Just ask them directly! Any reputable international moving company should be more than happy to provide proof of their licensing and any other credentials you might need to put your mind at ease. I\u2019d go as far as to say they wear it as a badge of honor! So if a company seems dodgy with this info, that\u2019s a red flag!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also verify a mover\u2019s licensing status by checking with relevant regulatory bodies or industry associations. It might take a little extra effort, but it&#8217;s worth it for the peace of mind knowing you&#8217;re dealing with a legit and trustworthy mover.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What exactly should you be looking for?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the absolute must-haves:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International transportation license. This license allows the company to operate across borders and ensures compliance with international shipping regulations.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customs brokerage license. This is essential for handling customs clearance procedures at both origin and destination countries. It allows a mover to move your stuff through customs without hiccups.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liability insurance. A valid liability insurance policy protects you and the moving company in case of accidents, damages, or loss during the moving process.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Membership in international moving associations. While not a license per se, membership in reputable international moving associations demonstrates a commitment to industry standards and ethical practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Identify_Your_Needs_and_Preferences\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify Your Needs and Preferences<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ve done the heavy lifting and trimmed your list of potential international movers down to a select few that check off the basics. Now begins the fun: finding the perfect match for your unique moving needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about what matters most to you beyond the \u201cbare minimum\u201d standards and services we identified earlier. Is it affordability, scheduling flexibility, specialized handling for fragile items, or something entirely different? Whatever it is, now is the time to identify and list it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone\u2019s moving needs and preferences are different, so I can\u2019t accurately identify those for you. What I can do, however, is dish out some important considerations that could help steer you in the right direction.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here they go:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_Budget\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Budget<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no point in having an international removal company on your shortlist when you can\u2019t afford its services. So before you take any other step in your selection process, get in touch with each candidate on your shortlist, ask for a quote, and axe any movers whose rates don\u2019t match your budget.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Temporary_Storage\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temporary Storage&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will you need storage facilities for your belongings during the relocation process? Chances are you will! Moving abroad is never a simple endeavor, and the timing isn&#8217;t always perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/finding-housing-abroad-as-a-new-expat\/#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding housing abroad<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might take longer than planned, forcing you to stay with friends or family or find temporary housing until you secure the perfect permanent residence. Even if you make housing arrangements in advance (which I recommend), chances are your new home won\u2019t be move-in ready when you arrive. You might encounter some logistical delays too!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See why having access to temporary storage facilities can be a lifesaver during international relocation? Mind you, these are just a few scenarios where such services might come in handy. Many more things could go wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So think about your situation and decide if this is something you&#8217;ll need to factor into your choice of international removal company. My two cents? It\u2019s better to have it and not need it than the other way around.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Specialized_Services\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specialized Services<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are services above and beyond the standard moving package, designed to cater to unique circumstances or belongings that need special attention during relocation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special handling for delicate items.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet relocation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle shipping.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customized packing (e.g., custom crating for valuable or oddly sized\/shaped items).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your circumstances call for these services or anything similar, inquire about them when evaluating potential removal companies to ensure the mover you end up with can adequately meet your needs. Make sure you get info on their experience handling those services, any additional costs, and whether they offer insurance coverage tailored to those items or situations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Destination_Expertise\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Destination Expertise<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember when we talked about the importance of considering experience when choosing an international removal company? Well, this is like the location-specific version of that.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiring a mover who knows the ins and outs of your destination is a smart move for two key reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a removal company has experience in your destination, they&#8217;re familiar with the local regulations, customs procedures, and logistical challenges. This means they can anticipate and work around potential issues seamlessly, which translates to a smooth and hassle-free move.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They know the best routes, the most secure methods for packing and transporting your items, and how to tackle any unexpected hurdles. Translation? Your items will be in safe hands.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s pretty easy to know whether a company has experience moving people to your destination: simply ask them directly or look for reviews from people they\u2019ve moved in the past.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of reviews\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Customer_Reviews\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer Reviews<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer reviews are probably the easiest way to gauge any company\u2019s reputation and reliability. So before you commit to an international removal company, do yourself a favor and check out what their previous customers have to say. It&#8217;s a simple step that can make a big difference.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find customer reviews on the company&#8217;s website, social media pages, or third-party review platforms like Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take some time to read through both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded picture of the company&#8217;s strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to things like punctuality, communication, handling of belongings, and overall customer satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notice a pattern of consistent positive feedback? That&#8217;s a good sign that the company is trustworthy and reliable. But if you come across a lot of negative reviews or complaints about issues like damaged items, poor communication, or delays, that&#8217;s a company you might want to steer clear of.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Perform_a_Multi-Criteria_Decision_Analysis_to_Make_the_Final_Call\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perform a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Make the Final Call<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So far, you&#8217;ve eliminated companies that don&#8217;t meet your personal needs and minimum standards. Now, with a handful of movers that align with your requirements, it&#8217;s time to choose the best fit for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get that choice right, I recommend using a method known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/342710693_Multi-Criteria_Decision_Analysis_Methods_Comparison\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. MCDA is one of the best ways to approach decisions that involve considering multiple factors. This systematic method allows you to evaluate alternatives based on a set of criteria or factors, each with its weight of importance.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By assigning weights to the criteria and scoring each alternative against them, MCDA provides a structured framework for decision-making that helps prioritize preferences and make informed choices.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how you can apply this tried-and-tested approach to choose the best international removal company for your move abroad:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"List_Your_Key_Decision_Drivers_AKA_your_Selection_Criteria\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">List Your Key Decision Drivers (AKA, your Selection Criteria)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve already identified these in step 3 three above, so this step should be straightforward. For the sake of illustration, let\u2019s say your list of key decision drivers includes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost (e.g., price of services, additional fees)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliability (e.g., track record of on-time delivery, handling of belongings)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer Service (e.g., responsiveness, communication)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reputation (e.g., reviews, recommendations)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience (e.g., years in business, destination expertise)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Services (e.g., packing, storage, insurance options)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assign_Weights\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assign Weights<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;ve identified your selection criteria, assign weights to each criterion based on its importance to you. You can use a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest importance.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s assume you assigned weights as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliability: 9<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer Service: 7<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reputation: 9<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Services: 6<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evaluate_Alternatives\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evaluate Alternatives<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, evaluate each removal company against each criterion and assign scores based on how well they meet your preferences. You can use a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best performance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company A:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost: 7<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliability: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer Service: 7<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reputation: 9<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Services: 6<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company B:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliability: 9<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer Service: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reputation: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience: 7<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Services: 7<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company C:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost: 6<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliability: 7<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer Service: 8<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reputation: 7<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience: 9<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Services: 8<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Calculate_Weighted_Scores_for_Each_Company\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calculate Weighted Scores for Each Company<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiply each criterion score by its respective weight and sum the results to calculate the weighted score for each company. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company A: (78) + (89) + (77) + (98) + (88) + (66) = 56 + 72 + 49 + 72 + 64 + 36 = 349<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company B: (88) + (99) + (87) + (89) + (77) + (76) = 64 + 81 + 56 + 72 + 49 + 42 = 364<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company C: (68) + (79) + (87) + (79) + (98) + (86) = 48 + 63 + 56 + 63 + 72 + 48 = 350<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_the_Final_Call\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the Final Call<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare the weighted scores of each company. The company with the highest weighted score is the preferred choice based on your preferences. In our example, Company B has the highest weighted score and would be the recommended choice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And voila! You\u2019ve successfully leveraged a data-driven method to select an international removal company for your move abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hey there! So, you&#8217;re in the thick of it, trying to find info on how to choose the perfect international removal company for your big move abroad? I get it mate. Sorting through all those half-baked guides online can be more frustrating than tracking down a missing sock in a missing sock in a laundry &#8230; <a title=\"Choosing An International Removal Company For Your Move Abroad\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/moving-abroad\/choosing-an-international-removals-company-for-your-move-abroad\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Choosing An International Removal Company For Your Move Abroad\">Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1998,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[42],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-1997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-moving-abroad","tag-reviewed","infinite-scroll-item","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1997","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1997"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1997\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10418,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1997\/revisions\/10418"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1997"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1997"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1997"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=1997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}