How to choose a removal company for an international move

What's their international removal experience?

International removals are very different from local and national moves, and require specialist knowledge of customs and duty, in addition to specialist export wrapping for your goods. Each requires experience and knowledge to ensure not only are your goods packed well and according to the requirements of your new country, but also so that they arrive safely through customs at your destination and at the door to your new home. Ask any removal company you speak with about your move abroad about their previous international moves and find out how knowledgeable they are about your destination and the procedures to move there. Also ask if their staff have had any specialist training on export wrapping, as this is a specialist skill that needs to be learned and is different than simply packing your items to avoid breakage in transport.

Are they accredited?

Is your international mover a member of FIDI? Are they a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR)? Both FIDI and the BAR insist on minimum standards for removal companies, and will help should something go wrong. It is also worth checking if your removal company is ISO certified, keeping to international standards of quality for both their business and customers.

Who works for them?

Are their staff experienced in export packing and international removals? Are they trained on an ongoing basis? Reputable international removal companies provide ongoing training for their staff to keep their skills at top level and to ensure they're knowledgable on the latest techniques.

Make sure they perform a CRB check (at minimum) on their employees. With an international move, you'll need to fill in customs paperwork and you'll normally need to provide a copy of your passport to the removal company - make sure your private information is in safe hands.