5 important issues to cover with your mover
- Written by Nicci M.
- Last Updated September 3, 2020
- Read Time : 3 Minutes
Moving internationally, or across the city? The secret to a successful move is to ensure the key issues are covered. Follow the 5 important issues to cover with your mover and eliminate 90% of the mistakes most people make.
Start the process ahead of time, preferably a month or two before your move date.
Listed below are 5 vitally important areas you want to nail down with your mover.
1. How much does it cost to move?
The simplistic answer is volume. The overall size of your household effects will determine the overall cost. The best way to find out your volume is to ask the movers to send a consultant to your home prior to the move.
It is very important to be clear about what you intend to take and what you will exclude. Take some time to show the moving consultant all parts of your residence including basement, terrace, carport, even the patio or garden. They will take note of everything you show them.
Depending on the scale and extent of your relocation, the pre-move home survey can last from 30 minutes – one hour; however, this provides an opportunity to sit down with the company representative, in order to concentrate on queries and issues that may arise.
This also provides an opportunity to evaluate the moving company you are considering. If you have carried out your groundwork, try to maintain the number of home surveys to no more than 5 or 6 companies.
2. How long will my move take?
The second important issue to cover with your mover… The size and time frame of your move determine the classification and method of transit. The pre-move survey is your chance to cover this thoroughly in person with the company representative. For planning an international moving, the following relevant information should certainly be provided to you.
- The number of days to pack and load all items?
- Unless storage is needed at origin, will the goods be loaded in the shipping container at your property?
- What is the transportation time to the destination port (and estimated time frame of customs clearance and final delivery)?
- When does the vessel set sail?
- How many days (prior to vessel sailing) does the container need to be back in the port (often referred to as the cut-off)?
These variables mentioned in the above checklist have a crucial influence on the ultimate delivery schedule of your shipment. Professional moving firms should not leave factors such as this to chance. So make sure you clarify your expectations with the movers and run through the time frame of the move.The second important issue to
3. How can I avoid last-minute problems?
Before arranging for the movers to visit your residence, it is a good idea to go through your home, checking closets, cabinets, and storage areas. Consider what you are most likely to purge or sell-off. Ask yourself what your intentions are for the items you fail to sell.
If you eventually decide to transport the items you initially planned to sell off then the volume obviously rises and this may possibly add (significantly) to the expense of the move, particularly if the 20 ft container you had planned on ends up being a 40 ft container. It is a good idea to be transparent and request the moving company to price both alternatives. This can prevent unpleasant shocks on relocation day. An effective international mover should be able to assist you with advice and suggestions.
What about large items? It is important to point out any large or heavy items you intend to ship. Anything unwieldy or awkward should be noted by the consultant along with access to and from your residence including any restriction on parking and loading with any related costs included in your quotation.
4. What about documentation?
Another important issue to cover with your mover and it is highly advisable to manage this face-to-face and ahead of moving day if possible. The moving company organizes packing inventory and formal shipping documents, however, it is going to fall to you to finalize insurance coverage, and customs/import related papers which might necessitate you acquiring certified documents at origin from your regional consulate office or embassy.
A professional international moving company should be capable of pointing you in the right direction, however, the ultimate responsibility will be yours. Make sure you obtain all your document ahead of time and hand them over to the moving company representative face to face.
5. How does the mover update me?
The final important issue to cover with your mover is updates; what if circumstances change? It is important to realise shipping times are always estimates. There are aspects of the move such as bad weather, strikes or congested ports during the journey which can delay estimated arrival times quite significantly. With GPS tracking it is possible to follow the progress of the vessel carrying your shipment, however this not quite as fool proof as it may seem.
Whilst delays are fairly uncommon, it is best to leave the tracking to the movers and they can alert you if there are any delays or other issues. Ensure the mover has a current email address (one you check daily) also a valid phone number, and highly recommended – the mobile number of a friend, just in case you are out of reach for whatever reason.
The best way to do this is in writing and if possible on an official form or contract from the moving company. That way everything is official and contact details after you leave the country are clear.
So there you have it. We have covered the 5 important issues to cover with your mover. We hope this article has been some use to you, (why not share this with someone you know), and we wish you all the best of luck.
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