By Tishana Ince, International Moving Specialist, FeedbacQ
An international move is a crucial juncture in your life, whether you are moving abroad or moving back to your home country after your stint overseas, the whole process can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you are moving with your family or have a lot of stuff to be shipped to your destination. Thus, you should choose an international mover carefully, to help you make the transition as smooth as possible. Here is how to go about doing that.
Get going
Familiarize yourself with the process of international moving. Read up on the terms and abbreviations used in the moving industry. Your international move will be billed according to the weight and volume of the shipment. It is best to decide early as to what you need shipped abroad.
Your non-essential items can be sold on the internet, given away to friends or even donated to worthy causes. Do keep in mind that an international shipment might take weeks to arrive at your destination. So perishable and other essential items can be carried on person.
Do your research
How do you go about looking for an international mover for your move to or out of Korea? Firstly, find out if the mover is a registered or licensed international mover who has the necessary experience in international moving to and from Korea.
We also recommend that you choose a mover who is a member of a reputed industry organization like the International Association of Movers (IAM) or Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (FIDI). Affiliations to such global alliances will mean that the international mover has access to a wide network of industry partners around the world, to help facilitate a smooth international move.
Get recommendations
Find out if anyone in your social circle has used an international mover. They should be able to give you a few names and references of reliable international movers. If not, you can read online reviews by people who have used international movers at FeedbacQ, a complete resource for your international move.
We also recommend that you select an international mover who has offices in Korea and if possible, in your destination country. For example, if you are planning a move from Seoul to New York, then it is advisable to choose a mover who has offices in Seoul and is suitably represented in New York by a capable agent. This is a crucial aspect in your international move, as the overall experience will depend on how your goods are handled once they reach the port of destination.
Shortlist 3 International Movers
Get a minimum of 3 international movers to give you a no-obligation quote after they have done a visual survey of all the things you need shipped. Avoid international movers who give you a quote over the phone without an on site survey. Keep in mind that the cheapest quote may not always be the best option for an international move.
Your belongings have to be specially packed by the mover, according to international shipping regulations. Moreover, the packaging has to be able to withstand the rigours of ocean transit. So choose wisely.
Ask for a door-to-door quote
It is best to go for a door-to-door service as it takes out the hassle of hiring a clearing agent yourself at the port of destination. Be sure to get a binding quote, including handling charges at the overseas destination. If not, ask your mover to put in writing, details of any additional dues to be paid upon delivery of goods.
Try to include details like availability of parking at the destination address and if the building has an elevator. These details will help your move coordinator estimate any additional costs at the time of delivery.
Finally..
Go with the mover who has consistent good reviews, has the experience of moving to the country of your destination, is a member of a reputed industry association, delivered good customer service and lastly, given a reasonable quote.
About the author
Tishana is an international moving specialist at www.feedbacq.com, a service that connects expats and future expats to quality-verified international movers. A serial expat herself, she enjoys yoga, tennis, stand up comedy and dancing.