Moving to another country is exciting, but it's also very challenging. There are many things to think about when looking for the best international removals services. You are trusting these people with your prized possessions, therefore it's important to ensure that you have selected the most efficient service to make your move as seamless as possible. The following are a few important points to look for in your potential service provider:

1. International and national accreditation

First, your removal company must be ISO-certified and FIDI (Federation Internationale Des Demenageurs Internationaux) accredited, popularly known as FAIM (FIDI Accredited International Mover). FIDI is an internationally recognized standard issued only after repeated audits that prove compliance with international moving industry benchmarks.

Start by visiting www.iso.org/  and www.fidi.org to find out whether the removals company is accredited. Next you should confirm that the company is also a member of the Australian International Movers Association (AIMA), which also offers independent accreditation and can hear and settle any disputes should they occur.

2. Global branching

For international relocation, you're best placed with a company that has a global network, or at the very least branches in the country you're moving to. This will ensure that you will get consistent service from departure to destination.

If they don't have their own branch, find out what company they partner with at the destination and look them up online to find out whether they are appropriately accredited according to international and nationally applicable standards.

In addition, ask the removals company whether they offer insurance for your property in case something goes wrong with the partnering company. Find out what arrangements are made in case of delays or any changes of plan from the origin to the destination.

3. Multilingual training and customs knowledge

A removals company is only as good as its personnel. If you're moving to a country that speaks a different language, it's important that the personnel assigned for your move are proficient in the other country's language as well. This will ease communications at the border in the destination country and enable easier sorting of any arising problems once you are there.

In addition, they should be well versed with all the customs, clearing and forwarding procedures at the destination country. Ask to see an operating/quality manual. Where possible, the company should give you the names and credentials of the actual movers that will be assigned to oversee your move.

4. Security and insurance

Find out which policies have been put in place to ensure security/safety of your property. The staff members should be adequately trained on security protocols and their warehousing and transport facilities should be properly ventilated and well protected (you can ask for a tour).

Whether you'll be travelling by road or sea, find out if your property is insured in the event of theft/piracy or any damage in transit. Do they have storage warehouses in the destination country? You can look at their security policies to get most of these details, but talk to your contact person as well.

In addition to insuring your property, the company should have adequate protection for the workers who will be assigned to your move. If anything happens to them without insurance while they are on your property, you may be liable to compensate them. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully protected from bearing any liability as a result of the move.

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