Pre-moving Must Do's: A Checklist To Ease Moving Anxiety

Taking the long planned step to move abroad? Seems like you have finally met all the 'requirements' having employed an international moving company to do the job. Hold on! There are some pre-move checks which must be done by you prior to handing over the items to be packed by your packers and movers. Your first step is to segregate the items in identifiable groups; try organizing your clothes, electronic items, crockery and glass ware, sports and gym gear and so on. Next dehumidify and dry all items. Take a photograph of your expensive items and furniture and ensure that the moving company signs on a copy of these photos. This will help you in case of a claim for damages at a later stage. Check with the embassy of the host country for specific documentation that may be required on specific items. Have these ready well in time as you may be required to give these documents to your moving company along with a copy of your valid passport, Visa and work permit, as well as appropriate insurance documents.
Next, choose the date of moving with great care. The best days to move would be on working days, especially when you take into account the loading and unloading at the other end. This would help you avoid demurrage charges for holding your baggage over weekends at the custom warehouses in the host country where you are relocating. Avoid delays by skipping the first or the end of a month for moving as many people tend to move at this time. Be sure to also check the holiday schedule of your new country of residence.
Now your moving company will have many 'packages' to offer. Ensure that you have thoroughly read through the terms and conditions of each one of them. Basically the choice rests between moving your household items by air or by ship. If you have a large number of household items and furniture to be transported, shipping it by sea is a cheaper alternative. However, depending upon the transit time, it may take anything from three weeks to a month or more for you to get your items at your destination.
Moving by air can either be termed as 'accompanied' or 'unaccompanied'. Accompanied baggage is extremely expensive and something that not many can afford. Unaccompanied baggage is the usual choice which does entail a delay of a day or two over and above your own travel plans. Most people, who have a earmarked residence at the new location send their baggage a day or two in advance and 'time' it with the moving company is such a way that the baggage is available for collection on arrival.
Now that you have gotten all your quotes ready, select the appropriate ones taking into account any atypical fees or surcharges. Check for the quantum of company liability to be signed for, which is the amount the moving company promises to pay for your items in the event of a loss.
Prepare a complete list of items which require insurance and its estimated cost. The moving company will also check that you have a realistic quote and then offer a liability agreement. A regular insurance premium will be payable, but this liability agreement will have to be backed by a regular baggage insurance, especially if you are transporting some invaluable items. Follow these handy tips and set your relocating worries to rest.

By: Amy Nutt

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

When considering relocating abroad, be sure to do your research and ensure that your moving company offers international moving services that will be able to meet all your relocation needs in order to get the best quote and not end up paying extra fees.