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Advance preparation is the most important factor in a successful international removal. You should begin your search for a suitable moving company to carry out your move 6-8 weeks before your intending moving date. This will allow time to get competitive quotations, make all the arrangements, organise transport, etc.

When you call a professional, this specialist should be part of a network of companies agreed to international organisations (FIDI, HHFGAA, AMSA, LACMA?). It is important that you check out the background and credentials of the companies who quote on your international move. It is vital to ensure that your chosen removal company has relevant experience, and has appropriate links with foreign movers, as it is the foreign mover who will supply at least 40% of the service.

If you book your shipment as a door-to-door move, then all charges including customs clearance charges, and local delivery to your residence, (with normal access, not above first floor level) will be included in the estimate that's given to you. However, you will still be responsible for any duty or tax that is raised on your shipment by Customs.

When moving overseas you have a number of service options available to you. You may select a service based on the price, transit time, method of containerisation, routing consolidation opportunities, sea or air freight, port of exit, etc. Each option's cost component determines the amount you'll pay.

In general terms, it is advisable to select the most direct route with a minimum amount of handling. However, every move and personal budget is different so it is important that you discuss fully with the International Removals Company to determine the best service to meet your personal needs.

Remember, when calculating the cost of your international move, you should be aware of the total cost including the amount of time you'll have to wait for the arrival of your goods at destination. If you're going to have to stay in a hotel or other temporary housing until your household shipment arrives, you'll need to consider these costs as well as the cost of the shipping charges.

Think about separating out all the items that you'll need to sell (be careful with washing machine, cooker, ?etc, as they might not be compatible in the new country where you move to), store, dispose of, give away, and those you will want to move by sea, have sent by air cargo or delivered to another family member before your departure. It's a very good idea to have a clear idea about these categories before our estimator visits you to survey your household effects.