Once you have reviewed and signed the contract, there are tasks you need to complete to ensure that your move will be successful.
Determining in advance what is to be shipped and what is to be sold, donated or given away should be your first order of business. Be sure to review the items that cannot be shipped to your new country with your mover because they vary by country. Norah Franchetti, vice president of marketing for the Crown Worldwide Group, a global moving and relocation firm with operations in 55 countries, told us very little is required of consumers if the mover is doing its job properly. ”The consumer’s big job is to make sure everything is organized,” she said.
That means preparing a detailed inventory list of all items to be shipped. Inventory lists need to be in the language of the country you are moving to. Your mover can handle the inventory list translation for you, but as an additional cost. Alternatively, you can get a translation estimate from a third-party and compare the difference to evaluate which is most cost effective.
Ms. Franchetti also suggested that you segregate anything you will hand carry with you in a separate room. “Sometimes passports get packed as well as other items the consumer did not want shipped because the items were not properly organized,” she said. You should also drain your refrigerator prior to the move and clean sofas and similar furniture because humidity in moving could cause problems if your goods sit in a container for a month and attract mold.
When moving day arrives, trust your mover but leave nothing to chance. Personally oversee the packing of your goods and do not leave while packing is underway. If you have valued and cherished possessions, make sure they receive special packaging and they are marked well so you know what is in the box upon arrival at your new home.
While your goods are in transit, stay in contact with your mover. The best ones have online tracking capability so you can follow the progress of your shipment. Also make sure that your mover has English-speaking representatives you can communicate with in your new country. This is not always so. Ms. Franchetti also explained that in some circumstances you might be required to go to the warehouse for customs clearance in your new location or the port where your goods arrive for customs clearance.
When the mover contacts you to arrange delivery of your goods, be sure to clearly communicate directions to your home. Often goods are transferred from a regional warehouse in the country or a port facility and the team handling the delivery may not be familiar with your city.
Once unpacking begins, check every item off your inventory list and inspect for damage. Make sure you photograph any damaged item and make detailed notes for insurance claims, including missing items.
Removal of boxes and debris also should be part of your contract. Getting rid of hundreds of boxes, particularly in areas where trash collection services are marginal is not easy.
One final note…be sure to tip the moving crew. You will be amazed at how quickly and smoothly everything goes if you do.