From sentimental goods being damaged to shipments ending up costing thousands of pounds more than a client had expected, tales of this kind are far from uncommon when it comes to transporting your goods from one country to another. “Most migrants still prefer to get estimates from two to three international removal companies when choosing a company and I think this is a good number,” says Nick Witham of PSS. “The starting point for anyone when selecting their company should be to insure they have FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) accreditation and financial protection from the British Association of Removers (BAR) Overseas.”

Witham continues: “Migrants should also look to use a specialist international moving company who have staff and export packers fully employed in international duties. Some people understandably imagine that an international removal is not very different from a domestic one but this can be a big mistake as an international removal is completely different. “It requires more planning, you need to start the process earlier and be certain that the packers and materials they are going to use are top quality,” he adds.

There are a plethora of other reasons why you may wish to spend that little bit extra on ensuring the company you use holds relative accreditation. “When you use a reputable company the chances are the people who turn up to load and unload your belongings will be wearing uniforms,” explains John Payne of Anglo Pacific. “This means you will know exactly who is going in and out of your house. I have heard plenty of stories about people who have used cheap, independent movers and have ended up having their goods stolen by chancers who have been walking past, popped into the house and walked off with a television. “Because they are not in uniform the client has just assumed they are with the company, the movers will probably just assume you know the person and you will ultimately pay the consequences.

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