Relocating to a new country is a monumental life event. While a local move involves a short drive and a few hours of loading, an international move from Buckinghamshire involves complex sea or air freight logistics, rigorous customs inspections, and international shipping regulations.
If you are currently sorting through the “dreaming spires” of information to find a mover you can trust, you need to look beyond just the price. In the world of international relocations, the “cheapest” quote can often be the most expensive mistake you ever make.
Here is exactly what you should look for when choosing an international removals company in Buckinghamshire to ensure your belongings arrive safely on the other side of the world.
Check for BAR Overseas Group and FIDI FAIM Accreditations
The first and most important step is to verify a company’s professional credentials. International moving is an unregulated industry in many parts of the world, but top-tier UK companies hold specific accreditations that protect you.
- BAR Overseas Group: While many movers are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), only a select few belong to the BAR Overseas Group. This specific membership ensures the company is audited for international shipping expertise and is covered by the Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme—meaning your money is protected even if the company faces financial difficulty.
- FIDI FAIM: This is the “gold standard” for international moving. It is the only independently audited quality certification for global relocations. If a company is FIDI FAIM accredited, every part of their operation—from their warehouse security to their staff training—has been vetted to a global standard.+1
Verify Experience with Customs, Permits, and International Routes
Moving post-Brexit or to destinations like Australia, the USA, or the UAE requires deep knowledge of customs documentation. A mistake on a Transfer of Residence (ToR) form or an incorrectly declared inventory can lead to your container being held at the port, resulting in thousands of pounds in “demurrage” (storage) fees.
What to ask a potential mover:
- “Do you provide a dedicated Move Manager to guide me through the customs paperwork?”
- “Have you recently moved families to my specific destination country?”
- “Are you familiar with the specific import duties for household goods in [Country]?”
Ensure They Offer Tailored Services Like Packing and Storage
International transit is physically demanding. Your belongings will be loaded into a shipping container, hauled by crane, and subjected to the movement of the sea or changes in air pressure. Standard “bubble wrap and a box” will not suffice.
Professional Export Packing
Look for a company that offers Professional Export Packing. This involves using heavy-duty, double-walled “export wrap” and custom-built wooden crates for high-value items like antiques or pianos.
Flexible Storage Solutions
International moves rarely happen on a perfect timeline. You may need to move out of your Buckinghamshire home weeks before your visa is approved or your new home is ready. Having access to secure [Storage Solutions] at the origin or destination is essential for a stress-free transition.
Compare Quotes and Confirm Local Buckinghamshire Presence
It is tempting to book with a massive global conglomerate, but many Buckinghamshire residents find that a local specialist provides a far more personal service.
Why Local Presence Matters:
- The Pre-Move Survey: A reputable international mover will always conduct a detailed survey—either in-person or via a high-quality video link. They need to assess the volume exactly to advise whether you need a 20ft container, a 40ft container, or a “Groupage” (shared container) service.
- Access Knowledge: Only a local mover understands the logistics of navigating a large removal lorry through the narrow streets of Old Amersham or the restricted zones of central Oxford.
When comparing quotes, ensure they are “Door-to-Door” rather than “Port-to-Port.” A Port-to-Port quote may look cheaper, but it leaves you responsible for hiring a local truck and handling customs clearance yourself when the ship arrives.
Review Insurance Options and Customer Feedback
Your standard home insurance almost certainly won’t cover your belongings while they are in a shipping container in the middle of the Atlantic.
- All-Risks Transit Insurance: Look for a company that offers comprehensive “All-Risks” insurance based on the declared replacement value of your goods in your destination country’s currency.
- Check Independent Reviews: Don’t just read the testimonials on a company’s website. Check independent platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews. Look for mentions of “international moves,” “communication,” and how the company handled it if something—inevitably—didn’t go exactly to plan.
Why Local Expertise from Bicester Makes Your Move Smoother
At Move In Matters, we pride ourselves on being the local Buckinghamshire link in your global journey. Based in Bicester, we combine the friendly, “can-do” attitude of a local firm with the professional standards required for international relocations.
We don’t just “hand you over” to a shipping line. Our team manages the [Home Removals Bicester] side of the logistics, ensuring your goods are expertly packed and loaded at your door, while our network of trusted global partners ensures they are cleared through customs and delivered safely to your new front door.
Ready to Start Your Global Adventure?
Moving overseas is a huge leap, but you don’t have to jump alone. Trust the experts who know Buckinghamshire roads and international routes.
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