There’s confidence, and then there’s hubris. The difference? Confidence gets your furniture to your new country. Hubris… gets your sofa sightseeing in Singapore when you’ve moved to Spain.

Ask how many international moves they’ve handled this year, and where. The best companies can talk ports and paperwork like seasoned sailors. The hesitant ones? Let’s just say enthusiasm doesn’t clear customs.

Ah, the quote. That tantalisingly reasonable number that doubles faster than your stress levels once the “extras” appear.

Ask for a proper breakdown: packing, customs, delivery, storage. If something’s unclear or sounds suspiciously vague (“sundry documentation fees,” anyone?), assume it’s code for “wallet ambush.”

Check the small print. A good company will show you exactly what is and isn’t included. If you don’t understand something, ask. Like most industries there is jargon. You should be able to read your quotation in plain language that is understandable to all.

Customs is the place where time bends and boxes disappear into limbo. A good moving company helps you pre-empt the drama.

Ask who handles your documentation and how much they assist with country-specific rules. If they start using phrases like “regulatory complexities” without elaborating, run. You want someone who can explain things simply, preferably without resorting to interpretive dance.

Customs can be err…. ‘tricky’ in certain locations and good international mover should be able to advise you in advance of any potential pitfalls. Sadly, in some locations customs are less forthcoming than others. Every move is different.

Listen, things happen. Containers sway, forklifts bump, and one day you may open a box and find your vase now identifies as modern art.

So, ask what the insurance covers. Total loss? Damages? How quickly do they process claims? The phrase “we’ll get back to you” should never be part of the policy.

Insurance is always additional as the movers have no idea how much your belongings are worth. Valuations are up to you. Be honest with how much you think it would cost you at destination to replace everything in your shipment. Valuing 20 pairs of shoes as £100 won’t replace the Louboutin’s.

International moving timelines exist in a state of hopeful fiction.

Ask for realistic delivery estimates and brace for delays. Ships aren’t operated by moving companies, and global events have a habit of showing up like uninvited guests. If someone promises pinpoint accuracy, they’re either naïve or writing fanfiction.

Sadly, delays caused by geopolitical issues will often lead to additional fees. These are outside the mover’s control and will be down to you to pay.

If your household items have more patience than you, a shared container is fine. You’ll save money. But if you’d rather not have your furniture mingling with strangers’ boxes while waiting for a full load, ask about a sole use container.

(When I learned my sofa had toured Europe with three families’ wardrobes… let’s just say, next time, I paid extra.)

Because sometimes “we handle everything” means “we’ll hire three other people to handle it.”

Ask who’s responsible at each stage: packing, shipping, and delivery. You don’t want a global game of “Guess Who’s Got My Stuff?”

If you have a door-to-door quotation your mover at origin is responsible for co-ordinating with all the players in the move and should always be available to answer your questions.

Short answer: yes. Long answer: absolutely yes.

After one self-packed move involving 34 rolls of tape, a strained back, and an entire Sunday lost to wrapping plates, I now bow to the professionals. They pack faster, safer, and their method counts for insurance purposes too. Plus they do it every day, have packed 100’s of families and know what their doing. Packing for an international move is an art form that is frequently undervalued.

Every country has odd restrictions. Most ban plants, others ban… spam (the edible kind).

Ask for a list of prohibited items. Keep your sense of humour handy. Explaining why your 12 jars of homemade pickles didn’t make it through customs is a humbling experience.

Moving never goes exactly to plan. The question is, how does the company respond when it doesn’t?

Ask about communication and crisis handling. Do they update you with honesty, or do you only hear from them after your fifth email? A great mover solves problems. An average one plays hide-and-seek.

Your international move isn’t just about shipping boxes. It’s about moving your life. Your photo albums, your favourite mug, that questionable souvenir you can’t throw away. Check their accreditations (BAR, FIDI, IAM, the movers’ equivalent of Michelin stars), read reviews, and take your time choosing. The best companies welcome questions. The worst ones dodge them.

At the end of the day, you’re not just transporting things. You’re carrying your story from one chapter to the next. And ideally, every box arrives exactly where it should. Safe travels, and may all your mugs land safely in the right kitchen cupboard.

If you’re starting to plan an international move, understanding the process is the first step.

If you’d like tailored advice based on your destination, timeline, and household, you can request a survey and start building a clear plan for your move.