International Moving FAQs: Your Questions Answered Part One

antiques shipping services

We know that international moving can be daunting, and that you probably have many questions on your mind. In part one of our FAQ series, we will look at questions that you may have before your move, during the planning process.

 

Questions Asked Before the Move

 

Q: What time of the year is the best time to relocate?

A: The busiest times for Allied International is during the summer months, May 15 – September 15. At the end of these months, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy. This is the case for all professional moving companies.

Take all the factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, provide Allied International with a five day window for loading your shipment. This will allow our team who schedule the drivers and crew members greater flexibility when scheduling your move. If possible, be flexible with your destination timeframe as well. Keep in mind that you most likely are not the only shipment on the truck. If you stay flexible, it should make a difference.

 

Q: Will you provide me with a free estimate?

A: Allied International is pleased to offer all our customers a FREE in home estimate. We will come to your home and do a complete survey of the items you will be relocating to come up with an estimated moving cost. To schedule an estimate click here.

 

Q: When should I contact Allied International for a moving estimate?

A: Please try to provide Allied International with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to come into your home to complete what they refer to as a “visual survey of your household goods shipment.” Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Then call the us to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season which is September 15 through May 15.

 

Q: What will take place during a FREE in home estimate?

A: A consultant from Allied International will arrive at your home to complete a visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, the consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charges related to your move. Remember that the relocation consultant must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the relocation consultant arrives.

The consultant will most likely go through all your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be certain to point them out to the relocation consultant. If there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out.

One word of caution that can save you a great deal of trouble on loading day. Get rid of all items you do not plan to move. Otherwise, there may not be enough space for your shipment. This will not occur on one or two small items, but if you anticipated eliminating an entire bedroom suite and do not do so, it is quite possible that this could violate the integrity of your binding estimate and/or cause the driver to run out of space.