How to Select a Moving Company
Choosing the right mover is one of the most important steps—especially for expats juggling cross-border logistics, legal requirements, and tight budgets. Here’s how to find a trusted partner:
1. Introduction
A bad moving company can ruin your relocation: hidden fees, damage, or missed delivery dates. As an expat, you need a mover who understands international customs, quarantine rules, and the unique challenges you face.
2. Define Your Needs
Clarify your move details before you shop:
- Volume of goods (full household vs. essentials only)
- Budget and willingness to pay for insurance or expedited service
- Timeline—do you need door-to-door in two weeks or are you flexible?
- Special services: pet relocation, vehicle shipping, storage solutions
3. Gather Quotes via Reloadvisor
- Submit a single form on Reloadvisor and get up to 5 tailored quotes—no endless email chains.
- Compare side-by-side: services offered, delivery windows, and total cost.
4. Check Credentials
- Licenses: In Europe look for FIDI or IAM membership; in the US, check FMCSA registration.
- Insurance: Confirm valuation coverage and whether “all-risk” insurance is included or extra.
- Professional affiliations signal adherence to industry standards.
5. Read Reviews & Ask Questions
- Online testimonials: on Google, Trustpilot, or expat forums—look for patterns in feedback.
- Ask vendors: How do they handle customs delays? What’s their process for claims?
- Site visits: If possible, arrange a virtual or in-person survey of your belongings.
6. Compare Services & Costs
| Service Component | Door-to-Door Quote | Port-to-Port Quote | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing & Crating | Included | Optional (+€) | |
| Customs Handling | Included | Included | |
| Storage (30 days) | €200 | €150 | Longer terms extra |
| Insurance (All-Risk) | €120 | €100 | Basic vs. premium coverage |
| Unloading & Placement | €250 | €200 | Room-of-choice service |
Use a table like this to see where costs add up—and what each mover values in their service.
7. Red Flags & Deal-Breakers
- Unrealistic lowball quotes with vague terms
- No site survey but guaranteed pricing—ask why
- Contracts without itemized services or cancellation clauses
8. Final Checklist
- ✔︎ You’ve received ≥3 quotes
- ✔︎ Checked licenses & insurance
- ✔︎ Read ≥10 recent reviews
- ✔︎ Asked about customs & delivery timelines
- ✔︎ Clarified hidden fees & payment terms
Download our Moving Company Comparison Table to mark off each criterion as you vet vendors.
Conclusion
Ready to choose? Head to Reloadvisor Expats to compare personalized moving company quotes in under 5 minutes—and book with confidence.
Start comparing movers now →
Safe travels and happy unpacking!
