When it comes to estimates from multiple movers, it’s important to know whether you’re comparing “apples to apples.” You can do this by laying out the estimates side-by-side. All international estimates are based on an estimated weight/volume and container size to be used when moving your belongings, as well as services such as packing, or third-party services like crating, ocean freight/trucking, customs clearance, destinations services (including unpacking). Lift vans, 20-ft or 40-ft containers are common place.

Membership of FIDI is highly recommended when you’re reviewing your moving companies, as it provides a level of protection with respect to their financial stability and level of professionalism. It protects monies paid and ensures delivery of your goods if they get into any type of financial difficulties.

Look for these items when comparing estimates:

• Did the company perform an in-home or virtual survey of the items that need to be moved? Provide a list of items to be moved? Listed items to be crated and costs?
• Does each estimate include full door-to-door service and specify weight/volume of the number of items to be moved and list the exclusive use of a container? Transit time? Cost of full replacement insurance? Does it include storage at origin or destination?
• Are all packing and unpacking services required for your move included?
• Are all necessary additional services included at destination? Terminal handling charges, customs clearance, trucking and unpacking?

If unsure, please contact Suddath and we would be pleased to assist.

Try to book a moving company at least six to eight weeks before your move date. Remember, moving companies are in high demand during the summer months.

It is very typical and advisable for an international moving policy to be purchased, along with moving services, to protect your items during transit. It should cover door-to-door and include protection for full replacement at destination, based on a value provided by the customer, shipping the goods in advance of packing. Typically it should also include pair and sets, mechanical derangement, and mold and mildew, among other special categories. Items generally NOT covered include coins, jewelry, precious metals, precious or semi-precious stones or gems, gold, silver or platinum articles including silverware and service sets, fur or fur garments, rare collectible items or objects of art, computer software programs, manuscripts or other rare documents. In some instances coverage may be obtained with additional information provided by the shipper but you’ll want to allow extra time for this.

Typically, it is an insurance company proposal form/s where an individual item, pair or set in excess of $3,000 (or whatever the individual insurance policy dictates) is specifically identified for coverage during the international move.

Suddath coordinates with various specialist pet relocation companies that provide a quality relocation service for your furry family members. Allow extra time for vaccinations, health certificates, chips, etc. as every country is different and some may require quarantine. Suddath can provide all this information, just allow extra time. Sometimes six months or more of planning is required in advance of packing.

Yes, we can arrange to transport automobiles. It’s as simple as providing the Suddath move coordinator with the year, make and model of the vehicle. From there, we can check to ensure your car is authorized and allowed to be shipped to your country of destination, secure a quote to have it transported and advise your of costs and regulations. One thing to remember—don’t leave personal items in your vehicle. It needs to be empty of everything other than the standard items it came with from the dealership when first purchased.

Your goods can be moved on any date you choose. Weekdays are best: there can be additional costs associated with weekend or holiday moves. Try to plan accordingly and work closely with your move coordinator for more ideas on how to avoid additional costs. Some countries require two weeks or more to secure a shipping container. The delivery date at destination will depend on the size of your shipment, sailing schedules of the steamship lines between ports and finally customs clearance procedures and the destination agent’s availability. Once a pack date is determined at origin, estimated transit time will be calculated and advised. We then track your shipment from origin to destination and provide regular updates throughout.

We take a lot of precautions and train our teams very carefully to ensure your belongings arrive on time and without damage. However, our team is here to start the settlement process in the unlikely event that something gets damaged. The insurance coverage, discussed above, will determine the settlement for any potential claims, and the easy filing process can be completed very quickly online.

Suddath accepts major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard & Amex), or funds can be wired to our bank account directly. Full payment must be received prior to goods leaving the port of origin. Payment amount is based on final weights and volumes of the shipment.