Selecting the right international relocation company is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption. Relocating internationally involves a lot more than just packing boxes and loading them onto a truck. It’s a complex process that requires meticulous planning, understanding of legal requirements, and the ability to handle logistics efficiently.
This guide will help you screen and select the best international moving company in Kenya, ensuring your belongings are handled with care and professionalism.
1. Reputation and Market Positioning
Company History and Experience
A company with a long-standing history and extensive experience is likely to provide reliable services. Look for companies with a proven track record in international moves. Online reviews, testimonials, and ratings on platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot can offer insights into their reliability and service quality.
For example, consider a Nairobi-based family that chose an experienced moving company with a decade’s experience in the business. Their move to the UK was seamless, with the company handling all aspects from packing to customs clearance without a hitch. In contrast, another family opted for a newer, cheaper company and faced delays and additional charges due to the company’s lack of expertise, poor planning, and lack of moving partners at the destination country.
Industry Accreditations and Memberships
Accreditations by reputable industry associations like the International Association of Movers (IAM) and FIDI Global Alliance indicate professionalism and adherence to high standards. Certifications such as ISO standards highlight quality management and commitment to service excellence.
READ MORE: The Importance of Choosing a Moving Company Affiliated with a Professional Moving Association
Market Status and Partnerships
Evaluate the company’s market positioning and seek feedback from partners and clients. Companies with strong market positions and reliable partnerships often provide better services. Established companies with a strong market presence are often more reliable and have a track record of successful relocations. Checking reviews and testimonials can provide insights into their service quality.
Partners’ Opinions
Positive feedback from industry partners is another good indicator of a company’s reliability. These endorsements can reflect the company’s ability to handle complex international moves efficiently.
2. Range and Quality of Services
Comprehensive Service Offerings
A good international mover offers a full range of services, including packing, transportation, customs clearance, unpacking, and storage. Specialized services like pet relocation, vehicle shipping, and handling delicate items are a plus.
Consider a business executive relocating from Kenya to Japan. They chose a moving company offering end-to-end services, including pet relocation and vehicle shipping. This comprehensive service package ensured that all their needs were met without having to coordinate with multiple service providers, saving them time and stress.
Embed this video: International Moving in Kenya | Best IAM-trusted Movers in Kenya
Are they a Logistics Company or a Moving Company?
While often confused for the same purpose, moving companies and logistics firms differ greatly in their service offerings. Logistics companies are adept at things like transport and customs clearance. However, movin companies take care of the entire moving journey, from packing items securely to sourcing for moving companies at the destination company and everything in between, including the functions of logistics companies.
A competent mover should excel in packing fragile items and possess the necessary tools and materials for the job. They should also handle the logistics of the move, ensuring that all items are safely transported and delivered on time.
For instance, a family moving to Australia chose a logistics company that subcontracted the packing and moving tasks, resulting in mishandled items and damage to their belongings. In contrast, their friends opted for a dedicated moving company specializing in international relocations, ensuring their possessions were packed professionally and arrived intact.
3. Qualified Personnel and Training
Skill and Qualification of Personnel
Training and expertise in packing are critical, especially for fragile and valuable items. Moving companies should provide staff with the necessary tools and materials to protect belongings during transit. For example, a friend who relocated to Sydney was impressed by the meticulous care the movers took in packing her antique glassware. They used specialized packing materials and techniques to ensure everything arrived intact.
Training Materials and Accreditations
Availability of training materials and accreditations indicates the company’s commitment to maintaining high service standards. Look for companies that invest in regular training for their staff to keep them updated on the best practices in packing, handling, and transporting goods.
The trade associations mentioned above require regular training for their members’ staff as one of the key tenets of membership.
4. Understanding the Process and Documentation
Initial Survey and Quote
A thorough initial survey before providing a quote ensures transparency and accuracy. This step is critical to avoid unexpected costs later. The company should offer a detailed survey of your belongings to give you a precise estimate.
Quotations for international moving services may sometimes take longer to be processed compared to those for in-country moving services. This is because the moving company may need to obtain rates from multiple suppliers of functions related to the moving process.
Any moving company that provides a quote for their services without conducting a pre-move survey should be approached with caution.
Documentation and Legal Processes
Knowledge of international documentation and legal requirements is vital. The company should assist with customs clearance and compliance, making the process smoother for you. Ensure they are well-versed in the necessary paperwork and legalities involved in international moves.
For example, a family moving to South Africa faced delays and extra costs because their moving company mishandled the customs documentation. As a result, they had to fork out additional funds totalling close to $1,000 due to fines, penalties, and demurrage.
5. Customer Support and Advisory
Communication and Support
Effective and responsive customer support is crucial throughout the relocation process. Ensure the company provides a single point of contact to handle all your queries and concerns. Consistent communication helps in resolving issues promptly and keeps you informed about the progress of your move.
Having a dedicated international relocation specialist who’s always available to answer your queries and give updates makes your transition much smoother.
Advisory Services
Guidance on destination customs and legal frameworks is invaluable. A good moving company will provide insights into the relocation process, including customs regulations and any specific requirements of the destination country.
A business executive relocating to Europe benefited greatly from their moving company’s advisory services. The company provided detailed guidance on the customs regulations in France, which helped avoid delays and additional costs at the destination.
6. Compatibility: Storage Facilities and Global Presence
Storage Facilities
When selecting a moving company, one of the first aspects to consider is their storage facilities. Reliable storage options are crucial for international relocations, especially if there are delays or you need temporary storage before your final move-in date.
Global Network and Physical Presence
A strong network of reliable partners and agents globally is essential for smooth international relocations. Verify the company’s physical presence and its network to avoid scams. A reliable company will have identifiable premises and a proven track record.
In an age where it is very easy to set up an online business profile, it is quite easy for one to set up a fictitious business and take advantage of unwitting customers.
We recently witnessed a rather tragic case with a client that we moved to France. They wanted to buy furniture from Kenya, and found a seemingly trustworthy vendor on Google. After coordinating with the vendor, they sent $6,000 for the purchase of the furniture, after which the vendor went silent. After reaching out to us to coordinate the export of the furniture, we were unable to locate the shop and had to get the authorities involved.
7. Cost and Transparency
Detailed and Transparent Quotes
Obtaining detailed cost breakdowns is crucial to avoid hidden fees or unexpected charges. Transparency in pricing reflects the company’s integrity and helps you budget accurately.
For instance, a Nairobi-based entrepreneur relocating to the USA chose a moving company that provided an itemized quote. This transparency helped him avoid financial surprises and manage his relocation budget effectively.
8. Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Insurance Options
Understand the types and extent of insurance coverage provided by the moving company. Ensure additional insurance options are available if needed to protect your belongings.
As a legal requirement, all shipping consignments to/from Kenya must be covered by a marine insurance cover placed with a Kenyan insurer.
Conclusion
Selecting the right international moving company involves thorough evaluation of several critical factors. For a stress-free international relocation, consider Nellions Moving & Relocations. With our comprehensive services, qualified personnel, and strong global presence, Nellions is the premier international relocation company in Kenya.
Stress-free International Relocations with Nellions
Meeting the extensive needs of international relocations is a combination of science and art. At Nellions Moving and Relocations, we ensure a seamless process by understanding clients’ needs and employing our expertise to meet them. Here’s a brief overview of how we do it:
Comprehensive Planning: Nellions begins with a thorough consultation and assessment, creating customized moving plans tailored to each client’s unique needs. For example, we can schedule moves during off-hours to minimize disruption.
Skilled Staff: Nellions’ experienced team is adept at handling complex international moves. We ensure efficient packing, secure transportation, and careful handling of sensitive items.
Advanced Resources: Nellions uses state-of-the-art moving trucks and specialized tools to streamline the moving process. Our resources ensure safe, secure, and efficient relocation.
Clear Communication: Effective communication is a cornerstone of Nellions’ service. We provide detailed moving plans and regular updates, keeping clients informed throughout the relocation process.
Flexibility and Reliability: Nellions excels in adaptability, accommodating schedule changes and ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life. Our focus on quality and reliability helps avoid hidden costs associated with delays and damaged items.
Moving soon? Get a helping hand for your international relocation by calling us on 0700 000 002 or visiting Nellions.
