How to Choose the Right Moving Company for Your Overseas Adventure
Moving overseas is an exciting adventure, a chance to start fresh in a new country, whether for work, family, or the thrill of a new experience. But amid the excitement of planning life abroad, one critical decision looms: choosing the right international moving company to trust with all your worldly possessions. A smooth international relocation depends largely on picking a reputable removals company that can safely ship your household to your new home. In this guide, we’ll walk through what to look for in an overseas moving company and illustrate how Anglo Pacific, a leading UK international removals firm, meets these criteria with flying colours.
Why a Reputable International Removals Company Matters
Relocating to another country is far more complex than a domestic move. There are long distances involved, multiple transportation modes (road, sea, air), and each destination country’s customs regulations to navigate. The stakes are high: you’re entrusting everything from your furniture and clothing to your car and personal keepsakes to the mover. Choosing an experienced and reliable international removals company will save you stress, time, and money in the long run. The right company will handle the logistics seamlessly, from expert packing and secure loading to managing customs paperwork, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on schedule.
By contrast, using an unvetted or unqualified mover for an overseas move can lead to headaches like delays at customs, unexpected fees, or even damaged/lost items. A professional overseas mover brings established processes, worldwide partnerships, and industry accreditations that all translate to peace of mind for you. In short, the company you choose can make or break your overseas adventure, so it’s worth doing the research to pick the best.
Credibility is Key: Check Accreditations and Credentials
The first step in vetting an international moving company is to verify their industry accreditations. Reputable movers will be members of professional associations and hold certifications that enforce high standards. These credentials are essentially the hallmarks of quality and trust in the removals industry. When comparing companies, look for the following accreditations in particular:
BAR (British Association of Removers): Membership in BAR (especially the Overseas Group of BAR) means the company meets strict standards for professionalism, customer care, and financial protection. BAR members must abide by a code of practice and provide an Advance Payment Guarantee, which safeguards your money in the unlikely event the mover ceases trading mid-move. Anglo Pacific is a long-standing BAR Overseas Group member, so customers benefit from this added security and service quality oversight.
FIDI / FAIM: FIDI is the leading global alliance of international moving companies. FIDI Accredited International Movers hold the FAIM certification, a rigorous quality standard that involves regular independent audits of their processes, staff training, facilities, and financial stability. Choosing a FIDI-FAIM certified mover means your move will be handled under strict worldwide standards. Anglo Pacific is proud to be a FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM), underscoring its commitment to top-tier service and quality assurance in every international relocation.
IAM (International Association of Movers): IAM is a global trade association of moving and forwarding companies. Membership signals that a mover is serious about overseas relocations and has a broad network of partners. Anglo Pacific is an IAM affiliated member, reflecting its active involvement in the worldwide moving community.
ISO 9001 Certification: ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management systems. A removals company with ISO 9001 has proven that its management and operations follow consistent, well-documented processes focused on quality and continual improvement. Anglo Pacific holds the ISO 9001 quality standard certification for its international removals and storage services. This means the company’s internal workflows are audited and recognised for efficiency and reliability, an important reassurance that your move will be handled professionally from start to finish.
In short, don’t hesitate to ask a moving company about its accreditations and standards. The best companies will proudly share these credentials. Anglo Pacific, for example, meets all of the above: BAR membership, FIDI/FAIM certification, IAM affiliation, and ISO 9001. These aren’t just badges, they translate into real benefits for you as a customer, from financial protection to quality service delivery. If a prospective mover lacks such credentials, consider it a red flag and continue your search.
Proven Experience and Positive Reputation
Another key factor in choosing the right overseas mover is their track record. How long have they been in business, and how much overseas moving experience do they have? International relocation has a learning curve, so you want a company that has spent years refining its craft and can handle any surprises along the way.
Anglo Pacific’s experience is a strong example: founded in 1978, the company has over 40 years of expertise in international removals. In that time, it has grown into the UK’s largest international removals and shipping company, handling around 20,000 overseas moves and baggage shipments every year. This depth of experience means Anglo Pacific’s team has encountered moves of all sizes to all corners of the globe, and they’ve built efficient systems to manage them. From complex customs requirements to coordinating multi-modal transport, an experienced mover like this can preempt challenges and ensure a smoother process for you.
Reputation goes hand in hand with experience. Be sure to read customer reviews and testimonials for any mover you consider. High ratings and genuine feedback about reliability, communication, and care in handling belongings are good indicators. Anglo Pacific has earned a strong reputation over the decades, including thousands of positive customer reviews and a high Trustpilot score reflecting satisfied clients. The company is also recommended by leading visa and relocation agencies in the UK, a further testament to its reliability in the expat community. When a mover is consistently trusted by both customers and industry partners, you can feel more confident entrusting your own move to them.
In summary, choose a company that has a proven history of international relocations and positive feedback. Longevity and scale alone (like Anglo Pacific’s four decades of service and thousands of shipments per year) demonstrate capability, while reviews reveal the real customer experience. The right mover will happily share their track record, so you feel assured you’re in safe hands.
Comprehensive Services to Cover All Your Needs
An overseas move involves more than just loading boxes into a container. The best moving companies offer end-to-end services to take care of every aspect of your relocation. When evaluating movers, consider the range of services they provide, you’ll want a one-stop solution so you don’t have to juggle multiple providers for different tasks. Key services and features to look for include:
International Household Removals: Can the company handle full house moves overseas, including professional packing, door-to-door delivery, and unpacking? Anglo Pacific, for instance, specialises in international home removals, their crews will expertly pack your furniture and belongings, ship them abroad, clear customs, and deliver everything to your new residence. This door-to-door service means you can relocate without worrying about the minutiae of transit and paperwork.
Excess Baggage Shipping: Not everyone is moving an entire household; sometimes you might just have a few boxes or suitcases to send. Leading movers offer excess baggage or small shipment options, where you pay only for the space you need (often via shared shipping containers). Anglo Pacific is actually the UK’s number one company for baggage and luggage shipping, handling countless personal effects shipments in addition to big removals. If you’re a student or individual sending boxes overseas, this service saves money and is far safer than airline baggage for large quantities.
Vehicle Shipping: If you plan to take your car, motorcycle or even a boat with you, ensure your moving company has the ability to ship vehicles internationally. This requires specialised handling, loading and securing vehicles in containers or via roll-on/roll-off services. Anglo Pacific has a dedicated vehicle shipping division and regularly transports cars, motorbikes, and motorhomes worldwide. They’ll even complete a pre-shipment condition report and use moisture-absorbing measures to protect your vehicle in transit. Having your trusty car in your new country can make settling in much easier, and a good mover will make it happen smoothly.
Pet Relocation (via Partners): Your pets are part of the family, and moving them abroad requires careful coordination with specialist pet transport agencies. While not all removal companies handle pet travel, top firms often partner with pet relocation experts so you can arrange to move your dog or cat with minimal stress. Anglo Pacific can assist with pet transportation through trusted partners, for example, working with IPATA-certified pet shippers to arrange flights, quarantine, and delivery for your furry friends. This partnership approach means you get expert pet handling while still having your removals company coordinate it as part of your move plan.
Secure Storage Solutions: It’s common in international moves to need storage, perhaps because you’re moving out before your goods can be shipped, or your new home overseas isn’t ready for move-in when your shipment arrives. A reliable moving company will offer secure storage facilities to hold your belongings short or long term. Anglo Pacific provides modern, alarmed warehouses in the UK (London and Glasgow) for storage before departure, and can also arrange storage at destination via its global partners. Their storage is customs-approved and security monitored, so your items remain safe until you’re ready for delivery. Having this option is a lifesaver if your timings don’t perfectly align.
In addition to these core services, look for extra conveniences the mover offers. Anglo Pacific, for example, offers professional packing materials, comprehensive transit insurance options, online shipment tracking, and even free home/video surveys to assess your move volume accurately before you commit. They can also assist with related relocation needs like international money transfers and pension transfers via vetted partners, demonstrating a holistic approach to customer service.
Ultimately, the right international moving company will be able to handle whatever you need to move, wherever it needs to go. By choosing a full-service mover like Anglo Pacific that covers household goods, baggage, vehicles, pets and storage, you ensure no aspect of your overseas move is left to chance. Everything is managed under one umbrella, making your life a lot easier during a potentially hectic transition.
Expertise in Moving to Australia, New Zealand, and the USA
If your overseas adventure is taking you to popular destinations like Australia, New Zealand, or the United States, it’s wise to choose a mover with specific experience in those routes. Each of these countries has its own unique moving considerations, and Anglo Pacific’s long history in serving these destinations is a major advantage.
Removals to Australia and New Zealand: Thousands of Brits relocate down under each year, drawn by the sunny climate and lifestyle. Australia and New Zealand, however, have stringent customs and quarantine regulations. Items like wooden furniture, outdoor sporting equipment, and anything that could carry soil or plant matter will be carefully inspected on arrival due to biosecurity laws. An experienced mover will guide you on what not to pack (for example, no open foodstuffs, and thoroughly cleaned garden tools) and ensure all paperwork (like Australian Import Declarations or New Zealand MPI forms) is in order. Anglo Pacific specialises in removals to Australasia and is well-versed in these requirements, their team provides clients a detailed list of permitted and restricted items and will help arrange mandatory inspections or treatments if needed. With over 40 years shipping to Oz and NZ, they know how to avoid delays at quarantine and get your belongings delivered hassle-free. Whether you’re bound for Sydney or Auckland, choosing a mover like Anglo Pacific with local know-how can save you from costly compliance mistakes.
Moving to the USA: The United States is another top destination for UK expats, from the East Coast to West Coast and everywhere in between. The sheer distance to America, plus the potential need for inland transportation within the US, means your mover must carefully plan logistics. Moreover, U.S. customs processes can be detailed, you’ll need clear inventories of your goods and must meet specific rules for shipping vehicles or high-value items. Anglo Pacific handles hundreds of moves to the USA every year and simplifies the journey for customers. They offer both exclusive full-container services (ideal if you’re moving a whole household or a car) and shared container options (great for smaller shipments where you pay only for the container space used) to all major U.S. ports. From there, their network ensures delivery to your new home whether it’s in New York, California, Texas or elsewhere. Crucially, Anglo Pacific’s expertise in navigating U.S. customs means they prepare all the documentation and ensure compliance with import regulations, so your goods clear customs smoothly. They even take into account regional factors, for example, advising on climate-appropriate packing (humidity protection for Florida, cold-weather crating for New England, etc.). If you’re heading to the States, partnering with a mover who understands the terrain, literally and figuratively, makes a huge difference.
In all these cases, Anglo Pacific’s global network of partners and deep destination-specific knowledge removes uncertainty from the moving process. They have specialist teams for key countries and provide handy country guides and personal move coordinators to walk you through the requirements. For you, this means a smoother move and the ability to focus on the excitement of your new life abroad rather than worrying about shipping logistics.
Putting It All Together: Your Overseas Move Made Easy
As you plan your leap to a new country, remember that the right moving company is your ally in making the transition successful. To recap, look for an international removals company that has solid accreditations (BAR, FIDI/FAIM, IAM, ISO 9001) for assurance of quality and trustworthiness. Seek out long experience and positive customer reviews that signal the company delivers on its promises. Ensure they offer the comprehensive services you personally need, from packing, shipping and customs clearance to storage or pet transport, so no part of your move is left in limbo. And if you’re moving to popular expat destinations like Australia, New Zealand or the USA, choose a mover with proven expertise in those routes to avoid pitfalls at customs or delays in transit.
Anglo Pacific ticks all these boxes. It is a fully accredited overseas moving specialist with decades of experience and an extensive service portfolio tailored to customers’ needs. From sending a few excess baggage boxes to relocating an entire family home (and the family car and dog!), Anglo Pacific handles it with professional care and efficiency. The company’s credentials, as a BAR member, FIDI-FAIM certified mover, IAM member, and ISO 9001 accredited firm, speak to its high standards. Its track record of over 40 years in business and ~20,000 shipments annually speaks to its reliability and expertise. And countless customer testimonials speak to the genuine peace of mind and satisfaction delivered.
Your overseas adventure should be an exciting journey, not a logistical nightmare. By choosing a reputable mover like Anglo Pacific for your international relocation, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth start in your new home. With the right professionals handling the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively), you can focus on embracing your new surroundings and beginning the next chapter of your life abroad with confidence. Bon voyage, and happy moving!
