FAQs

This would be a personal decision, but keep all factors in consideration while deciding on the best time for you to move. Do bear in mind that summer months (mid-March to mid-September) and the beginning and end of each month (regardless of the season) are particularly busy for moving companies and may require more flexibility and advanced scheduling.

Look out for a company who offers you global coverage, while offering door-to-door service. A regular certified moving company offers excellent national and local service but special certifications and strict policy adherence is necessary for internationally recognized moving companies. A professional and reliable international moving company will have a FIDI membership which confirms that the provider has experience with international removals. The FIDI membership is linked to FAIM or FAIM ISO quality assurance (third party audits), which provides an additional guarantee to you as a customer./p>

Try to provide moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the summer months (mid-May to mid-September) or at the beginning or end of a month (regardless of the season). We recommend making arrangements at least four to six weeks before your desired moving date. This will increase your likelihood of securing the pickup and delivery dates you desire. Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Try to determine which mover you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season.

The relocation consultant will arrive at your home to perform a physical survey of your items. The relocation consultant must be able to clearly see what is being moved in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Don’t be alarmed if the relocation consultant goes through your cabinets and closets and looks under the beds and on top of cabinets. Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving so organize your house before the relocation consultant arrives. If you know of items that are out of view or will be eliminated be certain to point them out to the relocation consultant. Once completed the relocation consultant will calculate the volume, packing cost and any other charges related to your move.

There are several reasons why prices may differ. For clear comparison, we recommend that you compare the service inclusions and exclusions of the offer to give you a coparison of the costs. Some movers charge fixed costs such as surcharges, etc. and others do not. It might also be the case that specific costs at the destination are not included in the quotation by other movers. If there are additional costs expected, Interem will always inform you in advance.

Due to our years of experience, we can handle a deviation of ten percent between the estimated and actual volume. Our relocation coordinator will also be happy to discuss the variation with you. In the unlikely event that the actual packed volume exceeds that percentage, an appropriate solution will be provided in consultation with the relocation coordinator.

Try to make a realistic time plan. Moving takes time and certainly an international move will require the appropriate duration for transport, also depending on the shipping option (ship, truck, airplane). You will need to organize a lot of things. It will be useful if you already know which goods need to move and which goods can be left behind.

The charges are based on the weight / volume of your shipment and mileage. A variety of additional charges that may appear on your estimate, so be sure to ask your relocation consultant to explain each item charge for you. Additional charges might include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, extra labour charges for bulky & over sized items. Be certain you understand these charges so you can accurately compare your estimates.

Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination. Payments can be made using cash or certified cheque. Other payment options such as a credit card can be arranged with your professional moving service provider. Discuss these options with your relocation consultant and / or the customer service representative. In the event that your employer is paying for the move the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. No matter what payment option you choose be sure to have it all worked out prior to packing and loading. If the method of payment is not established prior to day of loading it can cause you problems on delivery day.

The supervisor will usually inventorise your shipment as it is loaded. When completed, the inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and the condition of each item when received by the mover. Be sure that everything listed on the inventory is correct. This is not always the easiest task as you will find things written on the inventory like PBO which means Packed by Owner. The contents of this carton can’t and won’t be listed because the supervisor is not able to see inside each and every box. You will also find CP on a line item in the inventory. CP means Carrier Packed. These are two important listings.

In the last column of the inventory form, inventory codes are used to make note of any irregularities or existing damage to particular pieces. The code legend is listed on the bottom of the inventory sheet.

The inventory is for you to keep track of what is loaded and the condition of each item. If damage occurs on a particular piece during the loading process, get the inventory tag number on that item and make a note in the far right hand column on the line that corresponds with that piece. The inventory should also be used at destination to verify the delivery of your items and make note of any damage to your items. This document will be used if the claims process is initiated, so it is important to have any damage clearly noted.

Be certain to point out any damaged items to the supervisor. Often times people grow accustomed to looking at a piece of furniture in a certain place and in a certain light. Once this piece is placed in a new setting, damage that may have been there for a long time may be more noticeable. If you are unsure whether the damage is a result of the move, ask your supervisor to explain the condition of the piece as noted on the inventory during the loading process. This is the quickest way to clear up whether it is new or existing damage.

All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.

Packed by owner boxes or package ( PBO ) is not acceptable now either with the insurance company in an event of any claim nor with customs/law enforcement agencies in many countries due to the increased security. It is recommended that you ask the movers only to pack the items.

Items of extraordinary value such as jewellery, money, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your personal hand carry, provided that you notify your local moving representative of these items before the packing and moving day. It is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you. To be assured that a claim involving expensive articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign your mover’s version of a high value inventory form. Each mover has a slightly different procedure to follow as it relates to high value items. Ask your relocation consultant to provide you with an explanation of their process. This is a confusing but important task, so make sure that you clearly understand the rules prior to day of loading.

Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected. Your estimator can help you understand how to these items are serviced. All local moving companies have business relationships with local service providers that handle this type of service. Be sure you know who your mover will be using as you will need to let these people into your home to provide the service.

Interem uses a special procedure called stretch-wrap. It is a heavy, clear plastic wrap that protects your furniture from being soiled.

Yes, provided you buy and insurance policy through the mover. Also, how much protection and the cost of the protection is dependant upon the valuation coverage you select. This can be one of the most confusing aspects of moving but it is important that you fully understand what is being provided to you.

The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which a claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier’s tariffs, as well as laws and regulations that have certain limitations and exclusions.

Full Value Protection or Coverage – This is your most comprehensive coverage. You may hear it referred to as “full replacement value” or “full value protection.” If you elect to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value. The cost of full value protection may be further subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for the details of their specific plan.

We may ask you to choose from several consecutive days during which your goods will be loaded. Your customer service representative will contact you at least 24 hours prior to load day to let you know time of arrival. Be sure to share any changes that have taken place that may affect loading day.

In order to prepare your home for the crew, move anything off the porch and walkways that might obstruct movement of your goods out of your home. Take doors off the hinges if you know certain items will not fit through them. Remove all small throw rugs from traffic areas that could cause the crew to trip or slip.

Ask your customer service representative for details.

Your customer service representative can provide you with updates regarding the status of your shipment and they will contact you 24 hours prior to delivery.

Be sure to provide your customer service representative with your contact information at destination. The phone number at your new home is only good if there is someone there to take the call. Be sure to let your moving company know if you can be reached at work, a hotel, a temporary residence or by email. If you cannot be reached, make arrangements with a friend or family member to serve as the liaison between you and the customer service representative.

The duration of an international move depends on the destination, shipping method (air vs. sea), customs clearance, and volume of goods. Typically, air freight takes 1–3 weeks, while sea freight may take 4–8 weeks. Our relocation consultants will provide a timeline tailored to your move.

Key factors include distance, shipping method, volume/weight of goods, customs duties, insurance, and special services (such as vehicle or pet relocation).

Yes. We provide transit insurance to protect your belongings against loss or damage during packing, shipping, and delivery. Coverage options can be customised based on your shipment’s value.

We provide transparent quotations that include all foreseeable charges. However, certain exclusions usually apply and may be chargeable separately at actuals. These include:

• Customs duties and taxes (if applicable)
• Freight increases
• Port charges/DTHC of any kind
• NVOCC/multiple freight broker charges, liner detention, IHC, demurrage/storage at terminal, security deposits or surcharges (if applicable)
• Delivery beyond the 2nd floor without a service elevator, long stair carry, difficult access requiring shuttle services or special equipment, weekend/holiday surcharges, and additional customs inspection charges
• Assembly of furniture requiring specialist services (e.g., IKEA)
• Third-party services (e.g., crating)
• Local labour union charges (in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata)
• Administrative or bank charges/disbursement fees for upfront funds (e.g., DO/THC, duty, etc.)

All such costs are clearly communicated upfront to maintain transparency and avoid surprises during your relocation.

Sea freight is usually calculated on volume (cubic metres), while air freight is calculated on chargeable weight (whichever is higher between actual weight and volumetric weight). Our team will explain the exact breakdown for your shipment.

We plan relocations outside business hours or on weekends, use specialised packing for IT equipment, and provide phased moving solutions to ensure business continuity.

Yes. We use anti-static packing, secure cabling systems, and specialised transport methods to safely move servers, computers, and other sensitive electronics.

Absolutely. We maintain a detailed inventory of all assets and offer tracking solutions so you can monitor the movement of office equipment at every stage.

Confidential documents are packed separately in secure, sealed containers and transported under strict supervision, ensuring complete confidentiality.

Yes. We provide safe and stress-free pet relocation services, including health documentation, travel crates, and coordination with airlines to ensure your pet’s comfort.

Yes. We offer both domestic and international vehicle relocation services, ensuring your car or bike is transported securely, with proper documentation and transit insurance.

Definitely. As part of our destination services, we assist families with school searches, housing support, and settling-in programmes to ease the transition abroad.

Yes. Our services include unpacking, arranging furniture, and disposing of packing materials so that you can settle into your new home quickly.

We provide shipment tracking systems that allow you to monitor your goods from pick-up to delivery, with regular status updates.

Each client is assigned a dedicated move coordinator who manages the entire relocation process and keeps you informed.

We assist with housing search, school enrolment, cultural orientation, and settling-in services tailored for expatriates and their families.

In the rare case of delays, your move coordinator will inform you immediately and provide alternate solutions such as storage or interim support.

You can cut costs by decluttering, choosing consolidated shipping, and booking early. However, avoid compromising on insurance or professional packing.

Use bubble wrap, double-layer cartons, and “fragile” labels. Our professionals specialise in handling glassware, artwork, and electronics safely.

Talk to them early, involve them in packing small items, and reassure them about the new environment. Our team can share settling-in guides for families.

We advise against carrying perishables or liquids, as many countries restrict them. Our team will provide a list of allowed items for your destination.

Common documents include passports, visas, residence permits, work permits, inventory lists, and shipping invoices. We provide a checklist based on your destination country.