Choosing an international mover is a high-stakes decision. Your belongings will cross borders, sit in containers and pass through many hands, and a low price means little if the move goes wrong. These seven questions will help you compare movers fairly.
1. Do they survey before they quote?
A reliable estimate starts with seeing what you own. Look for a mover that surveys your home on site or by video before quoting. A price given over the phone without a survey is a guess, and the difference usually shows up later as extra charges.
2. Who actually does the work?
Ask who packs, who loads, who drives and who delivers, and whether they are the company’s own employees or subcontractors. A mover that does everything in-house controls the quality from start to finish, and you have a single company accountable if something goes wrong. At SK Worldwide everything is done in-house, with no subcontractors.
3. What exactly does the estimate include?
Ask for it in writing and itemised. Check whether it covers:
- Packing and packing materials, and any custom crating
- Export paperwork and loading
- Transport to the port or airport and the sea or air freight itself
- Destination charges: port handling, customs clearance and delivery to your door
- Unpacking and removal of packing material, if you want it
- Storage, if you need it before or after the move
Ask what is not included, and how extra items or extra weight are charged.
4. How is your shipment protected?
Ask about packing standards and about insurance or valuation options, and what is covered if something is damaged or lost. Our insurance page explains the basics, and our contract terms are published openly.
5. Can you reach someone, and can you follow the move?
An international move involves many people and many weeks. Look for a single coordinator who answers calls and emails and tells you what is happening at each step, rather than a call center.
6. What does their track record look like?
Read recent reviews on Google, and notice how the company answers criticism. Ask for references from a move similar to yours. Memberships in industry bodies are a useful sign of commitment to professional standards; ours are listed on our site, including the American Moving & Storage Association and the International Association of Movers.
7. What do you pay, and when?
Understand the payment schedule before you sign. Be careful with large payments in advance, and get the terms in writing.
Warning signs
- A quote without any survey of what you are moving
- A price far below every other estimate
- No written contract, or terms that change on moving day
- No physical address or warehouse you can visit
- Pressure to sign or pay immediately
How to compare quotes fairly
Give every mover the same information, and compare the same services side by side. If two estimates differ a lot, ask each company to explain exactly why. The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest move.
You are welcome to visit our warehouse and offices in Moonachie, New Jersey, just minutes from Manhattan. See our locations.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get more than one estimate?
Yes. Ask two or three movers for a survey and a written estimate, give each the same information and compare the same services side by side.
Is the cheapest quote the best choice?
Rarely. A very low price can hide missing services, destination charges added later or poor handling. Ask each company to explain exactly what its price includes.
Can I visit the mover before I decide?
You are welcome to visit our offices and warehouse in Moonachie, New Jersey, just minutes from Manhattan. Our locations are on the Office Locations page.
Plan your move with SK Worldwide
Our own crews, our own warehouse in New Jersey and one coordinator for your whole move. Request a quote, call (800) 238-8770, or list your rooms with our online self survey.
