Relocating to India

Once you have found a moving company, you should fix an appointment with a relocation counsellor who can help with the preparation of an in-house estimate. Carefully make a list of all the important objects especially the ones that need to be handled with extra care like delicate art pieces, glassware etc..

There are certain things that you must communicate clearly to your mover, while your estimate is being prepared. These include:

• Origin address, from where the movers will pack and load your belongings
• Destination address in India, where movers will unload your belongings
• Volume or weight of your stuff
• Types of packing material needed
• Types of transportation (by air, train, truck, ship)
• Nature of the services ' terms and conditions ' insurance damage
• Prices and payment plans.

Most removal companies generally provide end-to-end service including packing and loading of belongings from origin to unpacking and unloading of the same to the final destination. However, some removal companies may not offer a comprehensive service package. They may unload your belongings in warehouses, from where you will have to pick them up yourself, incurring extra costs. Check your moving contract carefully before finalising your deal with the respective company.

Making an inventory

One of the most daunting tasks when relocating is the preparation of your list of belongings. You will have to take out time to prepare an exhaustive list of all the items and belongings that are to be sent through movers and packers. This list will help you prepare a value statement that will determine the compensation amount in case of any loss or damage of the listed item. This value statement must clearly state the overall value of your property so that the removal company also sets the estimated value of the goods in transit.

Carefully read all the terms and conditions of your contract with the removal company to ensure that you fully understand all the details regarding your move.

Damage Insurance

In most cases, the moving companies offer an insurance facility to cover any damage caused to your goods during the transit process. They usually offer inclusive insurance that guarantees against any damage occurring while packing, loading, transporting or unloading. The damage cover amounts to the value estimated according to the declaration of value. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.

Payment plans

Payment plans should be clearly discussed with the removal company before going ahead with the process. In most cases, the customer is required to pay a certain deposit amount to the carrier company before the loading. The remaining balance is then paid once the delivery is done to the point of destination.

Waybill

Finally, you will have to sign the waybill before loading and after the delivery of your goods. The waybill is a document issued by the carrier company specifying details like names of the customer and the carrier, place of pick up and final destination, route of transit, terms and conditions of the contract, mode of transportation, volume or weight carried by the removal company and other related details. Signing the waybill indicates that you agree to the stated terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to proceed.

All the custom papers and other formalities related to transfer of goods is generally handled by the carrier company. However, it is always better and more secure to go for a carrier that is affiliated to the FIDI. It is one of the largest global alliance of international moving and relocation companies that offer quality and comprehensive mobility services, from one country to another.

To know more about relocation details like customs, prohibited items etc., you can contact the Indian embassy or consulate.

Useful links:

FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers
FIDI - International Federation of International Removers