If you've ever considered moving to be one of the most stressful experiences of your life, try moving overseas on for size. Fortunately, with the help of high quality international removalists, you can organise your world move far in advance to help you ease the burden during relocation.

How to choose trustworthy international removalists

1. Start with word-of-mouth. If you have a friend or family member who has recently moved abroad, ask for their referral to the international removalists that they used if they were happy with their services.
   
   This approach may be preferred to doing an online search for international removal, especially if the search results generated are not what you expect.
2. Call or request price quotes online. In most cases, international removalists will not be able to give you an accurate quote until they survey and take an inventory of your belongings in person.
   
   However, you can submit a request either online or over the phone, for an international removal company to come to your home and provide a price estimate in person.
3. Prepare in advance for your in-home assessment. To receive the most accurate price quote from international removalists without any hidden fees or unpleasant surprises, prepare all belongings that you plan to move abroad for your in-home assessment.
   
   It is also important to give international movers extra information about packing your home, like climbing stairs, emptying storage spaces, or any other complicated tasks that could increase the cost of the move.
   
   Bottom line? Provide as much information as possible to prevent surprises when you receive your bill after moving.
4. Ask questions about your price estimate. After you have received your price estimate, it is important to ask questions and ensure that you understand your quote accurately. Any reputable overseas moving company will be happy to answer your questions and explain their estimate to you in detail.
   
   At this time, you may also be asked to add insurance to your belongings in transit. This is a recommended step to take, to ensure that your furniture and valuables are protected in your international relocation.
5. Check credentials. After you've made a short list of top removalists for consideration, it's time to check their credentials.
   
   It's important that an international moving service is licensed and doesn't have outstanding customer complaints hanging over their head.
   
   In many cases, it's recommended to hire a company that has been in business for more than five years to ensure credibility.

International moving: Price versus quality

When choosing international movers, it's critical not to shop based on price alone. Of course, you want to save as much money as possible during your international relocation.

If you choose the cheapest movers based on price alone, there's no guarantee that your belongings will be shipped safely to your new country.

International mover options

Most international moving services will offer three different options for relocation:

• Door-to-door. This service moves your items from your Australian address to your new international address.
  
• Door-to-port. Movers will transport your items to the port (shipping or air) of your new destination. It is then up to you to organise your belongings to be delivered from the port to your new address.
  
• Port-to-door. You organise your belongings to be delivered to the port. The moving company will take care of getting them to your home in your new country.
  

Keep in mind that a complete door-to-door service will be more expensive than door to port or port to door.