We have heard hundreds of customer stories over the years in the field of international shipping. Some went smoothly, some resulted in unnecessary stress and cost. The differentiating factor was always the same: preparation. Here are the 6 most common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Last-Minute Organization
‘The ’let's get our visa first, then we'll see' approach is one of the most common mistakes. The process of moving to Europe requires cargo reservation, customs preparation, packing, and logistics coordination. During periods of high demand, such as summer months and the beginning of academic terms, finding a vehicle at the last minute is either impossible or very expensive.
Solution: Start planning your relocation simultaneously with your visa application. Most moving companies allow for date flexibility; making an advance reservation secures your spot.
Mistake 2: Uninsured Transport
‘Not getting insurance with the thought of ’nothing will happen' rarely but seriously leads to regret. In long-distance transportation, there is always a risk of shaking, humidity, and unexpected events. An antique piece of furniture or a family heirloom, valuable to a family, cannot be measured by its monetary value.
Solution: Learn the scope of shipping insurance in advance. ‘Insured transport’ does not mean the same thing at every company; ask what it covers, what it doesn't cover, and how the compensation process works.
Mistake 3: Underestimating the Inventory List
Families with incomplete or incorrectly prepared inventory lists at customs may have to wait for their belongings at the border. This results in both time and money loss. A detailed and accurate list is critically important, especially for electronic goods, valuable objects, and vehicles.
Solution: Prepare your inventory list together with your moving company. An experienced company in this matter will know what and how you need to declare.
Mistake 4: Not Preparing the Delivery Address
In Europe, especially in big cities (Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris), it is forbidden or requires special permission for trucks to enter certain streets. Families who organize without knowing this have to pick up their belongings at another point or pay an additional transport fee.
Solution: Research apartment rules, street accessibility, and parking permits if necessary for your new address in advance. Share this information with your moving company.
Error 5: Making Wrong Price Comparisons
‘The ’cheapest offer' logic is dangerous in international shipping. Some companies show a low price and then separately bill for items like customs, insurance, or floor delivery. To make a real comparison when you receive an offer, each item should be asked about separately.
Solution: Ask if the following are included in the offer: packing materials, customs brokerage, insurance, floor delivery (in Turkey and the destination country), waiting fees. If all these items are not clear, the offer is not the real cost.
Error 6: Leaving Communication One-Sided
Remaining passive during the moving process and saying ‘the company will handle it’ sometimes leads to problems. Address changes, date shifts, newly added items — all of these need to be reported on time. When communication is cut off, small problems can turn into big ones.
Solution: Maintain regular communication with your company during the shipping process. Oregon Cargo offers its customers a 24/7 accessible support line; you can instantly communicate any changes.
