For Immediate Release
October 24, 2025

CINCINNATI – (Oct. 24, 2025) — UniGroup, parent company of Mayflower Transit and United Van Lines, posthumously honored John “Johnny” Planes of Planes Moving & Storage as the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership and service within UniGroup and the moving and storage industry.

Johnny passed away on Aug. 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to his colleagues, community and family.

Johnny began his career in the late 1960s, working alongside his father, John Planes Sr., in the family’s growing business. Over the decades, he left his mark in the industry by becoming the youngest person ever to serve on the Van Owners and Warehousemen’s Association Board of Directors and leading Planes Moving & Storage through significant expansion and transition as the company became an agent for United Van Lines.

The award was presented by UniGroup Board Chair Gary Quintalino and UniGroup President and CEO Kevin A. Krakora during the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

“Not only was John a visionary leader and agent of change within our industry, but also the heart and soul of his agency,” Quintalino said. “He inspired those around him with his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and a true team culture – where every individual is valued and treated as family.”

More than a businessman, Johnny was a man of character. He was team-oriented, people-focused and family-first. His colleagues describe him as someone who led with heart, never asked more than he was willing to give, and saw every accomplishment as a shared victory with his team.

President of Planes Companies John Sabatalo accepted the award on behalf of the late John Planes.

 “Johnny had such a special presence in our company and in my life,” Sabatalo said. “If Johnny were here today, his words would be filled with humility and gratitude. He would have shared this honor with all those he worked alongside throughout his storied career. Johnny was never one for self-recognition — he was always focused on the team.”

“At our company, TEAM stands for Trust, Empowerment, Accountability and Mesh. He embodied all four, especially Mesh, which represents connection and building relationships. Johnny understood early that this industry is built on connections and serving others. Respect and admiration don’t even begin to capture the legacy he leaves as an owner, business partner and industry icon.”

About Planes Moving & Storage

Planes Companies is a privately held company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with full-service warehouses in Chicago, Dayton, Columbus, and Indianapolis. As the parent company of Planes and GWS, Planes Companies provides a full suite of services including nationwide relocation, project management, logistics, warehousing, field installation, and more. Founded over 100 years ago, Planes Moving & Storage and its affiliates, including GWS and Planes Commercial Service, offer tailored local, national, and international solutions. Planes specializes in residential, commercial, and government relocations, while GWS focuses on commercial project services such as workplace transitions, furniture installation, FF&E coordination, and logistics planning. Together, they bring deep expertise and a commitment to innovation, making them trusted partners for complex relocation and project needs across the country.

About UniGroup UniGroup is a $1.3 billion transportation and relocation services company with headquarters in suburban St. Louis. In addition to household goods carriers United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, logistics company UniGroup Logistics and international relocation provider UniGroup Worldwide Moving, UniGroup owns other subsidiaries providing goods and services to professional movers.

Download the Press Release Here

The post JOHN “JOHNNY” PLANES OF PLANES MOVING & STORAGE IS NAMED UNIGROUP’S 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD appeared first on Planes.

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2025

CINCINNATI — (Oct. 23, 2025) — Planes Moving & Storage, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, was named UniGroup’s 2025 Logistics Member of the Year. UniGroup, the parent company of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, recognized Planes among more than 400 member companies during the organization’s annual shareholders meeting.

All domestic UniGroup agencies providing logistics services are eligible for this honor. Planes Moving & Storage was selected for its exceptional customer service, collaboration and commitment to the UniGroup network — qualities that consistently set the company apart from its peers.

The Logistics Member of the Year Award highlights excellence in flexibility, adaptability and superior customer service — key attributes driving long-term success in the logistics and trucking industry.

“The Planes organization goes the extra mile for customers, collaborates seamlessly with the Home Office and remains deeply engaged throughout the network,” President and CEO of UniGroup Kevin A. Krakora said. “Their continued dedication and strong sense of community truly set them apart.”

Bob McCabe, Chief Growth & Experience Officer at UniGroup said,

“The Planes team consistently delivers fast, reliable service customers can count on, demonstrates exceptional responsiveness and collaboration within the network and works closely with UniGroup to grow the business through openness, flexibility and a shared commitment to progress.”

President of Planes Companies John Sabatalo said, 

“We are truly honored to be recognized by UniGroup as Logistics Member of the Year. This recognition further validates the heart of our success and our company culture, which remains our team’s primary focus and differentiator. It’s what brings us together, drives us forward, and ensures we show up every day with purpose and pride. On behalf of our entire team, thank you to UniGroup for this meaningful recognition.”

Recognized as last year’s Household Goods Member of the Year, the Planes organization continued dedication to excellence in innovation, customer service and network growth is a testament to their success.

About Planes Moving & Storage

Planes Companies is a privately held company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with full-service warehouses in Chicago, Dayton, Columbus, and Indianapolis. As the parent company of Planes and GWS, Planes Companies provides a full suite of services including nationwide relocation, project management, logistics, warehousing, field installation, and more. Founded over 100 years ago, Planes Moving & Storage and its affiliates, including GWS and Planes Commercial Service, offer tailored local, national, and international solutions. Planes specializes in residential, commercial, and government relocations, while GWS focuses on commercial project services such as workplace transitions, furniture installation, FF&E coordination, and logistics planning. Together, they bring deep expertise and a commitment to innovation, making them trusted partners for complex relocation and project needs across the country.

About UniGroup

UniGroup is a $1.3 billion transportation and relocation services company with headquarters in suburban St. Louis. In addition to household goods carriers United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, logistics company UniGroup Logistics and international relocation provider UniGroup Worldwide Moving, UniGroup owns other subsidiaries providing goods and services to professional movers.

Download the Press Release Here

The post PLANES MOVING & STORAGE NAMED 2025 LOGISTICS MEMBER OF THE YEAR appeared first on Planes.

West Chester, Ohio — Planes Companies is proud to announce its successful re-certification of the FAIM Quality Certification from FIDI, the largest global alliance of international moving and relocation companies. This certification reaffirms Planes’ ongoing commitment to delivering world-class quality, reliability, and compliance in every aspect of international relocation.

The FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) certification represents the highest global standard for professional international moving and relocation services. It is the only recognized quality assurance program in the industry, developed exclusively by FIDI to ensure that companies consistently meet rigorous operational, financial, and compliance standards across the globe.
What makes FAIM unique is its independent and comprehensive audit process, conducted by Ernst & Young (EY). Every FAIM-certified company undergoes a full on-site audit every three years, along with annual internal reviews and financial assessments. This process verifies that certified companies like Planes maintain strong financial stability, demonstrate effective risk and data management practices, and consistently deliver exceptional service throughout their global supply chain.

To achieve and maintain FAIM certification, companies must meet wide-ranging requirements, including:

• Operational Excellence: Demonstrating standardized, high-quality moving and relocation procedures across all operations.
• Supply Chain Performance: Ensuring all partners and vendors adhere to the same high-quality service levels.
• Compliance & Ethics: Upholding FIDI’s strict Anti-Bribery & Corruption and Anti-Trust Charters, as well as international data protection and compliance regulations.
• Financial Health: Undergoing independent annual financial reviews to confirm fiscal integrity and long-term stability.
  “Maintaining our FAIM certification is more than an achievement. it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to quality, accountability, and trust in every move we manage,” said Laura Roth-Haley, Vice President- Global Household Goods, Planes Companies. “Our clients can be confident that Planes continues to meet the most stringent standards in the international moving industry.”
  
  Through this re-certification, Planes Companies remains part of an elite network of FIDI-accredited international movers, all dedicated to raising the standard for global relocation excellence.
  
  About Planes
  Planes is a service-oriented, privately held company with over 100 years of history, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. With five full-service warehouses in Chicago, Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis, Planes specializes in providing nationwide and global logistics, moving, and storage solutions for both households and businesses. Our comprehensive commercial services include warehousing,
  inventory management, customized delivery programs, installations, and more, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
  
  About Planes Companies
  Planes Companies is a privately held Moving and Logistics company headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, with wholly owned and operated branch locations in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana with distribution resources and service teams across USA markets. Our brands include Planes (Moving and Storage, Planes Commercial Services) and GWS which focuses on delivering programmatic national solutions for commercial moving, warehousing, installation and more.
  
  About FIDI and FAIM FIDI is the world’s largest alliance of quality-certified international moving and relocation companies, uniting more than 600 affiliates in over 100 countries. Its FAIM Quality Certification program sets the global benchmark for excellence in the moving industry ensuring certified companies operate at the highest professional and ethical standards.
  
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  Contact Information
  Media Liaison Cindy Warrington Marketing Director | Planes Companies
  cwarrington@planescompanies.com
  Source: Planes Companies

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Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Mover

1. Packing Services – Will you handle the packing yourself, or do you need a professional packing service?
2. Unpacking Assistance – Are you comfortable unpacking on your own, or would you prefer a team to help set up your new home?
3. Care for Your Belongings – Do you have fragile, high-value, or sentimental items that require special handling?
4. Home Protection – Will the movers take precautions to protect your floors, walls, and doorways from damage during the move?

Choosing the right moving company is about more than just transporting boxes—it’s about peace of mind.

Why Choose Planes Moving & Storage?

At Planes Moving & Storage, we offer more than just a moving service—we provide a seamless, professional experience that ensures your belongings and home are treated with the utmost care.

A Responsive Team – Our experts are here to answer your questions and keep your move on track.
Family-Owned & Trusted for Over 100 Years – With a legacy of excellence, we’ve been helping families move since 1921.
Move with Confidence – Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, we have the expertise and resources to handle your move smoothly.

Every Move is Unique—We’ve Got You Covered

Not all moves are the same, and neither are all moving companies. Whether you’re transitioning to a new neighborhood or making a long-distance move, Planes Moving & Storage is here to ensure your moving day is as stress-free as possible.

Ready to move with confidence? Contact us today to get a free quote!

The post How to Choose the Right Mover: More Than Just the Price appeared first on Planes.

DANBURY, CONN. (SEPTEMBER 28, 2023) – Planes was recently honored for its outstanding contributions at Cartus Corporation’s 2023 Global Network Conference, held virtually from September 20-21, 2023. The Cartus Global Network is Cartus’ industry-leading worldwide service provider network. Each year, Cartus recognizes the companies and individuals in the Network who have provided extraordinary service to its customers and clients worldwide.

This year’s theme was Where Mobility Meets Agility, an ethos that reflects the creative, compassionate, and agile way Cartus supplier partners help relocating employees navigate the current mobility environment.    

Planes was named winner of the Global Network Commitment to Excellence Platinum Award for its exceptional service results, the highest level of award a supplier can achieve through service performance. This award recognizes a supplier’s measurable commitment to excellence and is presented to Global Network service providers who have distinguished themselves by achieving critical performance metrics.

“Each one of our supplier partners are leaders in their field, in terms of professionalism, work ethic, innovation, and commitment to service excellence and we are proud to have such a strong network of providers supporting Cartus.” said Eric Barnes, CFO and Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management. “When serving our Cartus clients and their relocating families, Planes consistently demonstrates the highest caliber of excellence and I would like to congratulate them on a very well-deserved win.”

The entire Planes organization appreciates and celebrates this exceptional achievement. Having enjoyed a long-term relationship with Cartus, Planes recognizes the focus and effort it requires to obtain the Cartus Platinum Award. The Planes culture of TEAM (Trust, Empowerment, Accountability, and Mesh) provides the essential ingredients necessary to meet these high standards; with its strong culture as a foundation, Planes will continue to exceed the expectations of Cartus and all its clients.

“Cartus has always maintained rigorous criteria and performance standards for their supplier partners and it is that high standard that makes this award win so special,” said John Sabatalo, President. “We’re proud to be a part of Cartus’ Global Network and to have received this accolade, which recognizes our commitment to quality, superior service, and our ability to deliver innovative ways to meet relocation challenges.”  

# # #

About Cartus

Cartus Corporation, a global leader in talent mobility and a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), delivers the full spectrum of corporate relocation services to organizations of all sizes across the world. These include more than a third of Fortune 100 companies as well as hundreds of clients with small-to-mid-size programs serviced through their dedicated Cartus Insignia^SM segment. Learn more at cartus.com and anywhere.re.

Media Contact

Trevor Macomber
Director, Global Marketing & Communications | Cartus
203.205.1201
trevor.macomber@cartus.com

About Planes

As a global provider of moving, warehousing, transportation, and logistics services, Planes helps people and businesses move forward with confidence.  By bringing solutions to customers that consider their unique circumstances, Planes prioritizes customer experience, customer relationships, and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1921, Planes has won numerous awards for safety, customer service, and quality.

Media Contact

Carolyn Duffner
Marketing Director
513.968.4820
cduffner@planescompanies.com

The post Planes Receives Global Network Commitment to Excellence Platinum Award at Cartus 2023 Global Network Conference appeared first on Planes.

Graebel is a relocation management company that helps leading corporations around the world strategically and seamlessly relocate their employees, teams, and corporate workspaces.

“It is very exciting to be recognized by Graebel as a Preferred Partner,” said Brian Loud, Senior Vice President. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication our entire Customer Service team puts into making sure our customer is at the center of every move. We look forward to partnering with Graebel in continuing to provide first-class relocation services to corporate customers as they embark on new adventures in their careers.”

The post Planes Recognized as Preferred Partner by Graebel appeared first on Planes.

What is ocean freight?

Ocean freight refers to the transportation of goods by sea. This mode of transportation involves loading goods into shipping containers, which are then transported on large cargo ships across the ocean to their final destination. Many of the products you use on a daily basis are manufactured overseas and transported by sea to your country. This includes everything from clothing and electronics to food and household goods.

Ocean freight also plays a role in determining the prices of goods. The cost of shipping goods by sea is affected by a range of factors, including fuel prices, shipping demand, and port fees. These costs are ultimately passed on to the consumer, impacting the price of goods and services in the marketplace.

What does ocean freight have to do with my international move?

The answer is simple: a lot!

Particularly if the economy is booming, the shipping market for household goods can be impacted dramatically:

• Increased Demand: During and immediately after COVID, there was very little movement of ocean freight. Once vessels began to sail once more, demand skyrocketed, and vessels – as well as the equipment to load goods onto them – were overbooked and in short supply.
• Significant Delays: As you can imagine, there is limited space on a cargo ship. When it comes to prioritizing space, vessels will load commodities before household goods. This means that household shipments can often take twice as long (or more) to make it to their destinations.
• Price Increases: In strong economic times when the demand for goods and services is at its peak, household good shipments experience increases in price due to the demand for space on a cargo ship. These price increases – which, in the current environment, can reach as high as 6x – are passed directly to the individual or family who is shipping their goods overseas.

What is the outlook for ocean freight?

Unfortunately, there are many variables, and just as many unknowns, in the world of ocean freight. This creates confusion among those looking to move overseas: even after setting a move date, agreeing to a price, and signing a contract with a moving company, shipments can be delayed multiple times, resulting in additional – usually, unplanned – costs for temporary storage. This is compounded by changes in ocean freight pricing due to global fluctuations in fuel prices. Thus, the outlook is, in short, unpredictable.

Given the environment, what can I do to best plan for my international move?

Even in a congested shipping environment, those looking to move themselves or their families overseas can significantly influence the outcome of their move by following these tips:

1. Begin the process of looking for a moving company early: The more advance time you take to investigate options, the more information you can gather to plan as best you can. Ocean freight can’t be booked until 30 days in advance of your target move date; plan to start your research well before.
2. Evaluate options based on more than just price: Given the limited supply of space on cargo ships, approach every price quote you receive with caution. Due to potential delays, the price you are quoted may not be the price you ultimately pay; don’t assume that it is locked in.
3. Review the contract in detail: Are there concessions made for current environment? Is there a generous range given in delivery dates? Transparency in the contract shows that the company is acknowledging the unpredictability of the current environment, as opposed to overpromising something that they may not be able to deliver.
4. Ask potential movers about their response to potential shipping delays: What solutions can they offer in the event that shipments are delayed due to lack of availability? Ask for them to educate you on the various options, such as temporary storage, and associated costs.
5. Ask for proactive communication: Because ocean freight can be booked 30 days in advance of your target move date, your chosen moving company should be able to inform you of potential delays weeks in advance.

How Planes can help:

As a member of FIDI, Planes is one of the top international relocation companies in the world. We are held to the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer experience. Our team prides itself on taking an educational approach to every move, disclosing information about current conditions and empowering our customers to choose from options that work best for their timeline and budget –  all before a move is booked. We are transparent and overcommunicative with our customers throughout the entire process, bringing them peace of mind and helping them move forward with confidence.

The post State of the Union: Ocean Freight appeared first on Planes.

What is single sourcing?

This type of logistics approach designates one company to handle all logistics considerations in your supply chain. Depending on the complexity of the supply chain, there can easily be half a dozen or more service suppliers involved in an entire supply chain. They may include:

• Manufacturers
• Trucking companies
• Ocean carrier shipping companies
• Drayage service providers
• Warehouse operators
• Customs agents and officials
• Project managers
• And more

Dealing with multiple service providers can be cumbersome and expensive, for companies of any size. Having one company as a single point of contact who deals with each provider – who blends asset-based strength with a national reach – creates a clear chain of responsibility and accountability. With single source logistics, businesses can expect greater efficiency, enhanced agility, and better results.

Some additional benefits of single source logistics include:

• Reduced soft costs: Eliminate multiple phone calls to different suppliers, logistics companies, and their internal team members. Additionally, administrative time and associated costs are significantly reduced due to the eradication of rework and day-to-day tasks.
• Opportunities for reduced hard costs: A single source provider has the advantage of understanding your entire supply chain – not just part of it. This holistic view is essential in evaluating opportunities for cost reduction.
• Enhanced visibility: A single source partner will have the tools and technology to give their clients invaluable insights for better, faster decision-making.
• Increased confidence: By holding one company accountable, businesses will have peace of mind that their projects are being managed effectively.
• Ease of billing: Streamlined costs and accurate invoices can be expected when working with one company.
• A true supply chain program: Because single source providers often have access to both owned assets and a network of assets around the world, clients can receive quality service in even remote areas.

How Planes can help:

Planes provides a complete solution – from planning to execution – to our clients. From transportation to warehousing to white glove services to project management, Planes builds flexible supply chain solutions for clients in a variety of industries. With owned assets in the Midwest and a global network of service centers, Planes’ strategic footprint positions our clients for success. Our proprietary LINK^TM technology gives real-time project status 24/7, with photo documentation and custom reporting to enable fast, data-driven decisions. And with one dedicated team focused on success, clients feel confidence and peace of mind that their goals will be met.

The post <strong>Making the Case for Single Source Logistics</strong> appeared first on Planes.

• Begin clearing clutter from your home. Start with closets, the garage, the basement, and the attic.
• Get rid of everything you don’t want moved. Host a “garage sale” or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items. Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations.
• Contact your country of destination’s local embassy to understand what VISA and/or residency paperwork is needed for immigration authorities, and what the process looks like to import your personal effects into your new country. For example, you will want to ask what type of VISA you need to apply for, and what the timeline is for that process. You will then need to gather any change of residency documents. If you are working in your destination country, you will also want to ask about work authorizations. Your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator can also help you with some of this information.
• At this point, you should also contact Planes Global Moving Services, start the process for obtaining moving estimates, and set a date for a virtual or in-home survey. This will allow us to accurately estimate what you are considering moving, and provide costing of your upcoming move, and begin to create a custom-built move plan that aligns with your needs and budget. When comparing estimates, be sure to understand what is included, or not, and ensure that you are comparing apples to apples.
• To fulfill Homeland Security regulations, be sure your moving company has included all packing materials, completed a detailed inventory of goods being moved, and presented you with all relevant paperwork for customs purposes.
• Tip: Understand if the service quoted is a direct, exclusive mode of transportation, or if it is a shared space with other shipper’s belongings inside with your shipment. This can play a role with different transit times and how many times your belongings are handled throughout your relocation. If your move is part of a corporate relocation or if you are being reimbursed by your company, share your individual moving policy/allowances with your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator so that they can provide you with an accurate estimate while giving you tips on how to obtain provide them with estimates that meet your company’s policies.
• Moving a car, motorcycle, or boat? Typically, the original title will be required, with a bank loan/lien on the vehicle closed out before it can be exported. Be sure to speak with your Move Move Coordinator about specific country regulations. Now would be a good time to understand those requirements.
• Moving a firearm? Exporting a firearm out of the United States requires an export license issued and in accordance with the ATF regulations promulgated thereunder. Without a license in hand, your shipment will be delayed, resulting in significant additional costs. To find out more, visit the ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator can also walk you through that process.
• Confirm your moving service by signing the estimate and return it to us. Once the estimate is signed and a tentative move date has been scheduled, a detailed move outline email will be sent to you.
• Consider protection coverage for the duration of your move. Your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator can review coverage options with you.
• If you are traveling under a U.S. passport, apply for an EIN (Employee Identifying number). This EIN number is required to export personal effects and household goods out of the United States.

4 Weeks Before Move

• A general list of items that shouldn’t be included in an international move can be found in this Prohibited and Hazardous Cargo List. Your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator can give you more information on guidelines specific to your destination country.

1 – 4 Before Move

• Use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods, and other household items, and begin to inventory items that you can/cannot bring with you to your new home.
• A general list of items that shouldn’t be included in an international move can be found in this Prohibited and Hazardous Cargo List. Your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator can give you more information on guidelines specific to your destination country.
• At this point, your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator is arranging overseas freight, so please inform us of any adjustments that need to be made to your move plan.
• Now is also a good time to begin saying your goodbyes. Host going-away parties for you and your family!

Days Before

• Cancel subscriptions, cable and utilities, lawn maintenance, and any other services.
• Take final inventory of items you wish us to pack, remembering that moving companies are not allowed to transport anything toxic, perishable, or combustible.
• Collect things you definitely want packed together and group them.
• Drain all fluids from hoses, lawnmowers, propane tanks, etc.
• If taking your fridge/freezer, it is recommended that the doors be left open for 24 prior to moving to avoid mold.
• Keep your cleaning supplies ready until you’ve done your last cleanup—especially if you have a security deposit on a home. Don’t forget to clean the oven!
• Have an essentials grab bag with toothbrushes, chargers, medicines paper towels, toilet paper, coffeemaker, paper plates/cups, and plastic ware.

Move Day

• As part of your move, we disassemble standard beds and furniture. Any specialized services will have been arranged in advance, and as highlighted in your agreement. Be sure to go over these details with your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator the day before your move begins. Try to relax, we’ve got this!
• If not pre-arranged by Planes Global Moving Services, secure designated parking as close to your house or apartment as possible.
• Check closets, cabinets, drawers, and any other storage spaces for overlooked items. Also, keep in mind that we can’t go into attics or crawl spaces.
• When your Planes Global Moving Services team arrives, ask any questions you may have before they begin. Also, please show them which bathrooms they can use.
• Remain close by until all packing and loading is complete. An inventory will be emailed to you. Make sure to look it over to check for accuracy.
• Please sign necessary paperwork upon completion of the packing and loading (Inventory Forms and Bill of Lading).
• Confirm your destination address and your contact information with your Move Coordinator.

2 – 5 Days After Your Move

• Your Planes Global Moving Services Move Coordinator will contact you again to finalize charges, routings, dates of departure and arrival, and any last-minute questions you may have before your shipment leaves the country. Be sure to review costs to confirm that they align with your original estimate.
• Your Move Coordinator will let you know once your shipment has been loaded on to the vessel or airplane.
• Be available by email and phone at least 2 weeks prior to your shipment arriving at the destination port. Once our partner agent begins the customs clearance process, we may need to speak with you in order to make sure that all documents are in place. If you are going on vacation ahead of arriving in your destination country and you cannot be reached, be sure to leave alternative contact information (a close friend or family member) who can speak on your behalf during your absence.
• Once customs clearance has occurred in your new country, delivery arrangements will be made. At this point, you will need to confirm your delivery address, delivery conditions, and any special needs that might affect delivery.
• Be available to accept delivery or authorize an adult to accept delivery and pay any charges for you.
• When unloading, be ready to give direction as to where each piece of furniture will be placed, including laying rugs and setting up any beds that were disassembled.
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. Note discrepancies on the inventory sheet before signing. Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place for tax filing purposes.
• Check for property damage before the Planes delivery team departs. Note any damage that might have occurred during transit. Contact your Move Coordinator so that a claim can be filed.

After Your Move

• Clear as much clutter as possible by getting rid of empty boxes and condensing half-unpacked boxes.
• If you did not have the boxes removed on delivery day, feel free to schedule a debris removal service with your Move Coordinator. For a small additional charge, our team can break down empty boxes, condense packing paper, and more.
• Once settled into your new home, take a few moments to reflect on your experience, and provide feedback. We welcome your honest feedback. Our goal is to improve our process and ensure that our future customers have the best possible experience. Your feedback also allows us an opportunity to recognize personnel who have gone above and beyond and gives us an opportunity to learn about areas where we can provide an improved experience.
• Perhaps leave us a review as well!
• Once you have settled into your new home, nothing makes us happier than seeing our clients outside of their new homes or in their new city! We enjoy sharing those pictures on this website (only with your written permission). This page is dedicated to our customers that have moved all around the world.

The post International Moving Checklist appeared first on Planes.

• Begin clearing clutter from your home. Start with closets, the garage, basement and attic.
• Get rid of everything you don’t want moved. Host a “garage sale” or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items. Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations.
• Contact Planes. Set a date for a virtual or in-home survey. This will allow us to properly estimate your upcoming move. If your move is a corporate relocation, share your company’s moving policy.
• If this is a long distance move, make family travel plans. Reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets as needed.
• Decide if you want to pack yourself – or if will you will take advantage of our professional packing services. We can always provide a quote to help you decide.
• Confirm your moving service by signing the estimate/order for service and returning it to us. If you’re hiring us for a full-service move, read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual” so everyone is on the same page. Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson and move coordinator handy.
• Get packing supplies like boxes, tape, paper or bubble wrap, furniture blankets, mattress bags and markers. Contact Planes for high-quality, pro packing supplies.
• As you start packing, label, label, label. You’ll thank yourself later!
• Begin packing what you can. It’s never too early to box up items you know you won’t use before the move, such as books, pictures, knick-knacks and out-of-season clothing.

1 – 4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what you’ll need and use before moving.
• Confirm details with Planes. Notify us if you add or subtract items or change move dates. Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods during the move.
• Say your goodbyes. Host going-away parties for you and your kids.

DAYS BEFORE MOVE

• Cancel subscriptions, cable and utilities, lawn maintenance and any other services.
• Be aware that moving companies are not allowed to transport anything toxic, perishable or combustible. That includes anything with a warning label, cleaning supplies and grill tanks (we can take the grill, just not the tank).
• Collect things you definitely want packed together and group them.
• Drain all fluids from hoses, lawn mowers, propane tanks, etc.
• If taking your fridge/freezer, it is recommended that the doors be left open for 24 prior to moving to avoid mold.
• Wait to pack your cleaning supplies until you’ve done your last cleanup—especially if you have a security deposit. Don’t forget to clean the oven!
• Have an essentials grab bag with toothbrushes, chargers, medicines paper towels, toilet paper, coffeemaker, paper plates/cups and plastic ware.
• Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours before so that they will be at room temperature.
• Clear walkways of ice or snow.
• If you’re using packing services, make a “do not pack” section and mark it clearly.
• For long-distance move packing customers, labeling rooms will really help. Using painter’s tape, label the door to each room of your current home and ask the crew to inventory/mark company packed boxes accordingly. Then, use the same room labels at your destination.

MOVE DAY

• Be well-packed with boxes labeled.
• As part of your move, we disassemble standard beds, but you’ll need to disassemble any specialty beds.
• Secure designated parking as close to the house or apartment as possible.
• If you’re using our packing services, group and label any extra-fragile items needing special attention to the packers.
• Check closets, cabinets, drawers and any other storage spaces for overlooked items. Also keep in mind that we can’t go in attics or crawl spaces.
• When your Planes moving professionals arrive, ask any questions you may have before they begin. Also, show them which bathrooms they can use.
• Remain close by until loading is complete. And inventory will be emailed to you. Make sure to look it over.
• Sign necessary paperwork (High-Value Inventory Form and Bill of Lading/Freight Bill). The High Value form will be filled out and given to first crew leader on site, either pack day or load day if not packing. Any items listed on the high value form must be available for inspection by the crew.
• Confirm the exact destination address and your contact information with your move coordinator.
• Be available to accept delivery or authorize an adult to accept delivery and pay any charges for you.
• When unloading, be ready to direct where each piece of furniture will be placed, including laying rugs and setting up any beds that were disassembled.
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. Note discrepancies on the van operator’s copy of the inventory before signing. Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place for tax filing purposes.
• Check for property damage before the Planes team departs.

DELIVERY DAY (FOR LONG DISTANCE MOVES)

• When unloading, be ready to direct where each piece of furniture will be placed, including laying rugs and setting up any beds that were disassembled.
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. Note discrepancies on the van operator’s copy of the inventory before signing. Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place for tax filing purposes.
• Check for property damage before the Planes team departs.

AFTER YOUR MOVE

• Clear as much clutter as possible but getting rid of empty boxes and condensing half-unpacked boxes. You can donate empty boxes, take them back to Planes or give them to friends who may need them for an upcoming move.
• Feel free to schedule a debris removal service with your move coordinator. For an additional charge, our team can break down empty boxes, condense packing paper and more.

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