André van Vliet & Arjan Baartman - international movers

In this series of interviews, this time:
a conversation with André van Vliet and Arjan Baartman. While they were driving in the snow for a move to France, among others, I interviewed these two international movers by phone. It was a fun conversation that clearly showed the adaptability and empathy of these experienced professionals.

"Moving is like making a puzzle where you position the pieces correctly and fit them together"

 

André how did you end up at De Haan?

I was a bread and pastry chef, but it wasn't for me. Through a daughter of someone in the office at De Haan, who lived next to me, I therefore started talking to De Haan in September 1991.

At the time I did not have my driver's license. That is why I started as a mover. I went right along on the car. That immediately appealed to me! Plus the contact with my colleagues. That contact is good and we can really build on each other’s experience, because we are all a bit crazy, right? (laughs).

In this way I got more and more experience with moving and I obtained my driving licenses. I have now been working at De Haan for 30 years. Still with pleasure because, as an international mover, I drive many European trips for international relocations with my own moving combination which is nice as I have lots of energy!

And you, Arjan?

I was studying to become a Logistics Manager and meanwhile did a holiday job at De Haan. But after six months I found out that studying was not my cup of tea. That is why I asked De Haan in 2001 whether I could work for them on a permanent basis.

I started working in the storage facility at the time. I helped with loading and unloading and chores around it. Then I went on the removal van as a so-called third man. As a "boy" I was able to learn the moving trade under the wing of the friendly and experienced movers.

Later I was allowed to go abroad. I thought that was so great that I was immediately devoted and in 2005 obtained my driver's diplomas through De Haan.

Moving is a profession. Which elements are involved?

As movers of an international moving company, we are thoroughly trained for specialist craftsmanship when packing or dismantling furniture and valuable, fragile properties. But of course you also have to have a little feeling for it. Relocation involves, among other things, efficiently emptying the existing home in a way that does not damage the property and the home. In addition, these properties must take up as little space as possible in the moving van, because space is precious in transport!

It is also important to load the boxes and other belongings in such a way that the weight is well distributed and the items cannot move. Since no move is the same, this requires concentration and inventiveness. Moving is like a puzzle where you position the pieces correctly and fit them together.

How do you prepare for an international move for a client?

Several customers are often combined with one journey. The Planning Department determines the order of driving. When we get the ride from them, you start by reading the papers and checking the details.

In principle, the office prepares everything in terms of dates, any required parking permits and customs documents. The regulations in the country of destination and the working methods of the customs authorities have a major impact on the administrative work required. The administrative requirements for the customs formalities for a move within the EU are different from, for example, outside the EU, such as Switzerland or Norway, because in the latter case we have to clear in and out at the customs offices.

In addition to movers, you are both experienced drivers at the same time. What do you like about being an international driver?

That you really go everywhere. You will of course see the most beautiful places in Europe on such rides. Rome, Monaco, beautiful! We enjoy driving and the independent work suits our characters well.

Plus a piece of craftsmanship. When moving within Europe, it is important that you do not only feel at home on the highways. Especially in narrow streets, on impossible roundabouts, winding mountain roads or remote houses you need to know how to get to the delivery location safely with the moving van with trailer. Whether in the center of Paris or Amsterdam, on the Costas in Spain or in the mountains of Switzerland.

For example, we once had a complicated situation in a small town close to Barcelona. The move was loaded and to get out we had to climb quite steeply. Coming to a standstill is then disastrous! The customer and I then closed two intersections, so that André could continue without stopping.

And of course that you meet so many friendly and interesting people – especially our customers! That is a specific aspect that always remains beautiful.

Can you tell us more about the latter? Moving is a stressful moment for people.

That's right. A skill that should not be underestimated is mainly in how you deal with the people you are moving. Empathy, radiating tranquility, patience, pleasant manners, et cetera. If a customer feels at ease with us, that is of course great and an important goal for De Haan, regardless of moving location.

You have now been driving one truck together for nine days. Is double manned driving challenging?

We often are together in the truck, but in principle we both have our own fixed truck. We each ride on it alone or with another colleague. Working, sleeping and eating together in the truck is 24/7 on international journeys of an average of five days. It's like a marriage, it must fit. That is why we also have a say in this. Arjan and I complement each other well, we laugh every day. You have to make it fun for yourself too of course.

Do you think the profession of international mover has changed in the last 20 years?

Yes. In any case, around 1995 we worked with three permanent people on one moving van.

In addition, we mainly did national relocations in the region, for example around Dordrecht or Rotterdam. Now we have many more European relocations, plus overseas removals. So the customer base we help with our moving services has also partly changed. Unfortunately, this does involve more administration.

Do you ever experience special things?

Particularly with an international move, you are a crucial part of that important step the customer is taking. As a mover, you share with the customer their special moment. With some customers abroad you are sometimes even invited to enjoy a barbecue on the roof terrace with a beautiful view or to take a dip in the pool at the end of a long moving day with hard work. That is special to experience! And of course good fun too.