FAQs
Do you have questions about moving overseas?
Below, we provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions people have, however if you cannot find the information you are looking for, please give us a call and we'll be glad to help.
Q: How do I know which removal company
to choose?
With so many companies offering overseas and international removal services, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. However, by following a few simple guidelines you can ensure your choice is a wise one:
1. The company will have a proven track record and will be able to supply provide references.
2. The company will be appropriately insured.
3. The company will be a member and/or affiliate of one or more industry recognised bodies, (e.g. FIDI, BAR, FAIM).
4. The company will provide a home visit assessment of your move before supplying you with a quotation. Ballpark costs would also be supplied over the telephone.
5. The company will allow inspection of and provide access to their storage facilities.
6. The company will be able to provide you with assistive documentation and/or a guide to help you organise your move.
Q: How do I arrange for a quotation?
Time has a habit of moving by quickly and therefore you can never contact a removal company too early when planning an overseas move. While we advise that you should you leave at least 1-2 months to make arrangements, the most important thing is not to leave things to the last minute - so, if you are contemplating an international move, why not use our enquiry form to request a FREE home survey and quotation now?
Q: Can you give me costs over the telephone?
Yes, we are able to provide fairly accurate, ballpark costs over the telephone. However, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your specific requirements and then arrange for a no obligation home survey and quotation in order to provide you with fully detailed costs.
Q: How is the cost of my removal calculated?
The overall cost of an overseas removal is based on volume. We can accurately assess the total volume of the goods you wish to transport by visiting your property and carrying out a pre-quotation survey. If you would like to arrange a survey, please complete our online form now.
Q: How do I prepare for a move?
As soon as you make the decision to move overseas you should start preparing. Although we provide a professional and comprehensive packing service, it is a good idea for you to begin organising your essentials well in advance. Additionally, time-consuming tasks like the dismantling of fixtures and fittings, the clearing of sheds, garages and lofts and the cleaning of outdoor equipment can be started in good time.
If you would like a to receive a FREE copy of our 'Moving Guide' that takes you through each step of the international removals process, please contact us on 0800 301020.
Q: How do I value my goods for insurance?
While we make every effort to ensure the safe delivery of your possessions, we would still advise that you insure your effects. The amount is usually based around the cost of replacement in the destination country. Our standard insurance policy is very comprehensive and covers all items and packing from the date of collection until delivery. Once we have carried out a survey and prepared a quotation, we will also attach an insurance proposal and summary of cover.
Q: Are there any items I am not allowed to take?
There are restrictions on the transportation of certain items, and the packing and carriage of these may affect the terms of your insurance. Each country has its own regulations regarding the transportation of goods, and so the list of restricted items includes, but is not necessarily limited to: foodstuffs, liquids in breakable containers, cash, bonds, jewellery, alcohol, medicines, narcotic drugs, pornographic material, fireworks or other explosives, flammable gases, liquids or solids, poisons, corrosives, ammunition or firearms, swords, sabres, daggers, spears and switch blades, scuba diving tanks, gas cylinders, aerosol cans, butane lighters and other pressurised articles.
Perfumes must not be packed in any airfreight consignment and all cosmetics should be checked as to their contents and potential hazardous nature before packing. Additionally, must not pack any construction materials, i.e. wood, bricks, cement, sand, rocks and soil of any type, plants of any kind including dried flowers, bulbs, seeds, pine cones and pot pourri, untreated animal pelts, furs and hunting trophies. Special care should also be taken when packing household cleaning products from your garage or shed. Any that are flammable or hazardous should not be packed. If you need to dispose of such items prior to your move, your local Council will be able to advise you on how to dispose of them safely.
If you are in any doubt about the transport suitability of any item, please call us and we will be happy to advise you.
Q: How do you handle customs clearance?
Our appointed destination agent will undertake and arrange customs clearance. Most countries will require that you are present in that country when your shipment arrives at the destination port. Upon the arrival of your shipment, we will contact you to arrange for customs and quarantine clearance and to make further arrangements for delivery at your new home.
Q: What happens to my goods when they
are delivered?
Upon delivery, we will unpack and reinstate your furniture and effects, removing and clearing all packing and used materials from your home at time of delivery.
Q: When and how do I pay?
At the time of booking an overseas removal with us, we simply require a post-dated cheque for the full amount of your shipment, dated for clearance upon the day of packing at your home.