Topic Blog Published October 8th, 2024 Written By Kerry Daniels Kerry is Crown's Director of Sales and Customer Success for the UKI, Nordics and European region based in Prague. Kerry joined Crown in 1994 in Dubai and has lived in various countries around the world. Kerry is an expert in relocation and understands the challenges faced when moving. Get in touch! Relocating to another country is a major life event, and understanding the financial aspects is key to a smooth transition. One of the first steps is reviewing your relocation estimate, but what actually is a relocation estimate? A relocation estimate is a detailed quote provided by your moving company outlining the expected costs of your move. It includes all services required for your relocation, such as packing, transportation, and customs clearance, depending on your destination. Understanding what is included in this estimate is crucial to avoid surprises later on. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for when reviewing your international relocation estimate, particularly if you're moving from the Nordics. What Services Are Typically Included? Packing and Unpacking Services: These services involve professional movers carefully packing your belongings at your current location and unpacking them at your new home. High-quality packing materials and expert handling ensure that fragile items and valuables are protected during transit. Transportation (Air, Sea, or Land): This refers to the mode of transport your goods will take to reach your destination. Depending on the distance and urgency, your belongings may be shipped by air, sea, or land. Each mode comes with different costs and delivery times. Customs Clearance Assistance: Navigating customs regulations can be challenging, especially when moving internationally. Your relocation provider will assist with the necessary paperwork and procedures to ensure your goods pass through customs smoothly and legally. Storage Solutions (If Needed): If your new home is not immediately ready or if you need extra time before moving in, storage solutions can be arranged. This service offers secure, short-term or long-term storage for your belongings until you’re ready to receive them. Customs and VAT Considerations for the Nordics Moving from or within the Nordics introduces specific customs and VAT regulations: Norway: Since Norway is not part of the European Union (EU), customs duties and VAT will apply to incoming goods differently than in Denmark or Sweden. Goods entering Norway from the EU will face charges unless exemptions apply, making it crucial to factor these costs into your estimate. Denmark and Sweden: Both countries are EU members, which generally eases customs regulations for moves within the EU. However, when moving goods to non-EU countries, additional customs duties and VAT may still apply. Ensure your estimate includes these costs if your destination is outside the EU. Weather and Seasonality Costs In the Nordics, weather can significantly impact your move: Winter Moves: Harsh winters in the region can slow down transportation and limit access to roads or ports. This could lead to delays and additional storage or alternative transport route costs, so it's vital that your estimate reflects these potential charges. Summer Moves: During the summer, international moving services are in high demand, which can increase the cost of transportation. Booking early can help avoid price surges due to high demand. Understanding Temporary Housing and Storage Costs When relocating internationally, your new home may not always be ready for immediate move-in. In such cases, temporary housing or storage solutions are necessary. It's common for people moving long distances from the Nordics to require storage for their belongings or temporary accommodations, both of which can add to your relocation costs. Ensure these are clearly outlined in your estimate. Relocating from the Nordics to a new country can be a seamless experience if you have a clear understanding of your international relocation estimate. Knowing what services are included—such as packing, transportation, customs assistance, and storage—helps avoid unexpected costs down the line. Additionally, factoring in regional considerations like customs regulations, VAT charges, and weather conditions is essential for an accurate and complete estimate. Whether you're moving in the peak summer season or braving the Nordic winter, proper planning and a detailed estimate ensure your international move goes smoothly and stays within budget. At Crown Relocations, we’re committed to providing clear, comprehensive relocation estimates to make your move as stress-free as possible. Reach out to our team for personalized advice tailored to your specific journey.