If you’ve planned to relocate overseas, you are about to begin one of the most exciting experiences of your life. Relocating is a great experience but it can be a also a stressful time. Stepping in to the unknown and moving your life and all of your belongings to a new country can leave you with many doubts.
Here are some questions frequently asked from expats that might help you easing your fears.
When is the best time to request a quote?
It’s important to search for a relocation firm well in advance, so it will give you a lot of time to arrange quotations, pick up the best company and finalize on time all of your preparations. We suggest you make contact at least three or four months in advance to your estimate moving date.
How is the quotation estimated and what does it include?
The quote for road shipments and sea freight and are calculated on the total volume of the household goods. This is calculated by multiplying the length, breadth and height of your belongings and gives you a total volume in cubic feet. Air freight shipments are estimated on either the actual gross weight or the volume weight of the items.
What does the quote normally include?
Every relocation is different, so quotation’s will be specifically made to your individual needs.Things are normally included:
- Packing materials
- Packing of your belongings and personal effects by trained, experienced crew
- Creation of an itemized inventory
- Collection from your house
- Crating/containerisation and delivery to the terminal
- Preparation of all export and import paperwork for the completion of Customs
- Imbursement of terminal charges
- Delivery direct to warehouse/home within a 50km within the destination port
- Unpacking and clean up all waste packing materials on day of delivery.
Please note that usually the quotation will not include any import duties or taxes due in various countries, quarantine examinations or storage if need.
Are any items banned from my shipment?
Each country has its own limitations; but as a common regulation, the following things should not be incorporated in your shipment:
- Alcohol
- Firearms and ammunition
- Food, including herbs and spices
- Hazardous items
- Objects made from endangered animals
- Unprocessed furs or skins
- Plants and seeds
- Soil or sand of any kind
It’s important to be informed of all banned items from your shipment before preparing the move.
Is it possible to pack my own belongings?
In many countries for security reasons they don’t accept shipments that are packed by the owner. In addition, any damage incurred to the household goods you packed yourself may not be covered by insurance. It’s worthwhile to have professionals movers all of your items and personal effects. Movers are professionally trained and have a lot of experience packing people’s precious items.