Here at Barnes of Lincoln we know how stressful an international move can be for you and your family. You will no doubt have a lot of questions which you want answering for reassurance and to ensure you have everything sorted out to make the move as smooth as possible.
That’s why we have compiled an international removals FAQ (frequently asked questions) to clear up some of your common queries, giving you the time to organise other aspects of your life in preparation.
When should I contact a moving company?
It is better to start looking for a removals company as soon as you possibly can. 6-8 weeks is a good mark to aim for, but the more quotes you can gather in preparation the more likely you’ll be to get a competitive price.
How can I prepare for the move itself?
Once you’ve selected your removals company you can start to gather up your things. Organise the things you don’t need in the run up to the move to save time but make sure you keep any paperwork, keys and passports to hand!
How much notice should I give for a move?
As much as possible! The more time you and your movers have to organise things the smoother it will be for both parties. 4-6 weeks should be the ideal time as there could be paperwork which needs to be processed in preparation, though we may be able to arrange your move at shorter notice subject to availability.
What shouldn’t I put in my move?
There are some obvious and hazardous things you should never put in a move such as flammables and corrosives. But you also want to avoid perishable foods and plants to keep them from rotting, and don’t pack liquids as they could leak and cause a lot of damage in transit.
What do I actually pay for?
This varies from move to move but your quote will include packing services, transportation and unpacking services. Beyond this you might be expected to pay and customs charges and taxes but this can be discussed with your removals company when you get your quote.
Who does the packing?
Technically you can do as much of the packing as you want to yourself, but with a professional removals company you get the assurance that everything has been secured and stored properly for the move. They will have the materials to hand and the knowledge to bring from countless other moves overseas.
Should I get insurance?
We provide limited liability cover for your possessions while they are in our control free of charge, but we offer comprehensive damage and loss standard liability marine insurance for your goods in transit and for your more valuable items at a small additional cost. The quality of packing materials we use mean that we rarely encounter damages or accidents, but we like to be prepared for your benefit.
Do you provide customs information?
We try to stay up to date with the latest developments but things change very quickly and paperwork/processes can differ from country to country. It’s always best to contact your destination country’s embassy to get the latest information and we will help you as much as possible.
What happens at the other end of the move?
You should be informed in advance of the schedule and our representatives in the destination country will be in touch with you as much as you need. They will provide unpacking services in your new home and can take away any packing debris to give you as much time and space to settle in your new surroundings as possible.
If you have a question about international moves which hasn’t been answered here then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have over 30 years of experience in the industry so you can put your faith in our professional team.
