• When should I contact a removal company?
• What questions do I need to ask?
• Can I pack myself?
• Can I take my pets?
• Can I take my car?
• Are there any restrictions on what I can take?
• How do they transport items?
• How long does it take to transport my belongings?

Q: When should I contact a removal company?

A: As soon as you know you are relocating start contacting removal companies. Do not leave this to the last minute as you need to get at least three quotes. Even if you don't have your visa's or completion date on your house then still contact removal companies. If you are having various company representatives to come and visit make sure you are prepared. They will want to look every where, under the stairs, inside cupboards and even under your beds. Anything that needs to go with you must be put on your inventory form or shown to the company representatives. It you do call up and ask several removal companies to give you a quote it is very important that you ask them all the same questions and to do exactly the same things, if not then you will receive quotes that not only vary widely, but are for completely different jobs.

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Q: What questions do I need to ask?

A: Ask your removal company as many questions as you can, after all you are trusting these people with your prize possessions.

Questions to ask:

• What insurance is offered? What is and what is not covered? is there an excess? Ask to see their insurance copy documents.
• Ask about the company's history.
• Ask about the logistics of the move. What time the van will arrive? What is the estimated time to finish loading up?
• Do they have any references, can you contact past clients?
• Are they a member of any of the trade associations or part of a larger group of companies? Click here for a list of the various associations.
• If your goods are not shipped immediately where will they be stored? Does it have 24hr security?
• Ask your removal company about custom forms, will they handle this for you and fill out all forms? Ask what restrictions the country you plan to move to have.
• Is the quote inclusive of all charges i.e.UK and destination port charges and destination customs and quarantine clearances?
• Will your electrical goods work in the country you plan to emigrate to?

  Some questions they might ask you.

• Where are you moving to?
• What is the access like (for parking & getting furniture in)?
• Do you have a date to move?
• Are the new owners moving in on the same day?
• If so what time do they require access at?
• Do you require a packing service?
• If not will you require cartons?
• Do you require storage?

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Q: Can I pack myself?

A:You can pack yourself but this can cause a number of problems so it is best to leave this to your removal crew. If you do want to pack yourself then you may not be covered by your insurance so please check with your removal team. If you do pack yourself make sure you make a list for your removal crew, it is best to leave all boxes open so the removal company can inspect them and go through the inventory with you.

Remember also if Customs see items that have not been packed by a professional team then they are more likley to target your goods. It will also work out quicker as the professionals know how to pack items safer for exporting as they will have all the special packaging materials. Always find out the regulations for the country you plan to live in as you do not want to start your new life on the wrong foot. And remember for overseas moves each items has to be individually with paper, bubble wrap or foam wrap depending on the item

Don't forget to leave out your personal documents e.g. passport, visas, correspondence letters from the Embassy, chequebook, driver's licenses, birth certificates, airline tickets or foreign currency. If you are packing yourself see our packing section.  

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Q: Can I take my pets?

A:For quarantine and regulations it is best to check with the country you plan to live as each country will have its own regulations. There are a number of specialized pet carriers who will advice you on health checks, certificates and veterinary documentation. It is worth visiting their premises beforehand so you feel comfortable with them and are able to ask any questions or queries you may have.

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Q: Can I take my car?

A: Each country has different regulations and so can work out to be so expensive it is not worth exporting your vehicle. However some are less stringent and for classic cars it may be an option. If you are unsure you are best to check with a specialist car shipper who will be able to give you a quote and more advice.

If you do take your car you must notify the DVLA if you are taking your car out of the country. If you are currently in possession of a V5 registration document, completing section C to show the intended date of export and a Certificate of Export (V561) is then issued by the Department instead of a V5 registration document to enable you to register your vehicle abroad.

To obtain a Certificate of export you should complete the appropriate section
of your V5 registration document and either return it to Export Section, Vehicle Customer Services, DVLA, Swansea , SA99 1AG , or make the application at your nearest DVLA Local Office.  However, you must remember to do this 14 days or more before export. If you are currently in possession of a V5C registration certificate, you will need to notify DVLA of export using the V5C/4 (notification of permanent export) slip from the V5C.  You may then take the remainder of the V5C to the new country when the vehicle is being exported.

If you are not in possession of the V5 or V5C, you will need to apply for a V5C registration certificate using form V62 which is available at the Post Office or downloaded here
When the V5C is then received, you should send the V5C/4 (notification of permanent export) slip to DVLA and take the remainder of the V5C to the new country to re-register.

For more information please visit the www.dvla.gov.uk or download their information leaflet.

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Q: Are there any restrictions on what I can take?

A: Whilst you are packing get rid of any items which may have restrictions on them in certain countries. Each country has different rules and restrictions so please check with the customs department of your destined country. However most countries will not allow the following:

• Narcotics and drugs
• Hazardous items i.e. fireworks, toxic or poisonous substances
• Plants and vegetables
• Alcohol (subject to duties). Check if your private wine collection will be allowed to go to your new home
• Meats and meat products
• Dried Flowers, bulbs and seeds including pine cones
• Firearms, ammunition and explosives.
• Weapons i.e. swords, knuckle- dusters, spears, flick knives.
• Pornographic material

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Q: How do they transport items?

A: There are a number of methods of shipping; this depends on quantity, urgency and budget.

SEA FREIGHT

This is the most common form of transportation and used for majority of overseas removals. It is also the cheapest option available. Containers are normally in steel and are water resistant. They normally come in sizes of 20ft or 40ft in length and are 7' 6” height; cost is normally charge on volume not weight. If you take a full container load these are normally loaded outside your home and then sealed for transportation.

There are various container services to choose from:

Full Container Load (FCL) or Sole Use Container – An ideal option for large households. If you take a full container load these are normally loaded outside your home and then sealed for transportation. The containers normally then remain unopened until they arrive at your destination.

Groupage Container – Basically when you do not have enough to fill a whole container then your belongings will go in a groupage container and shared with someone else. This can also take longer as you may have to wait for a suitable available container. But this is the most cost effective way for smaller households.

AIR FREIGHT - The main advantage for air freight is speed and is recommended for items that you may need urgently. However if you are moving to a destination that is inland and not near a port then it can work out to be just as cost effective. Items are export packed as with items going into a container but these are securely packed into enclosed airline pallets often called igloos. These are then placed into the cargo hold of either dedicated freight aircrafts or sometimes in the hold of a passenger aircraft.

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Q: How long does it take to transport my belongings?

A: This depends on how you would like to export your belongings. But basically if you use air freight allow up to 14 days, door to door. By ship will depend where you are going and if you are taking a full or group container, a rough estimate is Europe and America, four to six weeks 4/6 weeks, Asia, six to eight weeks and Australia/New Zealand eight to twelve weeks. Each company however is different so please check with them for definite dates.

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