There are a number of good publications on the internet and in print that talk about the realities and practicalities of living overseas; they always cover finding housing, getting a job, finding schools for the kids and socializing and networking to win friends and influence people – but seldom do they talk about the practicalities of moving abroad…
We’re probably as guilty as any publication – but with this article we’ll hopefully redress the balance and cover the actual practical aspects of packing up and shipping out and give essential advice about what to pack, how to pack, which removal companies to choose and how to live for weeks on end without your furniture while it sails the high seas or wings its way to meet you.
First things first, not every removal company is as good or reputable as the next, second things second, not every country in the world has the same rules, regulations and guidelines about what you can and can’t import and what it may or may not cost you in taxes, fees or back-handers…so, starting with removal companies: -
The best removal company is likely to be one that comes highly recommended from a trusted source. The majority of honest removal companies admit that the majority of their business comes from referrals…having said that it is essential to get a few quotes especially if moving a long way overseas and facing an exceedingly expensive bill for shipping.
The trouble with getting multiple quotes is trying to compare them like for like because there is always small print and there are always hidden charges! Things to look out for are the price of insurance and what that insurance actually covers – or more importantly what it doesn’t cover, for example some don’t cover electrical items and as these are the most likely things to fry in a container for example, insurance is worthless (trust me).
Check out any excess that will have to be paid and ensure that any company you choose is registered with and approved by the British Association of Removers (or the equivalent trade body depending on the country you’re moving from). This should ensure that companies have insurance in place should they suddenly go into liquidation and leave your goods floating about in the sea somewhere!
Quotations should also be checked to see whether all companies are quoting on the same volume of goods being transported because if a company underestimates and you have to ship additional items out separately it will be hugely expensive and you will have to bear the cost. Work out whether the quotation includes a packing service, materials, unpacking or just removal and retrieval – remember that it is often wise to have professionals pack your goods because they will protect valuable items and pack them professionally based on (hopefully) years of past experience.
Once you agree to the terms of a given removal company you need to start the process of ruthlessness…this is a difficult process to go through and it involves you being harsh and throwing lots of things away, selling stuff and bequeathing items that are just not worth shipping.
Think about every item carefully because every single thing you take will take up space and effectively cost you money. Do you really need that leaking washing machine, wouldn’t it be better to buy a new one when you get there, do you really want to ship that hideous painting just because someone left it to you in their will, what about that amazing new piece of electrical equipment that won’t work abroad anyway because the voltage in the country you’re moving to will be different….and do you have to cart your CD, DVD and book library half way across the world?
Be critical with every single thing you own…and then be ruthless…and then be heartless…and whatever you’re left with you can ship!
Now, remember that certain countries have a restriction on what you can and cannot import. Certain countries will arrest you if they find alcohol in your storage container, certain countries will spray all your wooden furniture at a cost to you if they think it has woodworm, other countries won’t allow you to import a fax machine or other communications devices. Make yourself aware before you travel…contact the embassy, the removal company and then go on line and find other expats who have made the move and ask them about the realities as well as the practicalities of moving abroad.
Once you’ve piled up your remaining - and by now hopefully meagre - pile of possessions ready for packing you need to think about which items if any you cannot survive without for the duration of time it will take for your personal effects to travel abroad to meet you. Essential items to take with you in person will include significant others such as a spouse and children, medication, an emergency first aid and tool kit maybe…and some clothes! Make sure that you take a copy of essential documents that are being shipped and keep them with you, take all your personal ID with you and try not to pack your passports and tickets in your container because you may find that causes you something of a delay!
Keep a sense of humour on removal day, ply removal men with tea and biscuits (or beer if moving from Germany (based on personal experience)) and expect to be elated when you finally see your personal effects at the other end…it’s a momentous day indeed as it confirms that you really have arrived and your new life abroad can now commence.
