Your International Removals Guide€¦ · Your International Removals Guide Prepared by PSS...

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Your International Removals Guide Prepared by PSS International Removals Relocation can be an exciting time. It can also be a stressful one. With so much to plan and consider, time constraints can make it feel particularly difficult. Whether you’re moving to USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the Canary islands, the key to a successful move is planning. With the right international removals company such as PSS you should be helped every step of the way, from your first enquiry down to the last box arriving at your new abode. It’s a process that takes time and patience. There’s a lot to consider as you pack up one life, in order to start it again on the other side of the world. The more you understand about the removals process the better and this is where our guide should come in useful. Highlighting the practical steps you can take to ensure your move is a smooth one, it covers everything from picking a removals company, to visas and how to keep in touch with family and friends. It won’t take the stress out of emigrating entirely, but its carefully chosen tips and insider knowledge, should make it a little less overwhelming. Enjoy the guide, Liam Witham Director PSS Removals Contact PSS International Removals: Freephone: 0800 988 3711 Landline: 0208 686 7733 Email: [email protected] PSS international Removals 1-3 Pegasus Road, Croydon Surrey, London, CR9 4PS PSS Twitter twitter.com/pssremovals PSS Facebook facebook.com/pssinternationalremovals PSS LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/pss-international-removals

Transcript of Your International Removals Guide€¦ · Your International Removals Guide Prepared by PSS...

Page 1: Your International Removals Guide€¦ · Your International Removals Guide Prepared by PSS International Removals Relocation can be an exciting time. It can also be a stressful one.

Your International Removals GuidePrepared by PSS International Removals

Relocation can be an exciting time. It can also be a stressful one. With so much to plan and consider, time constraints can make it feel particularly difficult.

Whether you’re moving to USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the Canary islands, the key to a successful move is planning.

With the right international removals company such as PSS you should be helped every step of the way, from your first enquiry down to the last box arriving at your new abode. It’s a process that takes time and patience. There’s a lot to consider as you pack up one life, in order to start it again on the other side of the world.

The more you understand about the removals process the better and this is where our guide should come in useful. Highlighting the practical steps you can take to ensure your move is a smooth one, it covers everything from picking a removals company, to visas and how to keep in touch with family and friends.

It won’t take the stress out of emigrating entirely, but its carefully chosen tips and insider knowledge, should make it a little less overwhelming.

Enjoy the guide,

Liam WithamDirector PSS Removals

Contact PSS International Removals:

Freephone: 0800 988 3711Landline: 0208 686 7733Email: [email protected]

PSS international Removals1-3 Pegasus Road, CroydonSurrey, London, CR9 4PS

PSS Twittertwitter.com/pssremovals

PSS Facebookfacebook.com/pssinternationalremovals

PSS LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pss-international-removals

Page 2: Your International Removals Guide€¦ · Your International Removals Guide Prepared by PSS International Removals Relocation can be an exciting time. It can also be a stressful one.

The Emigration GameIf you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of some of the 4.7 million Brits who have moved abroad for a new life, there will be many reasons why you’re considering the move. Number one tends to be employment. A Home Office Emigration Research report, published in November 2012, stated that 44% of those people emigrating who gave a reason said that they had a definite job to go to, with another 28% saying they were moving to look for work.

A Lloyds Bank report also concluded that:“Around two-thirds (66%) of British citizens emigrating since 2009 have indicated they intend to live abroad for more than four years. One in five (20%) intend to be away for up to 1-2 years and seven per cent for more than two and up to four years. The remaining seven per cent were unsure about their intended length of stay.”

Where you end up though will be dependent upon personal choice but it could possibly be one of the top five countries Brits emigrate to be it Australia, the US, Spain, France or New Zealand.

Here we’ve looked at what the top three have to offer:

1. Australia:

Number of Brits moving between 2009-2014: 207,000

Brits tend to flock to Perth in Western Australia, Brisbane in Queensland and Sydney in New South Wales when they head Down Under.

Current jobs on offer through the Skilled Occupations List include those in construction (bricklayer, carpenter and joiner), Engineering (agriculture, software and transport) and Medical specialists (Emergency care, dentistry, and osteopaths).

For more information visit: www.australia.gov.au

2. USA

Number of Brits moving between 2009-2014: 72,000

You are only permitted to work in the US if you hold a green card, employment authorisation, or visa that permits employment. For more information on immigration based visas see here.

Popular destinations include New York City, Austin in Texas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Florida is the perfect sunshine state destination for those Brits looking to retire from the damp and dull climate.

The technology sector in Silicon Valley is currently a great place

for graduates to find work as major companies search for new talent. Other key sectors include entertainment, TV, the motor industry, electronics and oil.

For more information visit: www.usa.gov

3. Spain:

Number of Brits moving between 2009-2014: 52,000

Spain continues to be a popular hot-spot for Brits because it offers a warm climate and one not so far away from home. Best known as a retirement destination for those looking to move to Andalucia in the south, Mallorca and the likes of the Costa Blanca and Benidorm.

As a member of the EU, Spain expats can enter the country without a visa and expect to work within the same rules and regulations as native Spaniards. For many the ability to draw a UK pension whilst residing in the sun is also a huge bonus.

For more information visit: www.spain.info

Other popular destinations include France, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, UAE, Republic of Ireland and Switzerland. For more information on emigration to specific countries please visit: www.emigrate2.co.uk

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A Guide To VisasIt’s not a case of one visa fits all when looking to emigrate. You might be thinking about a temporary move for a brief stint working in another country or taking your family for a more permanent move abroad.

Do your research early to make sure you know exactly what the entry requirements are for your chosen destination. Whether you’ve chosen to go to Australia or Bangkok, Dubai or New Zealand, there will be specific documentation that is absolutely necessary before you can even think about living in that country.

Removal companies such as PSS have specialist Visa partners who can guide applicants through the process, and take a little heat out of the relocation process. Websites such as www.emigrate2.co.uk also have lots of tips and advice on obtaining Visas. A job offer will certainly make the migration process much easier and a passport which is valid for three years or more.

Other tips to make the Visa process easier:

1. Do your research into the necessary documentation needed for a Visa application. Look at the relevant countries or embassies website to be clear about exactly what you need. You may need to prove your flight details, hotel reservations and show bank statements. You will probably also need to pay a processing fee.

2. Take into account that your chosen country may have special requirements and make sure you are familiar as to what they are. Even in some countries that don’t require a Visa do impose a ‘reciprocity fee’, so make sure you’re informed about all entry requirements, not just those related to Visas.

3. Once all of your Visa paperwork has been approved and you are all ready to go, don’t forget to check your airline’s rules, especially when you’re moving to a country that allows you to obtain your Visa on arrival. Airline policies often differ from published requirements based on the specific experiences in the destination country. That’s because the airline can be fined heavily if it transports passengers who do not have their paperwork in order. Check everything out so you’re not refused entry when you arrive.

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The Property Market - To Sell Or Rent? There will be many considerations you’ll need to think about when emigrating abroad, but one the biggest will revolve around property, especially the home you are thinking of leaving behind.

Home Insurance If you own your current property, the two options will be to either rent it or sell it. Both come with financial benefits and risks. Selling will free up finances to buy a home abroad and if you’re thinking that the move away is something you have no intention of reversing, it may be the best option. To find out how much money you will need to buy a house abroad, take a look at the Emigrate2 website, which has all the foreign exchange services you need.

However for many the thought of breaking all ties with home is too big a leap. In this instance, renting is the best option. Bringing with it a sense of security as well as an investment for the years ahead.

Renting - pros and cons

The pros:If it doesn’t work out for whatever reason in the new country, you have somewhere to return to. This is most important if you have a family who need to be close to schools or colleges.

You could use the home as an investment for the future, a nest egg if you will. There are however strict rules around capital gains tax which you have to pay on residences in the UK, even if you are a non-resident for tax purposes. See the government’s website for more details.

The cons: You may find that your house is vacant for short periods of time, so you’ll need to have spare funds to cover the mortgage as and when you have no tenants.

You are a long way from home, so you will need to make sure whoever is in charge of the property is able to settle disputes, arrange repairs and collect the rent. Estate Agents offer good letting services. Do your homework and make sure you’re in a good position before you leave the country. The National Association of Estate Agents will help you find a reputable company in your area.

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Planning The Perfect Move Moving to the other side of the world can seem like a Herculean task. There are plenty of variables in these situations but the secret to success is PLANNING. The more you plan in advance the less stressful the move will be.

Three key steps are below: Step 1: Start EarlyAs soon as you know you’re moving abroad, take some time to think about what you need to do. Some considerations will be:

Are you selling or renting your home in your current destination?

Do you want to take all or just some of your belongings?

Will you rent or buy a property in your new location?

Step 2: Look At Moving OptionsIt’s never too early to plan the move, even if your actual moving date is months away. Start talking to international removal companies as soon as you know you’re leaving the country. Ideally many would like six months notice to plan your move, but they are realistic enough to know that this isn’t always possible. Telephone a handful of companies and ask for quotes. Some may offer a free home survey. This involves the company coming to assess what you’re taking and working out whether you need a full container shipment or a part load shipment. These two options vary in cost so it’s worth gaining some expert advice first.

Step 3: Get Organised

The worst thing you can do is leave everything to the last minute. If you’ve got a few months prior to your move, use them wisely. Clear out the clutter. Get rid of unwanted books, clothes and DVDs. Take time to sort out what you really want on the other side of the world, and what you can really live without. It’s important to also look into replacement costs of furniture as the cost of replacing sofas, table and chairs can be costly and outweigh the moving costs. It is also vitally important to ensure you have certain items that are familiar to you and the family, so that your new home really feels like home. Each filled box will cost you money, so make sure it’s something essential. Some options for recycling are:

Books, children’s toys and clothes can be disposed of a local recycling bank. Alternatively fill up those charity bags that regularly come through the letterbox. Unwanted furniture can be taken to a charity shop, and many now offer a collection service. Broken electrical goods can be loaded off at the local council tip.

* Old phones and iPods can be taken to some charity shops such as Oxfam for recycling, so don’t just throw them away.

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Picking The Right Removals CompanyWaving goodbye to your belongings on one side of the world and hoping they arrive safely on the other can be a nerve-wracking experience.

Picking the correct removals company is essential and will be determined by many factors, such as:

• What you can afford• Which location you are traveling to• What goods you are taking with you• The timings of your journey

Doing your homework is essential. Obtain quotes from as many international removal companies as you feel appropriate. International removals is very different from moving domestically as the location of the removal company is not a major factor to ensure you receive the best price and service. The price and service of an international removal should be determined by how frequently they ship or export pack customers goods. If the company has a regular service to the country you are moving to this will be reflected in the professionalism of the service and price as invariably high volume of customers will have a positive impact on the price and service you receive. Talk to them and try to gage their experience. A good firm will assign you with a move manager who will help you every step of the way, guiding you through all the relevant details for moving your goods abroad. Do some research as well. Look at websites such as www.emigrate2.co.uk to get guidance and ideas of how to pick the international removal company that best suits your needs.

Ultimately who you pick will come down to personal choice and budget. Be sure to check out any firms credentials before signing on the dotted line. A reputable international removals company will have the following:

In this instance a bit of research at the beginning of your journey will pay dividends in the long run. Once you have made your choice be absolutely clear about what you expect from the company and ask them to clarify any questions you may have. A reputable international removals company will want their service to be as good as it can be. They’ll want your move to go smoothly, so take your time to pick the right one for you. Then, sit back and let them do all the hard work.

FAIM accreditation. This is the only independent quality assurance standard for the international moving industry. FAIM is recognised worldwide as the highest standard in international moving.

Membership of the FIDI Global Alliance, which allows removal firms to offer the same standard of service at your overseas destination as they do in the UK. Membership sets a quality benchmark for its members.

Membership of the British Association of Removers Overseas Group. BAR Overseas is covered by the I.M.M.I an advance payment guarantee scheme for your financial protection.

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What Happens During The Removals ProcessOnce you and the removals company have agreed and penciled in your moving date, plans will be afoot to make sure everything is wrapped and ready to go.

If you have chosen to have the removals company do your packing, they will arrive on the day of removal, fully equipped with the best quality packing products.

Alternatively, if you’ve chosen to pack your own goods, you will be sent a selection of suitable packing materials. These will include boxes and wrapping so you can seal everything before it is loaded onto a container for shipping.

Your choice of full or part load will determine the next stage of the journey. If you require a full container your goods will be loaded onto this at your door and sealed. If you have a part load requirement your goods will be removed from your residence using a vehicle and loaded into a part load container back at one of their depots ready for shipment to your destination.

Before the removals company goes they will give you a full inventory of the goods they have packed. They will also need this when your goods are passed through customs at the new destination.

All countries have different requirements in terms of documentation and a good removals organisation would advise on what these are. Some countries also ban the import of certain goods and products but again the removals company should help with this information.

How long they take to arrive at the new destination will be dependent upon the length of journey. (See page 8 for more details). Once they have arrived, the removals company will be on hand to help them pass customs, before advising you on a delivery date.

In most instances, your goods will be delivered to your door but in some instances this may not be possible. The removals company will be able to let you know.

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Shipping Times - When Will Your Goods Arrive?How long it takes for your goods to be shipped from your native country to your new one will quite clearly be entirely dependent on the distance.

Here are shipping times for some of the most popular destinations:

USA:

The transit time between removal in the UK to the arrival of goods in the USA will depend on where you are moving to, however, as a guide it will take approximately is 2-4 weeks for a full container and 5-9 weeks for a part load.

Australia:

When shipping your personal belongings to Australia the transit time between removal in the UK and arrival at your new home will be approximately 6-8 weeks for full container shipments and 8-12 weeks for part load shipments.

New Zealand:

When shipping your personal belongings to New Zealand the transit time between removal in the UK and arrival at your new home will be approximately 6-8 weeks for full container shipments and 8-12 weeks for part load shipments.

Europe - Greece: The transit times for removals are 14-28 days for road freight depending on whether a full or part load service. Via sea freight it is 3-5 weeks.

Europe - France, Spain, Portugal:The transit time between removal in the UK to the arrival of your goods in Portugal is approximately 3-7 days for dedicated loads and 1 week for part load shipments.

Canada:When shipping your personal belongings to Canada the transit time between removal in the UK and arrival at your new home will be approximately 2-5 weeks for full container shipments and 5-8 weeks for part load shipments.

Dubai: The transit time between removal in the UK to the arrival of your goods in Dubai is approximately 5-7 weeks for full containers and 7-10 weeks for part load shipments.

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Settling In For A Successful RelocationsLanding your dream job in your dream location does not guarantee the first few months will run smoothly. Being many miles from family and friends, not to mention familiar surroundings and locations, can be a bit of a shock to the system.

Most people feel lonely once they’ve arrived in their new destination so here are 5 tips to help make the transition from UK citizen to UK Expat, a little easier.

1. Hang out with your work colleagues: Having a new job with a regular routine will certainly help give you a central focus. Utilise your time at work to get to know your colleagues. Go for a lunchtime coffee or evening drink when asked. Take your time to get to know them - you never know who you’ll meet.

2. Discover a hobby: Picking up a favourite sport or pastime will allow you to meet like-minded people and give you somewhere to go on a regular basis. Most towns and cities will have a sports centre and there are websites to direct you to clubs in your area. For Australian sporting connections, see here. New Zealand too has a similar resource, here.

3. Keep up with family and friends: With the invention of Skype and FaceTime the world has become much smaller which makes contacting your mum or best mate a whole lot easier. Time differences might make contact a little more tricky but it certainly won’t be impossible. Set aside dates in your diary to call up a friend. It may be just the thing you need.

4. Make the most of your situation: If you have young or school age children there are bound to be playgroups to join or parent/teacher associations to become involved in. For example the Canadian Education Association has put together a document on the importance of a parent’s involvement in school. Arrange playdates for your little ones and invite the parent in for a coffee. Over time these friendships may grow.

5. Curb your loneliness: The only way to truly stop feeling lonely is to get out there and meet people. If you’re struggling to meet people why not volunteer? Many countries run programmes throughout the year, such as Go Volunteer which highlights the need for a range of social and physical skills. Expat communities and forums are a good place to ask questions and find out about what’s going on in your area. www.expat.com caters for forums around the world.