International moving guide

The survey

What is a survey?

A survey is an evaluation of the belongings you wish to ship overseas, which allows us to estimate the size and price of your move. Your quotation will be based on the volume of goods to be shipped and/or the volume and weight of goods to be airfreighted. Accurate estimating depends on the level of detail given to the Move Consultant during this process.

Types of survey

You can choose from three methods of survey. A video survey is conducted via an app on your smartphone or tablet. For large consignments you can request a home survey, whereby the Move Consultant visits your property in person. Alternatively, if you are only shipping a small number of items, you can simply list these over the phone.

What can I do?

Please ensure all items are shown in detail, e.g. contents of drawers, cupboards, attics and garages. Items not currently at your residence should be described accurately. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the moving process, customs regulations or your destination.

Planning to include new purchases?

If you are planning to purchase items to be included within your shipment, please prepare a list for your Move Consultant so these items can be included.

Creating a solution tailored to you

No two moves are the same. There are usually several options to choose and your Move Consultant will help provide the best solution to meet your needs.

Pet travel

When arranging your home survey, your Move Manager will ask if you are intending to move your family pet.

During your survey, the Move Consultant will ask the breed and name of your pet, and will either measure him or her there and then, or demonstrate how you can take their measurements.

Your pet shipping quote will then be integrated with your quote for household effects. Should you wish to proceed, your Move Manager will oversee the entire process from start to finish.

Door to door moving

Your pet's complete travel service will include:

• Made-to-measure Travel Carrier with water bowls and VetBed
• Export Health Certificate, flights and quarantine arranged
• Collection from home to our kennels or straight to the airport
• Global flight tracking of your pet in transit
• Pet Protection plan built into the price of your pet move
• Delivery to airport
• Arrival services including customs clearance and delivery if required

Foreign exchange

During your survey, your Move Consultant will ask you about foreign exchange.

When moving overseas, you will need to transfer your money to the local currency, and may wish to send money home once you're there.

With Pickfords FX, you have the benefit of a dedicated service designed to secure you the best possible rate. You can transfer as little as £100, with no upward limit, as many times as you require and at no charge.

If you would like to take advantage of Pickfords FX, or simply need more information at this stage, your Move Consultant will pass you to our FX department, who will contact you to collect a few details and discuss your options. You can choose to sign up there and then, or at any point before, during or after your move.

Storage and inventory

You may decide to store some of your items in the UK or at your destination. Storage is a cost effective solution, particularly if you have to limit your shipment size, are renting your home out while you are away, or are moving into a hotel prior to finding a permanent home.

Simply ask your Move Manager to provide a quote for you. Costs vary globally but are typically based on how much you want to store and how long you want to store it. Your Move Manager will liaise with our office at destination and make the necessary arrangements. Pickfords will create a separate inventory for items that will go into store. You can then arrange to have your goods delivered at a mutually convenient date.

The inventory

Your Move Consultant will create an inventory of the goods you want to take with you. This is the formal agreement of what you expect Pickfords to move and your special requirements.

If there are any changes to this list, you must ensure that your Move Manager knows the details.

Your quotation

No two quotes are the same

Moving companies base their price on the items you choose to take with you, though other factors will influence the price, including the transit options, your time scales, recommended packing materials, insurance rates and the buying power of the company.

It is important to consider the following when comparing quotations:

• Is there a difference in the items listed for moving?
• Check the insurance cover for your goods; is it for your benefit?*
• Are additional services included?
• What is excluded?
• How many days are allocated to pack?
• What are the recommended packing materials?

Remember, there is usually a relationship between price and quality. Pickfords offers a high quality service and invests in people, training, materials and process and can negotiate advantageous rates with shipping companies and airlines.

* You may have been offered ‘extended liability’ or ‘standard liability’, which covers the removal company rather than you, the customer.