Looking for a foreign property to make your permanent home? If so, get a step ahead by giving some thought to the removals process – it takes a bit more planning to move abroad than within the UK. Here are some tips to get you started

Moving into a new home, in the UK or overseas, should be an exciting time, but sometimes the experience is spoilt by a ‘removals disaster’.

Delays, breakages or theft – preparation and taking a few key decisions should minimise the chance of your possessions not being with you, or all in one piece, on moving-in day.

“People moving within Europe tend to do one of three things – employ a professional removals firm, hire a ‘man with a van’ or rent a van themselves,” said Elaine Ferguson, Head of Customer Services at OverseasGuidesCompany.com. “Those emigrating to a long-haul destination, such as Australia, will almost always hire a professional remover or shipping company. However, using a professional remover will be the safest and most hassle free option, wherever you are moving to. Here’s how to do it.”

– Plan early, ideally two to three months before your planned departure date. Take a good look at everything you are taking and bear in mind not only costs, but the aggravation factor of packing up everything yourself! Even if you are not taking heavy goods, such as beds and kitchen appliances, you’ll be surprised how quickly space gets taken up.

– Preparing for a move is the ideal time to have a clear out – after all, you are starting afresh and may well wish to purchase some furniture items when you arrive in your new home. This will save on removal costs as well as lessening the amount of packing. If transporting white goods and electrical items, check the voltage and plugs are applicable to your new home.

– When choosing a remover, only use a firm that is a Member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), including its Overseas Group, which means they must adhere to a strict code of conduct, which is recognised by Trading Standards. Also, the BAR has a free conciliation service – in case there is a disagreement between you and your BAR remover – and it also has a scheme that means any payment you make to a remover is protected throughout your move.

– Aim to get three removers to quote for you. They should visit your home and calculate volumes and packing requirements before offering you a written quotation. Make sure the company has its own vehicles and packers and ask if they offer a groupage rate. Sometimes firms double up if they have another assignment to the same region and this will keep the cost down.

– Rates quoted will be based on many factors: the size of the load, whether it’s in a shared container or truck, how far the move is from the UK, the type of items and the number of men required for the job. Supply as much detail as you can to the company including details of your new home and where items are to go once there.

– Once you have decided exactly what you are taking, make an inventory. This allows the company to know exactly what they are taking and will help you when you unpack with each box properly numbered and ticked off against the inventory. It will also help in the event of an insurance claim, since you will be able to prove the company had the items concerned. Check the situation with insurance and what you need to do to ensure your items are adequately covered.

– Consider whether you will need storage. It’s not uncommon for people moving abroad to need to store items, either in the UK before leaving for new shores or abroad once they have arrived. Discuss your options with your chosen remover.

– Finally, get a written and dated quotation and make sure you know what is included. Happy moving!

More info
For more information on buying overseas property successfully, download the Overseas Guides Company’s free France Buying Guide, Spain Buying Guide, Italy Buying Guide, Portugal Buying Guide or USA Buying Guide – and start receiving free news updates by email.

If you are considering an overseas property purchase in 2015, whether for lifestyle or investment, opening a no-obligation account with FCA-authorised Smart Currency Exchange will enable you to benefit from their competitive exchange rates and specialist currency knowledge, ultimately saving you money and time. For more information, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.