FAQs

If you wish to pack yourself we can provide you with all the materials you need. We do however strongly recommend that you take advantage of our professional packing service. Not only will we be able to provide an enhanced level of cover for items packed by us but owner packed shipments can faced increased scrutiny from customs which in turn can lead to delays at port and the potential for increased expense.

Yes! Both at the point of origin and at the destination. We are able to offer highly competitive rates to suit individual requirements.

We request that all moves are paid on receipt of your invoice – which is normally sent out prior to the commencement of packing. Please note that cheques require clearance before goods can be shipped.

We recommend that you give a minimum of two weeks notice, although if this is not possible we will endeavour to meet your requirements. Ideally, as soon as you know when you want to move you should confirm dates with us.

There is no substitute for planning and preparation. As soon as you know that you’re going to be moving overseas, contact us.

In addition, begin to think about separating out all the items that you’ll need to sell, store, dispose of, give away, and those you’ll want to move by sea, have sent by air or delivered to another family member before your departure. It’s a very good idea to have researched these categories before our estimator visits you to survey your household effects.

As you approach Moving Day, think about which items you will need for your journey, specifically travel papers, immediate clothing, passports, medical documentation and records, family papers, valuables, jewellery, medicines, school reports, etc. We can provide a variety of destination country information including destination guides and country facts sheets, together with detailed customs rules and regulations.

When moving overseas you have a number of service options available to you. You may select a service based on the price, transit time, method of containerisation, routing consolidation opportunities, sea or air freight, port of exit, etc. Each option’s cost component determines the amount you’ll pay.

In general terms, it is advisable to select the most direct route with a minimum amount of handling. However, every move and personal budget is different so it is important that you discuss fully with our International Removals Sales Department Contact to determine the best service to meet your personal needs.

Remember, when calculating the cost of your international move, you should be aware of the total cost including the amount of time you’ll have to wait for the arrival of your goods at destination. If you’re going to have to stay in a hotel or other temporary housing until your household shipment arrives, you’ll need to consider these costs as well as the cost of the shipping charges. Many people have made the mistake of selecting the slowest transit time (cheapest price) and then had the expense of two to three weeks of hotel costs while they awaited the delivery of their shipment.

Please call our low cost national number – 0845 230 1906 or contact us online.

When you move with us, we’ll provide you with full information and details of how to contact our office or agent in the destination city that you’re moving to. However, normally, you won’t need to do anything, we will have pre-alerted our agent, and they’ll contact you when you arrive.

Our sales and service representatives can advise on all aspects of your move such as route and transport options, costs, packing requirements, crating, transit times, shipment protection, unpacking, customs requirements and storage at origin or destination.

Please note that whilst we will endeavour to provide the most up to date customs advice rules and regulations do change on a frequent basis and unfortunately they are not always communicated to us by customs. As such we cannot be held liable for any loss incurred due to any inaccuracies.

Our representative will discuss in detail the different shipping / air freight options available to your overseas destination, and s/he will make an estimate of the volume and if possible the weight of your consignment. They will also discuss the various paperwork and custom’s documentation required. They will give you information regarding our office or agent who will deliver your possessions from the port of arrival to your new residence overseas, together with general advice on your move.

If you book your shipment as a door-to-door move, then all charges including customs clearance charges, and local delivery to your residence, (with normal access, not above first floor level) will be included in the estimate that’s given to you. However, you will still be responsible for any duty or tax that is raised on your shipment by Customs. There may also be further exclusions which will be set out in our estimate.

If your shipment is booked door-to-port only, then all destination charges are payable locally on arrival, including customs clearance, port service, unloading and local delivery charges. The various names applied to these charges may vary from country to country and service to service, but basically, they cover unloading from the ship/aircraft that your goods are carried on, unloading from the steamship line or airline cargo container, handling in and out of destination warehouse (as a continuous movement following on from the shipments arrival), and local delivery to your residence, with normal access, not above first floor level. Any exceptions to these basic standards may cause the price to increase. As above, you will be responsible for any duty or tax that is raised on your shipment by Customs.

Please review your requirements, and discuss our estimate with our International Removals Sales team to make sure you understand the details, especially if you’re comparing a number of moving companies offering a variety of different options with regard to price and service.

It is inadvisable to include perishable goods, foodstuffs of any description, or liquids which may leak in transit causing damage to other items. Above all exercise common sense. Your shipment may be in transit for anything between three days and three months for long intercontinental transits like Europe to Australia.

You should NOT include the following:

• Hazardous materials such as paint, matches, aerosol cans, gas canisters or other flammable materials such as wood, bricks, cement, rocks and soil of any type.
• Firearms and ammunition.
• Plants of any kind.
• Corrosives and explosives.
• Illegal items or contraband.

Also, and in addition, we cannot accept the following goods for shipment by air: aerosols, batteries, explosives, fireworks, corrosives, perfume, pressurised or unpressurised cylinders/canisters and/or similar type containers, firearms and ammunition, radioactive material, paint, fuel and/or fuel tanks or other flammable items, etc.

If you have any doubts as to what may or may not be included, please do check with your international moving co-ordinator. They will be delighted to help and advise.

In general, you should think about what it would cost to replace your household goods and personal effects in the country of destination. A good source of information will be the local press in that country especially with regard to high value items like motor vehicles etc. Cost of living data may also be obtainable from that country’s embassy.

When completing your proposal form please be as detailed as possible. Remember to include specific individual items that have a high replacement cost. It’s best to give as much information as possible.

If you have any questions relating to the coverage on your international move, contact your assigned moving coordinator.

We can provide comprehensive liability cover for your household and personal effects during your domestic or international move. Our rates are competitive and we have excellent back-up, so that in the unlikely event of a claim, settlement can usually be dealt with promptly.

All our agents are members of FIDI, BAR Overseas, and/or IAM. Clark & Rose have sought to develop a comprehensive network of overseas agents based on their quality of service and experience.

Our overseas offices and agents provide services and expertise in the following areas:

• Local liaison with Clark & Rose
• Notification of arrival
• Customs clearance procedures at the port/airport of arrival
• Transport from the destination port/airport of arrival
• Temporary or long term storage if required
• Delivery to residence
• Full unpacking services
• Removal of all related packing debris

Advance preparation is the most important factor in a successful international move. You should begin your search for a suitable company to carry out your move 6-8 weeks before your intended moving date. This will allow time to get competitive quotations, make all the arrangements, organise transport, etc.