What is different about an international move
A move abroad differs from a domestic one in two main ways: the goods are under way far longer, and there are formalities. Both decide how things are packed and how early the planning has to start.
So we settle the destination first: country, address, access and date. From that follows whether the transport goes by lorry, in containers or as a combination, and which papers customs will want.
Packing for long journeys
What travels for two hours inside Switzerland is often in motion for days on an international move, gets transferred several times and is exposed to changes in temperature. So we pack more carefully: more padding, sturdier boxes, and sea freight crates for delicate pieces on request.
A detailed inventory belongs to it. It is not only required for customs, it is also the basis of the transport insurance. For instruments, art and antiques we agree the value separately.
Formalities and schedule
The requirements differ considerably from one destination country to the next. Within the EU the process is usually straightforward; for overseas destinations import rules, deadlines and in some cases quarantine regulations for certain goods come into play. We tell you early which documents you have to obtain and which we handle.
If the move out date and the move in date do not match, which is the most common case, we store in between. Long term storage bridges several months as well, for instance when the home in the destination country has not been found yet.
How your international move runs
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First conversation
We settle the destination country, the volume, the date and anything unusual about the destination.
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Survey and quote
We record the goods on site and quote including packing, transport and formalities.
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Packing and inventory
We pack for the journey and draw up the inventory for customs and insurance.
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Transport
We carry the goods to the destination address and keep you informed about progress.
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Arrival
Unpacking and furniture assembly at the destination are included on request.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an international move take?
Within Europe usually a few days to two weeks, depending on the distance and the route. For overseas destinations by container, reckon on several weeks. We give the range in the quote.
Which documents do I need?
That depends on the destination country. Usually an inventory list, a copy of your ID and proof of the change of residence. We tell you exactly what your destination requires and prepare the papers with you.
Can you store goods in between?
Yes. It is in fact the normal case, because moving out and moving in rarely line up. We store from one week to open ended, see storage.
Is the transport insured?
Yes. The inventory is the basis; we set the insured value together beforehand. For particularly valuable single items we agree separate values.
