Bishop’s Move are the UK’s largest family-owned removals company and have been moving people abroad since 1854 – their very first International move was from London to Paris in a horse drawn removals van!

Article written by Bishops Move

We have developed a wealth of International shipping experience and relocation know-how over the last 155 years – so we thought we’d share them with you with our Top 10 Tips for Moving or Retiring Abroad.

  1. If you’re moving or retiring abroad make sure you tell the relevant government offices that deal with your benefits, pension & tax.

    • Contact your Local Council
    • Find out how to if you retire abroad
    • Inform HM Revenues & Customs (HMRC)
  2. Visas can sometimes take a long time to procure, depending on what country you are moving to. So make sure you allow for this before you move as it may delay the importation process.
  3. Get your foreign currency transferred by experts – this might not be your local bank but a foreign currency specialist. Their expertise might even save you the cost of your move!
  4. It can be extremely costly & difficult to import/export your car to most countries (although not impossible!) Australia is just one country that is very strict on the cleanliness of the car – fuel must be emptied and the entire car must be steam cleaned before shipping.
  5. Avoid taking food or beverages when you move, as whilst allowed by some countries, most don’t allow them or will want to inspect them which can cause unnecessary delays.
  6. If you don’t need your items delivered on exact date & time, sharing a shipping container (known as “groupage” or a “part load”) could be your cheapest option. Your effects are consolidated and loaded into a container with other clients consignments that are going to the same or similar destination. The delivery date and time is then liaised with you all – so you do need to be a little flexible.
  7. If you need storage on arrival in the country you are moving to then think about choosing a longer shipping route. This will mean that you will effectively be storing your items at sea instead of in an expensive port facility – a good shipping company should be able to advise you on the best options.
  8. Make sure the removals company moving you is affiliated to an organisation called the Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux, or FIDI for short! It will ensure the same high standards of your UK removals and shipping company are also received at your destination.
  9. Make sure that you have separate transportation or shipping insurance. Normally marine and air carriers only have limited liability and taking out your own insurance will ensure that you are items are protected for their declared value.
  10. Get involved with the community you have moved to. There are lots of expat groups on Facebook & Twitter to help you feel at home.

Lastly – Don’t forget that Bishop’s Move can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote to move to any worldwide destination!
www.bishopsmove.com