THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR MOVING OVERSEAS
Everything You’ll Need To Know Before Moving Overseas.
Ask the Moving Doctor
Our resident Moving Doctor, Mark Nash is in the house! Mark has been in the moving business for 33 years, originally from England; he has moved 5 times internationally and has worked in England, mainland Europe, The Middle East and for the past 19 years in the USA. If he doesn’t know the answer to the question, he has enough friends in this industry to find out for you.
He currently sits on the board of the International Shippers Association and the Commercial Affairs committee at the International Association of Movers.
Mark will always do his best to provide an answer honestly, professionally and treat this forum as a place where everyone can learn about moving overseas.
Brittany L
Posted at 16:50h, 11 JulyHello,
My husband and I are looking into moving to Austrailia for a job opportunity from Iowa. This isn’t a permanent move, only three to four years so we will not be taking any furniture- beds, couches, dressers, and appliances will all stay here stored until we return. A twenty foot container seems a bit big for shipping what we would like to take, which is mostly just our clothing/lots of shoes, a sheet set or two, some of our toweling, and some personal items to make our new temp home feel more cozy. Maybe some kitchen items but not appliances or glassware. Is there something between just packing suitcases and a huge container? We wanted to downsize anyway so moving a lot isn’t our plan. I’m just looking for a ballpark idea on what it looks like to ship a little or just try to pack our lives in a few big suitcases. Thanks!
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 15:35h, 12 JulyHello Brittany, we have a variety of self pack service options for bits and pieces and I will get Peter in our office here to email you more information. We have options from what we call baggage shipping for just a few boxes and then our U Cube is a great 50 cubic foot door to door pod like container which is a lump sum price for whatever you fit in it. Anyway I’ll let Peter tell you more, cheers The Moving Doctor
Sandrine
Posted at 14:22h, 10 JulyHi,
I will be moving for work from Berlin, Germany to Cork, Ireland. Of course I would like to move over some stuff, though not too much: 3 shelves and a desk (from Ikea so I can take them apart), one shelf that can’t be taken apart and some boxes ( I don’t know how much exactly yet but I think between 10 and 20).
What would be the best way to get them over?
I first thought of renting a van, but that doesn’t seem practical, as I won’t be returning to Germany after moving, work will be waiting for me.
Would something like Uship be good possibility to not have too much expenses?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:30h, 11 JulyHello Sandrine, I’m sure there is something we can do for you here. I will get Chris in our EU office to email you some prices and service options, cheers The Moving Doctor
Linda
Posted at 13:31h, 10 JulyI’ve already packed a couple of plastic jars with cajun seasoning (as I can’t get that in Holland). Is that ok to ship? They are new and sealed.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:28h, 11 JulyHi Linda, officially no foodstuff! But I believe a lot of people put in a few spices for the same reason. I cant really say more in writing! Cheers The Moving Doctor
Sara
Posted at 14:57h, 09 JulyHello!
I’d like to ask about shipping furniture from the u.s to Saudi Arabia, what are the cheapest methods?
And, how do furniture companies ship furniture from Europe or the u.s and keeping a healthy profit margain while still paying for shipping?
Thank you!
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 11:10h, 10 JulyMahaba Sara, the cheapest way of shipping furniture is to get the manufacturer to load a shipping container full at their warehouse and ship it direct to Jeddah or Dammam ports. We could easily do this for you with all the correct documentation and provide you with a quote if you need?
Regarding the second part of your question…..manufacturers of furniture are happy to sell you their products by the container load ex works eg priced for you to collect at their warehouse. The furniture seller then in Saudi Arabia would position a container at the warehouse and ship it over to Saudi. The seller then presumably adds the furniture costs plus the shipping and any taxes and duties due plus profit and determines a sell price in his show room!
Well that’s how I would do it in simplistic terms!
Hope that helps and let us know if we can help with your shipping needs, cheers The Moving Doctor, move@upakweship.com
Jon Estes
Posted at 22:00h, 08 JulyI am needing to ship items from the Charlotte NC area to Dubai. We are not taking a full household of items. I would like the size of the UCrates to determine what would work and the cost for each crate to be shipped from Charlotte NC to Dubai. Terminal to door.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:07h, 09 JulyHello Jon, I’ll get Pete in our office to email you the size options and prices from our terminal in Charlotte to door Dubai. Cheers The Moving Doctor
Alyssa
Posted at 14:12h, 08 JulyI have a few questions for the Moving Doc- hopefully nothing too hard to answer 😉
In 2008, I used UPakWeShip to move from the USA to Germany. Now I live in the UK and I’ve decided that it is time to bring over the last of my belongings from storage in the USA and I’d like to go with your U Cube option this time.
Your quoted rate says it is all inclusive. Could you please advise me on what other taxes, customs or duties charges I may incur as I’ve lived in the UK for four years now? Also, do you send me the paperwork I’ll need to complete or how does that work?
Also, if I book for a pick up of my U Cube in mid-August from the Washington D.C.-area, what is a general timeframe of when the U Cube would arrive in England and then to my area of London?
Thanks for your help. I was very pleased with UPakWeShip in 2008 so I feel good about possibly being a repeat customer this year.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 18:00h, 08 JulyHello Alyssa, thanks for the message, I’m glad you remembered us for a quote again! I have copied and pasted your text below with my answers so that I know I haven’t missed anything out.
I have a few questions for the Moving Doc- hopefully nothing too hard to answer 😉 Never! 🙂
In 2008, I used UPakWeShip to move from the USA to Germany. Now I live in the UK and I’ve decided that it is time to bring over the last of my belongings from storage in the USA and I’d like to go with your U Cube option this time.
Your quoted rate says it is all inclusive. Could you please advise me on what other taxes, customs or duties charges I may incur as I’ve lived in the UK for four years now? Also, do you send me the paperwork I’ll need to complete or how does that work? Our rates are all inclusive for to door shipping but obviously duties and taxes are between you and customs! Technically you should be out of the EC for the past 12 months and be shipping all your things to EC within 6 months of your arrival otherwise you will be charged roughly 5% tax and 20% VAT of the value of your used items plus shipping and insurance costs. So for example if you say the used value of the items is declared at $500, the shipping is $1000 and insurance premium was $75 your total would be $1575. VAT will be about $315 and tax on $1890 (total plus vat) will be about $95 so total tax and duty approximately will be $315 VAT and $95 tax plus a processing fee of about $75 However if you can prove that items were in storage and you have the receipts to prove this then they will often waive all taxes and duties but I cant guarantee that, I can tell you however we have had some clear customs duty and tax exempt that can prove they were paying storage charges while saving up the money to ship!
Also, if I book for a pick up of my U Cube in mid-August from the Washington D.C.-area, what is a general timeframe of when the U Cube would arrive in England and then to my area of London? Normal transit time door to door would be 5-6 weeks unless Customs held if for further discussion on the duty and tax issue.
I hope that helps and feel free to email me; move@upakweship.com if you need further info.
I’ll get Pete in our office to send you the prices and options, cheers The Moving Doctor
shai
Posted at 11:17h, 08 JulyI need to ship~frpm san deigo to Israel 10 boxes 3 pictures and a chair .
I am getting quates in the 5000$…
any simpler and cheeper solutions ?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:49h, 08 JulyHello Shai, Israel is not one of our strong points but may be you could fit everything into a U Cube or U Crate and we could ship to a terminal for you to collect. That might save you some shekel’s!
I’ll get Chris in our office to email you some prices, cheers The Moving Doctor
lisa milner
Posted at 18:49h, 07 JulyHow many cubic feet is the Ucube?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 19:53h, 07 JulyHi Lisa, the U Cube is for 50 cubic feet. The dimensions are on the page if you want to measure out the size of the U Cube on your floor and wall to give you a better idea of what 50 cube looks like. Hope that helps, cheers The Moving Doctor
lisa milner
Posted at 18:44h, 07 JulyHi,
I have a total of about 400 cft but the quotes i have got are too expensive and so am now thinking of just getting a Upod or crate to ship about 150-200 cft. We have 2 pieces of baby furniture we would like to ship, a crib and a dresser, which we could flat pack to make more room. I see the Ucrate only holds up to 150 cft but the Upod holds 200 cft. Which would you recommend for some furniture and then boxes of toys, clothes, books?
Thanks
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 19:52h, 07 JulyHello Lisa, there is not a huge difference in price so I would go with the U Pod as it is larger. The U Pod is made of strong cardboard and the U Crate is made of wood. They both come with a plastic shroud and end up being loaded into a shipping container so they are equally as safe.
Pete will be back to you soon with some prices and service options, cheers The Moving Doctor
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:29h, 07 JulyHello Linda, I’ll get Chris in our office to contact you and give you a price, cheers The Moving Doctor
Robert Thrasher
Posted at 09:50h, 07 JulyHello, my wife and I are relocating back to the USA. I was wanting to use a Ucub but in the form in asks if I am within 50 miles of an airport. We am not, our destination is 67 miles from Tucson. Also if the Ucub is rainproof and can it be set outside until it is full and also when it arrives at the destination how long do I have to unload the Ucub. I would assume we would have it full with in a couple of days and ready for pick up or do will fill it at the time it is dropped off and taken the same day? We need door to door as we do not have a vehicle to transport the Ucub. I will be at the destination address around the second week in September of this year. What are the time frames for transport?
Robert Thrasher
Posted at 09:55h, 07 JulyOh, we are moving from Ilshofen Germany to Sierra Vista Arizona.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:47h, 07 JulyHello Robert, thanks for all the information, I will get Chris in our office to contact you and advise. I think the U Cube will work well for you and he will be in touch asap, cheers The Moving Doctor.
Robert Thrasher
Posted at 10:03h, 08 JulyI received a reply asking me my zip codes to each place and when will we move items. That was two days ago and I have not heard anything back. What I want to know is can I get an Ucub from zip code 74532 Germany to 85635 Arizona? Door to door. If not what other options do we have?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:04h, 08 JulyHello Robert, apologies I don’t think we received the zip codes until just now. I will get Chris Corder to contact you and offer rates and service options asap, cheers The Moving Doctor.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:46h, 08 JulyHello Robert, I just got confirmation that Chris has been in touch and sent you a quote so it should be in your email inbox, cheers The Moving Doctor
Sarah
Posted at 22:59h, 04 JulyHi there, I’m thinking of buying 2 armchairs from the US, but the company do not ship internationally. I would get them sent to my grandma who lives in California then get her to ship them to me. The chairs weigh 85lbs each. How much would that cost to ship?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:24h, 07 JulyHello Sarah, I’ll get Pete in our office to contact you and find out where you need these shipped to and we can go from there with shipping prices and options, cheers The Moving Doctor
Star
Posted at 16:49h, 04 JulyI am moving to Scotland to go to school. I am taking clothing, laptop computer, and my computer desk. I may take some other items related to cooking, like pots and pans, dishes, etc. Also….I have a collection of books that would be expensive to have to re-purchase all of them, maybe two or three boxes sized around 20″ x20″ x20″ . I was thinking of buying footlockers for everything but they are expensive. How should I take them with me on the flight and how should I pack them?
Thanks,
Star
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:20h, 07 JulyHello Star, love the name and email address!. I am going to pass this to Pete to find out a little more information, particularly where you are shipping from. Pete can send you our tips on packing presentations and advise on service options and pricing. I agree footlockers are expensive but they are great protection for your things and if you will be moving again in the future they might be worth the investment. When I first moved to the Middle East I had a large shipping trunk that doubled up as a coffee table while I was there and was obviously used for the return journey and again when we first moved to the USA. Cheers The Moving Doctor
caroline may
Posted at 15:39h, 02 JulyHello, we moved to munich, germany from Princeton ,NJ three years ago with the thought of returning ,but now are staying in Germany and want to ship some more of our stuff. Not so much and we do like your upack site a lot. But as we look at stuff, it matters as how much it will cost, to think if it really is worth our while to ship.
We like the shared container idea because we get more space for less $ than the pod or crate. Are there restrictions on weight? For example a wardrobe is so many square feet but if we can fill it with stuff, it is still the same volume, but more weight obviously.
Also someone told us because we have lived in germany now more than 12 month we would have to pay 18% taxes on the stuff. Is that true? And how can we get around that?
Thank you
caroline
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 20:52h, 02 JulyHello Caroline, I will get Pete in our office to send you our current shipping rates and explain more but please note that the shared container service is only for boxes. The boxes then get loaded and stacked on pallets. Things like wardrobes need to go in U Crates or a U Pod. If you fill them full of stuff they will get too heavy to be able to move and also they will end up possibly busting due to the excess weight while being shipped.
Regarding the tax and duty issue, yes you need to be moving your items into Germany within 6 months of your arrival unless you can prove with a storage invoice and receipt that you were paying for storage while waiting to ship your items.
Any way I’ll let Peter email you some more information, cheers The Moving Doctor
Desne
Posted at 18:42h, 30 JuneHello, I am moving to Palencia, Northern Spain in a few months. I want to take my household furniture and garden furniture / loungers to my new home. I have the usual items settee’s, bed, clothes rail and several large boxes. Could you tell me please which would be the safest and least expensive way for me to do this? My neighbour has offered to drive a large van and then load his van and my things onto a shipping carrier, then when he arrived in Santander he would drive his van to my new home. I would pay him of course. Would this be possible do you think? If so where and who do I contact in order to do this. Thank you.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:29h, 01 JulyHello Desne, you need to tell me please where you are moving from? If its anywhere in Europe though your friend can load it all in his van and take it. I believe if he is doing this as a friend for no charge he doesn’t need a license but it could be tricky if he thinks he can charge for it as he wouldn’t have a license or insurance to carry household goods if stopped. Let me know more details and I can give you more answers and advise, thanks The Moving Doctor
Desne
Posted at 20:01h, 01 JulyOh whoops sorry. I forgot to say I am moving from Peterborough, England to Villaeles De Valdavia, Palencia, Spain. No I don’t think my neighbour would have a license, he is a builder and he and his wife have offered to move my household furniture if I pay them. I have looked at Brittainy Ferries but it would cost me around £2,000 for the 3 of us along with 2 cabins. I would have to pay for their return passage too. But I am on a very tight budget, and was really wanting someone/ company who would transport my things safely and in expensively! If possible? Thank you. My tel: 07944 796 132.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:41h, 02 JulyHello Desne. Yes that sounds expensive! There are many moving companies that specialize in moving just from UK to Spain and back. To be honest we are not one of them although we do go there when needed but not every week. Try these companies that are all easily found with a Google search and all go to Spain every week so you will only have to pay for a shared truck load which should work out a lot cheaper.
David Dale, Mathew James, Union Jack, Steve Howell, Roy Trevor.
Hope this helps and let me know if you need anything further, cheers The Moving Doctor
Amelia
Posted at 02:34h, 29 JuneHi, I’m looking to in buying our own container to ship household items from Adelaide Australia to Middlesbrough UK…. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction of shipping companies who accept private containers? Hope you can help, thank you, Amelia
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:25h, 30 JuneHello Amelia, I’ll get Chris Corder to confirm this to you as he runs this route for UPakWeShip. You do have to be careful with buying your own shipping container. 1/ Make sure its stamped for being sea worthy as normal storage containers are not.
2/ Many shipping lines refuse owner owned containers and obviously give preference to their own containers and if not refusing them, at least charge a premium for the carriage.
Cheers The Moving Doctor
Edwina Smith
Posted at 16:40h, 26 JuneHi Mark I need to transport about 30 cubic metres of childlrens clothing and nursery equipment to Malaga in Spain. I’ve heard that a container ship would be a really cheap way to do this but i wouldn’t know where to start.
I’ve contacted one or two companies but they seem to be house removal people and are quite expensive.
Any ideas
thanks ed
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 15:15h, 27 JuneHello Ed, I think you probably mean 30 cubic feet! That’s about 6 suitcases full where as 30 cbm is a 20 foot container load which is about the size of a single garage!
This is right up our street and we can give you a price where you drop the boxes off at one of our 88 terminals spread across the USA, (presume that’s where you are?) or we can collet from you for a little more money. Then we will load your boxes with lots of other peoples stuff and ship it across to our European hub where we clear through customs and then deliver to your driveway on a pallet.
I’ll get Pete in our office to drop you an email to find out where you are and then he can send you some service options and pricing. Either way look no further! We have the best rates and service from USA to Spain!
Cheers The Moving Doctor
Peter Theron
Posted at 12:47h, 25 JuneHi Mark
Why is it that the removal industry quotes 30cu metres on a 20ft when it has a capacity of 33.2cu m, – 60cu metres on a 40ft when it has a capacity of 67.7cu metres and 72cu metres on a 40ft Hi Cube when it has a capacity of 76..4cu metres??
Appreciate your opinion.
Regards
Peter Theron
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:59h, 25 JuneHello Peter, good question. To be honest I would not normally advise getting above 28.2 cbm in 20ft container. The reason is household items are not standard shapes so it doesn’t matter how good you are at stacking and loading, you will always get gaps in there that can not be filled and that brings down the amount of volume you can get in there. So if you were completely loading it with standard size boxes that all stacked perfectly wall to wall and floor to ceiling them yes you would get 33 cbm in a 20foot but as soon as you get some chairs, BBQ, lamps, bikes etc achieving that volume is near impossible.
I hope that makes sense and let me know if you have more questions, cheers The Moving Doctor.
James Armstrong
Posted at 11:19h, 24 JuneHi
I have a half container that I need to ship from Melbourne, Australia to davao in the Philippines.
This is all packed I just need it shipped and delivered. I have sent out quote requests but have not heard back.
I need to understand if this is something I will do or if I should sell and start again.
James
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:45h, 24 JuneHello James, I will check with Chris Corder in our office to see if we have a service on this route. If so he can give you more information on the services available and the pricing, cheers The Moving Doctor
Jill
Posted at 15:21h, 21 JuneHi, is there a general time frame for how long it takes to ship from Atlanta to Wales? Just trying to get an idea.
Thank you for your time.
Jamie
Posted at 23:22h, 20 JuneI’m finding it quiet difficult to get a work visa! And I’m told that I need to have one before looking for jobs in England (I am from the States). Is this something that the US Embassy could help me with once I find a job there, then get a work visa! I would like to eventually move there. Thanks!
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:55h, 24 JuneHello Jamie, yes like the USA you need to have a visa to stay and work in the UK. These days that is not easy I’m afraid unless you have a skill that they need like a doctor, professor or scientist. You can study there or get a job transfer from you existing company may be? If not other alternatives are marry a significant other with a British accent lol 🙂
Good luck with your job hunting, we can move your things there when your ready to move!
Cheers The Moving Doctor
Albert Hoyle
Posted at 21:38h, 18 Junehi there
i need to relocate from Lynbrook NY
DEPENDING ON COST
we need to move some of our things to the UK (HULL which is a seaport) and some to Chicago IL 60630
whether or not we make both moves, one move or no moves (we estate sale everything and start again) depends absolutely on cost. we are retired, this is not a company move so we are paying out of pocket.
we are energetic and capable of packing quite a lot. our homes is PICTURES BOOKS and COLLECTIBLES>
thanks so much
albert and tammy hoyle
lynbrook NY
11563
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 15:20h, 19 JuneHello Albert and Tammy. I will ask Peter in our office here to explain our different service and pricing options. I think you will be surprised at how low our all inclusive rates are! In fact we can often move you to the UK cheaper than we can across the USA! We have our own terminal in Suffolk England and send everything there to clear customs and then we would deliver to your address in Hull.
Anything else let me know but look out for an email from pete@eurousa.us with all the details, cheers The Moving Doctor
Kate
Posted at 14:00h, 17 JuneHello
I’m moving from France back to Australia. I’m in a small 2 bed home about 70m2 but I’m not taking everything.
Bed, dining table and chairs (4), but do have 4 very tall bookcases over 2m high and a large cross trainer (too expensive to replace (I feel) about 2mtrs long. Bedding and other household items. I need a door to door service with possible storage at the other end? As a gestimation how big a container do you think I would need. God Im stressing already.
THanks for your help
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:18h, 17 JuneHello Kate, relax, deep breaths 🙂 We can make it all happen Stress Free. I’ll get Chris in our office to contact you and get some more details. We will then be able to advise you a price and also some service options.
Cheers The Moving Doctor
Eric
Posted at 12:35h, 14 JuneHi, I’m moving back to The Netherlands (Groningen) from Toronto, Canada, and just want to ship a sofabed plus 1 or two boxes (in total about 100 kg and 1,5 m3 (225 lbs and 35 cu ft). Picking up before June 18th, delivery ‘whenever’ (no rush). Can’t seem to find a(n affordable) groupage service for this! Tips?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 12:48h, 16 JuneHello Eric, we run a groupage service on this route but picking up by tomorrow will be tricky. This is a very busy time of the year, (kids break up from school, everyone moves) but I’m sure we could do later in the week. I’ll get Pete to answer you though to confirm, cheers The Moving Doctor
ASHISH PANT
Posted at 09:12h, 14 JuneI WANT TO AIRLIFT AN ASSEBLED COMPUTER MACHINE WEIGHING 350 KGS FROM MUNICH TO NEW DELHI WITH DIMESIONS 10 FEET*8FEET*8FEET.
PLEASE GIVE ME THE QUOTATION FOR THE SAME
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 12:51h, 16 JuneHello Ashish, I’ll pass this on to my colleague Chris from the EU division to contact you. 350 kgs but 10x8x8 doesn’t sound right. Seems like a very very large computer weighing very little.. Chris will email you and verify dims before quoting, cheers The Moving Doctor
Chris
Posted at 15:01h, 13 JuneHi. I’m planning a move from the USA to the UK, but there is probably going to be some delay between moving out of my USA house and identifying the final destination in the UK. What options do I have for loading and storing in the US prior to confirming shipment and delivery to the UK ? I would be using a 20′ shipping container.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 17:42h, 13 JuneHi Chris, unfortunately you are not allowed to use the shipping containers for storage so really the best bet is keep it in a self store in the USA until you are ready to ship it, that’s probably the cheapest way or if it arrives before you have your new place then unload it into a self store near where you will be living. This works out quite well as you never know if you need to go into your things and get your sheepskin jacket out in August due to severe weather lol.
I hope that helps and please email me if you need more info, would like a quote or have more questions, cheers The Moving Doctor
Doris Fischer
Posted at 16:43h, 12 JuneI would like to know whether it’s possible to have a car shipped from Germany to Illinois. We can drive the car to a port (perhaps in Belgium?) if necessary. Also, if you do ship vehicles, are you also able to provide guidance on all the documentation required to bring a car from Europe to the U.S.?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:10h, 13 JuneHello Doris, yes we can do this and have a lot of experience in shipping cars. I’ll get Chris Corder in our office to contact you on email and advice you of costs and paperwork involved. Car must be up to US Specification though or be historic otherwise it will not be allowed into the US. Cheers The Moving Doctor
bruno
Posted at 02:36h, 12 Junei need to ship or personal items , door to door service fom NYC to Rome, Italy about one cubic meter and 150 kg weight, i am looking for cartoon boxes provided by the shipper, I WILL DO THE PACKING.
any advise?
thanks
bn
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:16h, 12 JuneHello Bruno, My advice is that you have found the right place! UPakWeShip can certainly help you with this and would think our baggage or U Cube services would work well for you. All you need to do is but the cartons, pack them well and leave the rest to us. We will give you an all inclusive rate through to door. I’ll get Pete in our office to email you some prices and details about our services, cheers The Moving Doctor
Pania
Posted at 11:34h, 11 JuneI would like to ship a car 4 door saloon and household goods.. 1x king bed, 2 singles and 2 doubles, sofas, dining room table and 8 chairs, stove, American style refrigerator washing machine, drier, dish washer, garden furniture bbq etc. What size container is suitable and can i hire instead of buying. If I hire am I responsible for its shipment back to the UK. Shipment is into zambia
Can I also ship empty gas bottles
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:40h, 11 JuneHello Pania, you could load it all into a 40 foot container that we can hire on your behalf for the journey from UK to Zambia. I’ll get Chris Smith from our UK office to email you and get some more information and then he will be able to give you more information regarding customs and of course a price. Cheers The Moving Doctor
Maria Marcus
Posted at 04:40h, 10 JuneHi, we are base on USA, We are participating in a trade show in Italy, we would like to know which is the best and fasted way to ship our samples, we understand we need a carnet ( passport for goods) to avoid delays and duties in Italy as long as the samples leave the country once the trade show is over.
Please advise.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 19:20h, 10 JuneHello Maria, yes that’s correct, you will need a Carnet which you can normally obtain from your local chamber of commerce. This will then need to be stamped by US customs at the airport or seaport of departure for approval before being sent over to the customs broker in Italy. You will also need to do a list of all items including values. Its very important that the list ,matches the shipment particularly on its return journey! You can not give a few samples away in Italy and then ship the rest back to USA as the Carnet will then not match the quantity in the shipment and could cause big problems! If you only have a couple of weeks to ship it out and the items are not too big then I would send by airfreight but if not take the more economical ship route. We can give you prices and more information if needed, just email or call. Cheers The Moving Doctor, move@upakweship.com
Miko
Posted at 23:21h, 09 JuneI have a mini fridge in storage in Arizona but no longer have the reason to go back. What is the cheapest way to ship my mini fridge to California? The storage company my mini fridge is in is saying that it will cost me at least $150 to ship it plus other fees….that is just too expensive for one item. What are my options? Or do I have to drive back down to Arizona?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 19:22h, 10 JuneHello Miko, I suggest either ask the store company to get rid of it, drive it yourself or pay $150, no other options I’m afraid, good luck, cheers The Moving Doctor
Philip d'Aoust
Posted at 20:08h, 09 JuneHello there! I’m hoping you can help me, I’ve been all over the internet and your site seems the most hopeful! My situation is this: last year around this time I took a bicycle trip to France but had to return prematurely. Now my bike and camping equipment sits in a barn in Northern France and I’m home in Canada with no way to get it back. Do you know of anyone out there that would pick the equipment up, package it, and send it home to Canada? Price is not really an issue at this point.
Here’s hoping!
Kind regards,
-Phil d’Aoust
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 19:25h, 10 JuneHello Philip, YES, we can certainly do this for you. I’ll get Chris in our office to email you and get some more info. He will then be able to get you a price and if all is ok, arrange this door to door for you. Thanks and relax knowing that UPakWeShip can help!
Cheers The Moving Doctor
Shane Hultz
Posted at 18:36h, 07 JuneI am contemplating moving to Western Hungary in the summer of 2015. I do not plan to take any furniture but I have plans to take the usual personal effects etc. I am a musician and own a large sound system that I intend to bring with me. Is this considered personal effects or commercial equipment. It is not for sale. I have purchase receipts for most of the equipment I plan to bring. It is multi voltage so the power will be no issue. If it were taxed how would it be taxed? I value the equipment at around $20,000.00 USD
Thanks much for your advice and help.
Shane Hultz
Posted at 18:37h, 07 JuneI forgot to mention I live in the USA
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:51h, 09 JuneHi Shane, if its your personal music equipment and you have owned it for more than 6 months and lived in the USA for the last year and now moving residence to Hungary, there would be no taxes or duties. I’ll get Pete in our office to email you some prices and service options, cheers The Moving Doctor
Susan Thompson
Posted at 15:14h, 07 JuneI have a couple of trunks with some items from my moms estate. What would be the best and cost effective way to transport them from Seattle to Adelaide Australia
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:53h, 09 JuneHello Susan, I’ll get you prices from our Air and Sea division to see what works out best for you and they will email you. Sorry for your loss, hope we can help you, cheers The Moving Doctor
wouter scheltema
Posted at 08:57h, 07 JuneI am a returning expat from Kenya to The Netherlnds. I want to move a small volume of household goods in the range of 3 -5 m3 from Kenya to the Netherlands. What are my options and costs.
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:55h, 09 JuneHello Wouter, not sure off hand but I believe our EU office does a lot of work in and out of Kenya so will get Chris from EU office to email you, cheers The Moving Doctor
Susan D
Posted at 06:11h, 06 JuneI was recently bequeathed personal items from my mother and want to ship them to southwestern France. I understand I have one year before duty-free on these goods, most of which are household items and wall hangings (paintings, photos that I made for them over the years).
Your name comes to me via a friend who shipped her personal belongings from California to the same village a couple of years ago and she encountered customs delays and potential extra charges on her flat rate crate in UK.
I’m concerned that this same thing might happen to me. I am working on a tight budget and cannot go ahead with a move that will wind up costing more.
Please advise me on how customs UK works and what papers I would need to show that this is a bequeathal etc. regarding goods that are just passing through to France.
Thanks. Susan
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 13:33h, 06 JuneHello Susan, some good questions here! First of all though I am sorry for your loss and we will do everything we can to get the items left to you back to France as easily and cost effective as possible. Normally if you have a copy of the will attested by a lawyer that we can show to Customs that will suffice. If there is no proof that the items were bequeathed to you it is possible that items can be charged duty and vat (about25%) on CIF value which is the item cost plus shipping cost and insurance cost. Hopefully you have some paperwork that we can show to Customs that will allow duty and tax free entry into Europe. I will get Peter in our office here to contact you and get more details so he can advise costs and confirm about duty and tax free entry.
Just one extra thing, our prices are always all inclusive meaning we do NOT charge anything extra on top of the quote for port charges or even a simple customs inspection. The only time you would ever get charged anything more by us in Europe would be if there was duties and taxes due or if you have bad access and we had to hire a small van for example to deliver your things as our big truck couldn’t get near your house.
Hope that helps and Pete will be in contact soon, cheers The Moving Doctor
M
Posted at 19:23h, 05 JuneHello,
I am a student in Nice, France and need to ship a suitcase to Nova Scotia, Canada. The suitcase is around 20 kg and contains clothing and a laptop. How much would something like this cost? Please advise.
Thank you!
M
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:11h, 06 JuneHello Maddie, I would suggest taking it to a local DHL, FedEx or UPS store in Nice and get them to ship it back. If you cant take it with you on the plane, this is the most reliable and cost effective way of shipping one suitcase, cheers The Moving Doctor.
wayne
Posted at 16:43h, 05 JuneI need to ship 7 small to medium boxes of personal items from Perrysburg, Ohio USA to Hong Kong. What is the most economical method of shipping?
thanks,
Wayne
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:13h, 06 JuneHello Wayne, the best way would be our baggage service to door or if you have fragile items I suggest the U Cube to give your things extra protection. I’ll get Pete in our office here to email you some rates and options, cheers The Moving Doctor
Sophia
Posted at 16:03h, 05 JuneHi,
I was wondering, if I were to order a U-box to ship to the London from New York, how long does it typically take for the u-box to arrive at home for me to fill it?
Thank you very much,
Best, Sophia
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:15h, 06 JuneHello Sophia, we would normally like a weeks notice to get you the U Cube. We can do it at shorter notice but its less stressful getting the paperwork sorted, questions answered and the U Cube sent out if we have a week. We can then collect next day if you need after you have loaded it. Transit time NY to London is normally 5-6 weeks door to door. Cheers The Moving Doctor
shai Har-gil
Posted at 06:37h, 05 JuneI need to ship a crate by sea from Oceanside,Ca. to Israel
My Items should fill about 6″x6″x6″
What costs should I expect ?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 17:49h, 05 JuneHello Shai, I’ll get Chris in our office here to advise, cheers The Moving Doctor
Jennie Rintala
Posted at 05:40h, 05 JuneHello,
I need some advice about moving overseas. I will be going from Perth, WA to LA and don’t know what the best way to move my belongings would be.
Thanks
Jen
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 17:50h, 05 JuneHello Jen, Chris Corder will be emailing you with some info and suggestions, cheers The Moving Doctor
Deborah Mustafa
Posted at 18:33h, 04 JuneHello what would the cost of moving 200kgs to Qatar from Dubai be?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 17:52h, 05 JuneHello Deborah, we dont handle that route but suggest you try DHL or UPS for that, cheers The Moving Doctor
Sandra Tripp-Jones
Posted at 12:37h, 04 JuneI need to move about 6 boxes from Toulouse, France to Arnold, MD, leaving by Saturday June 6. Can your company do that and how do I get a quote? Many thanks,
Sandra
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:30h, 04 JuneHello Sandra, we can certainly do this and will get Chris Smith in our EU office to email you asap, cheers The Moving Doctor
venucia
Posted at 04:49h, 04 JuneHello
I am moving a 20ft container from los angeles to London.I was told it would take 5 weeks.is it a pretty accurate timing? Can it arrive any earlier. Also what are my chances to get taxed on some of my items that are less than 6 months old (I.e. I bought a new comforter and pillows and pots and pans and may buy a new bike.
Thanks
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 15:19h, 04 JuneHello Venucia, the shipping line transit time is 33 days but the time from loading at your residence to loading onto the ship and then add on customs clearance and delivery to your residence in London you would need to add on an additional 7-12 days so total transit time on average is going to be about 40-45 days so a little over 6 weeks door to door from Los Angeles. So no there is no way it could arrive earlier but could definitely arrive later than the 5 weeks that someone is quoting you! Regarding your new items, in order to get things into the UK duty and tax free one of the requirements is that items must be declared at being over 6 months old. If however an item is used its very hard I would think in my personal opinion to figure out if an item is 1 month, 3 months or 6 months old, unless you have some latest electronic gadget that has only been on the shelves for a month!! Obviously new items still with tags on and never been unwrapped or opened will be seen with x ray or random customs inspections and you will be charged vat currently at 20% and duty of about 5% based on the items cost plus the shipping price and the insurance cost. I hope that helps and let me know if you need more clarification, cheers The Moving Doctor.
Karen Heafey
Posted at 22:40h, 03 JuneRemoval of a 20ft container door to door including insurance per couple from Munich to Sydney. Storage of good can also be provided for up to 4 weeks
Moving date September for arrival in October 2014
URGENT, please
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:32h, 04 JuneHello Karen, I will get Chris Corder to work out a price for you and email you, cheers The Moving Doctor
C.J. Dawson
Posted at 18:46h, 03 JuneHi Mark,
I will be moving from Los Angeles to Bonn, Germany. I am thinking of sending a standard 3 seat couch (breaks apart into smaller sections, relatively light weight), a queen size bed, and one standard sized moving box.
Costs and time?
Thanks
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:36h, 04 JuneHello CJ, I would think our self load U Pod would work best for this. You could either load it at our LA terminal or for an extra cost we can collect. All our prices are then all inclusive through to your door in Bonn, Germany. I’ll get Pete in our office here to email you prices, service options and advise transit times, cheers The Moving Doctor
Sara
Posted at 17:59h, 03 JuneI may be moving from the US to the UK (waiting on job confirmation). I don’t have a lot of things, but do have a very large couch, small dresser, small desk, and a mattress. If I purchased a uBox for my “other” things, what is the best option to ship the furniture items?
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 14:42h, 04 JuneHello Sara, rather than using a U Cube for the smaller things I would suggest getting our U Pod which will hopefully be big enough to accommodate the sofa, dresser, desk, mattress and some boxes! I’ll get Pete to advise you dimensions and prices, he will be in touch on email, cheers The Moving Doctor
Dale Van Heer
Posted at 11:29h, 03 JuneI need the packaging and shipping of two speakers from San Francisco (California, USA) to Adelaide or Melbourne in Australia. The specifications of each speaker are as follows:
Weight: 167 lbs. (75.7kg)
Dimensions: 52″ × 31.25″ × 28.5″ (HxWxD)
What would be the cost of shipping (speakers worth US $ 3000)
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 12:53h, 03 JuneHello Dale, Chris in our office will email you a quote for this, cheers The Moving Doctor
Sophia Deininger
Posted at 00:00h, 03 JuneHi Mark
I am shortly relocating from Los Angeles to Amsterdam. I have some things I need to ship and am trying to figure out the easiest, most affordable way to this. I am shipping a few suitcases, maybe 10-12 boxes, a couple of rugs and lamps, and some other items that will not fit in a box. I am not shipping any large furniture. Do you have any ideas for me?
Thanks!
Sophia
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 12:59h, 03 JuneHello Sophia, if you have some items that don’t fit into boxes then I suggest one of our crates would be the best way to go. That would give all your items the best protection but if you are on a tight budget then dropping off at our LA terminal and letting UPakWeShip load on our shared container service would be the most economic way to go. As we load regular shipping containers from LA to Europe we offer discounts from LA compared with our other terminals. I’ll get Pete in our office to email you the rates and service options, cheers The Moving Doctor
Mike Keefe
Posted at 14:49h, 02 JuneWe need to ship 6 sample chairs and 4 sample chairs to Washington DC and need to have them packaged for transport. Any idea as to the quickest and most cost efficient method?
Thanks,
Mike
The Moving Doctor
Posted at 16:00h, 02 JuneHi Mike, its a bit hard to advise best packing, quickest and cost effective method unless we know to where you are going from Washington DC. I’ll pass on up to Peter in our DC office to email you to see if we can be of assistance, cheers The Moving Doctor