General questions
How can I get a quotation
Go to our homepage and fill out a quick form with your information.
How soon can I get a quote? And is it Door-to-Door?
All our Proposals are door-to-door inclusive, unless stated otherwise. We would send you this within 48-72 hours from the day you register on our website.
Do I need to pay extra for a physical survey?
Our Physical and Virtual Surveys are completely free of charge.
When can I schedule a physical / virtual survey?
Our consultants will coordinate directly with you to choose the best possible time. They are available for surveys from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Covid-19
Will it take longer to get my items?
It depends on multiple factors such as the shipping line, route, time of the year, container shortages and port delays. Speak with a Move Manager who will be able to give you the most up to date information.
How do I need to prepare for a move during a pandemic?
Plan early, book early and be prepared for possible extra charges related to storage, freight increases, a lengthened transit time. People who book well in advance have a better likelihood of securing a container for their move date.
How are packing crews operating to ensure my safety?
Our Teams are tested regularly to ensure theirs and your safety. They are all well-equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), face masks, and gloves in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
Planning your move
When should I arrange a quotation?
It is important not to leave your search for an international relocation company until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to arrange relocation quotations, appoint a relocation company and finalize all of your arrangements.
We recommend you make contact a minimum of twelve weeks prior to your planned moving date.
How is the cost calculated?
The cost of sea freight and road freight shipments are based on the total volume of your goods. This is calculated by multiplying the length, breadth and height of the items to give a total volume in cubic feet.
Air freight shipments are calculated on either the actual gross weight or the volume weight of the goods, whichever is greatest.
Your Relocation Consultant will be able to accurately measure your goods at the time of the in-home consultation and provide a relocation quotation based on this measurement.
What does the quote include?
No two relocations are the same, so Crown's quotation will be specifically tailored to your individual requirements.
The following are always included:
- Supply of all new packing materials
- Packing of your household goods and personal effects by trained, experienced packers
- Preparation of an itemized inventory
- Collection from your home
- Crating/containerization and delivery to the terminal
- Preparation of all export documentation and all import documentation for the completion of Customs and Agricultural Clearances
- Payment of terminal charges
- Delivery direct to store/residence within a 50km radius of the destination port
- Unpacking and clearance of all waste materials on day of delivery, as required.
The quotation will exclude any import duties or taxes due in various countries, quarantine examinations if ordered or storage if required.
Your Relocation Consultant will be happy to explain this to you during the in-home consultation.
How far ahead should I book?
Ideally, you should confirm dates as soon as possible, as dates are often booked up well in advance.
Crown Relocations will always aim to match the dates you require, but please keep in mind that some days (particularly Fridays) are busier and more expensive than others, so it will help if you can be flexible.
Does Crown offer a worldwide relocation service?
Crown Relocations has offices in 204 locations in 53 countries, all of which are linked by a common operating system.
During a relocation, the Crown office at origin and the Crown office at your destination continuously share important information in order to ensure the relocation is a success.
All commitments made prior to departure will be carried out by dedicated Crown staff at the other end of the move.
What are Crown's quality standards?
Crown has earned ISO certification in the majority of its worldwide locations.
External quality audits are carried out by ISO representatives on a regular basis, ensuring that standards are upheld and our customers always receive a high-quality service.
Our pursuit of the highest possible quality service has led Crown to develop the QUEST Quality Management Program. With our history and knowledge of the relocation industry, Crown has been able to create a system that sets the standard for quality.
Does Crown offer goods in transit insurance?
While Crown's professional crews will always securely pack your belongings, it is important to remember that your goods will be traveling by ship, plane, truck or other mode of transport—each of which carries inherent risks.
For your peace of mind, we offer CrownCare, transit insurance that provides full replacement cost coverage on a door-to-door, all-risks basis.
As well as offering lump sum or full detailed inventory options, additional protection is available to cover pairs and sets, electrical and mechanical derangement and damage through mold and mildew.
Moving day
Are any items prohibited from my shipment?
Each country has its own restrictions, but as a general rule, the following items should not be included in your shipment:
- Alcohol
- Firearms and ammunition
- Foodstuffs, including herbs and spices
- Hazardous items (including adhesives, ammonia, bleaches, chlorine, detergents, disinfectants, dyes, flammables, gas cylinders, insecticides, mercury thermometers, methylated spirits, paints, pesticides, photographic chemicals, pressure packs, thinners)
- Items made from endangered animals
- Unprocessed furs, skins
- Plants, dried flowers, bulbs, seeds
- Pornographic material
- Soil or sand of any kind
- Swords, spears, switchblades.
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and Crown Relocations will be able to advise you of further prohibited items for individual countries.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the packing day?
Crown's expert team of packers will take care of everything on the day.
Prior to their arrival:
- Dispose of any items you do not wish to take with you
- Clear out the garage, attic and basement
- Disconnect and defrost refrigerators and freezers
- Drain washing machine
- Remove fixtures and fittings from walls
- Thoroughly clean all outdoor equipment.
Remember to keep separate any items you will need to take with you when traveling, including passports, money, travel documents, important paperwork, jewelry, valuables and suitcases.
Crown's Relocation Planner contains plenty of helpful hints to prepare for your relocation and will be left with you at the time of your in-home consultation.
Will Crown pack and unpack all of my possessions for me?
Crown's packing teams will expertly pack and wrap your goods ready for shipment.
All packers are fully trained and will make sure your possessions are well protected and perfectly safe throughout the entire process of your relocation.
At destination we will unpack your goods and dispose of any debris on delivery day at your new residence.
The crew uses a color-labeling system at origin and destination to match packages with rooms. Color-coded cards, hung on doors at the destination residence, are matched to like-colored stickers on cartons, simplifying the delivery and unpacking process.
Can I pack any of my possessions myself?
For security reasons, many countries no longer accept shipments that are packed by the owner.
In addition, any damage incurred to items you packed yourself may not be covered by transit insurance.
We strongly advise that you let Crown pack all of your household items and personal effects. All Crown crews are professionally trained and have years of experience packing people's precious belongings.
Will the packing crew use the original materials for my appliances or large items?
If you have any of the original cartons and packing materials for your appliances or other household items, make sure that you inform your Crew Supervisor. He or she will inspect the materials to determine whether your items will be safer using these or our own specialized materials.
Do you offer storage facilities?
Your possessions can be stored either at origin or destination, as necessary. Crown has state-of-the-art storage facilities in over 180 locations across the globe, so your personal belongings can be specially packed and moved to a Crown storage facility for as long as you wish.
Can I track my shipment online?
All of Crown's worldwide facilities are linked by a common communication and operating network.
This technological investment means that before you arrive at your destination, the local Crown office will already have up-to-date information on your relocation.
What happens when my possessions arrive at their destination?
Before you depart, your Move Manager will give you the contact details for your coordinator at the Crown office where you're moving to, along with your shipment details and the estimated date of arrival.
When you arrive in your new city, you will be contacted by the local Crown office who will coordinate the inbound clearance, confirm the status of the goods, organize a date for delivery and discuss any storage requirements.
Will I have to be in the destination country for my possessions to clear customs?
Many countries do require you to be present in order for your goods to clear customs, but different rules apply in each country.
Your Relocation Consultant will be able to confirm the regulations for the country you are relocating to.