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 finalise 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 and what does it include?
The cost of sea freight and road shipments are based on the total volume of your goods. This is calculated by multiplying the length, breadth and height of your items – this gives you a total volume in cubic feet. Air freight shipments are calculated on either the actual gross weight or the volume weight of the goods. Don’t worry, our Relocation Consultants can work out this for you!
Our quotation will exclude import duties or taxes due in various countries, quarantine examinations if ordered, or storage. We can explain all this to you during the survey.
What does the quote include?
No two relocations are the same, so Crown's quotation will be specifically tailored to your individual requirements.
Some things are always included:
- Supply of all new packing materials
- Packing of your household goods and personal effects by trained, experienced packers
- Preparation of an itemised inventory
- Collection from your home
- Crating/containerisation 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 survey.
Does Crown Relocations cover the whole of the UK?
Yes. Crown has branches situated across the UK and Ireland, covering the entire region.
Is there insurance available for goods in transit?
Yes. 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, on an 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 mould 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.
Can I track my shipment online?
Yes. All of Crown's 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.
Does Crown pack and unpack all my possessions?
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 relocation.
At destination, we will unpack your goods and dispose of any debris at your new residence. The crew uses a colour-labeling system at origin and destination to match packages with rooms. Colour-coded cards, hung on doors at the destination residence, are matched to like-coloured stickers on cartons, simplifying delivery and unpacking.
Can I pack my own possessions?
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.
What happens to my things when they 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, organise a date for delivery and discuss any storage requirements.
Will I have to be at the destination 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.