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Plan early to make your move to NZ go smoothly
There are so many important things to do in planning your move to New Zealand it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking you can leave organising the removal until the last minute
If you do it could create a number of last-minute problems and unnecessary stress. The correct time to start organising quotations and compiling information about your international removal to NZ is between three and six months before your intended departure or earlier.
Most people get three international removal companies to quote, but how do you decide which companies to select?
What should you look for?
As a first point, don't look at how local they are. Unlike a UK domestic removal, the quality and cost of an international removal in most cases is not affected by the locality of the remover to your address. It is more a question of the number of international removals the company handles to New Zealand that will reflect the quality and cost of your removal.
It is also important to look for companies which are members of Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (FIDI) and have attained FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) status. Controlled by FIDI, the most prestigious International removals association, FAIM quality assurance is recognised throughout the world. Furthermore, the company of your choice should also be a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR). However, make sure they are members of the BAR Overseas Group as only members of this group are covered by the International Movers Mutual Insurance (IMMI) prepayment guarantee scheme.
Once you have selected the international removal companies you wish to quote for your international move, it's then time to arrange for a free, no obligation estimate. Be prepared to wait at least a couple of weeks because the more popular international removers are in great demand. It's like going out for dinner: the good restaurants are always booked up and busier but it's normally worth the wait.
What's important to look for from the estimator?
Advice regarding any items either you or they consider you should not take to NZ and an explanation of the reasons why.
A clear description of their company's experience, service and packing methods.
Advice concerning any special packing they recommend for any particular items.
Advice regarding which items require cleaning, for quarantine inspection and how this should be achieved.
The representative should also explain why certain packing materials must not be used in removals to New Zealand. In particular, wooden packing cases must be made from treated timber and the use of polythene and plastic wrapping materials should be avoided on items which could be damaged by excessive heat and condensation.
Explanation of the associations they belong to, what guarantees are included and which quality assurance standards their company has achieved.
Information regarding storage and any ancillary services that may be required
The estimator should complete a full packing inventory of everything you wish to take, including a generous allowance for cartons for all the small items. It's important that the estimator sees all the small items and not just the furniture to make their assessment of the volume as accurate as possible.
What to be wary of from an estimator
Never sign up for a removal on the spot: wait until you receive a proper written quotation with a packing list showing all your items, an estimated cubic volume, details of liability or insurance cover and the terms and conditions under which the Company operates.
Beware of Estimators who cast aspersions or tell you bad stories about other companies in an effort to endear you to their company. This is the worst type of marketing and is normally used to try and worry you and increase the chance of you choosing that estimator's company. An estimator working for a professionally run company will not need to do this they will devote their energy to telling you about their company's service and reputation.
Always get more than one estimate, don't listen to estimators who tell you that you will not get a better deal and you don't need any other companies to come round.
The quotation
Once the estimator has completed their survey of the goods you plan to take with you, you should receive a written estimate within a few days. Always wait until you have received the written estimate and have checked it thoroughly before you book your international removal.
Sometimes as a result of the quotations you receive, you may decide to add or subtract items from your removal and you need time to discuss this with the companies which have estimated. You will also need time to decide which international removal company you are going to use. These days it is rare for someone to decide on which company to use just by looking at the price. Invariably, you will want to telephone or email the company and ask more questions or seek clarification on certain points. Then, when you finally make your decision you will probably find that the popular and most professional international movers require around one month's notice to book the actual packing and removal date.
Shipping and packing
There are basically two means of shipping your household goods to NZ:
Smaller removals will be consolidated with other people's removals destined for the same New Zealand port and shipped in shared container loads. It is important that the international remover you select regularly handles a large number of these otherwise your goods can be waiting in the UK for some time before there is sufficient to fill the container. The transit time of a shared container removal will normally be between eight and 12 weeks
Larger removals will be shipped as full (sole use) container loads. The major advantage with these is that the actual shipping container is transported to your UK residence, loaded with your packed items and sent immediately on the first vessel sailing to NZ. There are three different types and sizes of container available for shipment to New Zealand and your international mover will advise you of the relevant options and costs. The transit time for sole use containers is normally between five and seven weeks
The export packing is a very important aspect of the whole operation. Export packing materials are considerably stronger than the materials used in domestic removals. Also, export packing and loading household goods into shipping containers is a highly specialised skill which is only acquired by training and experience.
Checklist
Use the following checklist to ensure that you have written confirmation of the most important points.
A list of items which you must check to ensure that the estimate covers everything you are taking.
The estimated cubic volume. This is important as many of the services included are based on volume and this is very useful when comparing quotations.
N.B. In many instances the price quoted will change if the list of items or the cubic volume changes.
The cost of any special packing requirements or wood casing for particular items.
Door to door costs have been included: that is, NZ terminal charges, unloading, and presentation to customs, etcetera. Most importantly, ensure that delivery to your residence and unpacking is included, if your residence is beyond the standard quotation radius of 30 miles from the port check that the extra delivery charge has been included either by stating an increased mileage radius or by naming the town where you are going to live.
When the goods arrive at the destination
When you sign up for a door-to-door removal, the UK company you have a contract with is totally responsible for all aspects of the removal process right up until your goods have been installed in your new home in New Zealand. The UK company will have a partner company to handle the importation, delivery and unpacking and whilst it does not make any difference what name they trade under it is worth knowing whether the destination partner also has FAIM accreditation.
MAF quarantine charges
All shipments entering New Zealand are subject to a government quarantine inspection, which is carried out by MAF. Quarantine inspection charges can in certain circumstances also include location or presentation handling costs. These charges cannot be included in the removal quotation as they are largely based on the amount of time taken by the inspectors and will always have to be paid by you after arrival in New Zealand. The decision as to whether your consignment is examined is solely that of the quarantine officer. Quarantine officers have the right to order fumigation, steam cleaning or any other treatment they deem necessary to any items; in such circumstances the charges for this treatment will also be charged to you.
There is no standard figure because whether or not an examination is made and the extent of that examination will not be known until the goods have arrived.
Duties and taxes
If you are taking up permanent residence in New Zealand for the first time, your household and personal effects may be imported free of duty provided that you have owned and used them overseas prior to your departure. Returning New Zealanders can import their used personal possessions duty free provided they have resided outside New Zealand for more than 21 months and have personally owned and used the items overseas. The items must also be imported for your own personal use and not for any other person or for a gift, sale or exchange. Any new or unused goods will be subject to duty and Goods and Service Tax, also depending on circumstances this can also apply to alcohol.
Of course, after the quarantine examination is completed and any charges have been paid, the remainder of the door to door removal service - whether it is for immediate delivery or storage - can proceed.
Visit PSS Removals for further information, including details of the PSS country-specific removals guides
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