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Household Removals Moving house is a major life decision and an international relocation is one of the more complex operations that a family may have to face. When the time comes to move house, whether it's to another address around the corner, whether returning home or moving on to another overseas posting, people who have moved before will know from previous experience that they will need the best home-moving support available. As international packers and movers in Rome for more than 126 years, we know from our previous experience that we can provide just that. However, we also realize that even a fully professional service is not enough unless it is accompanied by dedicated personal commitment to courtesy, honesty and efficiency, and that is where we have always excelled. We will begin with an accurate survey of the contents of the shipment usually conducted by a senior staff member who will coordinate all the aspects of the move and will remain in contact until the shipment is safely delivered at destination. After the survey we issue a free estimate of all the costs of our comprehensive door-to-door service including first-class transit insurance for international shipments. Nearing the date of shipment we will plan the stages together and advise on any special considerations such as import restrictions or customs regulations in the destination country where relevant. Tailor-made packing systems will be designed and supplied for special high-value or high-risk items, as well as wardrobe cases for clothing and state-of-the-art packing materials for all other items. The destination and the size of the shipment will often determine the means of transport used. The means of transport will often determine packing needs. One of our teams of professional packers and porters will be allocated and we will do our best to take into consideration any particular requirements in that respect, such as language. Particular care will be taken in ensuring that the team has equipment and vehicles suitable for the residential location, such as cranes, mobile elevators, shuttle vans, and we will make any necessary arrangements with property managers or condominium administrators to ensure a smooth operation on the day. Our expert plumbers, electricians, furniture fitters will be available to take care of any items that may need to be specially disconnected, dismantled and/or stabilised for shipment; we also have experts for the handling and packing of pianos, other musical instruments and professional equipment that might be included in the shipment. Motor cars or motorcycles, plants and pets will also receive our best attention. If the moving schedule requires interim storage prior to shipment, containerised storage can be arranged at our warehouse. For overseas shipments, our representative in the destination country will arrange the formalities of customs clearance, interim storage (if required), delivery, unpacking and disposal of used packing materials. Last but not least, being very conscious of cost factors and budget considerations, we recognize that economy is also of major importance to our clients. We therefore endeavour to keep charges as low as possible without sacrificing our highest possible standards of quality and service. Everything will be done to ensure that the your move will be as smooth as possible. (Click on links below for datails) |
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Survey Why a survey ? The survey is a vital part of the moving process enabling us to gather all the information necessary to provide an accurate and comprehensive estimate of the costs involved in moving your household effects. It is also the first opportunity for you to meet with the person who will eventually be your move manager and will coordinate all the aspects of your move in close collaboration with you until after safe delivery at final destination, so it's a perfect opportunity for both of us to ask all the questions and to obtain all the relevant information. What does the survey entail ? The survey comprises an inspection of the contents of your home in order to:
How should I prepare for the survey ? First of all, you should show the surveyor all the items to be shipped, so this is also a good opportunity to decide what you are shipping, what you intend to take in your personal luggage and what, if anything, you're going to leave behind or dispose of prior to your move. If you have items which are going into store, or going to different destinations this should be made clear to the surveyor at this time. Secondly, have as much information as you can about the date of your move, destination address, contact details etc., Thirdly, as this is also the time for you to ask any questions you might have, it may be a good idea for you to prepare a written list in advance in order not to forget anything important. How long will the survey take ? This will depend on the size of the projected shipment and the need to concentrate on specific items if any. As a rough guide, between 45-60 minutes should be sufficient for a family apartment, and may be a little longer for larger properties. |
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Transit Insurance Modern packing techniques and means of transportation provide an excellent level of protection for your household contents. Our professionally trained and experienced staff have the best of equipment and materials to make every move as smooth as possible. Although we have a first-class reputation with insurers and one of the best claims records in the market, any international removal is exposed to risks; accidents can happen, and as a "cargo owner" you may be faced with liabilities. That is why it is vital that you insure your consignment properly. Your employers may handle your transit insurance if you are being relocated by them, but you should check that it covers all your possessions adequately - and be aware of exceptions, exclusions, deductibles and so on. We can quote for comprehensive transit insurance cover at your request. How should I insure my shipment? Never try to save by insuring for less than the full value. The costs of repairs as well as replacement may be higher in your destination country. If you do not insure for full replacement value at destination you will only be able to recover part of any loss or damage from the insurance company. Always insure your goods for their full replacement or repair cost at destination. Complete and return the proposal form before the packing begins. Declare specifically any item that is worth more than the limit stated on the insurance proposal form. Declare specifically any item that is worth more than its description would suggest. For example, if you have 10 boxes of books which you have valued at $1,000 the insurance company will assume that each box is worth $100. If one book is worth $300, say so. Some policies limit the percentage of fragile items, if there is a limit, make sure that you do not exceed it otherwise ask to have it raised. If your goods are to go into store either at origin or destination make sure the insurance covers the full storage period. Most good insurance policies will automatically include some storage cover at each end. Check if the policy has a deductible excess. If it does, make sure that this is acceptable to you and to your employers. Some policies exclude certain types of damage to used furniture - always read the conditions and make sure you understand them. What if I discover any damage to the shipment ? Advise the destination agent immediately, preferably in writing and also see that the shipping company or airline is put on written notice. Then inform the insurance company following the instructions regarding claims procedures which are usually printed on your certificate or policy of insurance. |
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Destination Country Whether you're returning home, or moving on to somewhere else, you probably already know a lot about the history, geography and culture of your destination country. You probably don't know so much about the regulations for shipments, IMPORT RESTRICTIONS AND CUSTOMS DUTIES You should be aware that even if you're returning home, most countries have some restrictions concerning what you can take in, and what you can't, and on what you have to pay import duties even if the things in your shipment are your own personal property, so it's always a good idea to check this out in advance. This is particularly relevant if you have made some new acquisitions during your stay here, such as electronics, antiques, fine art, carpets, wines and spirits. Some of these items may be dutiable at destination and some items may be banned in some countries. We can provide you with one of our general "country guides" for your destination, and we will check with our destination agents about specific items, but we strongly recommend that you make enquiries with the proper authorities (embassies and consulates) to ensure that you are aware of the latest details of regulations and customs requirements. As, in almost all countries, consignments of personal effects and household goods are subjected to a physical examination by the customs or quarantine authorities you should NEVER assume that you will be able to evade or avoid the restrictions. Your shipment could be detained, suspect items could be confiscated and you could have to pay a heavy fine or even face a term in jail! |
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Packing: Men and Materials You should not have to worry about packing your household goods, for with very few exceptions our professionals will do most of the work. You should not pack anything yourself, except perhaps a few personal items, (see TIPS), this should be left to the professionals. Packing is by far the most important factor of your moving process. It is not simply a question of placing things in boxes. The type of packing and special materials that may be needed must be assessed taking into consideration all the other contributory factors such as means of international transport, climate, culture, time of year and levels of service available in your country of destination. If your belongings are going to the Far North or the Far East, for instance, and are unlikely to be unpacked for a while, then they need specialist protection. Sub-zero temperatures or intense humidity won't do your furniture any good at all. The main risks in long distance transport of all kinds are shock, vibration or pressure, weather, security and dirt. Skilful packing, using the correct techniques and best materials will go a long way towards eliminating these risks. We take the packing most seriously. We invest a great deal of effort in training our staff and ensuring the quality of materials that we use, thus minimising the risks involved in international removals. We are constantly researching and revising packing methods and materials, looking not only to improve current ones, but also to look for new and better ways of doing things. We use only brand-new standardised packing boxes which guarantee regular dimensions and strength for ease, security and safety of handling and stowage and the best impact absorbing materials for items the size and shape of which makes boxing impractical. We will design and provide special packing systems for special items, so do make sure that we are informed about any special needs at the time of survey, do not leave them until moving day to ask the packers. Our packers have been trained in techniques designed to ensure maximum protection for your belongings throughout even the longest journey. During the packing process should you have any questions or concerns, the foreman should be able to help and your move manager will visit to ensure that there are no last minute hitches. TIPS...(How to help!) Here are some tips make the job easier and your move as smooth as possible. You can help us by taking the following steps: Make sure to decide in advance exactly what you want to take and what you will leave behind or put in store. Separate or mark clearly items that may be for different destinations if you have more than one shipment, or if they are to go into store. Keep personal items that you need for your journey (passports, tickets, flight bags, etc) separate from the goods that are being packed for shipment; you don't want them packed by accident. Do not move goods into one area. Leave everything in situ in your house, (pictures on walls, glasses in cupboards, etc.), it's easier for the packers this way. Always check every closet, cupboard, wardrobe and storeroom before the packers leave to make sure nothing has been left behind. Here are some important tips for you should you wish to pack some personal items yourself: Owner-packed goods cannot usually be insured against damage. Check the terms of the insurance cover. Make a list of everything you pack into every carton. Do not pack goods that are prohibited or restricted in your destination country, check this with your move manager. Do not pack anything that is flammable or corrosive. If you planned to use old newspapers for wrapping material - don't. The ink rubs off and may ruin delicate things. Dishwashers won't remove newsprint ink from crockery - it will have to be scrubbed off by hand. Do not fill large boxes with heavy items especially books, papers, magazines - they are difficult to handle and more easily damaged than smaller ones. As a rough guide - don't put more than 30 books in a single carton. A good rule is - The heavier the contents, the smaller the box. Never use boxes that have previously carried foodstuffs or items with a strong smell. Ask your move manager to let you have some standard sized cartons for items that you will be packing yourself. Keep keys for trunks, and suitcases, etc. with you and have them available at destination for the customs if they need them. REMEMBER...YOU DON'T MOVE EVERY DAY BUT WE DO! |
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International Transport We will provide the best available global logistic solution for your international move. We are able to do this by using our knowledge to effectively seek the right combination of transportation services to fulfil your individual requirements. How your belongings are moved may depend on where you are going. Usually, there is a choice of road, rail, sea or air, and even a combination of them. The kind of transport will dictate the packing materials used, timings and costs. Road Freight can be used in removals of all sizes to those destinations which are economically accessible by road transportation, all European destinations including those in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia Your shipment can be carried by purpose built removal trucks or in inter-modal containers. Rail Freight can be used to transport your shipment overland for part of the journey, usually to and/or from the seaports if it is stowed in an inter-modal freight container that can also be carried by truck or ship. Sea Freight is the slowest means of transport but it is also much cheaper than airfreight, therefore it is most suitable for the main part of an overseas move. Generally, sea freight shipments would be used for the bulk of household furniture and personal effects which are not urgently required at destination. It is also the most appropriate method of shipment for motor vehicles. Your shipment will usually be stowed in a sea container - a weatherproof steel box of 30 or 60 cubic metres capacity, which can be locked and sealed for extra security in transit. If your shipment is not large enough to fill a whole container (FCL), it may be shipped in a shared container (LCL) for the ocean voyage, which will be cheaper though it will take a little longer. Air Freight is the fastest way to move your goods over long distances, but the cost is high. Therefore, it is most suitable only for small shipments of those items that are needed immediately such as clothing, office files, or baby accessories. It is not well suited for furniture or other bulky items. It is occasionally appropriate for larger shipments where there is a good reason not to use sea freight perhaps where your destination country has no sea port or for countries where seaport congestion is a major problem. |
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Our Warehouse Situated just outside Rome away from the traffic jams, access and parking problems which plague the city centre, our warehouse provides a solution for interim storage should you need to vacate your apartment prior to your move, or should you wish to store new acquisitions prior to export. Modern equipment and methods and trained personnel ensure safe and efficient handling during loading, unloading and storage. Coding, marks and numbers for each item within your shipment ensure proper identification. Storage spaces have been designed to accommodate both containerised and non-containerised items securely, and the structure of the building prevents extremes of temperature and humidity, keeping the contents in milder conditions than in the average apartment, however as temperature-controlled space is limited be sure to consult your move manager about any special requirements. |
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Destination Agents We are very proud of our founder's principles of courtesy, honesty and efficiency and we make every effort to appoint agents at destination who share these ideals with us. We are members of leading global organisations of removal experts whose principles and aims reflect our own, therefore we select our destination agents from those organisations wherever possible. On the more popular routes we have destination agents with whom we have worked closely for many years and this is clearly a major contributory factor to the smoothness of your move. What happens when my shipment arrives? When your shipment arrives, clearance through Customs will be arranged for you by the destination agent. Keep in touch with the agent to make sure your instructions are understood. Make yourself available to visit Customs if necessary and sort out any queries. In some countries your presence during the inspection is compulsory. Once clearing formalities have been completed your shipment will be ready for delivery. Avoid delays - your container standing on the dockside may incur substantial additional costs, and it could be exposed to risks of theft and damage. You should unpack everything straight away if possible - if not then check all fragile and high value items immediately, as your insurance cover will expire as soon as you take delivery. Should you discover any damage report it immediately to the destination agent and follow the claims procedure set out in your policy. It will save time if you can begin obtaining repair/replacement quotations. You may have a time limit in which to make claims. The destination agent will dispose of all used packing materials for you. This will be done for free on delivery day but there may be a charge if they have to come back to collect them on another day. |
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