IntlMove’s tips for comparing moving estimates

The reasons for your international move are as varied as each individual or family that decides to make such a move. The move can be for a lifestyle change, employment, retirement or another reason altogether. It was a big decision but it was only part of the many decisions that you will now face. There is so much to do, so much to think about and where does one begin now that the decision to move overseas has been made.

Deciding what you will bring with you, what you may want to get rid of or what you may want to store will be determined in part if this is a temporary or permanent move and, of course, the cost. Once you have made the decision of what you would like to bring, then you can start finding out about the cost.

The moving estimates you will receive will be as varied as the reasons for the move. Unfortunately, there is not a uniform standard used for quoting by international movers. Of course you will want to get the best price, and the best service. The best price should be the most realistic, competitive price in the market. If it sounds too good to be true; it probably is! The best service should be a reputable company that is properly licensed, answers your questions, is responsive to your needs and is someone you will be able to contact throughout the move.

A price may look lower but unless all companies are quoting for the same volume, and the same service you cannot really compare apples to apples as the saying goes.

For example:
If a company is quoting 300 CFT, door to door service, but the other company is quoting 300 CFT, door to port service, of course, the second quote will be lower. It’s the same volume but a different service.

If a company is quoting 300 CFT, door to door service, but the other company is quoting 450 CFT, door to door service, of course, the first quote will be lower. It’s a different volume but the same service.

You can only compare the cost if both companies are quoting the exact same volume with the same service. How do you determine the volume of your shipment? Volume is determined by measuring Length x Height x Width in feet.

Are all the companies quoting door to door or door to port service? What service do you need and / or want? Do you know the differences between the services?

Door to Door service means that your belongings are picked up at your home or storage facility in the U.S. and delivered into your home or storage facility in your destination country. Customs Clearance Services are included with Door to Door Service.

Door to Port Service means your belongings are picked up at your home or storage facility in the U.S and delivered to the port in your destination country. You will need to clear Customs and pick up your belongings and take them or arrange for someone to deliver them to you home on your own.

If you require a full container (FCL) for your belongings, is the international mover loading the container or are you? Do you know what is involved in loading a container? Did you know that there is usually a time limit to load the container and an hourly charge if you exceed the time limit? A container sits on a chassis that is four feet off of the ground. It doesn’t come with a ramp, or lift gate (like a moving van). Is this a task that you really want to undertake yourself?

Is packing included? Are the packing materials included? Make sure you understand the difference between packing and loading. Packing means putting your items in boxes and or wrapping / packing furniture. Loading means putting already packed items into the truck or container. Some international movers will tell you packing of the container is included in the price, and you automatically think packing your belongings is included. They are really stating that they will load the container, and they will charge you for any packing.

Some companies will tell you that packing services are included. You will naturally assume that packing is included – it says so correct? Often times what they don’t tell you is that the materials and labor will cost extra.

Select a company that is transparent in their offering.

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Intlmove - Tips on Moving to Australia

Australia is considered by many to be one of the most popular countries to relocate to whether it is for a job transfer, because you are a returning citizen, want to retire, or for any other reason. Australia offers breathtaking landscapes and a diverse, multi cultural population (about 21.7 million).

When you are not working, take advantage of the numerous activities Australia has to offer. You can ski and snowboard down Victoria’s powdered slopes or swim, snorkel, dive or sail the balmy waters of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space. Plan a walkabout or learn more about the Australian outback a place where plains stretch to eternity. Visit Sydney and view the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Western Australia will take you back in time; enjoy Freemantle’s majestic and historic architecture. Perth’s marine heritage will draw you to the ocean.

Are you’re a returning citizen? Do you know what documents you will need to relocate to Australia? Are you moving permanently or for a temporary period of time? Are you going by yourself, as a family, considering taking any pets, considering taking a vehicle? Planning is the key to make your relocation successful and stress free.

Contact the local embassy, consulate or contact Customs directly and start to learn what you will need to do and what documents will be required. How long does it take to get a visa? What costs are involved in getting the paperwork in order? Will you need an attorney? If you are bringing your pets with you, be aware that the application process will take time and your pet will more than likely be quarantined for a period of time (about 30 days) before being released.

For your household goods, you will be required to complete form B534 – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement. Your customs clearance agent will provide you with the form or you may be able to download it directly from the Australian Customs website.

Terminal Handling Charges will be charged in the destination in Australian dollars. They are determined by the port authorities and are subject to change without notice. Your International moving company can provide you with an estimate of the charges at the current time.

If you are planning to take your vehicle, the vehicle will need quarantine clearance from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services after the vehicle has arrived at the port. This agency inspects all vehicles upon arrival and requires them to be properly cleaned; generally steam cleaned and all soil and other matter (including the underside of the vehicle) must be removed. You will need Vehicle Import Approval from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Transport and Regional Services. You will be required to pay customs duty, goods and service tax (GST) and where applicable a Luxury Car Tax (LCT) and obtain customs clearance at the port of entry.

Australia has very strict laws regarding soil. All bicycle tires, all shoes (especially golf shoes), golf clubs, lawn mowers, garden tools, outdoor furniture, hiking gear, BBQ’s motor cycles must be clean and free of soil. If traces of soil are detected, then AQIS will issue an instruction that each item is steam cleaned prior to being released for delivery. The additional cost of steam cleaning, fumigation and deep burial (if required) will be paid by you. Items that could require fumigation and gamma treatments are pine cones, authentic Christmas decorations, cane products, animal skins, drum skins, straw packaging, wheat bags, fruit and vegetable cartons used for packing. Be sure not to use these types of boxes for packing if you are packing yourself. Pack all of your shoes in one carton. Provide, on the outside of each carton, a brief description of the contents of each carton. Avoid generic terms such as PBO (packed by owner) or miscellaneous. This will be especially important when packing kitchen items, should your shipment be inspected, they will be looking for food, seeds, etc. So if the box just has pots and pans in it, it should be labeled as such. This step of labeling will avoid packing and repacking of your items should your shipment need to be inspected. These costs are not included in the services of any international moving company. This is not considered normal customs clearance. It is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations of your destination country before you ship your belongings.

You should plan to take delivery of your shipment about 10 days from the AQIS approval for delivery. If you are not available or cannot take delivery within the approximate 10 day period, then you will be charged for storage and handling.

The process of relocating to Australia is easy. Your part is to do the research, learn the rules and regulations on what and what not to bring and to plan. Your international mover can direct you to where to find out information, they can help you determine the volume of your shipment, whether to pack yourself or not, what kind of insurance coverage is available and will take care of getting your belongings from your home in the US to your new home in Australia. Now you ready for your adventure and experience of a lifetime!

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