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Personal and Household goods

Unless you move house a lot, most people find shipping household or personal goods daunting. So here are a few things to remember. For any other help call us and we will guide you through it. You will need to consider at least the following but other questions may arise from these answers.

  • Packaging and Labelling
    • All goods will need to be packaged in a way that able to be transported in a safe and undamaged way. This may include wrapping, boxing, crating or securing items securely. If you are unable arrange any of this yourself then our partner may be able to offer a range of services from providing materials to packing the items to a full removal service.
    • There are strict controls when using wooden packaging so please do check if the wooden packing material is compliant. Click here for details
    • When items are packaged, they will need to be labelled. The label details will vary depending on the type of shipping and other factors. As a minimum please number packages and show the delivery address.
  • Types of goods
    • Certain types of goods may be Banned, Restricted, or be subject to further controls or regulations. This may include knives, batteries, Alcoholic beverages, Ivory, Tobacco, Furs, Plants, firearms or animal items. Wooden items can also be subject to additional controls in some countries. Please check if in doubt. When bringing goods into the UK please check. Click here
  • Goods Details
    • When packaged, you will need to know
      • Total number of Pieces
      • How they were packaged (boxes, crates, wrapped, loose)
      • Total weight
      • Dimensions of each piece.
  • From where to where?
    • We will need to know the Collection address, Delivery address and anything special about both places. For example: Is the road large enough for a truck to come and park in order to load? Are there any other access issues such as low bridges or road limits? Or anything else you can think of.
  • Documentation
    • You will need to make a list of all items including the Goods Details (see above). It is a good idea to show what is in each package (box, crate etc) and give each one a number for easy reference. Customs may want to check this. You don’t need to itemise “every knife and fork” or “each record in your vinyl collection” but you do need to show what is in there. An approximate value against each type of goods is ideal, otherwise an overall value will suffice. The list should also show the collection and delivery addresses along with contact details (Name, Phone, Email)
    • In order to complete customs procedures for you in UK you will need to download, complete, sign and send a Letter of Empowerment to Cross Trades and Logistics. Click here
    • In order to complete customs procedures for you at the foreign country (Origin or Destination) the you will need to sign a Power of Attorney to the Foreign customs agent. This will be arranged depending on the location. Contact us for further details.
  • Loading and Unloading
    • Regular trucks will expect you to load and unload from their vehicle, so you may need to arrange for some help or hire some labour. Depending on the items you may also need the truck to have a tail list so please discuss this at the time of quoting. Trucks will have a maximum loading period before they start charging extra for waiting time. This will vary from haulier to haulier and depending on they type of truck.
    • If you are unable to load or unload yourself we may be able to handle this for you. Please check for availability of this service.
  • How quickly you need it shipped?
    • In general if you can wait a little longer the shipping will be a little cheaper however life is not always like that so we can provide a number of solutions to ship your goods. For example if you are shipping a dozen boxes to Australia it may take in excess of 2-3 months by Sea or as quick as 1 week by Air. If you are moving from London to Paris then a variety of options to send by Road can be considered.
  • Bringing items to the UK
    • When moving to or returning to the UK you may apply to HMRC(customs) for a transfer of residence relief (ToR1) click here. If approved, this may allow to claim relief from customs charges due on personal belongings and other goods on this shipment. For guidance please contact us.
  • How much will it cost and how to ship?
    • That’s were we come in! After considering the above contact us and we will let you know prices, options and guide you through the rest of the process.

Finally, if in doubt, ask us. We will be happy to advise or point you in the right direction.