Whether you are relocating to France, Spain, Germany or Italy, there are a few simple steps that can make your move much easier.
Begin by getting a home move planner going – this free template from Microsoft is a good start.
When to book your move
You’ll want to get your removal company booked about six weeks before your move, but it’s possible to arrange further ahead, and this can be helpful if you know when your property is going to be ready. Some companies may be able to accommodate a last-minute job, too.
Choose an experienced removals company for your move to Europe
A removals company that does a lot of work in Europe will be able to take all the bother of dealing with customs, borders and overseas admin out of your hands. Many of the larger removals companies have dedicated European moving consultants. Their staff will know the routes and understand the peculiarities of local loading and unloading regulations, and can help organise storage at your destination if you need that.
Get several removals quotes
Get at least three quotes from different removals firms. This will allow you to compare prices and service levels. Staff from each firm should come and visit your home, particularly if you are moving a large amount of stuff. This will let you familiarise yourself with them and with the way they work. Make sure they are aware of any difficulties at either end of your move. For example, if your new home is a fourth-floor apartment with no lift. A good removals company will ask you plenty of questions to ensure they have this information.
Make an inventory of all the household goods you are moving
An inventory of everything you are taking is a great help. It will make the quoting and packing process much easier, and you will need it when arranging insurance. Your removals company may also need it for customs purposes. There are many free removals inventories available or your chosen firm might generate one as part of the quoting process. At its heart, a moving inventory is simply a list of everything that you want to take when you move home. It can be useful to take photos, too.
Ways to save money when moving to Europe
The best way to make savings on any house move is to reduce the amount of stuff you take with you. The less you need to transport, the less it will cost. The downside is, of course, that you will need to replace certain items at the other end. For some ideas about what to take and what to leave behind when you move abroad, see our news article on that subject.
Some firms also do regular scheduled runs to particular countries. If you can be flexible about dates, this might prove cheaper than a firm that is making a special trip just for you. Look for part-load or groupage services. This means that the freight company puts your goods in a van with those of other clients’ who are going to a similar destination.
Do some of the work yourself to save costs. Some removals work – such as moving pianos – is best left to the professionals; but you can save a bit if you are willing to, for example, pack small items into boxes.
Ask about removals insurance
Moving home is a very stressful experience, so you will definitely want to get removals insurance for maximum peace of mind. Note that your home contents insurance may not cover your move – but it’s always worth checking. Some removals firms offer insurance; but you don’t have to accept their offering, and it is worth getting quotes for this, too. It’s quick and easy to get a quote from Insure Your Move, so why not do that now, while you’re here.
We hope this has given you an idea of how to get started with your move to Europe.