The way to go

The way to go

JAKARTA (JP): No rush, no tears and no sweat. And forget the
voices of doom because moving is actually a great adventure.

It is a chance to see another part of the world and it will be
an experience you will always remember.

And the move itself? Nothing to it, provided you do a little
planning.

According to FIDI, the world's leading organization for
independent international movers, don't try to do it all at once.

The important part is picking the right mover.

The moving company staff should not only look professional and
well-trained, but must be specialists in the moving of household
goods who understand how to prepare furniture for shipping to a
foreign climate, dismantle a barometer, pack a painting with a
delicate frame and can make sure the family pet arrives in its
new country safe and sound.

The following FIDI's questions and answers might guide you in
making the right moves before moving.

When should I call the moving firms to make a survey of my
goods?

At least six to eight weeks before you move.

How long do they need for the survey?

Usually no more than an hour.

What are my responsibilities?

* give the same brief to all moving companies bidding for the
move.

* be present during the packing of your belongings.

* take personal responsibility for jewelry or other valuable
items.

* check and sign the inventory of your belongings.

* ensure no prohibited items are packed. Ask for a customs
advice sheet.

So what can or can't I take with me?

Take the time to discuss this with your mover, who will have
the customs regulations of your country of destination. Generally
speaking, dispose of all flammable items, liquids, foods and
other items that should not be shipped. Perishable items should
not be shipped. Think carefully about electrical goods such as
refrigerators and cookers and the like. They may not work at the
country of destination, or worse still, may attract heavy duty.

But what about my car?

In some countries, the import duty on cars is so crippling,
you may not want to even think about importing one. Others may
have special regulations regarding emission controls or even
rigorous steam cleaning requirements. Please check with your
mover.

And my dog?

Plan this well in advance. Most moving companies use a
specialist firm to handle this kind of work, as air travel is
often distressing for pets. However, thousands of animals travel
happily all over the world, but often it is quarantine
regulations that cause the real problem. Every country has its
own regulations regarding the importation of pets (and this is
especially true of birds such as parrots), so discuss
arrangements well in advance.

Anything that is definitely a no-go?

Well, mainly those things you might have expected -- drugs,
alcohol (sometimes even valuable wine collections are banned),
weapons, ammunition and pornography. And when we say pornography,
in some countries, typical newsstand 'girlie' magazines are
considered porn.

What if I do the packing myself?

Why not? But be aware of the potential problems. For instance,
insurance companies will not insure goods packed by their owner.
Also, customs officials will almost certainly target goods that
you have packed. If you really must pack some of your goods,
leave the carton unsealed so that the packing crew can inspect
the contents and annotate the inventory accordingly.

But how long will it take if I use the professionals?

Every home is different, but for 2,000 square feet (185 square
meters) of household effects, between two and three days are
needed for packing. This is based on a crew of three or four
persons. If timing is important, discuss a program with the
mover.

I don't really need to insure, do I?

Only if you are very brave. A professional mover will use
sophisticated packing materials and experienced crew to prepare
your goods for their trip. This journey may be covering thousands
of miles, and experiencing different weather conditions, wide
variations of temperature and several forms of handling. The
forces of nature and physics that a shipment has to undergo are
unimaginable unless you've seen a freight ship go through an
Atlantic swell with 60 feet (18 meters) waves washing over its
cargo of shipping containers. Insurance seems the bargain of a
lifetime in retrospect as you survey the remains of a much-loved
dinner service.

What kind of insurance should I take out?

Discuss it in detail with the mover. You really need a policy
that gives you full replacement costs. Make sure you get a
comprehensive cover based on your inventory.

How long is this journey going to take?

Probably longer than you think. If you use air freight, allow
up to 14 days door-to-door. If you are talking about remote
areas, it will take longer. By sea, it depends where you are
going.

And when it arrives, what then?

The destination agent chosen by your mover will contact you as
soon as your shipment arrives. The company will clear it through
customs, sort out the paperwork and arrange delivery to your new
home. You may be expected to be present when your shipment is
inspected by customs officials. As soon as you arrive at your
country of destination, contact the appointed agent and make
delivery arrangements. The one thing you can't do is go off on
holiday and leave your shipment on the quayside. The cost of
demurrage will remove your holiday tan in a split second! (bsr)