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)