Removals & Storage
It's advisable to use a major shipping company with a good reputation. For international moves, it's best to use a company that's a member of the International Federation of Furniture Removers (www.fidi.com) or the Overseas Moving Network International OMNI (www.omnimoving.com) with experience in Spain.
Members of FIDI and OMNI usually subscribe to an advance payment scheme providing a guarantee, so, if a member company fails to fulfil its contractual agreement, the removal is completed at the agreed cost by another company or your money is refunded.
Many removal companies have Spanish subsidiaries/affiliates. This is convenient in the case of an insurance claim. When looking for a moving company, be wary of small unregistered companies ("man with a van.") Although many are reliable, some just vanish into thin air.
A proper Spanish shipping company must have a Spanish business address, a registered licence number, and must be licenced to do removals in Spain.
For information about Spanish removal companies contact:
FEDERACIÓN ESPAÑOLA DE EMPRESAS DE MUDANZAS (FEDEM)
C/ López de Hoyos 322, Madrid
Tel: 917 444 703
www.fedem.es
Planning Your Move
the date
Book your removal as soon as you have confirmation of dates.
the new home
Have your realtor provide you with a map that indicates your new address and a contact telephone number.
an ounce of prevention
If you will be leaving a house empty for any period of time, you should arrange periodic visits and have timed lights, to make it look inhabited.
system furniture
If you thought assembling it was time consuming, taking it apart, packing it and then reassembling it, only to find that the fit has become slightly less snug...some things are better left behind.
Packing tips
Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue, tape, scissors and a tape measure.
Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
Pack audio and video equipment in their original boxes and in lieu of that in bubble wrap inside a sturdy box. Do not confuse the cables, because that can result in damaged or destroyed electronics.
Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into each box.
Package and box as much as possible. It is a good idea to identify each box in permanent black marker pen, eg. 1 kitchen; 2 bathroom; 3 kids, etc. For precious keepsakes, double box them. If you feel that you cannot live without something, take it with you. Carry all valuables with you.
Put aside and label boxes with fragile contents. Separate the boxes that should be loaded last, so they will be unloaded first.
Cushion contents with bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items. Pack books tightly on end in small boxes.
Avoid the temptation to fill drawers with heavy items.
Coordinate who will greet the moving van.
Advise the moving company of unusual circumstances or difficulties in either the pick up or drop off. If your Spanish home has poor or impossible access for a large lorry, inform the shipping company.
Also the ground must be firm enough to support a heavy vehicle. Large furniture that must be taken in through an upstairs window or balcony is an additional cost.
Moves are disruptive to small children and pets, not to mention slightly dangerous if they are running around. If possible make plans for your children/pets to visit with friends or family.
Last Minute Check List
Arrange for a charity to pick up belongings you no longer desire.
Ask doctors for copies of medical histories.
Ask paediatrician for vaccination record.
Get a list of any special medications that you may need.
Apply for the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
Give your banks and credit cards your new address.
Inform the utilities such as gas, telephone.
Give the post office your re-route address.
Cancel or carry over subscriptions to magazines or newspapers.
Give out your new address to your friends, families and colleagues.
If exporting a vehicle, get the certificate of permanent export (DVLA).
Take along your satellite card and player.
For avid readers, stock up on books and send them with the movers.
If you love veggie bangers, Patek pastes and other speciality items, splurge and send yourself a big box of non-perishable food stuffs.
Contact your car insurance company for a copy of your no claims bonus documentation.
If you wish to vote abroad, contact the electoral office.
Contact and cancel private club memberships.
Check with your bank to see what you have set up for direct debit and cancel accordingly.
Tipping is non-obligatory, however always appreciated as is a cup of tea, a glass of water...
Removals Companies
You should obtain at least three written quotations as rates vary considerably. Make sure that each company is giving you a quote for the same thing: not all companies offer door to door.
Shipments are charged by volume, e.g. the cubic metre (m³). You should expect to pay from 3,000 - 6,000€ to move the contents of a three to four-bedroom house from the UK to the south of Spain. A flexible delivery date can save up to 50% of the shipping costs by being a "part load," cost sharing with other deliveries.
1ST MOVE INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS LTD
International House, Unit 5B, Worthy Road, Chittening Industrial Estate, Avonmouth, Bristol
Tel: +44 (0) 117 982 8123
info@shipit.co.uk / www.shipit.co.uk
ANDREW PORTER LTD
Porter House Huyton Road Adlington Chorley, Lancashire
Tel: +44 (0) 125 748 2398
europeansales@andrewporterltd.co.uk / www.andrewporterltd.co.uk
BRITANNIA MOVERS INTERNATIONAL (UK)
1, Pegasus Road, Croydon
from UK: 0800 622 535 / outside UK +44 (0) 208 256 1745
sales@britannia-movers.co.uk / www.britannia-movers.co.uk
NICK'S REMOVALS (MANCHESTER)
Tel: +44 (0) 794 407 9878
info@nicksremovals.co.uk / www.nicksremovals.co.uk
REMOVAL GROUP (BIRMINGHAM)
46-48 Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield
Tel: +44 (0) 870 240 7432
sales@removalgroup.com / www.removalgroup.com
SIMPSONS REMOVALS & STORAGE LTD (UK)
freephone: 0800 515 930
boyd@simpsons-uk.com / www.simpsons-uk.com
After considering the shipping costs, you may decide to ship only selected items of furniture and personal effects, and buy new furniture in Spain. You may rent a self-drive van or truck, but this means a round trip driving odyssey.
Most people find it isn't advisable to do their own move unless it's a simple job, e.g. a few items of furniture and personal effects only. Loading and unloading an entire home is quite hard work!
If you're moving permanently, take the opportunity to sell, give away or throw out at least half of your possessions. It cuts down your removal bill, clears your mind, and makes life simpler. You are starting out new and this way you can shop for new furniture that will suit your new home.
Insider Tips
Always get the maximum transit period in writing.
Fully insure your belongings during removal with a well established insurance company. Don't insure with your shipping company because they have vested interests. Insurance premiums are usually 1 to 2 per cent of the declared value of your goods. Document all valuables with photos and original receipts. Most insurance policies cover for 'all-risks' on a replacement value basis. Note, fine breakables such as china and glass can usually be included in a slightly more expensive"all-risks" policy only when they're packed by the removal company.
Insurance usually covers partial or total loss of a particular crate as opposed to individual items (unless they were packed by the shipping company.) You really should be present at delivery to inspect and look for any breakages or damaged items. Examine your policy to see what time frame the claim period has, as some companies require clients to make a claim within a few days, although seven days is usual.
Always send a claim by registered post.
Some insurance companies apply an 'excess' of around 1 per cent of the total shipment value when assessing claims. This means that if your shipment is valued at 25,000€ and you make a claim for less than 250€, you won't receive anything.
If there is a waiting period or delay, most shipping companies will offer a limited free storage period before shipment (e.g. 14 days.) If you use storage, label and number each box and insure household effects.