When should I contact a relocation
company to arrange a quotation?
It is important not to leave your search for an international
relocation company until the last minute. Give yourself plenty
of time to arrange quotations, appoint a relocation company
and finalise all of your arrangements.
We recommend you make contact with relocation companies eight
to twelve weeks prior to your planned moving date. In order
to arrange a quotation with Crown Relocations, either click
here and we will be in touch or click here to locate and contact your nearest office.
How is the cost of my relocation
calculated?
The cost of sea freight and road freight shipments is based
on the total volume of your goods. This is calculated by multiplying
the length, breadth and height of the items, to give a total
volume in cubic feet.
Air freight shipments are calculated on either the actual
gross weight or the volume weight of the goods, whichever
is greatest.
Our Relocation Consultants will be able to accurately measure
your goods at the time of the survey and provide a quotation
based on this measurement.
What does the quotation include?
No two relocations are the same so Crown's quotation
will be specifically tailored to your individual requirements.
However, included in your quotation will be:
- Supply of all new packing materials, packing of your
household goods and personal effects by trained, experienced
packers, preparation of an itemised inventory, collection
from your home, crating/containerisation and delivery to the
terminal;
- Preparation of all export documentation and Bill of
Lading, payment of United Kingdom terminal charges and freight
costs;
- All import documentation for the completion of Customs
and Agricultural Clearances, payment of terminal charges,
delivery direct to store/residence within a 50km radius of
the destination port, unpacking and clearance of all waste
materials on day of delivery, as required.
The quotation will exclude any import duties or taxes due
in various countries, quarantine examinations if ordered or
storage if required. Our Relocation Consultant will be happy
to explain this to you during the survey.
How much notice should I give to
book the relocation date?
Ideally, you should confirm dates with your chosen relocation
company as soon as possible as dates are often booked up well
in advance. Crown Relocations will always aim to accommodate
the dates you require, but please keep in mind that some days
are busier than others (e.g. Fridays) and there may be a need
for some flexibility.
Does Crown Relocations cover the
whole of the UK?
Crown has seven branches situated throughout the United Kingdom,
covering the entire region. To find the office closest to
you, please click here.
Does Crown offer a worldwide relocation
service?
Crown Relocations has over 150 offices in more than 50 countries,
all of which are linked by a common operating system. During
a relocation the Crown office at origin and the Crown office
at destination continuously shares important information in
order to ensure the relocation is a success. All commitments
made prior to departure will be carried out by dedicated Crown
staff at the other end of the move.
Does Crown have a Quality System
in place?
Crown has earned ISO certification in the majority of its
worldwide locations. External quality audits are carried out
by ISO representatives on a regular basis, ensuring that standards
are upheld and our customers always receive a high-quality
service.
In addition, our pursuit of the highest possible quality
service has led Crown to develop the QUEST Quality Management
Programme. With its history and knowledge of the relocation
industry, Crown has been able to create a system that sets
the standard for quality. Further information on QUEST can
be found here.
Are any items prohibited from my
shipment?
Each country has their own restrictions relating to prohibited
items, however as a general rule the following items should
not be included in your shipment:
- Alcohol
- Firearms and ammunition
- Foodstuffs, including herbs and spices
- Hazardous items (including adhesives, ammonia, bleaches,
chlorine, detergents, disinfectants, dyes, flammables, gas
cylinders, insecticides, mercury thermometers, methylated
spirits, paints, pesticides, photographic chemicals, pressure
packs, thinners)
- Items made from endangered animals, unprocessed furs,
skins
- Plants, dried flowers, bulbs, seeds
- Pornographic material
- Soil or sand of any kind
- Swords, spears, switchblades
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and Crown
Relocations will be able to advise you of further prohibited
items for individual countries.
Do I need to do anything to prepare
for the packing day?
Crown's expert team of packers will take care of everything
on the day, however prior to their arrival you should dispose
any items you do not wish to take with you and clear out the
garage, attic and basement of your house. Refrigerators and
freezers should be disconnected and defrosted, washing machines
should be drained, fixtures and fittings should be removed
from walls and all outdoor equipment should be thoroughly
cleaned.
Remember to keep separate any items you will need to take
with you when travelling, including passports, money, travel
documents, important paperwork, jewellery, valuables and suitcases.
Crown's Relocation Planner contains plenty of helpful
hints to prepare for your relocation and will be left with
you at the time of your survey.
Does Crown pack and unpack all
of my possessions for me?
Crown's packing teams will expertly pack and wrap your
goods ready for shipment. All packers are fully trained and
will make sure your possessions are well protected and perfectly
safe throughout the entire process of your relocation.
At destination we will unpack your goods and dispose of any
debris on the day of delivery to your new residence. Our Colour
Locator System will be used by the crews at origin and destination
to match packages with rooms, which effectively organises
the packing and transportation process. Colour-coded cards,
hung on doors at the destination residence, are matched to
like-coloured stickers on cartons, simplifying the delivery
and unpacking process.
Can I pack any of my possessions
myself?
For security reasons, many countries are no longer accepting
shipments that are packed by the owner. In addition, any damage
incurred to items you packed yourself may not be covered by
transit insurance. Therefore, it is suggested that you let
Crown pack all of your household items and personal effects.
All Crown crews are professionally trained and have years
of experience packing people's precious belongings.
Will the packing crew use the original
materials for my appliances or large items?
If you have any of the original cartons and packing materials
for your appliances or other household items, make sure that
you inform your Crew Supervisor. He or she will inspect the
materials to determine whether your items will be safer using
these or our own specialised materials.
Can my possessions be stored at
one of Crown's warehouses?
Your possessions can be stored either at origin or destination,
as necessary. Crown has state-of-the-art storage facilities
in over 150 locations across the globe, so your personal belongings
can be specially packed and moved to a Crown storage facility
for as long as you desire.
Does Crown offer Goods in Transit
insurance?
While Crown's professional crews will always securely
pack your belongings, it is important to remember that your
goods will be travelling by boat, plane, truck or other mode
of transport - all of which carry inherent risks.
In order to give you peace of mind we offer CrownCare, a
comprehensive range of transit insurance options that provide
full replacement cost coverage on a door-to-door, all-risks
basis. As well as offering lump sum or full detailed inventory
options, additional protection is also offered in the form
of pairs and sets coverage, electrical and mechanical derangement
coverage and mould and mildew coverage.
Can I track my shipment online?
All of Crown's worldwide facilities are linked by a
common communication and operating network. Click here
to track the status of your shipment in real-time.
This technological investment means that before you arrive
at your destination, the local Crown office will already have
up-to-date information on your relocation.
What happens when my possessions
arrive at their destination?
Before you depart your Move Coordinator will give you the
contact details for your Coordinator at the Crown office at
destination, along with your shipment details and the estimated
date of arrival. When you arrive in your new city you will
be contacted by the local Crown office who will coordinate
the inbound clearance, confirm the status of the goods, organise
a date for delivery and confirm any storage requirements.
Will I have to be in the destination country for my possessions
to clear customs?
Many countries do require you to be present in order for your
goods to clear customs, however different rules apply in each
country. Your Relocation Consultant will be able to confirm
the regulations for the country you are relocating to.
What financial protection does
Crown offer?
Crown Relocations is a member of BAR (British Association
of Removers), which offers the Advanced Payment Guarantee
system to its members. In the unlikely event that anything
happens, BAR will guarantee to have your goods delivered to
your destination by another member company at no extra cost
to you. For further information, please click here.
