Overseas Moves and International Removals

• There are 3 major contributing factors to cost when moving overseas;
• Load size
• Transportation method
• Destination

Alexanders shall endeavour to fully advise you to the most cost-effective method of getting your possessions from the UK to your destination.  To accurately assess your removal, we provide a free, no obligation site survey to allow one of our senior surveyors to discuss your individual requirements and ask any questions you may have.  We can then provide you with a tailored fixed price quotation.

Alexanders can store your possessions for the duration of your overseas stay. Be safe in the knowledge that your worldly possessions will be stored in either of our secured storage depots.  We can store in either a self-storage or containerised storage capacity with 24-hour CCTV and a Redcare intruder alarm system.

When planning for an overseas move, it is never too early to begin planning. Alexanders recommend to begin your search for a mover at least 10-12 weeks before move date.  This allows you to fully prepare your home and personal life, ready for the move date, without making any hasty decisions.  However, Alexanders have been known to arrange an international move on a shorter time frame.  Please speak with your surveyor regarding your expected move date.

The transit time greatly depends on your destination port. Vessel are regularly leaving the UK for various ports and we can advice at point of booking the estimated delivery date.  For dedicated loads (FCLs) the transit time is considerably shorter than a part-load/groupage service.

Over the years, Alexanders have developed a network of oversea agents who mirror our precision, quality and experience. Between us, we shall clear your effects through customs and ensure a smooth and efficient transit.

• The perils of international transport are varied therefore, good insurance is essential. With the Flexicover Scheme held by Alexanders, underwritten by Lonham Marine Underwriters acting for and on behalf of certain underwriters at Lloyds, you are assured of first class cover.
• It is most important that you cover your effects adequately. When completing your proposal form, please be as detailed as possible.  Remember, that your possessions are travelling a long way. They will be subject to vibration, the generic movement of the road sea, as well as, the possibility of customs inspections, which can greatly increase the risk.
• The cover is on an All Risks basis, meaning your possessions are adequately covered.

For a full and comprehensive list of prohibited items, it is highly recommended you refer to the local governing authority of your destination. Generally, most countries prohibit the following items:

• • Foodstuffs, plants, herbs & spices
  • Alcohol
  • Dried flowers, bulbs, seeds, pinecones
  • Soil, sand, straw & hay
  • Explosives, fireworks, firearms & ammunition
  • Swords, sabres, daggers and such like
  • Certain medicines & illegal drugs
  • Ivory, unprocessed furs, skins

Any removal with a destination outside the EU does not have to pay VAT. A destination within the EU will still need to pay VAT.

If your possessions are being transported by road and/or part load (groupage/LCL), we require full payment prior to any collection. If your possessions are being shipped in a full container load (FCL), we require full payment before booking the shipping container.

Invoices can be paid by credit / debit card, BACS payment or cheque (be aware cheques require 5 working days to clear).

Alexanders Removals & Storage offers a worldwide shipping service. Some shipping routes are more popular than others and we will work within our trusted network of overseas agents to get you the most efficient and cost-effective quote possible.

Alexanders manages its own storage facility within a 50,000sqft warehouse in London.You can be safe in the knowledge that your possessions are being securely stored within our bonded warehouse whilst you are on the opposite side of the Earth!

• With overseas moves, Alexanders strongly advises that you take advantage of our highly trained removal professionals and let us undertake all the packing. You can then be rest assured that your full list of contents (inventory) is correct, reducing the risk of your goods being held up by customs at border control.
• If you did wish to pack a few boxes with your personal effects, please make your surveyor or move manager aware and we can have the packing materials delivered to your property before move day so you can pack at your leisure.

• If you possess any delicate, fragile, valuable or highly sentimental furniture or artwork, we are able to build a bespoke wooden crate to fully protect the piece during transit. If you feel you have any item that you are particularly concerned about and would like additional protection, please ask your surveyor for further details.
• Other than bespoke crates, we do offer other packaging materials such as bubble wrap, foam corner protection, acid-free tissue and others to fully protect your belongings during transit.