Moving FAQs

Please call our free phone national number 0800 0214290– or email us at [email protected].

It is never too early to contact a removals company when planning an overseas move. We recommend beginning your search at least 12 weeks prior to your move abroad – some customers choose to begin planning even a year in advance. When it comes to your international move, it is important not to leave planning until the last minute. However, sometimes this is unavoidable and our team is on standby to assist where possible.

Enquire today and we will be in contact to answer any queries or arrange a quote.

The cost of your international removal is based on the volume of goods you would like to ship, the freight rate for your particular destination, and what packing requirements are needed (ease of access etc).

A full survey of your property, carried out by one of our International Moving Consultants, is required to accurately assess the volume of goods. The survey is also an opportunity to discuss your individual requirements and ask any questions you may have about your international move.

If you know your volume, or have already had a quote from another moving company, why not compare costs on our online quote calculator If your destination is not shown, simply email us with the details and we will aim to match or improve any quote.

The transit time of an ocean shipment depends on the port of departure and port of arrival for full container loads. Vessel sailings are regularly scheduled and Doree Bonner can provide estimated sailing departure dates. Please note that the departure dates are estimated; the actual departure can occur earlier or later than scheduled.

For shipments being sent on a shared load basis, Doree Bonner will include an estimated transit time for your destination with your international removal quote. Ask your Surveyor at the time of survey for details on the type of shipments available and transit times.

Customs regulations are subject to frequent changes. Regrettably, such changes are not always announced. Doree Bonner endeavours to provide the most up-to-date customs information available, from a wide variety of different sources, including Customs Services and industry and trade associations, such as FIDI.

It is impossible to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided as customs rules and regulations, duty and tax rates, documentation and forms can change quickly.

Doree Bonner endeavours to supply all the relevant forms required. However, it is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they have the correct documentation for their personal situation.

If it is a sole use-container, in most cases your shipment will be delivered to your new residence unopened.

In some countries, for example Australia, all containers are unloaded for quarantine inspection. This is always carried out under the strict control of our destination partners. Customs officials reserve the right to inspect goods anywhere in the world at their discretion; therefore inspections are beyond our control.

You are entitled to a full VAT refund on most new household purchases if you are:

• An EU resident and have been in the EU for more than 365 days in the two years before you buy the goods and are going to a final destination outside of the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
• An overseas visitor and have not been in the EU for more than 365 days in the two years before you buy the goods and intend to leave within three months of the date you buy them for a final destination outside the EU.

If the above applies to you and you wish to reclaim VAT please ask our Sales Consultants for further information on the Retail Export Scheme.

FAIM was developed by FIDI (International Federation of International Movers) in 1997 and is now the industry’s leading quality standard for international moving companies.

FAIM certification provides peace of mind for customers as it covers every aspect of the international moving process. Doree Bonner International is established members of FIDI. Our FAIM qualification demonstrates our serious commitment to providing a high quality service for people moving overseas.

You will be paired with an overseas agent in your destination country. All of Doree Bonner’s agents are members of FIDI, BAR Overseas, and/or HHGFAA, meaning you will be provided with the same high quality service you can expect from us.

Doree Bonner has sought to develop a comprehensive network of overseas agents based on their quality of service and experience. The agent will clear your effects through customs and liaise with you regarding delivery or storage if required. It is important to make contact with the agent upon arrival at your destination.

It is important that you check out the background and credentials of the international removal companies who quote on your international move. It is vital to ensure that your chosen international removal company has relevant experience, and the appropriate links with foreign removals company, as the foreign removals company will also provide a service.

You should ensure above all else that you’re chosen international removalist is a member of The International Federation of International Furniture Removers (Visit the FIDI website). The FIDI are the only international group that provides full bonding and ensures that all its members are properly accredited through an inspection and reference system. Other domestic bonding arrangements include BAR Overseas (British Association of Removers Overseas Group.

Advanced Payment Guarantee

When you move home, it is standard practice to pay your removal company in advance. Whilst all BAR members are financially vetted, they understand the concern that customers might feel by paying for their move in advance. Therefore as part of the membership criteria, all BAR Members provide the safety net of an Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme to their customers.

BAR Member companies will provide you with details of the scheme to which they belong, and whether the cover provided is for moves within the UK only or on a Worldwide basis, and so it is important that you ensure your chosen mover provides the appropriate level of cover for the type of move that you are undertaking. The guarantee applies to private individuals moving home to, from or within the United Kingdom and so you can have total confidence in using a BAR Member company for your move.

The Scheme does of course have terms and conditions, and those full terms and conditions can be downloaded here.

For any customer queries under the BAR APG Scheme, please email [email protected].

You should think about what it would cost to replace your household goods and personal effects in the country of destination. A good source of information will be the local press in that country, especially with regard to high value items like motor vehicles. Cost of living data may also be obtainable from that country’s embassy. You should also look at your existing household policy as a guide.

When completing your proposal form, please be as detailed as possible. Remember to include specific individual items that have a high replacement cost e.g. high value paintings, electronics etc.

Though every care is taken to protect your belongings, your effects will be travelling a long way and also may be subject to customs examination/quarantine which can increase the risk of damage.

Doree Bonner can provide comprehensive insurance cover for your household and personal effects during your domestic or international move.

The insurance cover we offer is through Reason & Co who provide competitive rates and excellent back up, so that in the unlikely event of a claim settlement can usually be dealt with promptly.

Though you are welcome to choose marine insurance elsewhere, Doree Bonner cannot guarantee the same level of cover that you will receive from us. We include the following features:

• Cover that is tailor made for your needs.
• The cover can be extended to include pairs and sets, mould and mildew and electrical, electronic mechanical derangement on all items.
• We have a panel of worldwide loss adjusters. Should the worst happen, local representation is in place to visit and assist you with the claims process.
• We work alongside these Claims Adjusters, it is in our best interest to ensure that the claim is settled quickly and fairly.

For a full list of prohibited items it is advisable to apply to the Customs authority for a ruling in the importing country or their overseas representative such as the embassy or consular office. Most countries prohibit or restrict importation of the following items:

• Firearms, ammunition and explosives
• Hazardous items such as fireworks, toxic or poisonous substances
• Swords, sabres, daggers, spears, switchblades, hatchets
• Items made from animals on the endangered species list (eg ivory)
• Foodstuffs, plants, herbs & spices
• Dried flowers, bulbs, seeds, pinecones, pot pourri
• Soil, sand, straw & hay
• Unprocessed furs, skins and hunting trophies
• Alcohol
• Medicines & narcotic drugs
• Pornographic materials

Please note that the importation of goods packed in solid wood packing materials, for example timber cases, is prohibited in the USA unless the timber is TIMCON / ISPM15 compliant. Ask our shipping department for further details.

If you book your shipment as a door-to-door move then all charges, including customs clearance charges and local delivery to your residence (with normal access, not above first floor level), will be included in the estimate that’s given to you.

However, you will still be responsible for any duty or tax that is raised on your shipment by Customs. There may also be further exclusions, which will be set out in our estimate which varies depending on the destination. These include quarantine examination and inspection fees, wharfage fees in some instances, and any rent / demurrage that may be incurred.

Doree Bonner’s Sales & Service Representatives can advise on all aspects of your move overseas, including:

• Route and transport options
• Costs
• Packing requirements
• Crating
• Transit times
• Shipment protection
• Customs requirements
• Storage at origin or destination.
• Provide an estimate of the volume and weight of consignment.
• Paperwork and customs documentation.
• Information regarding overseas agents.
• General advice.

The agent details will be given to you at the time of quotation.

When moving overseas, there are a number of cost options available to you. Cost and services can be based on transit time, method of containerisation, routing consolidation opportunities- sea or air freight, port of exit, etc. The cost of each option will determine the overall amount you’ll pay. Our surveyor will be able to give you advice on all these aspects of your international move.

Planning and preparation are key when it comes to your international move. As soon as you know that you’re going to be moving overseas, contact Doree Bonner. We will be here to guide you on your overseas journey.

As you approach your moving day, think about which items you need for your journey- specifically travel papers, immediate clothing, passports, medical documentation and records, family papers, valuables, jewellery, medicines, school reports, etc.

Doree Bonner provides a variety of host country information including destination guides and country facts sheets, together with detailed customs rules and regulations guides.

You can also speak to your More Co-Ordinator who will strive to answer any questions you may have about your international move.

There are several factors which help to determine which is the best option, such as the value of the items in question at destination compared with its value at the point of origin, the item’s size, and the overall volume of your shipment.

Doree Bonner representatives will be pleased to offer guidance if needed.

Doree Bonner recommends that you give a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks notice, although if this is not possible we will endeavour to meet your requirements.

Ideally, dates should be confirmed with your Doree Bonner representative as soon as you know.

Removal costs are exempt from VAT if the destination is outside the EU. VAT applies at the current UK rate if you are relocating within the EU.

Invoices can be paid online and payment can be made by debit/credit card. Please note that cheques require clearance before goods can be shipped. Bank transfer (BACS) is also an option and full details can be supplied. Speak to your Move Coordinator if you need any assistance with payment.

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Doree Bonner offers a worldwide service to any destination, including regular groupage services to Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Dubai, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Capetown, Durban, and Limassol.

From the above destinations, Doree Bonner can ship to inland destinations in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UAE, Kuwait, Oman , Cyprus and South Africa. When relocating to any inland destination please complete our international moving form and we will supply a door to door quote.

Yes, both at the point of origin and at the destination.

If you require secure storage for moving, we offer discounted rates for consignments that we are shipping overseas. Doree Bonner is able to offer highly competitive rates to suit individual requirements.

If you wish to pack yourself, Doree Bonner will provide you with all the packaging materials you need.

We strongly recommend that you take advantage of our professional packing service; we employ highly qualified staff to perform this skilled task. It is important that a full list of contents of the packed cartons is provided, as this will be needed by customs at destination.

Many of our clients often wish to pack a few personal items themselves. Cartons and packing materials can be delivered to you in advance of the removal so that this can be done at your leisure.

Doree Bonner employs its own full time carpenters who can build high protection crates for any items that require extra protection. From artwork to grandfather clocks, vases to motorcycles, we can crate anything. We also have a large range of specialist packing materials such as acid free tissue, cushion wrap, card wrap etc.