Storage FAQs
Whether you’re moving house, renovating, travelling, downsizing or simply need more space, storage can provide a secure and flexible way to look after your belongings.
Doree Bonner offers secure, containerised storage for household and other belongings, with collection and delivery services available across the UK. Our storage is designed to work as a standalone service or as part of a wider removal and moving plan.
Quick Links
- Planning your storage
- Getting my belongings into storage
- How your belongings are stored
- What can I put into storage?
- Accessing your storage
- Insurance and protecting your belongings
- Getting your belongings out of storage
- Storage as part of a house move
- Storage for different situations
- Booking and paying for storage
- Choosing a storage company
Planning your storage
How do you calculate the cost of an international removal?
Your international removal cost is primarily based on the volume of goods being shipped, the destination and freight costs, together with any packing, crating, storage or additional services required.
A survey allows us to assess the volume accurately and identify any access or packing requirements that could affect the cost.
How much does an international removal cost?
The cost of an international removal depends on several factors, including the volume of belongings you are moving, your destination, the method of transport, packing requirements and the services you need at your destination.
The best way to establish an accurate cost is to arrange an international removal survey. One of our International Moving Consultants can assess the volume of your belongings, discuss your requirements and explain the available transport and service options.
How far in advance should I book an international removal?
We recommend contacting an international removals company as soon as you know you are moving overseas. Ideally, start planning at least 12 weeks before your intended move, although some customers begin planning many months in advance.
International moves involve more stages than a domestic move, including export arrangements, shipping, customs clearance and destination delivery, so allowing plenty of time gives you more flexibility.
Can I arrange an international removal if I don’t have a confirmed moving date?
Yes. You don’t necessarily need to have a confirmed completion or moving date before speaking to us.
Getting an early assessment and quotation can help you understand your options and the likely timescales involved. Your Move Coordinator can then work with you as your plans become clearer.
Can you arrange an international removal at short notice?
We will always do our best to help, even when your move has come together at short notice. However, availability of shipping, packing teams, containers and destination services can affect what is possible.
The earlier you contact us, the more options we are likely to have available.
Do I need a survey before getting an international removal quote?
For an accurate quotation, we normally recommend a survey of the belongings you intend to move.
During the survey, we can assess the volume of your shipment, discuss packing requirements, identify specialist items and talk through shipping, storage, insurance and destination arrangements.
Can I get an international removal quote online?
Yes. Doree Bonner offers an online international removal quote service. For more complex moves, or where you need a detailed assessment of your belongings and requirements, we can also arrange a full survey.
Can you move my belongings to any country?
Doree Bonner provides international removal services to destinations around the world. The available transport methods and destination services depend on the country and your specific requirements.
For less straightforward destinations, we can discuss the available routes, shipping options and destination arrangements as part of your quotation.
Getting my belongings into storage
How will my belongings be transported overseas?
Depending on your destination, shipment size and preferred timescale, your belongings may be transported by sea or air.
Sea freight is generally suitable for larger household shipments, while air freight can be useful for smaller shipments where speed is particularly important.
We will recommend the most appropriate option based on your circumstances, budget and destination.
What is a sole-use container?
A sole-use container is reserved exclusively for your belongings. Your goods are loaded into the container for shipment to your destination without being combined with another customer’s household goods.
This can provide greater control over the shipment and may offer a more direct shipping route, depending on the destination.
What is a shared container?
A shared container allows belongings from more than one customer to be transported together.
This can be a cost-effective option when you do not have enough belongings to fill a complete container. Your quotation will explain the available options and estimated transit time.
Is a shared container cheaper than a sole-use container?
It can be. Shared-container services allow the shipping costs to be shared between consignments, making them potentially more economical for smaller moves.
However, the best option depends on your volume, destination and required timescale. We’ll explain the available options when preparing your quotation.
Can I ship my belongings by air?
Yes. Air freight is available for suitable international shipments and can be particularly useful for smaller consignments or items you need to receive sooner.
Air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight, so we’ll help you weigh up cost against speed.
How long does an international removal take?
There isn’t one standard transit time for an international move. It depends on your destination, shipping method, route, port schedules, whether your shipment is shared or sole-use, and the time required for customs clearance and destination delivery.
Your quotation will include an estimated transit time for your particular shipment. Shipping schedules are estimates and can change because of circumstances outside the removal company’s control.
Can I track my international shipment?
Your Move Coordinator or destination agent will be able to provide information about the progress of your shipment.
The exact tracking information available can depend on the shipping method and destination. You will also receive details of your overseas agent so that you know who to contact once you arrive.
What happens if my international shipment is delayed?
International shipping can be affected by circumstances including vessel schedules, port congestion, customs procedures, inspections, weather and other operational disruptions.
If there is a significant change to your shipment, your Move Coordinator or destination agent will advise you and help keep the delivery arrangements on track.
Can my belongings arrive before I do?
Yes, this is possible. When planning your move, tell us if you expect to arrive at your destination before or after your shipment.
Your destination agent can discuss the delivery arrangements with you. If your new home isn’t ready when your belongings arrive, storage may also be available.
Will my belongings be delivered directly to my new home?
A door-to-door service can include delivery from the destination port to your residence, subject to the access conditions and services included in your quotation.
Normal access is generally included in a door-to-door quotation, while unusual access requirements or additional services may incur extra charges. Your quotation will explain what is included.
How your belongings are stored
Will my belongings have to go through customs?
Yes. International household goods entering another country are subject to the destination country’s customs and import requirements.
The exact process varies between countries and depends on your circumstances and the goods you are importing.
Who handles customs clearance?
Doree Bonner works with an overseas destination agent who can assist with customs clearance and destination arrangements.
Your destination agent will help with the local process, but you remain responsible for providing accurate information and the documentation required for your personal circumstances.
What documents do I need to move my belongings overseas?
The documents required depend on your destination and circumstances. They can include information about your identity, residence, the contents of your shipment and your move.
We’ll advise you about the documentation required for your destination as part of the moving process.
Because customs requirements can change, you should always follow the latest destination-specific guidance provided by the relevant authorities.
Will I have to pay customs duty or import taxes?
Possibly. Whether duty or tax is payable depends on the destination country, your circumstances, the goods being imported and the import rules that apply.
A door-to-door quotation may include customs clearance and local delivery charges, but this does not necessarily mean that government duties or taxes are included.
Any potential duty or tax should be considered separately and checked against the current requirements for your destination.
Are customs charges included in my removal quote?
If you have been quoted for a door-to-door service, the quotation may include customs clearance and local delivery under normal conditions.
However, government duties and taxes, quarantine or inspection charges and certain other destination costs may be excluded.
Your individual quotation will specify exactly what is included and any exclusions that apply.
What happens if customs inspects my shipment?
Customs authorities have the right to inspect international shipments.
An inspection can sometimes result in additional handling, examination or storage charges, depending on the destination and circumstances. It can also affect delivery times.
We and our destination partners will assist with the process, but customs inspections are outside the removal company’s control.
How do I find the latest customs requirements for my destination?
Customs rules and documentation requirements can change, so it is important to use current information for the country you are moving to.
We can provide guidance and relevant documentation as part of your move, while your destination agent can advise on local requirements.
For important or unusual items, you should also check the current requirements with the relevant government or customs authority.
What can I put into storage?
Can I pack my own belongings?
Yes. If you prefer to pack yourself, we can provide suitable packing materials.
However, professional packing is strongly recommended for international moves because your belongings may travel a long distance and can be subject to handling, loading, unloading and customs inspections.
Should I use a professional packing service for an international move?
Professional packing can provide additional protection and makes it easier to produce the detailed inventory information that may be required for customs.
Doree Bonner’s professional packing teams are experienced in preparing household goods for international transportation and can use specialist materials where required.
Can you provide packing materials if I pack myself?
Yes. Packing materials can be supplied in advance so that you can pack selected personal belongings yourself.
Your Move Coordinator can advise you about the appropriate materials and quantities.
How should I label my boxes for an international move?
Your boxes should be clearly identified and included in the inventory of goods being shipped.
If you are packing yourself, we’ll explain the information we need and how your shipment should be prepared before collection.
Do you create an inventory of my belongings?
Yes. A detailed inventory of the goods being shipped is an important part of an international move.
It helps with the removal process and may be required for customs clearance at your destination.
Can you pack fragile and valuable items?
Yes. We can provide specialist packing for fragile, valuable and unusual items.
For particularly valuable or delicate belongings, our specialist packing and crating services can provide additional protection during international transportation.
Accessing your storage
Who will deliver my belongings when they arrive overseas?
Doree Bonner works with overseas destination agents who assist with customs clearance, delivery and other destination services.
You will be provided with the relevant agent details and should make contact with the agent when you arrive in your destination country.
What does the destination agent do?
Your destination agent can assist with customs clearance and coordinate the delivery of your belongings.
Depending on the service you’ve selected, destination services can also include unpacking, furniture positioning, reassembly and disposal of used packing materials.
Do I need to contact the destination agent when I arrive?
Yes. We recommend contacting your destination agent once you arrive.
They will be able to update you on your shipment and discuss the arrangements for customs clearance and delivery.
What happens when my shipment arrives at the destination port?
Your shipment will go through the relevant destination procedures, which can include customs clearance and any required inspections.
Once clearance has been completed, your destination agent will arrange delivery in accordance with the service you have selected.
Will my container be opened before delivery?
Not necessarily.
With a sole-use container, your shipment will generally remain intact through to delivery. However, customs authorities have the right to inspect shipments.
Some countries also require specific inspections or unpacking procedures, including quarantine inspections.
What happens if I haven’t found a permanent home yet?
You don’t necessarily need to have your permanent address confirmed before arranging your international move.
Storage may be available at the destination if your belongings arrive before you are ready to receive them. Discuss your circumstances with us as early as possible so that the appropriate arrangements can be included in your moving plan.
Can you provide storage at my destination?
Yes. Doree Bonner can arrange storage at both origin and destination, subject to availability and the requirements of your move.
Destination storage can be particularly useful if your shipment arrives before your new home is ready.
Can I arrange additional services at destination?
Yes. Depending on the destination and service selected, additional services can include unpacking, positioning furniture, reassembly and disposal of packing materials.
These should be discussed before your move so they can be included in your quotation and delivery arrangements.
Insurance and protecting your belongings
What items can’t I include in an international shipment?
Restrictions vary between countries, so there is no single worldwide list of prohibited items.
Many destinations restrict or prohibit items such as firearms and ammunition, explosives, hazardous substances, certain animal products, plants, food, alcohol, medicines and other controlled goods.
Always tell us about unusual, restricted or potentially hazardous items before your move so that we can check the requirements for your destination.
Can I take food when moving abroad?
Food is restricted or prohibited by many countries, particularly fresh, dried or animal-derived products.
Do not assume that an item which can be legally transported from the UK can also be imported into your destination country.
Check the specific requirements for your destination before including food in your shipment.
Can I take plants, seeds or garden products?
Plants, seeds, soil and other plant material are heavily regulated in many countries because of the risk of introducing pests and diseases.
These items should not be included in your shipment without first checking the import requirements of your destination.
Can I take medicines?
Medicines can be subject to import restrictions, even when they are legally prescribed or purchased in the UK.
If you need to take medication overseas, check the requirements of your destination country and keep essential medication with you rather than placing it in your removal shipment.
Can I take alcohol?
Alcohol is subject to destination-specific import restrictions and may attract duty or tax.
Tell us if you intend to ship alcohol so that we can establish whether it can be included and what requirements may apply.
Can I take my car or motorcycle overseas?
International vehicle shipping can be arranged for suitable destinations.
Vehicle movements involve additional considerations such as shipping arrangements, customs, import requirements, taxes and registration. These should be discussed separately when planning your move.
Can you move artwork and antiques internationally?
Yes. We can provide specialist packing and crating for artwork, antiques and other valuable or fragile possessions.
When arranging insurance, make sure high-value individual items are declared accurately and that their replacement value at destination is considered.
Getting your belongings out of storage
Do I need insurance for an international move?
We strongly recommend arranging appropriate protection for your belongings during an international move.
Your goods may be exposed to multiple stages of handling and transportation, including road transport, port handling, shipping, customs inspection and destination delivery.
Can Doree Bonner arrange international removal insurance?
Yes. Doree Bonner can arrange comprehensive insurance cover for household goods and personal effects during an international move.
The available cover can be tailored to your requirements.
How much insurance cover do I need?
You should consider what it would cost to replace your belongings at your destination rather than simply using their original purchase price.
Pay particular attention to high-value items such as artwork, jewellery, electronics, antiques and other possessions that may be expensive to replace overseas.
Do I need to declare valuable items separately?
High-value individual items should be identified accurately when arranging your insurance.
Providing detailed information about valuable belongings helps ensure that the appropriate level of protection can be considered.
What happens if something is damaged during my international move?
If you discover damage, contact Doree Bonner or the relevant claims contact as soon as possible.
The claims process will depend on the circumstances and the insurance cover you have selected. Keeping your inventory, photographs and other relevant documentation can help with a claim.
Does insurance cover damage caused by customs inspection?
This depends on the specific insurance policy and circumstances.
Customs and quarantine inspections can involve additional handling, which is one reason why appropriate international removal insurance is important. Your policy documents will set out the applicable cover and exclusions.
Storage as part of a house move
Are all international removal charges included in my quotation?
Your quotation will set out the services and charges included in your move.
For a door-to-door service, many of the normal costs associated with customs clearance and delivery are included. However, some costs—such as government duties or taxes, certain inspections, quarantine charges, demurrage or unusual destination requirements—may be excluded.
Always check the inclusions and exclusions in your individual quotation.
When do I pay for an international removal?
Payment arrangements depend on the type of shipment.
Doree Bonner’s current terms state that groupage and part-load consignments require payment before collection, while full-container shipments require payment in advance of booking the container.
Your Move Coordinator will confirm the payment schedule for your particular move.
How can I pay for my international removal?
Payment can be made using the methods available through Doree Bonner, including online payment by debit or credit card and bank transfer.
Your Move Coordinator can provide the relevant payment details and assist if you have any questions.
Can I compare different international removal options?
Yes. There can be several ways of shipping your belongings, with different combinations of price, transit time, containerisation and routing.
We can explain the available options so you can choose a service that fits your priorities and budget.
Storage for different situations
- What is included in the quotation?
- What costs are excluded?
- Which shipping method will be used?
- What is the estimated transit time?
- Who will handle my shipment at destination?
- How will customs clearance be handled?
- What insurance or protection is available?
- What happens if my shipment is delayed?
- Is destination storage available?
- What happens if my circumstances change?
How do I choose an international removals company?
Look for a company with genuine international moving experience, established destination partners, appropriate insurance options and recognised industry credentials.
You should also check exactly what is included in the quotation, who will handle your belongings at destination, how customs clearance is managed and what protection is available if something goes wrong.
What is FAIM?
FAIM is an international quality standard developed within the FIDI network for international moving companies.
It is designed to assess quality and operational standards across the international moving process.
Doree Bonner is a member of FIDI and has historically highlighted its FAIM credentials as part of its international moving service.
What should I ask an international removals company before booking?
Before choosing a mover, ask:
A reputable international mover should be able to explain the process clearly before you commit.
Booking and paying for storage
What should I keep with me rather than put into my shipment?
Keep important documents and items you will need during your journey with you rather than placing them in your removal shipment.
This can include passports, visas, travel documents, financial information, medical records and essential medication, as well as valuables and items you will need immediately after arrival.
You should also keep enough clothing and essential personal items with you to cover the expected period before your shipment arrives.
Is it cheaper to ship my belongings or replace them at my destination?
Not always.
The answer depends on the cost and availability of replacement items at your destination, the value and size of the item, and how much space it takes up in your shipment.
If you have large, inexpensive or easily replaceable items, it may make more financial sense to sell or replace them. Your International Moving Consultant can help you consider the options.
What happens if I need to store some of my belongings before I move?
Doree Bonner can provide storage at the UK end of your move.
This can be useful if you are moving out of your existing property before your international shipment is ready to depart, or if you want to reduce the amount you initially ship.
Can you help me plan the whole international move?
Yes. An international removal involves much more than transporting boxes from one country to another.
Your Doree Bonner team can advise on the survey, packing, shipping method, transit times, insurance, customs documentation, destination agents and storage requirements.
The earlier you involve us, the more opportunity there is to plan each stage of your move properly.
Choosing a storage company
What should I keep with me rather than put into my shipment?
Keep important documents and items you will need during your journey with you rather than placing them in your removal shipment.
This can include passports, visas, travel documents, financial information, medical records and essential medication, as well as valuables and items you will need immediately after arrival.
You should also keep enough clothing and essential personal items with you to cover the expected period before your shipment arrives.
Is it cheaper to ship my belongings or replace them at my destination?
Not always.
The answer depends on the cost and availability of replacement items at your destination, the value and size of the item, and how much space it takes up in your shipment.
If you have large, inexpensive or easily replaceable items, it may make more financial sense to sell or replace them. Your International Moving Consultant can help you consider the options.
What happens if I need to store some of my belongings before I move?
Doree Bonner can provide storage at the UK end of your move.
This can be useful if you are moving out of your existing property before your international shipment is ready to depart, or if you want to reduce the amount you initially ship.
Can you help me plan the whole international move?
Yes. An international removal involves much more than transporting boxes from one country to another.
Your Doree Bonner team can advise on the survey, packing, shipping method, transit times, insurance, customs documentation, destination agents and storage requirements.
The earlier you involve us, the more opportunity there is to plan each stage of your move properly.
Ready to make your move?
Still have questions, or ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re moving home in the UK, relocating overseas or looking for secure storage, our team is here to help.
Get a free, no-obligation quote and talk to one of our experienced moving specialists about your requirements. We’ll help you understand your options, answer any questions and make sure your move is planned around your needs.
Prefer to speak to someone first? Contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.