Top Tips for Your Move Overseas
When it comes to moving overseas there’s no-one more experienced than our professional packing teams who relocate thousands of people every year. Here some of our most skilled packers give you their top tips for preparing for your big move.
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Chris Grimshaw
Chris has worked for Crown Relocations for over 12 years as a packer and recently featured on Channel 4’s ‘Undercover Boss’. Chris was named Crown’s ‘Packer of the Year’ in 2008 where his skills were put to the test against the best packers from around the UK and Ireland. After coming out on top Chris was delighted to walk away with the prize.
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Andy Cox
Andy is an expert packer who has worked from Crown’s Birmingham branch for the last ten years. Winner of Crown’s ‘Packer of the Year’ competition in 2009, Andy demonstrated his skills against the best packers Crown has to offer. After a demanding – and nerve-filled – final round, Andy was extremely proud to walk off with the title.
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Paul Taylor
One of Crown’s most experienced Team Leaders, Paul has been packing with Crown for 29 years - so when it comes to giving tips on moving abroad Paul is the man in the know. Winner of the prestigious Crown ‘Employee of the Year’ award in 2009, Paul regularly receives comments from customers about his high levels of service, care and attention to detail and his professionalism.
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Here are Chris, Andy and Paul’s tips to help make the preparations for your move as stress-free as possible.
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What tips would you give to people who are moving overseas and are about to have their possessions packed by a relocation company?
- Allow plenty of time before the packers come to sort out your belongings (AC)
- Make sure passports, important papers and jewellery are kept somewhere safe so they won't be packed accidentally (PT)
- If your packing is taking place over more than one day, tell the packers about any items you need overnight. That way they won’t pack them on the first day (PT)
- Keep a digital copy of all of your photos and take it with you on the plane (CG)
What are the common mistakes people make when they are relocating?
- Not keeping keys, passports, tickets or paperwork in a safe place. They're often left in cupboards, drawers or cases (CG)
- Not organising and sorting through their belongings before the packers arrive (AC)
- Putting everything into one room to 'help' the packers. It's easier if we have more space to work (PT)
- Not separating different shipments, e.g. air, sea, storage (PT)
What is the most unusual/interesting item you have packed for a customer?
- A Victorian streetlamp formerly of the Wolverhampton Civic Council. On arrival at destination the lamp was fitted in the customer’s front garden and worked perfectly. (AC)
- A collection of antique dentists chairs (PT)
- A full sized model of a human skeleton (CG)
What can people do to make their move easier?
- Prepare. And then prepare some more! (AC)
- Sort out and declutter your goods. (AC)
- Make sure that small children and pets are looked after during the packing. (PT)
- Give the packing crew clear instructions at the start of the move, then they can get on without disturbing you. (PT)
- Designate a room or closet where all of the contents which are not to be packed can be kept. And then make sure the packing crew is aware of this area. (CG)
On a practical level, how far in advance should people start preparing for their relocation?
- As soon as possible – don’t leave it until the last minute. Make sure you know exactly what you’re planning to take before the packers arrive. (PT)
What key piece of advice would you give to people preparing to relocate?
- Evaluate all of your specific needs and employ a company that can cater for those needs (AC)
- Don’t panic! Trust the expertise of the relocation company; if the packers don’t know the answer your Move Manager will (PT)
- Make sure everyone in your family is happy. When you arrive take your time settling in and give everything a chance.
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