The relocation of household goods from
residence to residence. This is a
comprehensive service (preferred by most
of our clients). Choice International
will be responsible for your shipment
from the pickup point at the origin
(residence or office) to the delivery
point at the destination.
Proper packing (Export Packing) is an
important key to protect you shipment.
Choice International provides a Full
Export Packing Service includes Packing
Material and Professional Packers.
In order to protect your
possessions, Professional Export
Packing should take place before
shipping. Choice International's
professionally trained packers
wrap and pack your personal
possessions in cartons and
shipping crates to protect them
from damage. While packing your
belongings, our packers use
professional packing materials
such:
Should you need to store your shipment
for a short or long term, Choice
International provides you with
professional warehousing and storage
services both at the origin and
destination countries. Choice
International will deliver your shipment
from our warehouse facilities to any
destination around the world.
Your possessions will be stored at a
secured and controlled storage facility.
You may have access to your belongings
at any time (during business hours).
Delivery of your belongings will be made
based on your relocation schedule or
upon notice. You may also store all or
part of your belongings throughout your
relocation period.
Your Personal International Relocation
Coordinator will help you determine your
storage needs and costs as part of the
relocation process.
will assist you with shipping your
vehicle as part of your relocation
process. Shipping a vehicle overseas
involves preparation, documentation and
logistics.
Your vehicle's original title and/or a
letter of release from the lien holder
(i.e. Bank, Finance company) will be
requested along with an export power of
attorney (EPA) that will need to be
notarized, and a photocopy of your
driver's license. Choice International
will provide you with the Export power
of Attorney at the time of booking.
Choice International will provide you
with Door-to-Door Vehicle Transportation
Service. We will pickup the vehicle from
its origin, prepare the vehicle for
shipping, ship it to the destination
country and deliver the vehicle to its
destination. We will also assist you
with clearing your vehicle through
customs, via a network of global agents
ready to assist you with clearance.
Before shipping your auto overseas,
check for any fees and import
regulations versus the cost of a
comparable automobile at destination.
Certain makes might be prohibited.
Models that are allowed might require an
entry permit and modifications to meet
emission or safety standards. If you
decide to take your car, check the
availability of parts, unleaded or
premium gasoline, and right-hand versus
left-hand driving.
Motor freight carrier, railroad,
steamship line, or airline will be used
to ship your household goods. Your
packed and loaded shipment will be
transported to the port of exit by truck
or rail. There, the container(s) will be
loaded onto a vessel or an aircraft.
Whether your household or office is
shipped in a lift-van, a steamship
container, or an air container will be
determined by the following
considerations:
Size of shipment Destination Time frame
Budget A lift-van ranges in size from
185 to 210 cubic feet. This wooden or
plywood container with skids is normally
loaded using a forklift. A lift-van is
lined with water-resistant paper and
caulked to prevent leakage.
Steamship companies supply containers.
There are two common sizes of ocean
containers:
20-foot container, dimensions (inch):
234 (L) x 92 (W) x 96 (H)
40 -foot container, dimensions (inch):
474 (L) x 92 (W) x 96 (H)
Air containers range in size from 5 to
100 cubic feet.
Small shipments are packed in containers
of triple-layered corrugated cardboard;
l
arger shipments by air are normally
crated instead of boxed.
The cost of your relocation is based
on the following:
Size of shipment Type of service (Door
to Door or Partial Service, Full
Packing) Destination Time Frame Means of
transportation & shipping Optional
services (Storage, Car transport) Top
List of Items
In order to have an accurate size of
your shipment you should list all items
to be moved including Household goods,
personal belongings, furniture and
vehicles. Should you have items in more
then one location, remember to add them
to your list. The list of items
(Inventory list) will determine your
shipment's size (Weight (in pounds) and
Space (in cubic feet).
------------------------------
On Site Estimate
In many cases, Choice International will
send a Professional Estimator
specializes in International Relocation
to your origin (Onsite Estimate), in
order to survey the house / apartment
and establish an accurate list of items
and the size of your shipment.
------------------------------
Storage
At this point you should consider which
items will be move into storage and
which will be moved to the destination.
------------------------------
Type of Services
After establishing the size of your
shipment, you need to decide on type of
services. You may choose between Door to
Door or Partial Service, with or without
Full Packing. You should also mention
whether you need optional services such
as storage or car transport.
------------------------------
Destination & Time Frame
In order to provide you with an accurate
estimate for your moving cost, we will
need to know your destination and time
frame.
------------------------------
Processing the Estimate
Based on the information mentioned
above, your Personal International
Relocation Coordinator at Choice
International will be able to process an
accurate estimate for your relocation.
Your estimate will include the
following:
Moving costs Optional services costs
Time frame Terms of payment Please
review your estimate and make sure you
clearly understand all the information
it provides you with. Should you have
any questions or inquiries please
contact your Personal Coordinator prior
to the booking date.
To designate a person who will act on
your behalf, execute a Power of Attorney
before moving. Provide this person with
a key to your safe deposit box in which
you have left an up-to-date will,
insurance policies, appointment of your
children's legal guardian (should the
need arise), and copies of the legal
documents you are taking with you. These
documents might include birth and
marriage certificates, divorce decrees,
bank drafts, letters of credit, tax
documents and Social Security Records.
------------------------------
Finances at Origin and Destination
Before departure, discuss your upcoming
relocation with all banks or finance
companies with which you are doing
business, such as the holder of your car
title. A lender's permission often is
required when moving unpaid items out of
the country.
Similarly, open a bank account at a
local branch of an international bank.
By using a bank with offices at your
origin and destination, check-cashing
privileges may be more readily obtained
and emergency funds -- should the need
arise -- would be more easily
accessible.
------------------------------
Insurance Agent's Letter of
Recommendation
To help obtain automobile and
homeowner's insurance coverage in a
foreign country, if your current
policies will not be valid at
destination, you need to take out new
policies. A Letter of Recommendation
from your current insurance agent will
help obtain the new policies. The Letter
of Recommendation should state you have
a good driving record and give the
specific dates you had coverage with
that insurance company.
------------------------------
Travel Agent Saves Your Time
Unless your employer is handling your
travel arrangements, use your travel
agent to save you time and trouble. The
travel agent does not charge you for
service; rather, the agent receives a
commission from the airline/ocean
carrier you use.
------------------------------
Change your address using the United
States Postal Service website
This easy, quick and secure process lets
you complete all of your address changes
directly with the U.S. Postal Service in
only a few steps including moving your
magazines by changing your address on
your magazine subscriptions. Keep in
mind that some magazines, books and
records sent through the mail might be
prohibited in foreign countries. Call
1-888-835-2124 for immediate service. In
addition, the USPS Moving Services
update your email address to let you
stay connected at your new email by
alerting friends, family and businesses
of your new email address.
------------------------------
Internal Revenue System (IRS)
If you are expecting a tax refund,
notify the appropriate revenue
department that your address is
changing.
------------------------------
Doctor/Dentist Colleagues at Destination
Advise your current physician and
dentist that you will be moving, and ask
for recommendations for counterparts in
your destination country. If they cannot
supply references, a consulate or
embassy of your destination country, or
The International Association for
Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT)
should be able to help you. Get your
personal membership card and package of
IAMAT publications, including the
Directory of IAMAT Physicians that
guides you to participating physicians,
specialists, clinics, and hospitals in
125 countries. Telephone numbers are
included. Contact IAMAT by email at
info@iamat.org or by mail at 417 Center
St. , Lewiston , NY 14092 ; (716)
754-4883.
------------------------------
Duty-Free Personal Accessories
Shipping personal items such as
clothing, furs and jewelry is usually
duty-free as long as these items are for
the owner's use and not for resale.
Check restrictions of your destination
country with a consulate or embassy
before shipping your possessions.
Meyer's suggests that jewelry and furs
be shipped via airfreight or carried
with you in your personal luggage to
prevent theft.
------------------------------
Houseplants & Seeds May Be Prohibited
Many countries prohibit the entry of
plants and bulbs. If seeds are allowed,
find out if a special permit is
necessary, and carry the seeds with you.
Bulbs, seeds and houseplants cannot be
packed as part of your household goods
shipment.
------------------------------
The Moving Date
When choosing a moving date please
consider the following:
Time frame of the Relocation Process
(including pickup at the origin, inland
transportation, sea or air shipment,
clearing process and delivery to
destination). Plan your moving date so
it will fit to your relocation schedule
and to your arrival date at the
destination. Delays at your destination
country due to holidays, weather and
other obstacles. In order to avoid any
delay, please check the calendar and the
conditions at the destination.
First and last week of the month are
usually the busiest in the moving and
relocation industries. Try to avoid them
or schedule the move well in advance.
Top
Keep
a folder, preferably with separated
interior pockets or tabs, for all your
moving-related information, including
receipts, contact information and
checklists.
Check
the Internal Revenue Service's website
(type "moving" in the search field on
the IRS website) or contact them
directly for about possible tax
deductions for moving-related expenses.
Transfer
your medical, property, automobile, and
other insurance as necessary.
Organize
your dental and medical records,
including prescriptions and vaccination
information.
Contact
relevant clubs, subscriptions, and
associations to transfer or cancel
memberships.
Unique
and especially valuable items such as
family heirlooms, wills and testaments,
stock certificates, photographs,
jewelry, scrapbooks and home videos are
difficult or impossible to replace. Plan
to carry these items with you rather
than including them with the general
move.
Get
to know your new neighborhood and
community. Find out information on local
taxes, schools, parks, recreation
centers and community maps and calendar
-------------------------------
5 Weeks Before the Move-Out Day
Objectively
consider what items must go with you and
what can be left behind. Do you really
need to keep those old toys and games
that are no longer played with, books
that will not be reread, old computers
that nobody uses? Extra weight will cost
extra time and money to move, and
consider that clearing some of your old
items leaves room for new things at your
new location.
Organize
your move by making a few lists: items
you will move on your own, items for
Choice International to move, and items
to leave behind. Put stars next to the
items that will require unusual care or
need pre-move attention, such as a lawn
mower that must be drained of any
gasoline before it may be transported.
For
those items you've decided not to keep,
make arrangements well before your move
to sell, give to charity, or properly
dispose of them.
Make
sure your mail will find you at your new
address. Post offices carry
change-of-address forms that you can
fill out, or visit the USPS website and
complete their online movers guide.
-------------------------------
4 Weeks Before the Move-Out Day
Include
your children in the moving activities.
Let them pack some of their own things,
and ask for their input in decorating
the new home, and how they want the
layout for their new room.
Collect
appropriate containers and packing
materials if you are planning to pack
any of your items on your own. Materials
may also be available to you at
reasonable cost through your Choice
International personal relocation guide.
Ask
your personal relocation guide for
information about packing.
We'll
be happy to do all or most of your
packing for you. Our experienced packers
are familiar with the materials and
techniques to keep your items safe
through the move.
-------------------------------
3 Weeks Before the Move-Out Day
Notify
your Choice International relocation
guide as to how much packing you would
like us to do and how much packing you
will do on your own. We will take care
of your large furniture items. Our
packers are professionals with extensive
packing experience, and are equipped to
handle all your packing to ensure the
safety of your belongings.
Inform
your Choice International personal
relocation guide if you add or subtract
items from your move, or if there are
changes in the dates of your move.
If
you have young children, arrange for a
baby-sitter to watch them on moving day.
Since you'll be concentrating your
efforts on the move, a sitter can keep
your children occupied and make sure
they remain safe during the busy loading
process.
You
will need to carry valuable jewelry with
you. If you've hidden any valuables
around the house, be sure to collect
them before leaving.
Some
state laws prohibit moving house plants.
Consider giving plants to a friend or
office.
While
you are sorting through your belongings,
remember to return library books and
anything else you have borrowed. Also
remember to collect all items that are
being cleaned, stored or repaired
(clothing, shoes, furs, watches, etc.).
Since
you will want to have your utilities
(electric, gas, phone, etc.) still
connected on moving day, arrange to have
them disconnected from your present home
after your scheduled move-out.
Call
to have utilities connected at your new
home the day before your scheduled
move-in.
-------------------------------
2 Weeks Before the Move-Out Day
Begin
preparations to move some of your
less-used items.
Clean
your home and clear items you don't
need, including from closets, basements,
and attics.
Properly
dispose of flammables such as fireworks,
matches, lighters, cleaning products,
aerosol cans, paint, chemistry sets, and
poisons such as weed killer.
Plan
meals to use up the food in your home,
especially in the freezer.
Make
sure you have collected your items from
any safety deposit boxes, and that any
bank accounts have been transferred as
necessary.
All
oil and gasoline should be drained from
lawn mowers and power tools before
transportation.
Clean
your stove and also your refrigerator
and freezer after clearing and
defrosting them. Make sure this is done
at least 24 hours in advance of your
move so that they may air out properly.
Baking soda may help curb odors.
All
should be serviced professionally before
moving. Have certificates of servicing
in your possession at time of move.
-------------------------------
1 Week Before the Move-Out Day
This
is your week to tie up loose ends. Check
back through the Move Planner to make
sure you haven't overlooked anything.
Since
you will want to have your utilities
(electric, gas, phone, etc.) still
connected on moving day, arrange to have
them disconnected from your present home
after your scheduled move-out.
Call
ahead to have utilities connected at
your new home the day before or the day
of your scheduled move-in.
Take
the "Do Not Load" stickers from the back
of the Move Planner and place them on
all the things you want to take with
you. Then, since the last items loaded
are the first ones unloaded, put the
"Load Last" stickers on things that you
will need to use as soon as you get to
your new home. The "Fragile" stickers
should be placed on items that need
special care.
Pack
your suitcases and confirm your personal
travel arrangements (flights, hotel,
rental cars, etc.) for your family. Try
to keep your plans as flexible as
possible in the event of an unexpected
schedule change or delay.
Make
sure your agent knows the address and
phone number where you can be reached
until you get into your new home.
Prepare
a "Trip Kit" for moving day. This kit
should contain the things you'll need
while your belongings are in transit.
-------------------------------
Move-In Day
The
van operator will contact you or the
destination agent 24 hours prior to the
expected arrival time. This allows time
to locate you and arrange for unloading.
If for some reason you cannot be
reached, it is then your responsibility
to contact the destination agent.
Be
sure you're there when the movers
arrive. Plan to stay around while they
unload in case they have any questions.
If you cannot be there personally, be
sure to authorize an adult to be your
representative to accept delivery and
pay the charges for you. Inform the
destination agent of your chosen
representative's name. Your
representative will be asked to note any
change in the condition of your goods
noted on the inventory at the time of
loading, and to note any items missing
at the time of delivery.
Have
payment on hand for your moving charges.
Unless other billing arrangements were
made in advance, payment is required
upon delivery in cash, traveler's
checks, money order or cashier's check.
Personal checks are not accepted.
Check
to make sure the utilities have been
connected, and follow up on any delays.
Make
sure your phone is connected. Ideally,
you should have the phone company hook
it up the day before Move-In Day.
Confine
your pets to an out-of-the-way room to
help keep them from running away or
becoming agitated by all of the
activity.
It's
a good idea to review your floor plan so
you can tell the movers where to place
your furniture and appliances. Plan to
be available to direct them as they
unload.
To
prevent possible damage, televisions,
stereos, computers, other electronic
equipment and major appliances should
not be used for 24 hours after delivery,
allowing them time to adjust to room
temperature.
Choice
International, one of the nation's
leading transportation service
companies, specializes in the worldwide
movement of household goods,
electronics/high-value products, trade
show exhibits and general commodities.
