Like most people immigrating to New Zealand you are likely aware that there is a strong economic argument for taking all your household goods with you. It is considerably cheaper than trying to sell your items in the UK just to purchase everything new in New Zealand. Plus, you get the comfort of having your own familiar items with you.
How to plan your packing
The first step is to arrange two or three international removal companies to send an estimator to survey the volume and packing requirements of your removal. This should be done between three and six months before you are likely to emigrate.
Once the estimator has completed his or her survey of the goods you plan to take with you, a written statement should follow within a few days. After receiving a written estimate you can alter the list of items and get an amended price without the need for the estimator to visit a second time.
During the estimator’s visit he or she will compile a list upon which the quotation will be based. Be careful not to reduce too drastically the amount of small items you tell the estimator you intend to take (i.e. clothing, toys, and kitchen items). Note that most professional international movers will require approximately one month’s notice to schedule your actual packing and removal date.
How do I choose a removal company?
Any UK removals company you invite to provide you with a quote should, at a minimum, meet the following three standards. Outside of the UK, settle for no less than FIDI and FAIM accreditation:
BAR – The British Association of Removers is the association for removal companies based in the UK, and their logo is commonly seen on vans and trucks throughout the UK. However, what is most important when moving overseas is to look for the two flags underneath the logo that state ‘Overseas Remover’ and ‘Advance Payment Guaranteed’.
The BAR has a specialist ‘overseas’ group and it is only members of this group who are covered by the IMMI scheme. The IMMI scheme is your ‘advance payment guarantee’ – your assurance that your payment is protected.
Your possessions are not worth risking. If you are offered a very low quote and decide to take the chance, you must get an IMMI certificate to ensure that your payment is guaranteed.
FIDI – The FIDI global alliance is recognised throughout the world as the association for accredited international movers. It enables its members to make use of the very best available facilities at any destination throughout the world. Being a member of FIDI gives movers the flexibility to ensure that your goods receive the very best service at their destination.
FAIM – This is a quality assurance standard designed specifically for the international removals industry and, like FIDI, is recognised throughout the world. FAIM is regarded as the highest standard in international moving. Companies who have achieved FAIM accreditation have reached a certain standard that they have to maintain, and which is audited regularly to ensure standards are kept to the highest level.
How does the process work?
The quantity of goods you choose to move is up to you. Shared container service is available for people who do not have sufficient volume of goods to fill a full container on their own. Alternatively, full container service allows you to have your own container loaded at your home. Full container service is the most economical and most popular option with migrants to New Zealand.
Whichever service you require, if you choose to use an international removals company, all of the packing will be carried out in your home, with the packages marked and numbered. You will receive a list of every item packed and its location. It is important that everything is packed by trained export packers with the correct packing materials.
Bear in mind that the transit times are different – if you have your own container loaded at your home, you can expect it to arrive in New Zealand after six to eight weeks, whereas if your goods are sent in a shared container it can take between eight and 12 weeks to arrive, depending on destination and seasonal trends.
You will receive notification when your goods arrive and you will need to be available at your contact address to complete and return a NZ Customs form. Be aware that all consignments arriving in New Zealand are subject to quarantine inspection by MAF. These charges are not a fixed tariff as they are largely based on the amount of time taken by the inspectors to assess your goods, and, therefore, cannot be included in removal quotations meaning you will have to pay any costs relating to quarantine upon arrival.
If you are taking up permanent residence in New Zealand for the first time, your household and personal effects may be imported free of duty provided that you have owned and used them overseas prior to your arrival in New Zealand. Returning New Zealanders can import their used personal possession duty free provided they have resided outside New Zealand for more than 21 months and have personally owned and used said items overseas. To qualify for duty free import, the items must be imported for personal use and not for any other person or for gift, sale or exchange.
-written by Nick Witham, PSS International Removals
Nick Witham is Managing Director of PSS International Removals. He started PSS 27 years ago, and has now spent nearly 40 years in the industry. The family business employs Mr Witham’s wife, two daughters and son. Nick has written countless articles for the migrant press and has featured in various DVD and other media products.