Easy Expat - International Relocation Portal: Move, Work, Live Abroad  Print

Paris


 Departure


International Removal Companies


Moving companies are easy to find, but it can be difficult to find one you trust. Most offer several service packages from low-priced moving boxes from one place to another, to complete packages where they box, ship, and unpack. If you are really ready to do it yourself, many moving companies sell boxes and packing materials and rent moving trucks (véhicule utilitaire). Prices vary widely, so shop around and get estimates to find the best service for you.

Preparing for the Move

One Month before Moving

Two Weeks before Moving

The Day before Moving

Understand Pricing

The price of moving depends on the how much is being moved, the value of the goods, and the distance to be moved. If possible, ship only the truly indispensable items and try to buy when you arrive to abate some of the cost.

Shipping Size

Basic shipping costs are calculated on the amount of volume (Cubic Feet) that your packed goods will take up in one of our shipping containers. Volume is calculated by multiplying the length x depth x height.

An example would be a full size refrigerator/freezer that is 3 feet (.91 meters) wide, 2 feet (.6 meters) deep, and 6 feet (1.8 meters) high would be 36 cubic feet (1.01940 m3).
20 foot (6 meters) container total cubic capacity = 1172 cubic feet (33.2 m3)
40 foot container (12 meters) container total cubic capacity = 2392 cubic feet (67.7 m3)
A standard 2 to 3 bedroom house or condo should fit into 1 x 20ft container. A larger 4 to 5 bedroom house would need 1 x 40ft container. One benefit of a larger shipment is that the greater the overall volume for shipment, the lower the rate per cubic foot, and vice versa.

Distance

Removal cost also depends on the point of origin and final destination. Certain regions are expensive despite a shorter distance. For instance, Europe tends to be relatively expensive to ship to. A full load from the Spain to France can cost 5000. For comparison, a full load from the Australia to France is €6,700.

Miscellaneous Costs

Note that the final price is almost always more expensive than even the best estimates. Be knowledgeable about basic costs and budget a buffer between what you think it will cost and what you can pay.

Shipping Options: Ground, Sea or Air

The three options are to go by ground, sea or by air, or a combination of the three. Most companies offer all options, so inquire about the price difference and decide which method is best for you.

Ground

Moving with only ground travel is uncommon unless moving a short distance. This is much slower then flying, but much less expensive. This method is often done in conjunction with sea or air shipping.

Sea

To move by sea takes about 6-8 weeks, but costs less then traveling by air. If moving by sea, your household goods will be packed into containers that are usually loaded at your residence. Once your home is packed into the containers, they are then shipped by rail or transport to the port where they are then loaded on to a steamship container. The container is then loaded on the boat as cargo. Once your goods have arrived in the new country, the container is unloaded and must pass through customs. International movers will be able to help you with the custom forms and are responsible for clearing your goods.

Air

Moving household items by air is becoming increasingly popular, despite a much higher price tag. Heavy cardboard boxes are normally used to pack your goods, although some air freight companies will use containers. You may find that shipping items by air is less expensive than renting a furnished place or living in a hotel.

Airfreight is calculated on either the actual gross weight of the consignment or the volume weight, whichever is the greater. Weight is expressed in kilograms. To calculate the volume weight of a given item we multiply the length, breadth and height in centimeters and divide by 6000 to obtain the volume weight in kilos. For household goods the volume weight generally exceeds the gross weight.

Evaluating Shipping Options

Groupage

To save money, you can ship your items with other people's belongings. Known as "groupage", your personal belongings will be shipped with the personal belongings of one or more customers. While this offers considerable financial savings, it can take much longer. Usually, the shipment is sent a central location warehouse with later shipments being made to a country specific destination.

If your shipment is large, or cost is not an issue, direct shipping is a better option. The truck will contain your personal belongings only and will go directly to its final destination without stopping at any other warehouse.

You-pack / We-drive Service

Another option when moving your goods is to do the packing yourself. This can save you money, and ensure your items are given the care they deserve.

The process is simple:

Finding a Reputable Company

Feedback from people who have used the company are invaluable. While online reviews can easily be found by googling a company, you can trust other expat experiences and ask questions on the forum France. MoverReviews.com is a specialized site that also offers helpful information and reviews. Remember to speak with people you know like friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family as they are all valuable resource. Ask around to find out which companies have the reputation as the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Though there are many offers for movers online, but it is often in your best interest to establish face-to-face contact with your moving company. This will help you avoid the most common scams. In addition, most companies offer an online estimate, but that number is only a rough idea of the final cost. By working with a company in your area, you can set-up appointments for a house visit to do an in-home estimate that will be far more accurate.

Establish if the company will be doing the move themselves, or if they will be sub-contracting out the job. In general, avoid hiring a moving broker. Most consumer protection laws related to the movement of household goods only apply to Motor Carriers and not to Household Goods Brokers.

It is advisable to get at least three estimates in writing. A verbal agreement is not enforceable, so make sure to have the estimate and details written down. By comparing multiple estimates, you will find what an average price for your move will really be, and find a company that best matches your expectations. It will also inform you of the different offers and advantages different companies offer. This can provide you room to negotiate with the company of your choice.


13/02/2013

Comments

 Redwall

20/06/2010

Where to Rent a Van?
Hello,

You mentioned in the article that you could 'rent a van' to do the move yourself and drive. However, I am finding difficulty in locating a company that I can rent a small van to do this.

I am located in Paris, France and trying to move to Stockholm, Sweden.

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards

Note: I already tried the main car companies Hertz, Avis etc

 Stephen Winch

05/03/2002

Parcelforce - Express international parcel delivery
If you need to send large packages up to 30kg from UK to abroad , go to www.parcelforce.co.uk where they can give you prices for the various delivery services they offer.
E.g. price for standard services (delivery between 3-5 days): 30Kg @45 pounds to France. You can price your package online.


Return to previous page.