International removal companies can assist you in facilitating the shipment and importation of your personal effects to Malta. Most international removal companies offer groupage services, and air or sea freight. Some companies can also pack your goods, and transport them directly into your home.
Local vehicle importation companies can also facilitate the importation or your vehicle, or a new or used vehicle, on your behalf, including completion of paperwork and payment of applicable fees.
When preparing for you move and considering shipping your personal belongings, you should consider whether you are purchasing or renting property, and whether you plan to reside in Malta long or short term.
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.
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).
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.
Removal costs depend 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 UK to Spain can cost £5000. For comparison, a full load from the UK to Australia is £6700.
Note that the final price is almost always more expensive than even the best estimates. Be knowledgeable about basic costs and budget more than the cost of the estimate.
The two basic shipping options for Malta are to go by sea or air. Most companies offer both options (which may be combined with some form of ground shipping), so inquire about the price difference and decide which method is best for you.
To move by sea takes about 7-9 weeks, but costs less than 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 ground transport to the port where they are then loaded onto 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.
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 airfreight companies will use containers. You may find that shipping items by air is less expensive than renting a furnished flat or house, or living in a hotel.
Airfreight is calculated on either the actual gross weight of the consignment or the volume weight, whichever is greater. Weight is normally expressed in kilograms. To calculate the volume weight of a given item, 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.
Alternately, sometimes it is cheaper to pay for excess baggage with commercial airlines, rather than pay to ship a small quantity of personal effect with an airfreight company.
Some basic factors in determining the best shipping method are:
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 to a central location warehouse with later shipments being made to a country specific destination. Most shipping companies in Malta offer groupage options.
If your shipment is large, or cost is not an issue, direct shipping is a better option. The container will hold only your personal belongings and will go directly to its final destination without stopping at any other warehouse. Sole usage shipping typically takes 4-6 weeks.
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. When packing, be sure to keep an inventory of all goods.
The process is simple:
The best advice for finding a reputable international moving company is to try to find feedback from people who have used the company. While online reviews can easily be found by Googling a company, or through review sites like yelp, qype, & MoverReviews.com. You can also speak with people you know, as this can often yield the best results. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family can all be a valuable resource. Ask around to find out which companies have the reputation as the good, the bad, and the ugly. EasyExpat's Malta forums are a good place to start.
Basic Questions to ask:
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.
Due to shipping timetables, sometimes it is necessary to store your personal belongings short or long term. Many international removal companies, as well as dedicated storage companies, in Malta can store your goods for you for an annual fee. Fees are normally paid monthly, and become cheaper the longer you store your goods.
It is important to make sure the storage facility is cool and dry, as heat and humidity may cause damage to your goods (e.g. mold). It is not uncommon to request to view storage facilities before committing to a storage contract.
While quite uncommon in Malta, it is wise to secure insurance against floods, water damage, fire, etc., when storing your goods.
Alternately, private individuals may let their garage or other storage facility to you directly. Such private arrangements can be arranged using local newspaper and online classifieds services.
Update 26/05/2013
As any expat knows, the key to a successful move is all in the preparation. By readying yourself for any possible bumps in the road ahead of time, you can rest assured you’ll be prepared to handle anything moving throws at you.
Removal Services Scotland has put together ‘The Ultimate Family Moving Guide’ in partnership with EasyExpat.com - so whether you're a moving pro or a first timer, our handy guide can take the stress out of your next move to Malta.
When you move internationally you are taking a big step. Lots of things are changing and you have a million things to think about and take care of. If you are able to select a top of the line moving company that moves for a modest price, it can take a big weight of your shoulders in busy times.
Our network of international removal companies can move your furniture & possessions to Malta and anywhere overseas.
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