When is the best time to move?
Allied Pickfords provides removal services all year round to ensure that you can move when it is convenient for you. However, the busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months when many corporate and government organisations relocate their staff. The increased demand during this time can also mean increased prices.
Consider all the factors, including the cost, your family, work and school schedules, when deciding on the best time for you to move and make sure to allow enough lead time to perform all pre-move activities as well as to allow the mover to schedule your move.
How long will the move take?
The length of time from the moment you pick up the telephone to call Allied Pickfords or submit your online request for a quote until you can sit back and relax in your new home can vary considerably depending on your destination and when you are moving. During the busy summer months, it is realistic to add several weeks to any estimation of the length of the process.
However, as a general rule, once a consultant has visited your home, taken an inventory, provided a quote and the quote has been accepted, the uplift and transportation of domestic consignments will be undertaken within two to six weeks and the uplift and transportation of international consignments will be undertaken within four to twelve weeks. Your Move Coordinator will be able to give you more detailed information depending on your requirements.
Please note that customs and quarantine requirements in individual countries vary considerably and the timeframes surrounding clearance are entirely up the officials in those nations. Ensuring you have followed all rules regarding the importation of household goods will go some way towards expediting this process.
Who will look after my goods in transit?
The Allied Pickfords International Network encompasses Allied Pickfords offices and preferred agents in over 200 countries, meaning your goods are in our possession from the moment they leave your old home until the moment they reach your new home.
Every member of the Allied Pickfords International Network is required to abide by the requirements of the Allied Pickfords Global Service Charter covering areas such as the presentation of employees and vehicles, communication standards, the condition of facilities, packing materials used, import procedures, customer surveys, claims and complaints. The Global Service Charter ensures that you will receive the same level of service at origin and destination, no matter where in the world you are.
How can I ensure my children are not upset by the move?
For some children the prospect of a new school, new friends or even a new bedroom can be daunting. Talk to your children about your move and get them used to the idea well in advance. There are many good websites and many good books which touch on the best way to handle children during a move. Make sure to:
- Involve your children in the planning process.
- Help them learn about the new community where they will be living.
- Let them be honest with you about how they are feeling.
- Explain the concept of moving to young children by play-acting with dolls, boxes and a truck.
Above all, keep your children safe on the moving day and reassure them that you’re in this adventure into the unknown together.
Do all removal companies use the same packing materials?
No. Allied Pickfords provides specially researched and designed wrapping and packing materials. Availability of certain materials vary by country but in general we have a number of specialised cartons for the common items such as books, toys and normal home contents. In addition, most locations have both flat and standing wardrobes for clothing. We also provide an “Essentials” carton which is the last carton packed and the first carton unpacked. This carton is usually used to pack the kettle, tea, coffee, mugs, remote controls, toilet paper, all those things you don’t want to be searching through cartons for when you first arrive at your new home.
Allied Pickfords also provides specialist packing materials such as wine cartons with polystyrene inserts, painting or mirror cartons, flat screen television cartons, golf club cartons, bicycle cartons and wooden crating for larger items. On the day of your pre-removal survey, the consultant compiling your inventory will identify any items requiring this specialised packing and ensure it is provided on the day of packing.
Can Allied Pickfords help us settle into our new home?
As part of Allied Pickfords’ standard services, during the delivery process we will position your furniture where you want it in your house and unpack all your cartons to bench top level (where the cartons were packed by Allied Pickfords removalists). If any additional assistance is required such as stocking cupboards, making beds, connecting audio visual or IT equipment, or setting up a new kitchen, we can arrange this for you.
We can also arrange cleaners and general handyman assistance, depending on your requirements. Ask your Move Coordinator about what else we can do to ensure you settle into your new home as soon as possible.
What range of removal services does Allied Pickfords offer?
Allied Pickfords offers a wide range of services to make your move simple and stress free: These include:
- Door-to-door services to anywhere in the world
- Short-term and long-term storage
- Transit insurance with a variety of extensions including storage, mechanical and electrical derangement, pairs and sets, mould and mildew cover (international only)
- Special crating and casing for especially valuable items
- Special assistance for transportation of pets and vehicles
- Moving out or settling in services such as cleaning or handyman needs
- Optional relocation services such as home searches, school searches, spousal career counselling, cultural briefings and orientation.
Can I take my vehicle with me?
Yes. Within Australia, Allied Pickfords uses specialist vehicle relocation companies to make sure your car gets to your new location, even if you don’t want to drive it there.
Internationally, vehicle regulations vary from country to country but they are almost always highly detailed in terms of paperwork, regulations and procedures. Before sending any vehicle overseas, be sure to check with you Move Coordinator first. The local embassy of the destination country will also be able to assist. Insist on seeing any regulations in writing. If there are any doubts or concerns about what is or is not allowed, we can assist in checking at the destination with reliable sources.
Can I take my pet with me?
Yes. Within Australia, Allied Pickfords employs specialist partners to assist with pet transportation. Internationally, as with vehicles, the regulations vary greatly from country to country and the importation of pets or animals is carefully monitored at destination. Make sure you are aware of the rules before committing to transport your pet. Also be aware of requirements for inoculations and quarantine.
Are there any things I should not ship or cannot take with me to my new home?
Most carriers have restrictions relating to safety and security. While countries differ, the list below may give you an idea of what sort of things are generally discouraged for shipment. This applies to goods packed by you or by Allied Pickfords.
Category 1: Radioactive Material
Category 2: Explosives
Category 3: Flammable Gases
Category 4: Flammable Liquids
Category 5: Miscellaneous
Category 6: Oxidising Substances
- Calcium hypochlorite
- Ammonium nitrate
- Sodium nitrate
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Fire lighters powder
Category 7: Corrosive Substances
- Oxides
- Caustic soda
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sulphuric acid
Category 8: Poisonous and Toxic Substances
- Pesticides
- Weed killers
- Photographic developers
- Arsenic
- Hydrochloric acid
Category 9: Fire Arms
- Military weapons
- Fully automatic weapons
- Hand guns