Customs Tips For International Removals

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International Removals
 

Negotiating Customs – Top Tips from Get Cracking

Heading off to live in a brand-new country is an adventure, that’s for sure! But getting ready for a big move can prove stressful, after all you have to pack up your old life in readiness for your new one. That means getting organised, so why not save yourself time and trouble (and your sanity) by enlisting the help of a worldwide removals company? Here at Get Cracking we have plenty of experience in coordinating world-wide removals, and can help take the stress out of your move. To get you on your way we’ve put together a few of our top tips on how best to negotiate customs at a few popular destinations.

Removals to Canada

Planning a move to Canada? The Great White North is amazing country, made up of stunning scenery and vibrant cities. Here’s what to expect customs wise:

Anything to Declare?

If you are planning to reside in Canada for more than a year you can take along personal belongings and furniture from your current, and you don’t have to pay import duty or taxes. On arrival in Canada the shipper needs to personally attend customs – and a first declaration should be made on entering the country. Two lists (in duplicate form) need to be presented, one should detail accompanying items, and the other should outline goods to follow. Try to be thorough with your declaration – include information such as the value of goods, model, brand and serial numbers. When the shipment turns up a further personal declaration will need to be made.

 

Get Your Documents in Order

There a few essential documents you will need in order to reside in Canada. For a start you will need a passport (which will need to be validated as you enter the country). You will also require a previous airport or US/Canada border declaration form. You may have packed up all of your items securely, but you will need to provide an advise note, a “goods to follow list,” featuring a comprehensive list of items along with their value, documents alluding to ownership /possession and use of items and also any receipts for goods newly bought.

 

Removals to the United States

Planning a move to America? The land of the free and the home of the brave has a lot to offer, but before you start singing the star-spangled banner check out what to expect when negotiating customs:

 

How Much Are You Shipping?

If your household goods fill a shipping container you will be able to have it delivered to a port close to your new home. Sending less means you will have to ship via “consolidated groupage service,” which means your personal items are grouped together with those belonging to others (in order to fill a container). When it’s full (which can take a week or longer), the container is loaded onto the appropriate vessel ready for shipment. On clearing customs your goods can then be forwarded to you, actual delivery time will depend on how far away you live from the port.

How Much Will It Cost?

Prices vary, depending on whether you would like “door-to-door” delivery or prefer your goods to be shipped to a main port. If you opt for this you will need to sort out collection and delivery to your home. Door-to-door is the easier option – you don’t have to sort out port fees, organise the unloading of the container, worry about clearing customs, or find a reputable carrier to deliver your goods.

 

Anything to Declare?

Customs clearance is a must for all goods entering the U.S, and it’s imperative you supply the right documentation. You will need to organise a Power of Attorney document – allowing the agent or broker to represent you and offer up documentation for you.  There’s also a ‘Declaration of Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles,’ form to complete – where you are required to state information about yourself and details about your shipment. Finally, you will need a ‘Supplemental Declaration’ which relates to your citizenship, overseas addresses, provision of a passport or social security number and employment information. Along with your personal data you will need to outline what items you are taking with you, which is done via an inventory or packing list.

 

Moving to Australia

Known for its majestic opera house and bridge, stunning barrier reef, and amazing beaches, Australia is a popular destination for those seeking a new life in the sun. If you fancy heading down under you will need to clear customs first!

 

Anything to Declare?

Again, you can choose to have your very own container, or alternatively opt for a groupage container and share. Either way, on arrival the container will need to go to a customs bonded store – all shipments must obtain clearance from customs and quarantine on initial entry to Australia. It’s essential that accurate documentation accompanies your goods. The Australian Government are strict when it comes to ensuring the country remains free from diseases which could have an adverse effect on agriculture and livestock. The Quarantine Inspection Service is responsible for checking out shipments entering the country, and will select certain shipments to undergo physical examination. A lack of correct documentation will lead to a full-on check by customs (which is not cheap)! Shipments over 35 cubic feet must be examined as a matter of course, others are chosen to be checked randomly.

Charges, Restrictions and Documentation

Door-to-door shipping is the best way to go to get your goods to Australia, otherwise you will have to pay out additional costs for handling and delivering your container from the port to your new pad. As a new resident it’s your responsibility to find out about any duty or taxes you will need to cover relating to your shipment. There is a special concession for those who are heading to Australia to live permanently – this equates to AUS $400 for each adult and AUS $200 per person under eighteen.  You will need to provide a packing list / inventory detailing the items on the shipment (as with most countries there are restrictions regarding what you can and cannot take with you so be sure to check)! You will also need to fill in an Australian Customs Form, and provide a copy of your passport.

 

Moving Elsewhere?

Here at Get Cracking we offer a professional and friendly service, and can help you move to Canada, the U.S, Australia, and a whole heap of other destinations – Ireland, Europe and beyond – the world is your oyster.

Size doesn’t matter to us, big or small we can cater for your move! Check out the services we have on offer – these include courier service, pallet service, part load and full load services and container shipments.

 

Hankering after a smooth and quick international move? Let us Get Cracking for you!

 

Removals To Philadelphia USA From Dublin Ireland

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Why move to Philadelphia?

Removals To Philadelphia

Removals To Philadelphia

Philadelphia is located in the state of Pennsylvania. With Washington DC and New York only a couple of hours away, it is a busy vibrant city with lots to offer. Famous for the Liberty Hall where the declaration of independence was signed, its name means the city of brotherly love.

The weather is generally warmer than Ireland, with summer days averaging around 26°C and winters rarely dropping below 2°C.

 

Relocating to a new city is always a big step, but moving to a new continent will require a much higher level of planning. To keep things as easy as possible and avoid stress choose a reputable professional  International Moving company with plenty of experience in international removals. At Get Cracking we can provide all the help you need.

 

Before you decide to move, here are some of the things you might want to think about.

 

Housing

Housing costs depend on which part of the city you decide to live in. Renting out of the city center is cheaper and there are many lovely suburbs to choose from. Flats start around €1000 for one bedroom in the city center. But the same type of property out side the city centre starts at € 650.

 

Employment

You may well be moving to take up a new job, but if not, employment prospects are good – assuming you have the necessary paperwork. The top industries are construction and manufacturing. Local government is a major employer and new companies are increasingly expanding into the city.

 

Family life

Philadelphia is a great city for families. You will enjoy outings to museums and the zoo and a  rich cultural life thanks to the city’s excellent theatres and concert halls. One of the most popular places for families to live is Chestnut Hill which has excellent schools and parks.

 

Eating and drinking

You will find first class bars and restaurants throughout the city offering a range of different cuisines. And if you feel homesick you can always drop into one of the city’s many Irish pubs

Expect to pay €10 – €18 for a meal in one of the cheaper restaurant: €2.50 – €4.00 for a pint of local beer.

 

Transport

The city’s transport includes trains and buses as well as trolley buses which are like trams which do not run on rails. You can save money by buying all day and season tickets and family passes. It is the perfect  city for cyclists, with 435 miles of cycle lanes.

 

You can drive with your European driving license initially but will need to get an American one within 12 months or 30 days if you are a student.

 

Planning your next step

 

Once you have made up your mind it is time to start planning your move. At Get Cracking we have the experience to help you. Our services include:

  • Part load and full load
  • Courier and pallet service,
  • Container shipments.

 

Visit our website and arrange to speak to one of our friendly staff who will help you to make all the arrangements for a successful move.

 

Removals to Toulouse From Dublin

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Removals to Toulouse From Dublin

 

Removals To Toulouse

Sitting close to the Spanish border and the capital of the Occitanie region in France, Toulouse is a bustling city with plenty going on. It’s nicknamed the Pink City (La Ville Rose), and with the numerous terra-cotta coloured buildings lining the streets it’s easy to see why!

 

If you’re thinking of relocating to Toulouse you are in for a treat – it’s an impressive place. Amble along the 17th century canal or along the banks of the Garonne River, visit one of the many colourful markets (and sample the appetising fare on offer), or enjoy listening to jazz in one of the numerous bars.

 

Relocating can be an amazing experience, the chance to live in a new city and meet interesting people – but it can also be very stressful. The key to ensuring a smooth move is to plan, prepare and get some help! We’re talking professional help – from a worldwide removals company that have the knowledge and experience to get the job done. We can help you to coordinate removals to Toulouse, let us take the stress out of moving.

 

5 Things You Might Want to Know About the Pink City

Before you pack up all your worldly goods allow us to share with you a few things about the Toulouse.

 

  1. There are local buses and a metro run by a company called Tisséo and you can pay for a single journey, buy a book of tickets in advance or invest in a pass which will allow you unlimited journeys.

 

  1. Toulouse is around 2000 years old. The Celts occupied the city to begin with, followed by the Romans in the year 2AD.

 

  1. Louis XIV created the Canal du Midi back in 1667 – using it as a shortcut from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The canal in Toulouse stretches 240kn and it’s so impressive it’s been named as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

  1. You will find a little bit of Japan in Toulouse! Visit The Jardin Japonais and marvel at the carp in the Koi pond, take in the stone garden and enjoy a pot of tea at the pavilion. This beautiful botanical garden is free to enter, and worth a visit.

 

 

  1. You won’t go hungry in Toulouse – the food here is very tasty (just as you would expect in a French city). We would heartily recommend the French cassoulet, a classic dish comprising of duck confit and, of course, the all-important Toulouse sausage

 

 

Can We Help You with Your Move?

We know how to move it, and what’s more we are exceptionally good at it. Whether you have loads of personal belongings or just a few we can help – we cater for any size move. We offer pallet and courier service and can accommodate part load and full load services, along with container shipments too. We operate all over Europe, so if you’re of to Toulouse we can lend a hand in making sure the move goes as smoothly as possible. Get in touch today and speak to our friendly and professional team.