Moving to Europe

When removal companies talk about moves with the destination When you are moving from the UK to mainland Europe (and vice versa) it may well be that your possessions are taken to your destination in one or more removal vehicles, a ‘removal by road’. Many of our Members offer regular scheduled services to Europe as the price may be lower than if your goods were sent by container ship or by air freight.

How this is completed varies by mover and their scheduled services, as well as the required timing, your budget and your preference. You may want your goods to be sent in a dedicated vehicle with just your possessions on board, or as part of a ‘shared load’, where other customer possessions are combined with yours on a vehicle to save costs. Your mover will discuss this with you in more detail to ensure that all your needs are met

Note: In some instances the European destination may just be too far to complete by road. If this is the case your goods will likely be transported as an ‘Overseas Move’.

Moving to Europe

When removal companies talk about moves with the destination When you are moving from the UK to mainland Europe (and vice versa) it may well be that your possessions are taken to your destination in one or more removal vehicles, a ‘removal by road’. Many of our Members offer regular scheduled services to Europe as the price may be lower than if your goods were sent by container ship or by air freight.

How this is completed varies by mover and their scheduled services, as well as the required timing, your budget and your preference. You may want your goods to be sent in a dedicated vehicle with just your possessions on board, or as part of a ‘shared load’, where other customer possessions are combined with yours on a vehicle to save costs. Your mover will discuss this with you in more detail to ensure that all your needs are met

Note: In some instances the European destination may just be too far to complete by road. If this is the case your goods will likely be transported as an ‘Overseas Move’.

Why choose a BAR Member for your move

To become a BAR Member, removal companies are carefully inspected and are then obliged to follow the Association’s Code of Practice, so the customer can always rely on a top level of service. The customer is also protected by the BAR’s Advanced Payment Guarantee, so any advanced payment made will be protected by the BAR in the rare event that there is a problem. Also, if there is a dispute, there is a reliable procedure in place to resolve the situation using the BAR’s FREE and independent Dispute Resolution Service.

Why choose a BAR Member for your move

To become a BAR Member, removal companies are carefully inspected and are then obliged to follow the Association’s Code of Practice, so the customer can always rely on a top level of service. The customer is also protected by the BAR’s Advanced Payment Guarantee, so any advanced payment made will be protected by the BAR in the rare event that there is a problem. Also, if there is a dispute, there is a reliable procedure in place to resolve the situation using the BAR’s FREE and independent Dispute Resolution Service.

Additional services

Some BAR Members can also offer useful extra services that can help when you are moving home.

Storage

Most BAR Members either have storage facilities or can arrange secure storage for you, whether it’s long term or temporary.

Shredding

There are some BAR Members who can provide confidential shredding, either directly or via a trusted licensed partner.

Frequently asked Questions

The following are the most frequently asked questions we receive at BAR when people are looking to move overseas. If your query isn’t covered below please contact us at BAR on 01923 699 480.

Advance payment is normal practice in the removals industry whichever country you’re moving to; movers need to ensure that they have enough crew and vehicles to carry out your move on the allocated day. Should you cancel at short notice for instance, and they are unable to get a replacement booking, the company will have incurred a great deal of cost which the advance payment protects.

the best and most economical method of transportation. For most countries this will be by road. If this is the case and your goods have filled (or mostly filled) the removal vehicle, the crew that moved you out of your old home will most likely drive it to your new home and unpack it themselves. If it’s a smaller load, and it’s more economical it may go onto another vehicle as part of a combined load. You can of course choose what suits your particular circumstances. If the distance involved is great your belongings may need to go by sea, by air or, by a combination of the two depending on the route. The company will provide you with an estimate of the expected time of arrival at your new home.

Your chosen BAR Member will be able to give you a good idea of the transit time but please be aware that this can be affected by weather, road closures, ferry delays, political events and other unexpected occurrences. The final delivery will also be subject to customs clearance times which can vary by destination.

Different destinations have different requirements. For instance you can no longer take products of animal origin, such as any food or drink contain meat or dairy, or plants and plant products into the EU in your luggage, vehicle, or person. Your BAR Member will know the rules & regulations of your destination country and will provide details of any restrictions with your quotation.

We believe that moving with a BAR Member will mean it will go smoothly and without a hitch. However, even with the greatest care no mover can guarantee that belongings won’t get damaged in transit. All BAR Members must have insurance that meets our standard and they will discuss the options with you prior to engagement. If there is a claim later it will make the process much simpler if the cover has been provided as part of the removal quotation package.

For the good of all concerned you, or somebody representing you, must be present during collection and delivery.

As these items do not normally fall within the insurance or indemnity cover it is best if you can take these with you in your personal baggage.

If you are unable to move your pet(s) yourself ask your BAR Member for details of one or more specialist pet removal companies.

If the quotation is for a door to door service your BAR Member will take care of this for you. If there is anything specific for you to do, your mover will confirm this with you in advance and provide you with the relevant documentation.

If you require storage at either end your BAR Member can arrange this for you and will provide you with quotes as required.

BAR Members have a large range of packing materials, crates, paper, boxes and wrappings to choose from, and will select the most appropriate for the relevant items and the journey itself. Your mover will assess your requirements and advise what will be required and this will be included in the quotation.

If so desired you can have one designated point of contact for your move.

If you are unable to resolve any issues with your Member mover you should contact the British Association of Removers. We take complaints very seriously and if we cannot resolve the problem we will advise you how to initiate our independent complaints service.

Once you have had the quotation we advise at least two weeks’ notice. However, if circumstances mean a quick move is required your chosen BAR Member will be as flexible as they can be in meeting your needs.