You’ve finally decided to make that big international move to the United Kingdom. Your bags are packed and you’ve already said goodbye to all of your friends and relatives. But, did you know that customs and regulations vary from country to country and you might not be able to bring all of your belongings? It is important to know what to expect before you skip the country. Listed below is a short summary of what you should know about the customs in the United Kingdom.

Moving overseas can be a tad tricky. It’s not as easy as ‘I’m moving to the UK- Bye.’  First and foremost, you must make sure you have proper documentation such as passports, original signed ‘C’ forms (household goods, pets and motor vehicles), work permits, and keys. Without these vital documents, you might as well start unpacking. If you are shipping household goods overseas to the UK, remember that they must arrive within twelve months after you or up to six months prior to your arrival.

Although the wheels are in motion for your big move, make sure you read up on the UK’s policies toward motor vehicles. Your automobiles may be subject to import taxes. They also must meet with both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Be prepared to provide a copy of your driver’s license as well as the make and model of the car, title and purchase invoice, as well.

Firearms, drugs and counterfeit currency are among the things not allowed into the UK. And, there are strict rules and regulations for bringing your furry friends along with you. Usually, most animals (dead or alive) are prohibited; but they can come too as long as you make the necessary arrangements. Proof of vaccinations and certificates will be required to show.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to moving into your new home in the UK along with your household goods, motor vehicles and pets.

Click  here to view the list of customs in the UK

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Since every country has its own laws and customs regulations, it’s a good idea to study the etiquette and customs of your destination country beforehand. This will help you avoid any inadvertent problems after you’ve relocated. The country’s consulate is an excellent source of this information.

There are often strict restrictions on what you can and cannot take across the host country’s borders. Guns, alcohol, controlled substances, and even certain types of literature are strictly prohibited in certain nations. Your F.I.D International relocation coordinator can discuss this with you well in advance of your move.

Visit http://www.fidshipping.com/customs.htm for more information.

To Do List

Prior to moving day, you will be involved in preliminary packing (the consolidation and packing of your belongings mostly unbreakable such as linens, books, pots, toys, etc.) into cartons.

On moving day our professional team of packers will arrive at your home with specially designed cartons, padded materials and, if necessary, custom-built boxes to safety pack your furniture, the remainder of goods, including breakables.

F.I.D INTERNATIONAL assures you a safe and reliable transport of your belongings. Our Carriers are specially trained in packing and crating and we are able to offer unsurpassed packing services.

When all items are packed a detailed inventory will be made, the goods will then either be loaded to a container or delivered to our warehouse or carrier warehouse for crating / palletizing. From our warehouse the crates and or pallets will be delivered to a NVOCC terminal to be consolidated in a container for ocean or air freight

DOING YOUR OWN PACKING?

• Make a master list of all household items and your belongings
• Number boxes when they are packed
• Inventory – Write on the master list the contents of the numbered boxes.
• Remove all items such as money, vital documents, jewelry, guns, etc. We suggest that  you move these items personally.

HELPFUL PACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Materials needed for your International Move: (these items can be purchased at a hardware or moving supply store)

• Boxes of different sizes.
• Waterproof markers
• Bubble wrap
• Corrugated cardboard for wrapping furniture and protecting furniture
• Wrapping paper (Helpful tip: newspaper can transfer ink to your contents. Clean wrapping paper can be purchased at an office supply or moving supply company. 1-2 large rolls  should be enough for your packing needs)
• Old sheets, towels and blankets for wrapping furniture. [Helpful tip: if you do not have a  supply yourself, these can be purchased inexpensively at thrift stores]
• An inventory form which your sales consultant can provide you by e-mail or fax
• Strapping Tape 1.5″ – 2″ wide.

PACKING GUIDELINES
Helpful Tips for your Inventory:

• A complete inventory will be required for your shipment
• Each box and piece of furniture must be marked with a number (removable stickers are  the best) and listed on an inventory
• The contents of boxes should read “kitchen supplies”, “books”, “clothes” etc. on the inventory.
• Boxes packed by our customers should also be labeled “PBO” (packed by owner).

Helpful Tips for Packing Boxes:

• Make sure the contents of all boxes are carefully wrapped
• Seal the seams of all boxes with strapping tape top and bottom
• Pack room-by-room, keeping similar items together
• Try to distribute weight evenly amongst boxes Place heavier items in the bottom of the  box and lighter items on top
• Pack heavy items in small boxes. Tape the bottoms well.
• Make sure your boxes are strong enough to support the weight of other boxes being stacked on top of them.
• Label your boxes as you pack them with where they belong in your new home.
• Mark the boxes on the sides, not on the top
• Any item that can be put in a box should be placed in a box.
• Pack boxes firmly to prevent the contents from shifting during your move.
• Bubble wrap all fragile items
• Never pack matches, flammables (such as propane tanks), dangerous articles or hazardous materials. Empty, defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers.
• All stereos, computers, printers, fax machines, televisions, speakers, etc. should be disconnected.
• All cords should be removed and packed or taped to the item.
• All packing should be completed before the movers arrive.
• Any items not being moved should be clearly marked.

Helpful Tips for Furniture:

• Furniture should be wrapped with corrugated cardboard and/or old sheets, blankets and/or towels.
• Pay particular attention to delicate areas such as the tops of furniture and legs.
• Bookshelves should be removed and wrapped separately.
• Dresser, desk, cabinet drawers should be emptied and the contents should be boxed separately. This makes moving the piece easier, and is required for custom clearance at port of destination.
• Glass shelves and tops should be wrapped with plastic bubble wrap.

STORAGE

• Our company warehouse is able to accommodate duly packed household goods for any period of time, on both a short or long-term basis. Your stored items are kept safe and secure in our facility. Our warehouse is served by employees trained to keep your belongings safe, dry and clean.
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