Moving to a foreign country is both exciting and challenging. You will have a lot to learn and a lot to think about. Settling in a country like China especially requires proper planning. Hiring a professional international moving company will rid you of a lot of worries and give you the time and space to focus on other things related to your life in the new country.
Planning your relocation to China
If you decide to relocate to China, take enough time to choose your removal company. This is an important step not to be taken lightly. Set up an appointment with a relocation counselor for an in-house estimate. Make a list of all the objects that require special care (glass objects, mirrors, pieces of art, special packaging, etc.). Specify to the removal company what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes, etc.). To find a carrier or a removal company in China, use the Internet, consult the yellow pages or check out the links below.
Regarding the estimate, several key points are to be considered:
- Origin address - where removers will pack and load your belongings
- Destination address in China - where removers will unload your belongings
- Volume or weight of your stuff
- Types of transportation (by air, train, truck, ship)
- Nature of the services - terms and conditions, insurance damage
- Prices and payment plans
- Proceedings
Usually, removal companies in China unload your belongings directly at the destination address. However, some removal companies unload your belongings in warehouses instead, and you have to pick them up yourself afterward, implying additional costs. Check your moving contract carefully!
Make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings to establish a 'declaration of value'. The declaration of value is an important document that sets the compensation amount you could receive in case of loss or damage to your belongings.
Complete the declaration of value yourself by stating the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. Read carefully the terms and conditions of your contract to find out more about transportation and handling of precious objects. This statement is particularly important because, without it, an estimate cannot be established, which will obviously affect your relocation and your organization.
Accordingly, insurance against damage will be proposed by the removal company. This insurance automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value. The cost of insurance depends on the overall value of your belongings. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.
Good to know:
Contact the Chinese embassy or consulate for more information about relocation in the country, customs, prohibited items, etc.
Final steps to relocating to China
Finally, you must sign the 'waybill' before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, and the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you definitely agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead.
Regarding removal payment plans, a deposit is usually to be made before loading, and the balance must be paid upon delivery. A payment plan must be arranged with the removal company in any case.
Important:
In general, carriers handle custom paperwork for you (customs clearance, etc.) For more security, opt for a carrier affiliated with the FIDI (International Federation of International Movers).
Useful links:
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