Children love a good adventure and will most likely embrace the move if they are involved in all aspects along the way. Here are some tips for getting your kids excited about your move:

• Tell your kids about the move as soon as possible so they don’t overhear the news by accident
• Involve your children in all aspects of your move, including planning the move, and tasks that are appropriate to their age
• On move day keep your kids occupied—younger children can pack a special box with their most treasured possessions. They can even decorate the outside of the box so they can quickly find it in your new home
• Encourage your children to take the time to say good-bye to friends and exchange contact information so they can stay in touch
• Make plans to continue your child’s current activities (such as scouts, sports, dance classes, etc.) in your new community—continuity will make adjusting to a new location much easier
• Ask for their input on decorating or arranging things in their new rooms

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances (e.g. inclement weather, elevator breakdowns, etc.) can result in your move taking longer than planned. We therefore strongly recommend that you arrange for packing and loading to be completed at least two working days in advance of your scheduled departure date.

Cars, motorbikes and other vehicles are transported by Allied Pickfords with expert care. Upon receipt of your vehicle, prior to shipping, Allied Pickfords will carry out an inspection, with you present, to determine pre-existing damage which will be noted on an inspection sheet of which you will receive a copy.

Check that all caps, tops etc. are secure. Use clear nail varnish to seal where the cap meets the bottle and/or tape the tops on. Check the instructions, or ask your physician or pharmacist about safe transport of medicines, particularly prescription items. Also check the foreign regulation as to prescription medications such as sleeping aids, tranquilizers etc.

• Is everything on your Take-With-Me list loaded into the car or taxi?
• Have you left anything behind? Take one last look around.
• Is the dishwasher emptied?
• Are all the water taps turned off?
• Is the electricity turned off at the mains switch?
• Are all the windows locked?
• Have you left your forwarding address in a prominent place?
• Have you locked and tested the back, side, and front doors?
• Have you surrendered the house keys to the new owner, estate agent, solicitor, or caretaker?

You are entirely responsible for the transit of these valuables. It’s best to take them with you personally. Make sure you set aside all passports, birth certificates, car log books, and other documents you may require either during the move or before your goods are delivered to your new home. Make up a special carton labeled “DO NOT REMOVE” and ensure that this is kept to one side

Most entertainment equipment is best moved in their original packing so it’s worth having them available or getting replacement boxes from your dealer. If not, our movers will modify packing materials for this task. 

Moving your pets internationally is both stressful for them (they will sense something is about to happen even before your move commences) and for you; we therefore recommend that you use the services of a pet relocation specialist. These specialists can:

• Advise on regulations regarding health and/or veterinary certificates pertaining to your country of destination
• Arrange to pick up your pet from your home
• Arrange the necessary international documentation, such as transit permits, consulate legalization, import licenses, etc.
• Arrange the correct type and size of flight kennel in accordance with regulations and airline requirements
• Arrange flight reservations taking due consideration of the airline schedules that are best for the health and wellbeing of your pet
• Arrange for your pet to be collected from the airport at destination and delivered directly to you (if regulations allow) or to a quarantine kennel if so required

Just let your Move Coordinator know if you would like to make arrangements for a pet relocation specialist to contact you.

The documentation varies by destination so ensure that you confirm the requirements with your Move Coordinator. Your customs documentation is supplied by the Allied Pickfords office at origin or destination, depending on your destination country. Your Move Coordinator will advise you.

The following documents will need to be forwarded to your Move Coordinator:

• Copy of your passport
• Insurance documents
• Customs forms if applicable

It’s a good idea to keep copies of all your documentation

Documentation is an important part of the moving process. Late receipt of your documentation may delay your shipment, which can also result in additional cost.

Tea, sugar, jam, etc., should be packed together. Remember that only dried foods, tins, and spices can be sent for storage—no liquids, oils, etcetera are acceptable. Open food items should not be packed and shipped internationally.

Hermetically sealed foods and canned items may be packed; however, there may be regulations at destination that limit or prohibit this practice. You can check with your Move consultant.