Furniture is what can make or break a room. And when planning a move abroad, you may be looking for ways of giving your new property a 'homely' feel. Transporting your current furniture is an excellent solution to achieving comfort while retaining sentimental value. Whether you wish to keep your upholstery or your antique couch, proper planning is key to transporting your furniture internationally.
The process, however, isn't as simple as loading your items on a ship. You'll have to do prior research as to what you can legally transport, consult a reputable furniture removals service, and prepare for the costs in advance. Here are important factors to consider as you plan for your upcoming move.
Are there any material restrictions in the country you're moving to?
Each country has unique rules with regards to what you can and cannot import. For example, there are wood restrictions that some countries have implemented to help protect their ecosystems.
Australia itself has certain restrictions to help protect indigenous species. You should check for such restrictions in other countries and ensure that your items meet all the requirements. Antique furniture may have specific grains of wood that are susceptible to pests or other harmful components. Checking early will help you avoid unexpected delays when moving.
How will you package your items safely?
The next step is to determine how you can pack and ship your furniture safely. This is where the services of a removalist come in handy. Furniture removalists have experience in international shipments and can provide advice as to how you can prepare for shipment. Some may even handle the process for you, relieving stress and giving you free time to tackle other preparation tasks.
Regardless of what is being transported, each item should have proper padding against chips and scratches. There should also be adequate support to delicate areas, and larger items (such as sofas, cabinets and beds) are safer to transport after being broken down into smaller parts.
Consider the cost factors
Cost is one of the biggest factors you'll have to consider when moving internationally. In addition to packing and shipping, you should find out if there are any importation costs (such as excise duty). You may be surprised to find out that shipping some items may cost less than purchasing new, comparable ones at your final destination.
Consider timelines
Depending on how far you'll be moving, you should plan in advance to ship your furniture. Shipping by sea may take several weeks. This means that you should give yourself leeway to ensure that your items arrive at around the same time that you'll be landing in the destination country.
For more information, contact a furniture removal specialist in your area.
