1 month before you move - get your tips here

Hello, how are you?

I’m really happy! At last, it’s cooling down in Cyprus and I can sleep again at night. Yesterday, we had a lovely breeze and even some cloud, it was absolute heaven. I know this is hard to relate to when you don’t live in a very hot climate, but how I long for rain. A really good downpour to clear the air, the dust – and clean my car!

OK. Since my blog last week, I’ve had quite a few emails about more horror stories when shipping. They really are quite shocking.

One story included someone paying in full for all their shipping and when it arrived at the other end; none of the port fees had been cleared. So their goods were held at the docks – and of course, each day they are being stored, the bill increases. What happened next? I bet you’ve already guessed. Yes, the customer had to clear the debt before anything was released to them. So they paid twice!

Here’s what to do to avoid this happening. Make sure you deal with a reputable company. Check the company out yourself; look for regulatory bodies which they say they belong to. Phone these organisations (such as BAR and FIDI) to check their membership and credentials are valid.

Very important: Check forums, ask for reliable shippers. The same names will come up again and again if they are good. Likewise, the same names will come up again and again if they are to be avoided!

Also, remember you can always deal with a UK company for your shipping wherever you are going in the world - and pay in sterling too. If you have any doubts, you do not have to initiate your contract with a local company overseas. And, if you pay by credit card, you have that added degree of protection. Be wary of anyone who asks for cash and says they will handle everything for you – go elsewhere!

Let’s not forget though, that thousands and thousands of moves overseas are successful. For instance mine, over to Cyprus. No problems whatsoever – but I used a very reputable company. They weren’t the cheapest, but you get what you pay for.

Anyway, I promised some more helpful hints and tips as to what you should be doing prior to your move.

What should I be doing 1 month before the move?

• Cancel any club memberships
• Notify schools and colleges
• Notify doctors and dentists
• Obtain copies of your medical records
• Arrange for your mail to be re-directed
• Organise to transfer/close any bank accounts
• Make a note to cancel milk, papers and pay any local bills
• Contact your local council for any rebate due council tax
• Clear out your loft, garage, greenhouses and sheds
• Dismantle sheds if you are taking them with you
• Take down any fixtures you are taking with you
• Contact your electoral office so you can continue your right to vote and ask for the relevant forms to be sent.


Remember the more organised you are, the easier your move will be.

See you next week, keep smiling!
Best wishes
Jackie