How I wished I had listened to my husband. He kept telling me I was going to suffer, but being the martyr I am, I just had to carry on and prove I wasn’t the weakest link. Well, it served me right. Listening to lovely hubby would have avoided a visit to The General Hospital in Paphos.
And it was all over moving 27 tons of gravel for the garden. Let me tell you more about this.
But first - did you know that plants in Cyprus grow ten times faster – yes, ten times faster than those in the UK? So you would think that gardening on the island is easy - but actually, with a growth rate like that, it’s hard work. You will notice there is a huge amount of gravel used - and with good reason.
When we bought our villa, we had a 1,000 square metre plot. That is a pretty big garden to handle and we knew it would be a massive challenge. We wanted a low maintenance garden, so gravel was high on the agenda. It comes in several different colours, so that was great from a design perspective.
Saying it was a challenge was an understatement. In the beginning, clearing our garden took forever; it was a total and utter mess. To give you an idea, we could hardly see the villa amongst the overgrowth of trees and shrubs.
During the clearance, we found an old chest buried near the back border and wondered if we’d finally struck a pot of gold. No such luck, it was full of old rubbish. Then, surprisingly we found a huge anchor. Apparently the previous owner had a sea-faring connection, but we never did find out why it was buried in the undergrowth.
Anyway, section by section we cleared the garden. I lost count of the number of skips we hired, especially when we were pollarding the trees – on average, 25 feet out of each one - a task that seemed to never end.
Eventually though, there was light at the end of the tunnel. We finally reached the stage where the garden was ready, so it was time to start planting.
We used a top quality membrane (the thick black one you can buy in Cyprus is the most expensive, but it is the best and worth every penny). We laid this over the earth after planting up and then covered it with gravel. In all, we used 27 tons. This was delivered a few tons at a time and yes, we moved it all by wheelbarrow, which was seriously hard work.
This was when I ended up injuring my back – as I said before, lovely hubby saw that coming. After my hospital visit, transporting gravel was off the agenda for a while. (I hasten to add, I did fully recover).
Fortunately, one of our neighbours came to the rescue and in my absence, helped wheelbarrow the rest into the garden, so all was not lost.
An important point to note is not to scrimp on gravel – so many people do this and then regret it. You need your gravel to be at least 4 inches thick or the weeds will come through straight away. Oh, and remember to rake it regularly. This breaks up any weeds and also brightens it up. Gravel does eventually start to break down and becomes very dusty. It will need a top-up every four or five years to continue to look good.
How about colours? Well, white gravel is lovely - but in the very hot summer months, it is actually too bright to look at. We ended up changing some of ours because of this. But eventually, using different colours worked really well and we managed to create a beautiful Mediterranean garden.
Next week I am going to talk about irrigation systems – an essential for all gardens in Cyprus.
Until then, have a great weekend.
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Showing posts with label moving to Cyprus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving to Cyprus. Show all posts
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
What happens when my container is delivered to my new home in Cyprus?
We had 256 large removal boxes, plus all our furniture and white goods to handle in the searing heat of August. I’m going to share my top tips and secrets on how to make taking delivery of your container as easy as possible, otherwise absolute chaos can rule the day.
Your handling agent in Cyprus will call you and arrange a delivery time. My top tip here is to make sure you are really organised for the arrival. Otherwise, you will end up in such a mess with boxes everywhere, all in the wrong rooms and you won’t be able to find a thing. It doesn’t need to be that stressful.
Once the container arrives outside your door, it’s all systems go. Don’t be surprised when the removal men handle everything inside at lightning speed – how they did it in the searing heat of August, I will never know. Temperatures inside the metal container reach over 60 degrees at this time of the year and higher. Rather them than me.
Why do they need to go so fast? The reason is because containers have to be delivered and returned to the dockside within a set time frame. Make sure you have plenty of water to give them, they really appreciate it – and a nice tip goes a long way too!
But why do you need to be so organised? Well, it’s you personally that has to check the boxes as they come off the container against the inventory.
The best thing to do is look carefully at your copy of the inventory given to you from the UK before they arrive. Put large numbers (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on) on each door in your new home. Then mark the same numbers against the relevant box on your inventory.
When the unloading commences, you just tell the removal men which room to put the box in. So, if inventory box number 54 goes to room 3, just tell them “Room 3”.
With the huge number of boxes we had, we systematically went through the list marking it up as stated. We put very large numbers on the doors of the rooms and as the men unloaded, a simple instruction was given for each box.
Everything went smoothly but it was very tiring. I dread to think what a mess we would have been in otherwise!
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com
Your handling agent in Cyprus will call you and arrange a delivery time. My top tip here is to make sure you are really organised for the arrival. Otherwise, you will end up in such a mess with boxes everywhere, all in the wrong rooms and you won’t be able to find a thing. It doesn’t need to be that stressful.
Once the container arrives outside your door, it’s all systems go. Don’t be surprised when the removal men handle everything inside at lightning speed – how they did it in the searing heat of August, I will never know. Temperatures inside the metal container reach over 60 degrees at this time of the year and higher. Rather them than me.
Why do they need to go so fast? The reason is because containers have to be delivered and returned to the dockside within a set time frame. Make sure you have plenty of water to give them, they really appreciate it – and a nice tip goes a long way too!
But why do you need to be so organised? Well, it’s you personally that has to check the boxes as they come off the container against the inventory.
The best thing to do is look carefully at your copy of the inventory given to you from the UK before they arrive. Put large numbers (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on) on each door in your new home. Then mark the same numbers against the relevant box on your inventory.
When the unloading commences, you just tell the removal men which room to put the box in. So, if inventory box number 54 goes to room 3, just tell them “Room 3”.
With the huge number of boxes we had, we systematically went through the list marking it up as stated. We put very large numbers on the doors of the rooms and as the men unloaded, a simple instruction was given for each box.
Everything went smoothly but it was very tiring. I dread to think what a mess we would have been in otherwise!
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
What happens when your goods arrive in Cyprus
A huge thank you to everyone who visited me at Channel 4 Place in the Sun exhibition at the Birmingham NEC, it was really great to meet you at last! I’m so glad I could help with plenty of advice about moving to, living and working in Cyprus and renovating properties over here. As soon as I’ve finished talking about shipping, I’ll be covering the renovation project John (my lovely hubbie) and I completed in Cyprus.
Remember, I’m always looking for extra snippets to share, so please don’t hesitate to email me with your own experiences, hints and tips - I’d love to hear from you.
Before I carry on with shipping, I want to share some news about flights to and from Cyprus – it’s time to “bag a bargain” so there’s no excuse now for not visiting this beautiful island! Here we go:
Low-fares airline easyJet has just announced it will launch another brand new route from Edinburgh to Paphos later this year. Flights to Edinburgh, available from November 3rd (running twice weekly, Wednesdays and Saturdays), have fares starting at £31.99 (one-way). easyJet now flies from Paphos to London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol and Manchester and from Larnaca to London Gatwick. All flights are available to book online at easyJet.com
Jet2.com has announced the launch of a brand new service direct from Manchester to Larnaca and Paphos airports. Jet2.com now operates six routes including East Midlands, Newcastle and Leeds to Paphos and from Leeds to Larnaca. Seats are on sale now for summer 2011 for all routes. Flights from Manchester to Paphos will begin operating on 6th April 2011, flying every Wednesday and Sunday during the season. Flights from Manchester to Larnaca commence 14th May 2011 and operate once a week on Saturdays.
British Airways spokesman confirmed they are suspending the Gatwick to Paphos route for the coming winter season as part of the airline’s strategy to reduce costs and remain competitive. Their summer schedule 2011, from 27 March-31 October will not be affected. Flights to/from Larnaca are not affected at all.
Right. Let’s carry on with shipping. Last week I said I’d talk about what happens when your goods arrive in Cyprus.
When and where do my goods arrive?
In Cyprus, containers arrive at Limassol (also known as Lemesos) docks. Your removal company will be working in conjunction with an agent in Cyprus. The agent will call you when your container arrives and arrange a mutually convenient delivery time.
What about customs?
The Agent will handle all the documentation needed to ensure your container clears Customs.
Prior to entering the EU, Cyprus Customs Officers often used to accompany the containers to their final destination - in other words, your new home. The seal would then be broken in front of them, and they would inspect whichever boxes they chose and usually you would end up with a bill.
Thankfully, this doesn’t happen now. Customs clearance in 99% of cases occurs at the dockside with the agent. The process is very straightforward - but you will sometimes still get a bill, so be prepared for this. Try to obtain details from your UK remover about how much this is likely to be before you leave, then at least you will have an idea.
Delays do happen, so be prepared. Your container may dock on say, a Tuesday, and you may not get clearance for over a week. It depends how busy they are.
The secret here is to stay relaxed about everything; people here work in their own way, at their own pace - and they will not be rushed. You will quickly learn that patience is always a virtue!
Next week, I will talk about what happens when your container is delivered.
Until then, keep smiling and be happy - it’s infectious!
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com
Remember, I’m always looking for extra snippets to share, so please don’t hesitate to email me with your own experiences, hints and tips - I’d love to hear from you.
Before I carry on with shipping, I want to share some news about flights to and from Cyprus – it’s time to “bag a bargain” so there’s no excuse now for not visiting this beautiful island! Here we go:
Low-fares airline easyJet has just announced it will launch another brand new route from Edinburgh to Paphos later this year. Flights to Edinburgh, available from November 3rd (running twice weekly, Wednesdays and Saturdays), have fares starting at £31.99 (one-way). easyJet now flies from Paphos to London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol and Manchester and from Larnaca to London Gatwick. All flights are available to book online at easyJet.com
Jet2.com has announced the launch of a brand new service direct from Manchester to Larnaca and Paphos airports. Jet2.com now operates six routes including East Midlands, Newcastle and Leeds to Paphos and from Leeds to Larnaca. Seats are on sale now for summer 2011 for all routes. Flights from Manchester to Paphos will begin operating on 6th April 2011, flying every Wednesday and Sunday during the season. Flights from Manchester to Larnaca commence 14th May 2011 and operate once a week on Saturdays.
British Airways spokesman confirmed they are suspending the Gatwick to Paphos route for the coming winter season as part of the airline’s strategy to reduce costs and remain competitive. Their summer schedule 2011, from 27 March-31 October will not be affected. Flights to/from Larnaca are not affected at all.
Right. Let’s carry on with shipping. Last week I said I’d talk about what happens when your goods arrive in Cyprus.
When and where do my goods arrive?
In Cyprus, containers arrive at Limassol (also known as Lemesos) docks. Your removal company will be working in conjunction with an agent in Cyprus. The agent will call you when your container arrives and arrange a mutually convenient delivery time.
What about customs?
The Agent will handle all the documentation needed to ensure your container clears Customs.
Prior to entering the EU, Cyprus Customs Officers often used to accompany the containers to their final destination - in other words, your new home. The seal would then be broken in front of them, and they would inspect whichever boxes they chose and usually you would end up with a bill.
Thankfully, this doesn’t happen now. Customs clearance in 99% of cases occurs at the dockside with the agent. The process is very straightforward - but you will sometimes still get a bill, so be prepared for this. Try to obtain details from your UK remover about how much this is likely to be before you leave, then at least you will have an idea.
Delays do happen, so be prepared. Your container may dock on say, a Tuesday, and you may not get clearance for over a week. It depends how busy they are.
The secret here is to stay relaxed about everything; people here work in their own way, at their own pace - and they will not be rushed. You will quickly learn that patience is always a virtue!
Next week, I will talk about what happens when your container is delivered.
Until then, keep smiling and be happy - it’s infectious!
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com
Monday, 4 October 2010
Getting Your Goods Collected For Shipping
Hello!
Well, I’m having a ball in the UK. It’s the night before I’m due to be on the panel in the seminar theatre at “Channel 4 Place in the Sun LIVE” at the NEC Birmingham. I’m very excited and looking forward to 11am when I have my first slot. I am a bit nervous!
Let’s move on. Last week I promised I would talk about what happens when the big day arrives and all your worldly goods are collected ready for shipping. For me personally, this was very emotional.
It’s strange really. I had been looking forward to emigrating for many, many years - but now it was happening, all sorts of things were going through my head. Was this the right thing to do? What if it didn’t work out, what would I do? What about all my friends and family?
These were all emotions I’d previously dealt with prior to moving, but suddenly it hit me. This was for REAL. There was no going back.
The hardest thing was to say “goodbye” to friends and family. Well, it’s not “goodbye” really – but they are not around the corner anymore when you need them, they are thousands of miles away.
I can remember I was in absolute floods of tears, so if you are, don’t worry, it’s quite normal. Friends and family will tell you how brave you are, but it’s not a case of being brave. This was a lifetime ambition. And hey, worst case scenario would simply mean a return back home.
I didn’t want to get to my later years in life wishing I’d taken the plunge (like so many people do) and wondering what it would have been like. It was now or never.
Anyway, the tears of sadness quickly turned to tears of joy – and the container arrived! Here’s my advice as to what do to when it does.
What do I do on the day?
Quite honesty - and it’s difficult - keep out of the way is the best advice!
Let the removal company do what they need to do. They are professionally trained and will take a lot of the stress and strain away from you. I made the tea and coffee and provided bacon butties – that went down well with everyone!
Pack everything you are taking yourself - including your suitcases - into your car into a safe place marked “DO NOT MOVE”. Make sure they don’t get packed away into the container!
Before the removers leave, check that nothing has been forgotten. It is your responsibility to see that nothing is moved by mistake.
If no-one is moving into your property immediately, don’t forget to turn off the power at the mains and drain/turn off the water supply. Make sure the house is secure and don’t forget to hand the keys over to your estate agent.
That’s it! The next step is when your goods arrive, so next week I’m going to talk about what happens when your container gets to Cyprus.
In the meantime, have fun, keep smiling – and see you next week.
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Well, I’m having a ball in the UK. It’s the night before I’m due to be on the panel in the seminar theatre at “Channel 4 Place in the Sun LIVE” at the NEC Birmingham. I’m very excited and looking forward to 11am when I have my first slot. I am a bit nervous!
Let’s move on. Last week I promised I would talk about what happens when the big day arrives and all your worldly goods are collected ready for shipping. For me personally, this was very emotional.
It’s strange really. I had been looking forward to emigrating for many, many years - but now it was happening, all sorts of things were going through my head. Was this the right thing to do? What if it didn’t work out, what would I do? What about all my friends and family?
These were all emotions I’d previously dealt with prior to moving, but suddenly it hit me. This was for REAL. There was no going back.
The hardest thing was to say “goodbye” to friends and family. Well, it’s not “goodbye” really – but they are not around the corner anymore when you need them, they are thousands of miles away.
I can remember I was in absolute floods of tears, so if you are, don’t worry, it’s quite normal. Friends and family will tell you how brave you are, but it’s not a case of being brave. This was a lifetime ambition. And hey, worst case scenario would simply mean a return back home.
I didn’t want to get to my later years in life wishing I’d taken the plunge (like so many people do) and wondering what it would have been like. It was now or never.
Anyway, the tears of sadness quickly turned to tears of joy – and the container arrived! Here’s my advice as to what do to when it does.
What do I do on the day?
Quite honesty - and it’s difficult - keep out of the way is the best advice!
Let the removal company do what they need to do. They are professionally trained and will take a lot of the stress and strain away from you. I made the tea and coffee and provided bacon butties – that went down well with everyone!
Pack everything you are taking yourself - including your suitcases - into your car into a safe place marked “DO NOT MOVE”. Make sure they don’t get packed away into the container!
Before the removers leave, check that nothing has been forgotten. It is your responsibility to see that nothing is moved by mistake.
If no-one is moving into your property immediately, don’t forget to turn off the power at the mains and drain/turn off the water supply. Make sure the house is secure and don’t forget to hand the keys over to your estate agent.
That’s it! The next step is when your goods arrive, so next week I’m going to talk about what happens when your container gets to Cyprus.
In the meantime, have fun, keep smiling – and see you next week.
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 24 September 2010
Preparing for the Big Move
Hello, how are you?
Well, I’m really excited! I’m back in London with my colleagues for a couple of weeks. It’s been ages since I’ve seen them.
What’s even more exciting is that I’m going to be at “Channel 4 Place in the Sun LIVE” in Birmingham at the NEC, 1st-3rd October. I’m on a panel in the seminar theatre at 11am each day answering questions about Cyprus. You can get free tickets, just call The Overseas Guides Company on 0207 898 0549 or go to http://www.blogger.com/www.aplaceinthesun.com. If you are around, come and say hello - I’d love to meet you!
Let’s get back to shipping and preparing for the big move. Remember to check forums for reliable shippers – forums are great sources of information and should help you to make the right decision.
I cannot stress enough that there are plenty of rogues out there – just take a look at my previous blogs to see where it can all go horribly wrong!
Right. Here are some more hints and tips to help you along the way:
What should I be doing 2 weeks before the move?
I hope you find these useful. Next week, I’m going to talk about what happens on the big day – and I’ll be sharing my own experiences with you.
That’s it from me for now; hope to see you in Birmingham!
Have fun
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Well, I’m really excited! I’m back in London with my colleagues for a couple of weeks. It’s been ages since I’ve seen them.
What’s even more exciting is that I’m going to be at “Channel 4 Place in the Sun LIVE” in Birmingham at the NEC, 1st-3rd October. I’m on a panel in the seminar theatre at 11am each day answering questions about Cyprus. You can get free tickets, just call The Overseas Guides Company on 0207 898 0549 or go to http://www.blogger.com/www.aplaceinthesun.com. If you are around, come and say hello - I’d love to meet you!
Let’s get back to shipping and preparing for the big move. Remember to check forums for reliable shippers – forums are great sources of information and should help you to make the right decision.
I cannot stress enough that there are plenty of rogues out there – just take a look at my previous blogs to see where it can all go horribly wrong!
Right. Here are some more hints and tips to help you along the way:
What should I be doing 2 weeks before the move?
- Dismantle furniture that is not designed to be moved when assembled
- Organise gas, electricity and water meter readings on the morning of the move
- Arrange to have your telephone disconnected
- Ensure bills are forwarded to your new address
- Return any items that are rented, for example your TV and video
- Run down the fridge and freezer
What should I be doing during the last week? - Gather all your important documents, for example, birth and marriage certificates. Keep them safe in a wallet. Photocopy them all several times and carry them with you
- Check with the removal company that everything is going according to plan
- Organise some foreign currency for immediate use on arrival
- Empty any safety deposit boxes
- Pack suitcases with everything you need for your journey including things you will need to use prior to your goods arriving
- Keep all your valuables with you
- Don’t forget emergency supplies, such as medicines – make sure you have enough with you until you register with your new doctor
- Defrost fridges and freezers
- Disconnect kitchen appliances
I hope you find these useful. Next week, I’m going to talk about what happens on the big day – and I’ll be sharing my own experiences with you.
That’s it from me for now; hope to see you in Birmingham!
Have fun
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 10 September 2010
What to do prior to moving overseas
Hello again!
I hope life is treating you well.
A few weeks ago I talked about one of my readers who had a problem with shipping from Cyprus – they appeared to have no trace of where their personal possessions had gone. Well, the good news is that everything finally arrived - but the bad news is that most of it was damaged. Needless to say my reader was very upset about this.
I’m told the damage was due to the packing. It’s really important that you get someone to pack who knows what they are doing – a true professional. A good sign is a shipping company who advertises that they deal regularly with antiques, works of art, valuable china, and chandeliers. While this isn’t a guarantee that nothing will get damaged, usually packers for these companies are pretty good and have been properly trained.
Also, remember to check the packers are employees, not casuals. You don’t want someone packing your goods who has very little experience, that’s a recipe for disaster.
I think I mentioned before that I shipped over some porcelain roses I made in an evening class. They were fine when they were unpacked. Mind you, the size of the box they were in was mind-blowing! I remember watching the gentleman who packed them. It was amazing. He told me he was used to packing very valuable antiques, so they would be safe in his hands. And they were.
Anyway, I promised some helpful hints and tips as to what you should be doing prior to your move.
What should I be doing three months before the move?
• Obtain quotes from several removal companies
• Confirm your moving date as far in advance as possible
• Make a list of the fixtures and fittings you are leaving behind
• Make a list of all the main items you are taking with you
• Organise your vaccinations for the country you are moving to
• Make sure your passport and any visas you need are in order
• Look at the tax implications of moving to your new destination
• Make sure your driving licence is valid for your new destination
• If taking your car, check your insurance/road tax will be valid
• Arrange for export of your pets
Next week, I’ll continue with the countdown to moving with more hints and tips. Forward planning really does work!
Enjoy your weekend.
Best wishes
Jackie
I hope life is treating you well.
A few weeks ago I talked about one of my readers who had a problem with shipping from Cyprus – they appeared to have no trace of where their personal possessions had gone. Well, the good news is that everything finally arrived - but the bad news is that most of it was damaged. Needless to say my reader was very upset about this.
I’m told the damage was due to the packing. It’s really important that you get someone to pack who knows what they are doing – a true professional. A good sign is a shipping company who advertises that they deal regularly with antiques, works of art, valuable china, and chandeliers. While this isn’t a guarantee that nothing will get damaged, usually packers for these companies are pretty good and have been properly trained.
Also, remember to check the packers are employees, not casuals. You don’t want someone packing your goods who has very little experience, that’s a recipe for disaster.
I think I mentioned before that I shipped over some porcelain roses I made in an evening class. They were fine when they were unpacked. Mind you, the size of the box they were in was mind-blowing! I remember watching the gentleman who packed them. It was amazing. He told me he was used to packing very valuable antiques, so they would be safe in his hands. And they were.
Anyway, I promised some helpful hints and tips as to what you should be doing prior to your move.
What should I be doing three months before the move?
• Obtain quotes from several removal companies
• Confirm your moving date as far in advance as possible
• Make a list of the fixtures and fittings you are leaving behind
• Make a list of all the main items you are taking with you
• Organise your vaccinations for the country you are moving to
• Make sure your passport and any visas you need are in order
• Look at the tax implications of moving to your new destination
• Make sure your driving licence is valid for your new destination
• If taking your car, check your insurance/road tax will be valid
• Arrange for export of your pets
Next week, I’ll continue with the countdown to moving with more hints and tips. Forward planning really does work!
Enjoy your weekend.
Best wishes
Jackie
Friday, 3 September 2010
Storing Your Shipped Goods
Hello again!
OK. So you’ve shipped all your goods to your destination. But what if you don’t have anywhere to store them?
What if you are renting a fully furnished property before you buy? There might not be any (or enough) space. This is where a good storage facility comes in. Of course, your original removal company will more than likely be able to help, but you may as well shop around. My readers tell me they’ve often found it’s cheaper to go to a storage specialist.
How about costs? Well, this varies around the world so you will need to spend some time researching. And again, I cannot stress enough - make sure you deal with a reputable company. You might want to look at self-storage too (this is the cheapest).
Before you sign up for anything, make sure you check where your possessions are going to be stored – remember the rogues are still out there! I heard of someone who put their trust in a “company” who turned out to be rogue traders. You won’t want your precious possessions stuck in a leaking container in the middle of a muddy field which you struggle to get to with your wellies on! Yes, you’ve got the message … this happened to one of my readers.
Ideally visit the site and check it has 24-hour security. A good storage company will always welcome this and be happy to show you around. You might also be able to check it out on Google Earth too - I find this absolutely brilliant!
Once again, you will need insurance, so don’t forget to check what this covers very carefully and remember to add it on to the cost of storage.
Right. That’s your possessions dealt with.
But what if you are shipping a car? Well, cars can easily be shipped. It’s quite normal for a 40-foot container to be split into two – one side for possessions and one side for a car. Your removal company will organise this for you, along with all the paperwork needed to clear customs.
Next week, I’m going to give you some helpful hints and tips as to what you should be doing prior to your move. It’s all too easy to forget something – but not if you plan ahead!
Ok. That’s it from me for this week.
Have a great weekend - be nice to someone.
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
OK. So you’ve shipped all your goods to your destination. But what if you don’t have anywhere to store them?
What if you are renting a fully furnished property before you buy? There might not be any (or enough) space. This is where a good storage facility comes in. Of course, your original removal company will more than likely be able to help, but you may as well shop around. My readers tell me they’ve often found it’s cheaper to go to a storage specialist.
How about costs? Well, this varies around the world so you will need to spend some time researching. And again, I cannot stress enough - make sure you deal with a reputable company. You might want to look at self-storage too (this is the cheapest).
Before you sign up for anything, make sure you check where your possessions are going to be stored – remember the rogues are still out there! I heard of someone who put their trust in a “company” who turned out to be rogue traders. You won’t want your precious possessions stuck in a leaking container in the middle of a muddy field which you struggle to get to with your wellies on! Yes, you’ve got the message … this happened to one of my readers.
Ideally visit the site and check it has 24-hour security. A good storage company will always welcome this and be happy to show you around. You might also be able to check it out on Google Earth too - I find this absolutely brilliant!
Once again, you will need insurance, so don’t forget to check what this covers very carefully and remember to add it on to the cost of storage.
Right. That’s your possessions dealt with.
But what if you are shipping a car? Well, cars can easily be shipped. It’s quite normal for a 40-foot container to be split into two – one side for possessions and one side for a car. Your removal company will organise this for you, along with all the paperwork needed to clear customs.
Next week, I’m going to give you some helpful hints and tips as to what you should be doing prior to your move. It’s all too easy to forget something – but not if you plan ahead!
Ok. That’s it from me for this week.
Have a great weekend - be nice to someone.
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 27 August 2010
Marine Insurance Continued...
Hello again!
This week I’m continuing to talk about marine insurance.
As I mentioned in my last blog, the vast majority of removal companies who are not FSA regulated have to rely on their own standard or extended liability insurance. They can make a claim against this should the worst happen.
Important: This type of insurance covers the removers and not the customer.
If something does go wrong, you as the customer may have to pursue legal action against the remover in order to gain compensation. This can be very costly, take a lot of time and even if successful, may not result in appropriate compensation. Beware!
So what are the benefits of using an FSA authorised removal company?
Your possessions are comprehensively insured
Anyone shipping without their own quality marine insurance policy is asking for trouble.
Let me tell you why.
If the ship is in danger of sinking, the Captain often has to make a decision to offload containers. His priority is his ship, and he is thinking about the cost of replacing the ship versus the cost of replacing containers. There really is no contest; a Captain will always save his ship. So it’s not unusual to hear of this happening. What I am trying to say is there is a possibility your container could end up in the sea. If this happens and you have no personal marine insurance, you may have lost everything.
Also, be careful about which policy you choose. You should always have “Total Loss” which will cover you for the circumstances mentioned. Don’t underinsure either; it’s a big mistake.
Marine insurance isn’t cheap but I strongly advise you to purchase it. If you are using a professional removal company who are FSA regulated, they will already have good policies in place or access to them. Just be careful about what you are buying – read the small print closely and ask questions.
Ask your removal company what happens if you suffer a “Total Loss” and see how they answer you. How are claims handled? What happens in the meantime – you’ve lost all your possessions. Are claims settled direct? How long does the insurance company take to pay out? The list goes on.
I strongly advise you not to ship without a good insurance policy unless, of course, you are prepared to take a high risk.
Next week I’m going to cover putting your possessions into storage and moving cars.
Until then, keep smiling!
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
This week I’m continuing to talk about marine insurance.
As I mentioned in my last blog, the vast majority of removal companies who are not FSA regulated have to rely on their own standard or extended liability insurance. They can make a claim against this should the worst happen.
Important: This type of insurance covers the removers and not the customer.
If something does go wrong, you as the customer may have to pursue legal action against the remover in order to gain compensation. This can be very costly, take a lot of time and even if successful, may not result in appropriate compensation. Beware!
So what are the benefits of using an FSA authorised removal company?
Your possessions are comprehensively insured
- Policies are underwritten by major insurers providing complete peace of mind
- Professional policy documents are written with easily understood terminology
- Claims are professionally handled and promptly settled
- It is you, the customer who is insured – not the remover
- Claims are settled direct with the insurer
- Your goods are covered no matter where you are going
- The insurance is authorised and regulated by the FSA
Anyone shipping without their own quality marine insurance policy is asking for trouble.
Let me tell you why.
If the ship is in danger of sinking, the Captain often has to make a decision to offload containers. His priority is his ship, and he is thinking about the cost of replacing the ship versus the cost of replacing containers. There really is no contest; a Captain will always save his ship. So it’s not unusual to hear of this happening. What I am trying to say is there is a possibility your container could end up in the sea. If this happens and you have no personal marine insurance, you may have lost everything.
Also, be careful about which policy you choose. You should always have “Total Loss” which will cover you for the circumstances mentioned. Don’t underinsure either; it’s a big mistake.
Marine insurance isn’t cheap but I strongly advise you to purchase it. If you are using a professional removal company who are FSA regulated, they will already have good policies in place or access to them. Just be careful about what you are buying – read the small print closely and ask questions.
Ask your removal company what happens if you suffer a “Total Loss” and see how they answer you. How are claims handled? What happens in the meantime – you’ve lost all your possessions. Are claims settled direct? How long does the insurance company take to pay out? The list goes on.
I strongly advise you not to ship without a good insurance policy unless, of course, you are prepared to take a high risk.
Next week I’m going to cover putting your possessions into storage and moving cars.
Until then, keep smiling!
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 20 August 2010
Marine Insurance
Hello!
It’s hot, hot hot! The heatwave has returned to Cyprus, so I am on total meltdown yet again.
Let’s change the subject and continue with more about marine insurance. I stressed last week that you should never ship without this.
Not many people are aware that new rules were introduced in January 2005 by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), which mean that the UK’s removal companies have to be authorised by the FSA if they wish to provide bespoke removals and storage insurance; or they have to become an Appointed Representative of a firm who is authorised.
Make sure you check this carefully; otherwise you could end up picking up the bill if something goes wrong during your move resulting in your most valuable and cherished belongings being lost, damaged or destroyed.
The vast majority of removal companies who are not FSA regulated have to rely on their own standard or extended liability insurance. They can make a claim against this should the worst happen.
Important: This type of insurance covers the removers and not the customer.
So, if something does go wrong, you as the customer may have to pursue legal action against the remover in order to gain compensation.
This can be very costly, take a lot of time and even if successful, may not result in appropriate compensation. So beware!
Next week I’m covering the benefits of using an FSA authorised removal company.
See you then!
Best wishes
Jackie
It’s hot, hot hot! The heatwave has returned to Cyprus, so I am on total meltdown yet again.
Let’s change the subject and continue with more about marine insurance. I stressed last week that you should never ship without this.
Not many people are aware that new rules were introduced in January 2005 by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), which mean that the UK’s removal companies have to be authorised by the FSA if they wish to provide bespoke removals and storage insurance; or they have to become an Appointed Representative of a firm who is authorised.
Make sure you check this carefully; otherwise you could end up picking up the bill if something goes wrong during your move resulting in your most valuable and cherished belongings being lost, damaged or destroyed.
The vast majority of removal companies who are not FSA regulated have to rely on their own standard or extended liability insurance. They can make a claim against this should the worst happen.
Important: This type of insurance covers the removers and not the customer.
So, if something does go wrong, you as the customer may have to pursue legal action against the remover in order to gain compensation.
This can be very costly, take a lot of time and even if successful, may not result in appropriate compensation. So beware!
Next week I’m covering the benefits of using an FSA authorised removal company.
See you then!
Best wishes
Jackie
Friday, 13 August 2010
Shipping Security, Insurance and Paperwork
Hello again
Amongst my emails in the last few days were a few from readers of this blog about shipping. Two of them are quite worrying.
In a nutshell, both readers used a local shipping company in Cyprus to return their personal possessions to the UK. They contacted the company to find out why their goods have not arrived. Apparently this company were unhelpful - and don’t appear to even know where their consignments are.
Worst of all, these trusting customers say they handed over cash and were given no paperwork.
OK. There are a few burning questions here. First and foremost, I have only one side of the story. But why wasn’t any paperwork issued if they were a “reputable” company? More importantly, what about the inventory and insurance documents? And the most worrying thing of all – did the goods actually get shipped or have they “gone elsewhere?” Who knows? Your guess is as good as mine, but I hope it all gets resolved soon for their sakes.
This brings me nicely onto talking about shipping security, insurance and paperwork.
Apart from making sure you are shipping with a reputable company, always check your removal company has a tracking procedure in place. They should be able to tell you where your goods are at all times.
Sometimes ships do get diverted for various reasons and this can delay your shipment. So when you are given the arrival date for your container, please remember this is always “estimated”.
We waited an additional 3 weeks for our container to arrive in Cyprus as the ship was diverted at the time due to the war in The Lebanon – but we always knew where it was.
We were concerned, because at the time this was such a dangerous zone, but we made sure our insurance covered all eventualities by purchasing a “total loss” marine insurance policy. So worst case scenario - say the ship had been bombed - we would have received the sum we insured our goods for.
Let’s move on to marine insurance.
Should you buy this type of insurance? Definitely! I cannot stress this enough. Thousands of people ship their personal possessions without appropriate insurance. What does this mean? Quite simply, you are putting everything you own at risk and you could lose it all.
Please remember when you are moving house, things can - and do - go wrong.
I’ll talk more about marine insurance next week and reveal some information from an insider who works in shipping that shocked me!
Until then, have a great weekend.
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Amongst my emails in the last few days were a few from readers of this blog about shipping. Two of them are quite worrying.
In a nutshell, both readers used a local shipping company in Cyprus to return their personal possessions to the UK. They contacted the company to find out why their goods have not arrived. Apparently this company were unhelpful - and don’t appear to even know where their consignments are.
Worst of all, these trusting customers say they handed over cash and were given no paperwork.
OK. There are a few burning questions here. First and foremost, I have only one side of the story. But why wasn’t any paperwork issued if they were a “reputable” company? More importantly, what about the inventory and insurance documents? And the most worrying thing of all – did the goods actually get shipped or have they “gone elsewhere?” Who knows? Your guess is as good as mine, but I hope it all gets resolved soon for their sakes.
This brings me nicely onto talking about shipping security, insurance and paperwork.
Apart from making sure you are shipping with a reputable company, always check your removal company has a tracking procedure in place. They should be able to tell you where your goods are at all times.
Sometimes ships do get diverted for various reasons and this can delay your shipment. So when you are given the arrival date for your container, please remember this is always “estimated”.
We waited an additional 3 weeks for our container to arrive in Cyprus as the ship was diverted at the time due to the war in The Lebanon – but we always knew where it was.
We were concerned, because at the time this was such a dangerous zone, but we made sure our insurance covered all eventualities by purchasing a “total loss” marine insurance policy. So worst case scenario - say the ship had been bombed - we would have received the sum we insured our goods for.
Let’s move on to marine insurance.
Should you buy this type of insurance? Definitely! I cannot stress this enough. Thousands of people ship their personal possessions without appropriate insurance. What does this mean? Quite simply, you are putting everything you own at risk and you could lose it all.
Please remember when you are moving house, things can - and do - go wrong.
I’ll talk more about marine insurance next week and reveal some information from an insider who works in shipping that shocked me!
Until then, have a great weekend.
Best wishes
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 6 August 2010
Packing and Unpacking Your Goods Overseas
Hello, how are you?
Well, it’s national holiday time in Cyprus for the next two weeks – and a good job too! We are experiencing the hottest summer since August 1956 with temperatures at 46.5 degrees and 97% humidity. Phew!
Let’s get back to shipping. This week I am covering packing and unpacking. It all sounds simple – just shove everything in boxes and away you go. But that’s not the way to do it when your goods are travelling overseas.
So how should things be packed? Carefully is the word I would want to hear! Joking aside, good removal companies do pack with the greatest of care, particularly when exporting.
Packing for exporting is completely different to packing for a UK move because of the shipping involved. It tends to take more time because the packers are more careful than usual, particularly with delicate items, such as china and glass.
It is very important that nothing moves in the container, so more wrapping than usual is used. Wooden crates are sometimes tailor made for special items that need more protection than usual.
I shipped over some very delicate porcelain roses, which I made in evening classes back in the UK. I never believed for one minute that they would arrive in one piece – but they did. The chap who packed them in the UK used a huge box, an enormous amount of tissue paper and assured me they would arrive safely. He was used to packing valuable antiques - so I guessed my roses would be safe in his hands and I was right.
Strong boxes are always used which are sealed with heavy-duty tape. Here is a helpful hint. Our move took place overseas in July, at the hottest period. When the container arrived, it was 60 degrees inside. Although all our boxes had been taped securely, when they were unloaded the glue on the tape had melted. As a result, very careful unloading had to take place. So make sure that your packers double tape every box, to avoid any accidents happening.
Our biggest fear was that our computer would be ruined because of the heat, but it was fine. It just goes to show how robust they are.
The removal company can also organise unpacking. We decided to unpack ourselves at our leisure. For us, this turned out to be the right thing to do.
How many staff will come to pack and load? Again, this depends on the amount of possessions you are taking; your removal company will advise you. It is always best to check that the removal company are sending their own employees, not sub-contractors. Permanent employees of the removal company tend to be more careful and reliable. Sub-contractors can often disappear overnight.
Oh, and remember, your removal company is also responsible for all the shipping paperwork in conjunction with their agent at your destination.
Next week I’m going to talk about two very important issues – security and marine insurance – so don’t miss it!
Well, that’s it for now; I’m off to cool down.
Keep smiling – it’s infectious!
Until next week
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Well, it’s national holiday time in Cyprus for the next two weeks – and a good job too! We are experiencing the hottest summer since August 1956 with temperatures at 46.5 degrees and 97% humidity. Phew!
Let’s get back to shipping. This week I am covering packing and unpacking. It all sounds simple – just shove everything in boxes and away you go. But that’s not the way to do it when your goods are travelling overseas.
So how should things be packed? Carefully is the word I would want to hear! Joking aside, good removal companies do pack with the greatest of care, particularly when exporting.
Packing for exporting is completely different to packing for a UK move because of the shipping involved. It tends to take more time because the packers are more careful than usual, particularly with delicate items, such as china and glass.
It is very important that nothing moves in the container, so more wrapping than usual is used. Wooden crates are sometimes tailor made for special items that need more protection than usual.
I shipped over some very delicate porcelain roses, which I made in evening classes back in the UK. I never believed for one minute that they would arrive in one piece – but they did. The chap who packed them in the UK used a huge box, an enormous amount of tissue paper and assured me they would arrive safely. He was used to packing valuable antiques - so I guessed my roses would be safe in his hands and I was right.
Strong boxes are always used which are sealed with heavy-duty tape. Here is a helpful hint. Our move took place overseas in July, at the hottest period. When the container arrived, it was 60 degrees inside. Although all our boxes had been taped securely, when they were unloaded the glue on the tape had melted. As a result, very careful unloading had to take place. So make sure that your packers double tape every box, to avoid any accidents happening.
Our biggest fear was that our computer would be ruined because of the heat, but it was fine. It just goes to show how robust they are.
The removal company can also organise unpacking. We decided to unpack ourselves at our leisure. For us, this turned out to be the right thing to do.
How many staff will come to pack and load? Again, this depends on the amount of possessions you are taking; your removal company will advise you. It is always best to check that the removal company are sending their own employees, not sub-contractors. Permanent employees of the removal company tend to be more careful and reliable. Sub-contractors can often disappear overnight.
Oh, and remember, your removal company is also responsible for all the shipping paperwork in conjunction with their agent at your destination.
Next week I’m going to talk about two very important issues – security and marine insurance – so don’t miss it!
Well, that’s it for now; I’m off to cool down.
Keep smiling – it’s infectious!
Until next week
Jackie
http://www.cyprusbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 30 July 2010
Shipping - Loading Your Container
Hello, how are you?
Cyprus is going to be very quiet over the next two weeks. Traditionally, the island’s national holidays start on Monday. It’s perfect timing due to the heat.
Let’s continue with shipping. This week I’m covering loading your container. Depending on the amount of possessions you are shipping, the container may be loaded at your home. If you have enough belongings, it’s always best if you can do this, as you can observe the whole procedure from start to finish. You watch your possessions go into the container and you watch the container being sealed.
If you are shipping by “Groupage” – in other words a “part load” because you don’t have enough possessions to fill a container, you may find that a small van comes to collect your crates and boxes instead.
If this is the case, the crates and boxes are taken away to a depot and then they are loaded into a container, which you will share with others. This means you can’t observe the process and your possessions are double-handled - meaning the margin for error is greater.
If you feel nervous about this and need peace of mind, just ask your removal company for advice. A good removal company will usually let you follow the van to the depot and let you see your possessions being transferred to the container they will be sent overseas in.
But how do you know everything will be safe and secure?
Well, if your container is packed outside your home, the removal company will seal it in front of you. Each container has a security code number on the seal and this should still be in place when it eventually reaches you at your new home.
If the seal is not in place when it arrives, this means one of two things. Either the container has been broken into (very rare), or Customs have inspected it for some reason or another. The latter is normally the case.
Another question I’ve been asked is how long does it take to pack and load the container?
As this is dependent on the amount of possessions you are taking, your removal company will advise you. It also depends on whether you are packing your own possessions or the company are. If the removal company are packing for you, they will need to come to your home before the container arrives. This can often be a few days before. Then on the day, they simply pack all the boxes into the container and off it goes to your local dock to await shipping.
By the way, it’s quite normal to feel very nervous and often quite emotional when the container is finally driven away. Your new life is about to begin and mixed feelings will be felt at this stage!
Next week I’m going to cover packing and unpacking – there will be lots of hints and tips on how to make sure breakages are kept to a minimum.
Well, that’s it for now, have a super weekend
Best wishes
Jackie
Cyprus is going to be very quiet over the next two weeks. Traditionally, the island’s national holidays start on Monday. It’s perfect timing due to the heat.
Let’s continue with shipping. This week I’m covering loading your container. Depending on the amount of possessions you are shipping, the container may be loaded at your home. If you have enough belongings, it’s always best if you can do this, as you can observe the whole procedure from start to finish. You watch your possessions go into the container and you watch the container being sealed.
If you are shipping by “Groupage” – in other words a “part load” because you don’t have enough possessions to fill a container, you may find that a small van comes to collect your crates and boxes instead.
If this is the case, the crates and boxes are taken away to a depot and then they are loaded into a container, which you will share with others. This means you can’t observe the process and your possessions are double-handled - meaning the margin for error is greater.
If you feel nervous about this and need peace of mind, just ask your removal company for advice. A good removal company will usually let you follow the van to the depot and let you see your possessions being transferred to the container they will be sent overseas in.
But how do you know everything will be safe and secure?
Well, if your container is packed outside your home, the removal company will seal it in front of you. Each container has a security code number on the seal and this should still be in place when it eventually reaches you at your new home.
If the seal is not in place when it arrives, this means one of two things. Either the container has been broken into (very rare), or Customs have inspected it for some reason or another. The latter is normally the case.
Another question I’ve been asked is how long does it take to pack and load the container?
As this is dependent on the amount of possessions you are taking, your removal company will advise you. It also depends on whether you are packing your own possessions or the company are. If the removal company are packing for you, they will need to come to your home before the container arrives. This can often be a few days before. Then on the day, they simply pack all the boxes into the container and off it goes to your local dock to await shipping.
By the way, it’s quite normal to feel very nervous and often quite emotional when the container is finally driven away. Your new life is about to begin and mixed feelings will be felt at this stage!
Next week I’m going to cover packing and unpacking – there will be lots of hints and tips on how to make sure breakages are kept to a minimum.
Well, that’s it for now, have a super weekend
Best wishes
Jackie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
