Frequently asked questions about international removals

We provide our quotes within 48 hours of a survey, online enquiry or telephone call.

The cost depends on the volume of goods you want to ship. A Robinsons Moving Consultant will assess the volume of your goods during our free survey. They will also discuss your individual needs and answer any questions you may have.

The cost of your removal can be paid online or by cheque, cash or bank transfer. Please note that we accept credit card payments at a surcharge. We provide a written quotation but will review our pricing if requested.

Yes, if you want us to. If you choose, you can pack some or all of your goods by yourself. Disassembling and packing by yourself is relatively cheaper, but we strongly recommend the ‘full export pack’ option. With this selection, you’ll have increased insurance cover and greater physical protection for your furniture.

With our full pack service, we’ll need you to put aside things that need to be disposed of or kept with you during the journey (e.g. passport). We can disconnect appliances, remove pictures and take down curtains for an additional, pre-planned charge.

The required crew size is based on the amount of work needed to be done.

Yes, we don’t contract employees from other companies. This means that all Robinsons staff are fully-trained and dedicated to achieving Robinsons standards.

Robinsons will be with you every step of the way. One-to-one contact with your Robinsons Move Manager will keep you fully updated with the progress of your move.

Trusted, experienced overseas partners carry out our destination services. They’re specially selected for their expertise.  We choose agents who, like ourselves , are members of FIDI and/or OMNI, and are FAIM 3.1 Top Performer.

Once your goods have arrived at their destination we will contact you to arrange a convenient delivery date. Our partner will unload all items into your property. Where agreed, they will unpack and remove the packing materials.

In most cases, sole-use containers will be delivered unopened. However, in some countries (e.g. Australia) all containers are unloaded for quarantine inspection. Our destination partners will oversee the process.

We do our best to respect your privacy. However, customs officials reserve the right to inspect goods anywhere in the world. Inspections are therefore beyond our control.

Fumigation costs are not uncommon in Australia or New Zealand.  DAFF in Australia and MAFF in New Zealand may order items to be fumigated. If so, a cost will be incurred locally at the destination.  We can provide indicative costs for fumigation of items.

Transit times vary depending on your destination, mode of transport and a country’s customs. Here are approximate door-to-door timescales for container shipments from the UK:

Most destination countries require you to be there when your belongings clear customs. However, there are some exceptions – your Move Manager will be able to let you know whether your destination is one of them.

Yes. Robinsons hold full public liability and vehicle insurance. Regarding goods in transit, we offer insurance cover for UK, European and International moves.

No, custom formalities will prohibit this. The only items that can remain in the car are ones directly related to it ( e.g. warning triangle, first aid kit).

Yes. Generally we would require 48 hours notice.

At all of our branch locations – Birmingham, Basingstoke, and Oxford.

These will vary according to the destination.  We will advise on associated costs within our quotation.

This depends on the destination. For example, all shipments to Australia are inspected and charges for this are payable locally. We provide indicative charges for this within our quote. Likewise, we can advise on the costs of any duty/tax payable at any other destination.

This depends on the size of the consignment. Full container load is generally faster. We can quote and advise on transit times for either groupage or full container load.

Food is generally not permitted for most destinations, but toiletries are. For more information, check out our country-specific customs guides. Alcohol is generally permitted, although you will likely have to pay duty/tax. We can advise you about any extra costs.

If you’re leaving or entering the UK with a pet, check out the government’s advice page.

If you’re moving from the UK to another country, you’ll need to research the rules and regulations for that country because they may vary from the UK’s requirements and processes.

If you’re moving within the UK, our special guides will help you move with your favourite sidekick.

• Guide to Moving with a Cat
• Guide to Moving with a Dog
• Guide to Moving with a Fish or Reptile

Whilst great care is taken in the removal of your goods, accidents beyond our control can happen. The removal team’s liability for loss or damage is limited by their standard contract terms and conditions. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to take out an All Risks insurance policy.

If you don’t take out adequate insurance, your recourse against a crew member may be limited. Other parties (e.g. the shipping company or airline) operate under separate contract conditions that may limit/exclude their liability. If a loss occurs at sea, a shipping company may declare a ‘general average loss’. In this case, you may have to contribute to the ‘general average loss’ incurred by the shipping company. Our standard contract conditions (BAR conditions) specifically limit our liability.

Yes. As part of our environmentally friendly initiative, we recycle used packing materials.

A delivery in conjunction with other moves/deliveries to a particular geographical area. Transit time for such deliveries will be provided within our quotation.

Yes, both in the UK and internationally. We’re members of the British Association of Removers (B.A.R.) and founder members of internationally recognised industry associations OMNI and FIDI. This means we work with overseas members to ensure you get the same high quality service across all continents.