Moving abroad is always a big decision that requires a lot of thought. It’s essential to take your time and plan carefully. If you’ve already decided that it’s time to start thinking about moving to Malta, there’s a lot to do.
If you are taking your own furniture with you, there are a few additional steps to go through. Carefully go through all your property with a fine-toothed comb. Make a list of everything you’re planning on taking with you and highlight anything that needs special treatment. This includes fragile objects like mirrors and glass items, as well as valuable pieces like artwork.
Be clear in your communications with the mover. Decide what you are going to do yourself – will you take apart the furniture, or do you want to take responsibility for packing up some particular items like books, kitchenware, etc?
An estimate will be based on a number of important points:
- Origin address.
- Destination address.
- Size. This will depend on both weight and volume.
- Transportation method. How will your belongings go to Malta – by air, ship, train or truck?
- Terms and conditions and insurance.
- Payment options – there will often be a difference in price between up-front payments and payment plans.
Normally, you can expect a removal company to take your belongings to the specified destination and unload them. But check before you proceed, as this is not always the case – sometimes, companies will unload belongings in their warehouses. You will then have to take responsibility for collecting and transporting them, which may involve hiring a van.
Before doing anything, reread your moving contract. If something goes wrong, you need to ensure that you have a solid understanding of the terms and conditions.
Preparing a value statement
You will need to create a value statement. This document involves a complete inventory of all the belongings you will be moving to Malta. It’s important because of its potential use should you need to make an insurance claim later.
The list has a second use, too. It can help you with your own personal organisation. It may seem like a bit of a chore, but you will be thankful for your diligence when it’s time to unpack at the other end. If you know what each box contains, you’ll be able to get your new home sorted quickly and easily.
The value statement will also need to list the value of your belongings, including both an overall value, and specific figures for certain valuable items. Again, it’s worth rereading the removal contract to ensure that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions related to moving precious objects. Be extremely thorough when compiling this list, so you can feel real peace of mind later.
Insurance
After receiving your value statement, the removal company will make an offer relating to damage insurance. Check the terms and conditions, as always. Should anything go wrong on the journey, resulting in damage to your possessions, the insurance should provide you with some coverage.
The price of the insurance will vary, depending on the value of your possessions. Regardless of value, the removal company should issue a certificate of insurance.
Signing the waybill
The next step is signing the waybill, which you’ll have to do twice – first, before your belongings are loaded, and secondly, after delivery. This detailed document will outline all the terms and conditions relating to the contract.
Signing the waybill is a legal act that means that you officially agree to the terms and conditions within. It gives the removal company permission to move your belongings.
If you choose to pay by payment plan, then normally you will have to make a deposit before loading, with the balance to be paid upon delivery.
Important note
Removal companies will usually take responsibility for all the customs paperwork that must be dealt with. For an international move, you will want to be particularly careful when it comes to security. Make sure that the company you choose has FIDI affiliation (International Federation of International Movers).
Before you begin moving to Malta, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country. You can find out information about customs, prohibited items and so on.
For more information, take a look at these sites:
FEDEMAC – Federation of European Movers www.fedemac.eu
FIDI – International Federation of International Removers www.fidi.org
