The most commonly asked questions from people planning a move and awaiting arrival of the moving crew are answered below.

Please take a minute to browse the list on the left of this page in case your question has been asked before.

Planning Your Move

When should I arrange a quotation?

It is important not to leave your search for an international relocation company until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to arrange relocation quotations, appoint a relocation company and finalize all of your arrangements.
We recommend you make contact a minimum of four weeks prior to your planned moving date.

How is the cost calculated?

The cost of a relocation is based on the total volume of your goods. This is calculated by multiplying the length, breadth and height of the items, to give a total volume in cubic meters.

Your Relocation Consultant will be able to accurately measure your goods at the time of the survey and provide a relocation quotation based on this measurement.

What does the quote include?

No two relocations are the same, so Propack‘s quotation will be specifically tailored to your individual requirements.
But some things are always included:

• Supply of all new packing materials
• Packing of your household goods and personal effects by trained, experienced packers
• Preparation of an itemized inventory
• Collection from your home
• Crating/containerization and delivery to the terminal
• Preparation of all export documentation and all import documentation for the completion of Customs and Agricultural Clearances
• Payment of terminal charges
• Delivery direct to store/residence within a 30km radius of the destination port
• Unpacking and clearance of all waste materials on day of delivery, as required.

The quotation will exclude any import duties or taxes due in various countries, quarantine examinations if ordered or storage if required.

Your Relocation Consultant will be happy to explain this to you during the survey.

How far ahead should I book?

Ideally, you should confirm dates as soon as possible, as dates are often booked up well in advance.

Propack will always do the utmost to match the dates you require, but please keep in mind that some days are busier than others, so it will help if you can be flexible.

Does Propack offer Goods in Transit insurance?

While Propack‘s professional crew will always securely pack your belongings, it is important to remember that your goods will be traveling by ship, plane, truck or other mode of transport—each of which carries inherent risks.

Although Goods in Transit insurance is not included in the original quote we do offer insurance at a reasonable price that insures your shipment for damages up to the value you insure for.

Please contact us in order to get more information regarding our Goods in Transit insurance.

Moving day

Are any items prohibited from my shipment?

Each country has its own restrictions; but as a general rule, the following items should not be included in your shipment:

• Alcohol
• Firearms and ammunition
• Foodstuffs, including herbs and spices
• Hazardous items (including adhesives, ammonia, bleaches, chlorine, detergents, disinfectants, dyes, flammables, gas cylinders, insecticides, mercury thermometers, methylated spirits, paints, pesticides, photographic chemicals, pressure packs, thinners)
• Items made from endangered animals
• Unprocessed furs, skins
• Plants, dried flowers, bulbs, seeds
• Pornographic material
• Soil or sand of any kind
• Swords, spears, switchblades.

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and Propack will be able to advise you of further prohibited items for individual countries.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the packing day?

Propack’s expert team of packers will take care of everything on the day.

Prior to their arrival:

• Dispose of any items you do not wish to take with you
• Clear out the garage, attic and basement
• Disconnect and defrost refrigerators and freezers
• Drain washing machine
• Thoroughly clean all outdoor equipment.

Remember to keep separate any items you will need to take with you when traveling, including passports, money, travel documents, important paperwork, jewelry, valuables and suitcases.

Will Propack pack and unpack all of my belongings?

Propack‘s packing team will expertly pack and wrap your goods ready for shipment.

All packers are fully trained and will make sure your possessions are well-protected and perfectly safe throughout the entire process of your relocation.

At destination, one of our partners will unpack your goods and dispose of any debris on delivery day at your new residence. Propack has been operating for more than 30 years and during that time we have established a big network of partners around the world.

Can my possessions be stored at Propack‘s warehouse?

Your goods can be stored at Propack‘s warehouse. The warehouse is heated and has state of the art security and fire alarm system.

If your goods have arrived at destination and your new residence is not ready most of our partners can store your goods until the residence is ready.

What happens when my possessions arrive at their destination?

Before you depart we will infrom you about estimated time of arrival of your goods and our partners that will take care of your goods at destination.

When your goods are close to reaching its destination our partners will contact you in order to collect all the documents needed for customs clearance and set a date of delivery.

Will I have to be in the destination country for my possessions to clear customs?

Many countries do require you to be present in order for your goods to clear customs, but different rules apply in each country.

Our employees will be able to confirm the regulations for the country you are relocating to.