International movers; what do we need to ask when they come round to give us a quote?

[TheTeaLady]

We're leaving the UK to go to NZ (home!) in a few months so I am lining up a few relocation companies to find out about costs.
What on earth do I need to ask them about?
Apart from how much dosh they want us to cough up???
Are considering taking car and have camping gear which I expect will be a biosecurity issue.

How long they estimate it to arrive, whether you need export/import permission, if you insure it, does the insurance cover individual items or just the whole lot should the ship sink. How long it will take to pack it, will they unpack at the other end.

If you have anything furniture wise that is of any real value or very precious to you, ask them if they will build an extra wooden case to protect it. They will also do this for paintings/pictures also if you want them to.

And my top tip - be 100% ready for them on the day they come to pack as they swarm in and start almost every room at the same time. I am never quite ready and it's always super stressful - and totally my own fault!

How long to pack, ship clear customs and deliver, how many containers, any items which need special clearance and handling, do they do all the relevant paperwork, insurance...

HI,
Check if your furniture will be a part load or have its own container. When we moved to the states we had a full container and it only took 3 to 4 weeks to arrive. Friends who have had their stuff shipped as a part load ( i.e goes in a container with other peoples stuff) have had to wait 8 to 12 weeks in some cases as it takes much longer to organise. A good new website for advise on moving abroad and stories for people who have been in your position is www.forkedroad.co.uk