Removal companies?

[DressAndGo]

Which removal company did you use and would you recommend it? (Who might I want to avoid?)

When you make the move, can you take food (i.e. Tinned goods) with you to make things a little easier. Thinking if things we can't buy there/ some staples to ease the food budget for the first few months..

Thank you!

We used Anglo Pacific to move to the States. The packers in the UK were great, very friendly and did an amazing job. My only grumble was that the boxes were printed with all the different rooms so that they just had to tick which one it was. They didn't do this but instead wrote on the boxes and it was difficult at the other end to decipher the handwriting.

I was less happy with the company they contracted to do the unpacking but that will vary from location to location. We were not allowed to pack any food stuffs, alcohol,liquids or creams. There was so much waste as we just had to get rid off all our cleaning products, shoe polishes, toiletries etc. That may vary depending on the country you are going to though.

Quarantine rules in Australia can be pretty strict, especially with foodstuffs. If you take stuff with you on the plane you will need to declare on your Incoming Passenger Card and there are strict penalties for non declaration. If you are using a removal company to ship your stuff then you will need to give them an inventory of what you are taking.
Most will give you advice on what you can and cannot take or visit:
www.shipit.co.uk/Australia_Customs_Quarantine_Rules.htm
If you are shipping your goods to any other countries then a very rough guide is NOT to take the following.
Aerosols and pressurised vessels, whether full or empty.
Foodstuffs: Tinned or otherwise its just better not to risk it.
Bleach, paint, paint thinners, garden chemicals.
Any items made from endangered species, Ivory, skins etc.
Drugs or medicines. See more information below.
The obvious...Firearms, guns, Explosives, ammunition or fireworks.
Inflammables material such as paint, petrol, lighter fuel, nail varnish remover, fire lighters, matches.
Pornographic / Adult literature, photographs or videos.
Vegetable/Plant stuffs Like compost, soil, straw or plants.
Medicines and Prescription drugs:
With regards to prescription medicines the recent case in Turkey has caused some concerns for people who need to take medication abroad. The NHS has provided some guidelines here:
www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1074.aspx?CategoryID=70&SubCategoryID=175

Most of this is common sense but for sure your mover will certainly tell you what you can take to whichever country you are going to so there is no need to be overly concerned.
Good Luck with your move.