Poor weather and rising costs push more UK residents than ever to look overseas for a new life
5th May 2008
After it’s busiest ever period for overseas relocations, Bishop’s Move offers some tips to prevent a new life starting off as a nightmare
2007 will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons. Rising crime figures were matched by rising floodwaters and cost of living in the nation’s headlines, all of which was underpinned by growing economic instability. It’s hardly surprising that the staff at Bishop’s Move have seen higher than ever numbers of enquiries for their overseas relocations services ever since, as individuals and families look beyond our borders to start a new life.
In the second quarter of 2007, deep sea enquiries for the company – those involving transport by air or ship – were up an incredible 24% over those in January to March, and bookings for July to September were more than 75% higher than the previous two quarters combined. Year-on-year to date, overseas moves are so far 12% higher than for the same period in 2006.
The favourite location for UK residents remains Australia, with just over 40% of its relocations heading Down Under. France and Spain come a close second and third respectively, with ‘emerging’ destinations such as the Balkans and southern Mediterranean gradually growing in popularity.
However, with even moving just to the next town often said to be the ‘most stressful experience’, how can the start of a dream new life in sunnier climes be made smoother and stress-free for all concerned?
Bishop’s Move is the UK’s largest independent removals firm, and has more than 150 year’s experience in moving people, objects and businesses across the globe. Bishop’s Move staff have compiled the following Top Tips to help take the rage out of relocating abroad, or the stress out of starting afresh.
- Choose carefully
Take the time to research removals company options carefully. Check they are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), have the right insurance cover for your needs and are a FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM). A personal visit to discuss your needs, with the ability to give you clear and informed advice concerning haulage and customs, followed up with a tailored quotation, should be the minimum to expect.
- Plan, plan, plan
Allow the maximum possible time between making the decision to relocate and actually departing. Bishop’s Move has a downloadable guide and checklist to help ensure the dozens of tasks are completed at the right time. Booking a reliable removals firm should be a priority, so as to ensure the necessary vehicles and crew are available when you need them. However a seemingly insurmountable list of jobs, from vaccinations to mail redirection, from foreign currency exchange to cancelling club membership, will need doing. The removals firm chosen should be able to identify what needs to be done, and when.
- Utilise support services
Reliable and experienced removals firms should guide their clients through every step of the move. Bishop’s Move offer a single point of contact for clients to work with from the moment the enquiry is made to their arrival at their new home. The Move Manager will help plan the timetable, discuss routings and identify packing needs – especially if a customer has anything valuable or unusual to ship.
- Keep it in the family
Moving within the UK can be unsettling, especially for children. Imagine the effect that moving to another country possible thousands of miles away can have. Bishop’s Move recommends that family members are involved from the outset, and given as much say in choices made as possible. If you can, move in the summer months, so children experience a natural break between schools.
- Take a break
Taking time out in temporary accommodation while possessions arrive is sometimes a good way to recover from the stresses of the move itself. A good removals firm will provide end-to-end service, meaning a team at your destination country will be on hand to deliver your belongings to your new home and help unpack. They should also be able to offer storage solutions if necessary.
