Moving to a new country is exciting, but it's also expensive. Here's everything you need to know about moving your furniture overseas, so you can start living in Spain on the cheap.
Spain remains a favourite destination for ex-pats, and it’s not surprising given the wealth of job opportunities, great healthcare and quality of life there. If you plan to move to Spain, there are many factors to consider. As you begin the relocation process, among your first tasks is to decide how to transport your valuables from your old home in the UK to your new one in Spain.
Furniture removals to Spain can seem daunting, but there are many ways to transport your belongings without breaking the bank.
The section below will guide you on how to make your relocation abroad hassle-free. It will mention tips on how to move your furniture to Spain more affordably and how you can avoid damage to your items.
Moving overseas in the most cost-effective way possible involves making smart choices at every stage of the removals process. Looking for ways on how to move to Spain from the UK within your budget? Check out these tips for minimising the cost of international relocation.
1. Plan and prepare your budget ahead of time
Plan your move accordingly so that you remain within your budget. Moving is more manageable when you plan. This also means you can be more flexible if you encounter setbacks.
Before contacting any moving company, establish your budget first to give you an idea of how much you can spend on moving your furniture. While you can make changes to your budget, it's better to know what your options are beforehand.
If you don’t prepare your timeline and budget in advance, you may end up paying an outrageous amount for your removals or receiving your cargo several weeks late. So write down your budget, timeline and goals before you move to ensure that you stay on track during the entire process. Another tip is to get in touch with shipping companies well in advance (such as three to four months) of your intended move.
2. Declutter and dispose of unnecessary items before your move
Getting rid of everything you don't need can help you move your stuff abroad more affordably. Shipping furniture that you know you’ll never use is a waste of money. Since shipping costs depend on weight, the lighter your shipment, the less it will cost.
But that doesn't mean you have to part with the items you value most. So examine all your furniture pieces and determine whether or not they are essential. To help you do so, estimate whether shipping costs for a specific item will be higher than the price of purchasing it again in Spain. If this is the case, then consider just buying it once you arrive in your new home. For non-essential furniture, you can put them up on eBay for extra money.
3. Pack your furniture carefully and thoroughly
Take care when packing your belongings, particularly fragile items, for maximum protection. Incorrect packing can cause damage to your fragile items. Replacing these items can be costly, which you’d want to avoid. So fill moving boxes to the brim. Additionally, remove any gaps that may allow your items to slide while they’re being transported. Add padding to your items, and label the boxes they’re in.
If you are concerned about packing your items, then perhaps use the services of a professional packing team. At Cotswold Carriers we offer packing and assembling services as an extra. Read here.
Don’t forget to prepare a detailed, itemised list of everything you plan to ship. It will guide border officials in calculating customs duties. When it comes to physical inspections, if your items are difficult to examine, the process may take even longer. As a result, you might incur additional costs.
4. Choose the most cost-effective shipping method
There are several options when it comes to transporting your items from the UK to Spain. Take the time to consider all your options and learn about the pros and cons of each transportation method. Your options include truck and ferry, sea container or air freight. Usually, we use a truck or ferry for removals to Spain.
Shipments by sea are relatively slow and air freight can be fast but is expensive. The most cost-effective solution is to use truck and ferry as an option. Truck logistics are able to hold large volumes of goods, as well as ferry transportation. Cotswold Carriers are well versed in the choices available and are able to recommend the best option for you.
5. Get insurance
Protecting your possessions by getting insurance is crucial when moving. A trustworthy insurance policy can be extremely valuable in case something goes wrong during transport. A well established and responsible company who includes insurance as a standard, such as Cotswold Carriers.
6. Compare quotes from various movers
Make sure you choose a company that offers you excellent value for your money. Check out several movers and compare their quotes to determine which one is best for you. Additionally, don’t forget to read reviews before making your final decision.
7. Choose the right timing for your move
Timing plays a major role when it comes to international removals. Try to avoid peak moving season, as moving during these times is typically more expensive. Holidays, weekends and the beginning and end of the month are the busiest times, resulting in higher prices. Lastly, hire a moving company as early as possible so that you can make the most of potential deals or discounts.
Avoid cutting corners when choosing a moving company. Compromising on quality may result in higher costs and hidden charges in case things don't work out as planned.
At Cotswold Carriers, we can help you reliably move your furniture and other valuables from the UK to Spain. Get a quick quote from us today.