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This section gives you the full details of service, including the T&C's

service info & spec

Shared load service to UK

You now have a quotation for a ‘shared load service’, also referred to as ‘groupage’.

Sharing space in a container is the most economical way to ship household goods. It is a cheaper option than shipping directly. We collect numerous shipments together and when we have achieved enough volume we load a sea container and ship to our UK warehouse. Because we consolidate shipments together the transit time is longer than a direct shipment. Typically it takes 4-6 weeks to load a container for UK, however by its very nature a shared load service does not have guaranteed transit times. Conversely you may have a collection date that coincides with a container loading and you end up with a swift door to door process.

We have quoted you a ‘door to door’ service. This means that we collect from your SG residence and deliver to residence UK.

Origin activity in Singapore:

The volume for a shared load service can range from one carton up to approximately 15 cubic meters.

Before the move takes place we can deliver materials if you wish to do some packing in advance.

Depending on the size of your move you might pack yourself or have us pack up for you. Our crews are experienced export packers and have operated in Singapore for many years. We supply all the packing materials required. Our cartons are double wall quality.
We will protect floors and walls where applicable for larger moves. If you live in a condo the management may supply lift padding (sometimes for a fee!). Furniture is fully card wrapped and cartons are packed with clean paper. All materials are brand new. As standard we will dismantle furniture where necessary. Complicated items will require a handyman service.

If you are in a condo the building management may require you to book security access. For small collections they may not need a formal booking and simply refer to it as a ‘collection’.

For small volumes that you have packed yourself our transport
team will simply make collection, and the inventory is sent out by our office.

For larger moves that we are packing the job supervisor will conduct a walk through with you to confirm what is or isn’t to be moved.

Our crew will list contents of cartons / packages and write an inventory that will be used throughout the process. If there are wooden crates required these will be delivered to residence. We use fumigated solid wood crates.

For larger moves loading from a condo a shuttle truck may be required. This is included in our quote.

Upon completion of packing / loading please check to make sure everything has gone! Check all draws and corners. We appreciate it’s a stressful moment but you must take time to inspect your residence.

Shipping & destination:

Once the container is loaded at our warehouse it will be sealed and delivered to the port. Within a few days the ship will set sail. Sailing time to a UK port is approximately 30 days on water. When we say 'on water’ we are referring to the sailing time not including customs clearance and port activity either side. All paperwork and documents relating to the shipping is taken care of by us. We only require you to complete the TOR process with HMRC. TOR Link

Once the clearance process is complete (3-4 days)* our UK office will be in a position to organise delivery on a part load basis. Storage is available if required, based on a weekly charge and a one-time handing fee.

Most properties in UK have good access but if there is a bad access delivery a shuttle truck (or other equipment) may be required. Parking charges may apply (especially in London) if our vehicle has to spend time unloading.

If we packed then our destination crew will unpack as required. We will reassemble items we have dismantled. If a handyman was used at origin for any dismantling then it’s likely this service is required at destination. Our crew will remove packaging debris on day of delivery.

Container (20ft & 40ft) service to UK

You now have a quotation for a sole use container to UK.

Depending on your volume you will need a 20ft or 40ft container. A sole use container service is also known as an FCL (full container load). Sole use containers are not always ‘full’ and our prices are based on the volume surveyed.

A 20ft container holds approximately 30 cubic meters & a 40ft container holds approximately 60 cubic meters. There is also a 40ft high cube container that holds about 65 cubic meters. Our quote will specify the actual volume surveyed.

We have quoted you a ‘door to door’ service. This includes packing up the shipment, export process, freight, import process and unpacking at destination. Unpacking onto flat surfaces.

Origin activity in Singapore:

As a general rule a 20ft container takes 2x days to pack and load. A 40ft container takes 4x days. The number of packing days varies depending on actual volume and characteristics of the job.

Before the move takes place we can deliver materials if you wish to do some packing in advance.

If you are in a condo please check with the management in regard to moving dates. Building access and lifts could be booked up. This is a typical issue in the peak months of June & July.

Our crews are experienced export packers and have operated in Singapore for many years. We supply all the packing materials required. Our cartons are double wall quality.
We will protect floors and walls where applicable. If you live in a condo the management may supply lift padding (sometimes for a fee!). Furniture is fully card wrapped and cartons are packed with clean paper. All materials are brand new. As standard we will dismantle furniture where necessary. Complicated items will require a handyman service.

On the first day of the job our supervisor will conduct a walk through with you to confirm what is or isn’t to be moved.

Our crew will list contents of cartons / packages and write an inventory that will be used throughout the process. If there are wooden crates required these will be delivered to residence. We use fumigated solid wood crates.

In most situations the container will not be parked outside your house or condo. A shuttle truck will be required. This is included in our quote.

Upon completion of packing / loading please check to make sure everything has gone! Check all draws and corners. We appreciate it’s a stressful moment but you must take time to inspect your residence.

Shipping & destination:

Once the container is loaded it will be sealed and delivered to the port. Within a few days the ship will set sail. Sailing time to a UK port is approximately 30 days on water. When we say 'on water’ we are referring to the sailing time not including customs clearance and port activity either side. All paperwork and documents relating to the shipping is taken care of by us. We only require you to complete the TOR process with HMRC. TOR Link

Once the clearance process is complete (3-4 days) we will be in a position to organise delivery. Storage is available if required, based on a weekly charge and a one-time handing fee.

Most properties in UK have good access but if there is a bad access delivery a shuttle truck (or other equipment) may be required. Parking charges may apply (especially in London) if our vehicle has to spend time unloading.

If we packed then our destination crew will unpack as required. We will reassemble items we have dismantled. If a handyman was used at origin for any dismantling then it’s likely this service is required at destination. Our crew will remove packaging debris on day of delivery.

Inclusions & Exclusions

International Household Moving Services

Every international move is different, but our quotations are based on a standard scope of services. The following outlines what is typically included and what may fall outside the quoted scope.

Services Typically Included

Professional Packing

All household goods are professionally packed using export-quality materials suitable for international transportation.

This normally includes:

• Wrapping and packing of furniture
• Protective packing of fragile items (wooden crates are extra charge)
• Export packing for sea or air shipment
• Professional labelling and inventory preparation

Collection from Residence

Collection of your goods from your residence by our trained moving team.

This usually includes:

• Normal access to the residence (Condo access is included)
• Standard carrying distance from door to vehicle
• Loading into the export vehicle or container

Export Documentation

Preparation of the necessary documentation required for international shipment.

This may include:

• Shipping documentation
• Export customs declarations
• Inventory preparation

International Transportation

Transportation of the shipment via sea freight or air freight from the origin port to the destination port or airport.

Transit time depends on shipping schedules and destination.

Destination Services (if included in your quotation)

Where applicable, destination services may include:

• Import customs clearance
• Delivery to residence
• Unpacking of cartons
• Removal of packing debris

Please refer to your quotation to confirm which destination services are included.

Services Typically Excluded

Certain services are normally not included unless specifically stated in the quotation.

Customs Duties and Taxes

Import duties, taxes, or inspection fees charged by destination customs authorities.

These charges are determined by the destination country and are outside the mover’s control.

Storage

Storage at origin or destination unless specifically quoted.

If storage becomes necessary, charges will apply.

Special Handling Items

Items requiring specialised handling such as (and not limited to):

• Pianos
• Large safes
• Fine art or antiques
• Pool tables
• Oversized furniture requiring dismantling or lifting equipment

These items may require additional quotation.

Difficult Access

Additional labour or equipment required due to access restrictions, such as:

• Long carrying distances
• Multiple flights of stairs
• No lift access
• Restricted vehicle access
• Shuttle vehicles required (included in Singapore origin activity)

Crating for Fragile or Valuable Items

Custom wooden crates for:

• Marble items, stone tops/items, sculptures, mirrors, large screens, fine art etc

Crating can be arranged if required.

Insurance

Transit insurance is offered separately and is strongly recommended for international shipments.

Delays Outside Our Control

Additional charges may arise due to circumstances beyond our control, such as:

• Port congestion
• Customs inspections
• Government regulations
• Shipping line schedule changes

Personal Items Not Accepted for Shipment

Certain items cannot be transported in household shipments, including:

• Hazardous materials (inc large batteries)
• Flammable liquids
• Gas cylinders (inc aerosols)
• Firearms, ammunition, weapons (inc ceremonial swords)
• Perishable food items (inc alcohol in many destinations)

If you are unsure about a particular item, please ask.

Our Approach

Every move is planned individually.
We are always happy to discuss your requirements and explain the options available so you can make informed decisions.

Insurance

Marine Transit Insurance

We partner with ITI (Inter Trans Insurance Services). The premium for the cover is 3.5% of declared value. Minimum cover is SG$5k ($175.00 premium).

Click on the link below for the valued list template and policy info. When creating the declared value list you can use the template provided or your own format such as a spreadsheet.

ITI Valued List & Policy Info

Terms & Conditions

Introduction

These conditions explain the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of all parties to this Agreement. Where we use the word 'You' or 'Your' it means the Customer: 'We', 'Us' or 'Our' means Sandersons International Moving. These terms and conditions can be varied or amended subject to prior written agreement.
In Clauses 8, 9, 10, and 11 We limit or exclude Our liability for loss and damage. We recommend You arrange insurance to cover Your goods or premises. We are able to arrange insurance for Your benefit upon request. This insurance will be separate from this contract and subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

1. Our Quotation
1.1
Our quotation, unless otherwise stated, does not include insurance, customs duties, port charges including (but not limited to) demurrage, inspections, or any fees, or taxes payable to government bodies or agencies. This also applies to Australian cleaning, inspection and fumigation charges.
1.2
Our Quotation is valid for fourteen days from the date of issue. Unless already included in Our Quotation, reasonable additional charges will apply in the following circumstances:
1.2.1
If the work does not commence within fourteen days of acceptance;
1.2.2
Where We have given You a price including redelivery from store within Our Quotation and the re-delivery from store has not taken place within six months from the date of the issue of the quotation;
1.2.3
Our costs change because of currency fluctuations, changes in taxation, freight, fuel, ferry or toll charges beyond our control.
1.2.4
The work is carried out on a Saturday, Sunday, or Public Holiday or outside normal hours (08.00-18.00hrs) at your request.
1.2.5
We have to collect or deliver goods at Your request above the ground floor and first upper floor (Singapore condominium activity is included).
1.2.6
If You or Your agents request collection or access to Your goods whilst they are in store;
1.2.7
We supply any additional services, including moving or storing extra goods (these conditions apply to such work).
1.2.8
The entrance or exit to the premises, stairs, lifts or doorways are inadequate for free movement of the goods without mechanical equipment or structural alteration, or the approach, road or drive is unsuitable for our vehicles and/or containers to load and/or unload within 10 metres of the doorway. This applies to origin & destination. Singapore Condo access will be included in quotation.
1.2.9
You have to pay parking or other fees or charges in order to carry out services on Your behalf. For the purpose of this Agreement parking fines for illegal parking are not fees or charges and You are not responsible for paying them.
1.2.10
There are delays or events outside Our reasonable control which increase or extend the resources or time allowed to complete the agreed work.
1.2.11
We agree in writing to increase Our limit of liability set out in Clause 8.1 prior to the work commencing;
1.2.12
MCST: Lift padding where applicable is not included in our quotation. The administration and deposits associated with of booking trade access to condominiums is also not included.
1.3
You agree to pay any reasonable charges arising from the above circumstances.

2. Work not included in the quotation
2.1
Unless agreed by us in writing, we will not:
2.1.1
Dismantle or assemble furniture that requires third party or specialist assistance.
2.1.2
Disconnect, re-connect, dismantle or re-assemble appliances, fixtures, fittings or equipment.
2.1.3
Take up or lay fitted floor coverings.
2.1.4
Move items from a loft, unless properly lit and floored and safe access is provided.
2.1.5
Move or store any items excluded under Clause 4.
2.1.6
Dismantle or assemble garden furniture and equipment including, but not limited to: sheds, greenhouses, garden shelters, outdoor play equipment, and satellite dishes, or move paving slabs, planters and the like.
2.2
Our staff are not authorised or qualified to carry out such work. We recommend that a properly qualified person is separately employed by You to carry out these services.
2.3
Booking of MCST in condominiums, placing of deposit
2.4
Booking of lift padding in condominiums & payment of lift padding

3. Your responsibility
3.1
It will be your responsibility to:
3.1.1
 Arrange adequate insurance cover for the goods submitted for removal transit and/or storage, against all insurable risks as Our liability is limited under clauses 8.1 and 8.2.
3.1.2
Obtain all documents, permits, permissions, licences, customs (outside of the standard door to door process)
documents necessary for the removal to be completed including MCST bookings for condominiums.
3.1.3
You pay for any parking or meter suspension charges incurred by in carrying out the work at origin and/or destination.
3.1.4
Be present or represented throughout the collection and delivery of the removal.
3.1.5
Where We provide You with inventories, receipts, waybills, job sheets or other relevant documents You will ensure that they are signed by You or Your authorised representative as confirmation of collection or delivery of the Goods.
3.1.6
Take all reasonable steps to ensure that nothing that should be removed is left behind and nothing is taken away in error.
3.1.7
Arrange proper protection for goods left in unoccupied or unattended premises, or where other people such as (but not limited to) tenants or workmen are, or will be present.
3.1.8
Prepare adequately and stabilise all appliances or electronic equipment prior to their removal.
3.1.9
Empty, properly defrost and clean refrigerators and deep freezers. No contents to remain
3.1.10
Ensure that all domestic and garden appliances, including but not limited to washing machines, dish washers, hose pipes, petrol lawn mowers are clean and dry and have no residual fluid left in them;
3.1.11
Provide Us with a correct and up to date contact details during removal transit and/or storage of goods.
3.2
Other than by reason of Our negligence or breach of contract, We will not be liable for any loss or damage, costs or additional charges that may arise from failure to discharge these responsibilities.

4. Goods not to be submitted for moving or storage
4.1
Unless previously agreed in writing by a director or other authorised company representative, the following items must not be submitted for moving or storage and will under no circumstances be moved or stored by Us. The items listed under 4.1.1 below may present risks to health and safety and of fire. Items listed under 4.1.2 to 4.1.7 below carry other risks and You should make Your own arrangements for their transport and storage.
4.1.1
Prohibited or stolen goods, drugs, pornographic material, potentially dangerous, damaging or explosive items, including gas bottles, aerosols, paints, firearms and ammunition.
4.1.2
Jewellery, watches, precious stones or metals, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, or goods or collections of any similar kind.
4.1.3
Goods likely to encourage vermin or other pests or to cause infestation or contamination.
4.1.4
We shall notify you in writing as soon as practicable if any of the Goods, are in Our opinion hazardous to health, dirty or unhygienic or likely to attract vermin or pests and under what conditions we would be prepared to accept such Goods or whether we refuse to accept them. Should we refuse to accept the goods We will have no liability to You.
4.1.5
Perishable items and/or those requiring a controlled environment.
4.1.6
Any animals, birds, fish, reptiles or plants.
4.1.7
Goods which require special licence or government permission for export or import.
4.2
If You submit such goods without Our knowledge We will make them available for Your collection and if You do not collect them within a reasonable time We may apply for a court order to dispose of any such goods found in the consignment. You agree to pay Us any charges, expenses, damages, legal costs or penalties reasonably incurred by Us in disposing of the goods.


5. Ownership of the goods
5.1
By entering into this Agreement, you guarantee that:
5.1.1
The goods to be removed and/or stored are Your own property, or the goods are Your property free of any legal charge; or
5.1.2
You have the full authority of the owner or anyone having a legal interest in them to enter into this Agreement and You have made the owner fully aware of these terms and conditions prior to entering into this Agreement and that they have agreed to them.
5.1.3
If at any time following the implementation of this agreement to its termination another person has or obtains an interest in the goods You will advise Us of their name and address in writing immediately.
5.1.4
You will provide a full indemnity and pay Us in respect of any claim for damages and/or costs brought against Us if either statement made in 5.1.1 or 5.1.2 is untrue.
5.1.5
If You wish to transfer responsibility of this Agreement to a third party You will advise Us in writing giving Us their full name and address. We will issue a new agreement to them. Our Agreement with You will remain in force until We have received a signed agreement from the third party.

6. Charges if You postpone or cancel the removal
6.1
If You postpone or cancel this Agreement, We reserve the right to charge you a reasonable postponement or cancellation fee according to how much notice is given as set out below at 6.1.1 — 6.1.4. “Working days” refer to the normal working week of Monday to Friday and excludes weekends and Public Holidays.
6.1.1
More than 10 working days before the removal was due to start: No charge.
6.1.2
Between 5 and 10 working days inclusive before the removal was due to start: not more than 30% of the removal charge.

7. Payment
7.1
Unless otherwise agreed by Us in writing, we ask for a 30% deposit upon booking and balance payment is required in full by cleared funds in advance of the removal or storage period. In default of such payment We reserve the right to refuse to commence removal or storage until such payment is received.

8. Our liability for loss or damage
8.1
We do not know the value of Your goods therefore We limit Our liability to a fixed limit per item. The amount of liability We accept under this agreement is reflected in Our charges for the work. If You wish Us to increase Our limit of liability per item You agree to pay a higher price for the work as stated in Condition 1.2.11 (Our Quotation).
8.2
Unless otherwise agreed in writing if we are negligent or in breach of contract We will pay You up to SGD$10.00 for each item which is lost or damaged as a direct result of any negligence or breach of contract on Our part to cover the cost of repairing or replacing that item. This clause is applicable to moves with no insurance cover and would require legal intervention/process.
8.3
For goods destined to, or received from a place outside of Singapore:
8.3.1
We will only accept liability for loss or damage
(a) arising from Our negligence or breach of contract whilst the goods are in Our physical possession, or
(b) whilst the goods are in the possession of others if the loss or damage is established to have been caused by Our failure to pack the goods to a reasonable standard where We have been contracted to pack the goods that are subject to the claim.
8.3.2
Where We engage an international transport operator, shipping company or airline to convey Your goods to the place, port or airport of destination, We do so on Your behalf and subject to the terms and conditions set out by that carrier. 8.3.3
If the carrying vessel/conveyance, should for reasons beyond the carrier's control, fail to deliver the goods, or route them to a place other than the original destination, You may have limited recourse against the carrier depending upon the carriers particular terms and conditions of carriage, and You may be liable for General Average contribution (e.g. the costs incurred to preserve the vessel/conveyance and cargo) and salvage charges, or the additional cost of onward transmission to the place, port or airport of destination. These are insurable risks and it is Your responsibility to arrange adequate marine/transit insurance cover.
8.3.4
We do not accept liability for goods confiscated, seized, removed or damaged by Customs Authorities or other Government Agencies unless such confiscation, seizure, removal or damage arose directly as a result of Our negligence or breach of contract.
8.4
For the purposes of this Agreement an item is defined as:
8.4.1
The entire contents of a box, parcel, package, carton, or similar container; and
8.4.2
Any other object or thing that is moved, handled or stored by us.

9. Damage to premises or property other than goods
9.1
Because third party contractors or others are frequently present at the time of collection or delivery it is not always possible to establish who was responsible for loss or damage. therefore Our liability is limited as follows:
9.1.1
If we cause loss or damage to premises or property other than goods for removal as a result of our negligence or breach of contract, our liability shall be limited to making good the damaged area only.
9.1.2
If We cause damage as a result of moving goods under Your express instruction, against our advice, and where moving the goods in the manner instructed is likely to cause damage, We shall not be liable.
9.1.3
If We are responsible for causing damage to Your premises or to property other than goods submitted for removal and/or storage, You must note this on the worksheet or delivery receipt as soon as practically possible after the damage occurs or is discovered or in any event within a reasonable time. This is fundamental to the Agreement.

10. Exclusions of liability
10.1
We shall not be liable for loss or damage caused by fire or explosion. It is Your responsibility to insure Your Goods against fire or explosion. If You ask Us in writing to arrange fire insurance cover for You We will, provided You declare the full replacement value of Your Goods and pay the premium in advance.
10.2
We shall not be liable for delays or failures to provide the services under this Agreement as a result of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, terrorism, rebellion and/or military coup, Act of God, adverse weather, third party industrial action, re-scheduled sailing, departure or arrival times, port congestion, or other such events outside our reasonable control.
10.3
Other than as a result of Our negligence or breach of contract We will not be liable for any loss, damage or failure to produce the goods as a result of:
10.3.1
Normal wear and tear, natural or gradual deterioration, leakage or evaporation or from perishable or unstable goods. This includes goods left within furniture or appliances.
10.3.2
Moth or vermin or similar infestation.
10.3.3
Cleaning, repairing or restoring unless We arranged for the work to be carried out.
10.3.4
Changes caused by atmospheric conditions such as dampness, mould, mildew, rusting, tarnishing, corrosion, or gradual deterioration unless directly linked to ingress of water.
OR
10.3.5
For any goods in wardrobes, drawers or appliances, or in a package, bundle, carton, case or other container not both packed and unpacked by Us.
10.3.6
For electrical or mechanical derangement to any appliance, instrument, clock, computer or other equipment unless there is evidence of related external damage.
10.3.7
For any goods which have a pre-existing defect or are inherently defective.
10.3.8
For perishable items and/or those requiring a controlled environment.
10.3.9
For items referred to in Clause 4.
10.4
No employee of Ours shall be separately liable to you for any loss, damage, mis-delivery, errors or omissions under the terms of this Agreement.
10.5
Where goods are handed out from store Our liability will cease upon handing over the goods to You or Your authorised representative (see Clause 11.1 below).
10.6
We will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by Us or Our employees or agents in circumstances where:
(a) there is no breach of this Agreement by Us or by any of Our employees or agents
(b) such loss or damage is not a reasonably foreseeable result of any such breach.

11. Time limit for claims
11.1
If You or Your authorised representative collect the goods, We must be notified in writing of any loss or damage at the time the goods are handed to You or Your agent or as soon as practically possible.
11.2
For goods which We deliver, You must advise us in writing of any loss and damage within seven (7) days of delivery by Us.

12. Delays in transit
12.1
Other than by reason of Our negligence or breach of contract, We will not be liable for delays in transit.
12.2
If through no fault of ours We are unable to deliver Your goods, We will take them into store. The Agreement will then be fulfilled and any additional service(s), including storage and delivery, will be at Your expense.
12.3
Any transit times quoted by Us are estimated and based upon information known to Us at the time. Transit times may vary due to a number of factors outside Our control including but not limited to changes in sailing or departure dates made by the freight/shipping company, changes in the routes used by the freight/shipping company and port congestion. We will advise You of any material changes to the transit times as soon as We become aware. We will not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by You as a result of delays in transit time unless directly attributable to Our negligence or breach of contract.

13. Our Right to Hold the Goods (lien)
“Lien” is the legal right of the mover to hold goods until the customer has paid all outstanding charges.
We shall have a right to withhold and ultimately dispose of some or all of the goods if You fail to pay the charges and any other payments due under this or any other Agreement. (See also Clause 22). These include any charges that We have paid out on Your behalf. While We hold the goods You will be liable to pay all storage charges and other costs (including legal costs) reasonably incurred by Us in recovering Our charges and applying Our right of lien. These terms and conditions shall continue to apply.

14. Disputes
If there is a dispute arising from this Agreement, which cannot be resolved, either party may refer it to a conciliation service. If the dispute cannot be settled by this method, it may be determined by an arbitrator appointed by an independent dispute resolution service. Conciliation does not prejudice Your right to commence court proceedings.

15. Our right to sub-contract the work
15.1
We reserve the right to sub-contract some or all of the work.
15.2
If We sub-contract, then these conditions will still apply.

16. Route and method
16.1
We have the right to choose the method and route by which to carry out the work.
16.2
Unless it has been specifically agreed otherwise in writing in our Quotation, other space/volume/capacity on Our vehicles and/or the container may be utilised for consignments of other customers.

17. Advice and information for International Removals
We will use Our reasonable endeavours to provide You with up to date information to assist You with the import/export of Your goods. Information on such matters as national or regional laws and regulations which are subject to change and interpretation at any time is provided in good faith and is based upon existing known circumstances. It is Your responsibility to seek appropriate advice to verify the accuracy of any information provided

18. Applicable law
Any dispute between us will be governed by the non-exclusive law and jurisdiction of the Singapore Courts. If you currently reside or are moving to a place outside the jurisdiction of the Courts of the Singapore, alternative laws or jurisdiction of local courts may apply subject to our written agreement prior to the work or services commencing.

19. Your forwarding address
19.1
If You instruct Us to store Your goods, You must provide a correct and up to date contact details & address. Storage charges will be incurred if we are unable to forward or deliver your shipment due to us being unable to contact you.

20. List of goods (inventory) or receipt
Where we produce a list of Your goods (inventory) or a receipt and send it to You, it will be accepted as accurate unless You write to us within 10 days of the date of our sending, or within a reasonable period agreed between us, notifying Us of any errors or omissions.

21. Revision of storage charges
We review our storage charges periodically. You will be given 30 days' notice in writing of any increases.

22. Our right to Sell or dispose of the Goods
If payment of Our charges relating to Your goods is in arrears, and on giving You three months' notice, We are entitled to require You to remove Your goods from Our custody and pay all money due to Us. If You fail to pay all outstanding amounts due to Us, We may sell or dispose of some or all of the goods without further notice. The cost of the sale or disposal will be charged to You. The net proceeds will be credited to Your account and any eventual surplus will be paid to You without interest. If the full amount due is not received, We may seek to recover the balance from You.

23. Termination
If payments are up to date, We will not end this contract except by giving You three months' notice in writing. If You wish to terminate Your storage contract, You must give us at least 10 working days' notice (working days are defined in Clause 6 above). If We can release the goods earlier, We will do so, provided that your account is paid up to date. Charges for storage are payable to the date when the notice should have taken effect.

Customs & Documentation

What paperwork is required for an international household move?

All international household moves require customs documentation to be completed before shipment can be cleared at destination.

While requirements vary by country, this typically includes:

a detailed inventory of contents
passport and visa or residency documents
shipping and customs forms specific to the destination country
Some countries also require proof that the shipment represents a transfer of residence, rather than a commercial import.

We guide you through the documentation process in advance, ensuring everything is prepared correctly and submitted at the appropriate stage of the move.

What items typically cause delays at customs?

Customs delays are most often caused by items that are:

Restricted or prohibited in the destination country
Insufficiently declared on the inventory
New, high-value, or commercially packaged
Alcohol, food items, plants, and certain electrical goods are common examples, though rules differ widely between countries.

Clear inventories and proper preparation significantly reduce the risk of delays — one of the key reasons experience matters in international moving.

What does “Transfer of Residence” mean?

Many countries allow household goods to be imported duty- and tax-free when they are part of a genuine relocation, known as a Transfer of Residence.

To qualify, you must usually:

be moving your primary residence
have owned and used the items for a specified period
submit the required declaration or application

For example, the UK requires a Transfer of Residence (TOR) application to be approved before customs clearance can take place.

We explain these requirements clearly and help ensure the correct process is followed from the outset.

Why customs rules vary so much between countries

Each country sets its own import regulations, documentation standards, and inspection procedures.

What may clear smoothly in one destination can require additional scrutiny in another — even for identical shipments. Changes to regulations are also common, particularly around restricted items and personal effects.

This is why international moves benefit from careful planning and destination-specific knowledge, rather than assumptions based on previous experience alone.

Customs requirements can seem complex, but with proper preparation they are rarely problematic. We guide you through the process at every stage of your move.

Packing & Preparation

What should be packed professionally — and what can be self-packed

Many families choose a combination of professional packing and self-packing.

Professional packing is recommended for:

fragile items
artwork, mirrors, and glass
larger furniture
items of sentimental or monetary value

Self-packing is often suitable for:

clothing
books
personal items you’re comfortable packing yourself

We’re happy to advise on what should be professionally packed and what can be self-packed, ensuring everything is protected appropriately for international transit.

What not to ship internationally

Certain items are restricted or prohibited in most countries and should not be included in an international household shipment.

These commonly include:

food and perishables
plants and organic materials
flammable or hazardous items
certain electrical appliances depending on destination

Shipping restricted items can lead to customs delays, inspections, or penalties. Clear guidance at the planning stage helps avoid these issues entirely.

Preparing furniture and appliances for overseas shipment

Furniture should be clean, dry, and free from soil or organic residue prior to packing. Appliances typically need to be fully emptied, cleaned, and dried before shipment.

Some destinations have strict biosecurity requirements, and items that are not properly prepared may be subject to inspection, cleaning, or delay at destination.

Professional packing ensures furniture and appliances are prepared correctly and protected for the duration of the journey.

How can we prepare our household in the weeks before the move?

Preparing early makes a significant difference to how smoothly a move runs.

Helpful steps include:

sorting and reducing belongings well in advance
separating items you’ll travel with from those being shipped
keeping important documents accessible
confirming access and parking arrangements for packing day

A well-prepared household allows packing and loading to proceed calmly and efficiently.

Good preparation removes much of the uncertainty from an international move. With clear planning and the right support, packing and shipping your household can be a straightforward process.

How to prepare children for an international move

An international move can be a major adjustment for children, particularly when routines and surroundings are changing.

Where possible, involve children in the process by:

explaining what will happen in simple terms
allowing them to choose items to pack themselves
maintaining familiar routines before and after the move

A calm, well-organised move helps reduce stress for the entire family — children included.

Moving With Confidence

What does a well-planned international move actually look like?

A well-planned international move is one where decisions are made early, expectations are clear, and nothing is rushed at the last minute.

This typically includes:

a proper survey before pricing is agreed
realistic timelines based on destination and shipping method
clear guidance on packing, documentation, and customs
consistent communication throughout the process

When these elements are in place, international moves tend to run smoothly — even when circumstances change.

What are the most common mistakes families make when moving overseas?

Most problems arise not from shipping itself, but from lack of preparation.

Common issues include:

starting the process too late
underestimating volume
packing restricted items unknowingly
relying on assumptions rather than destination-specific guidance

These are understandable mistakes — and largely avoidable with proper planning and advice at the outset.

Why does experience matter in international moving?

International moving involves multiple stages, countries, and regulations — many of which sit outside a family’s direct control.

Experience helps by:

anticipating potential issues before they arise
understanding how different destinations operate
selecting reliable overseas partners
responding calmly when circumstances change

It’s not about doing things differently — it’s about knowing what matters, and when.

How do we help ensure a move stays on track?

We take a measured, planned approach to every move, focusing on clarity and preparation rather than speed alone.

From initial planning through to delivery at destination, we guide you through each stage — ensuring decisions are informed, documentation is correct, and expectations remain aligned throughout the process.

The aim is simple: a move that feels manageable from start to finish.

International moves don’t need to feel overwhelming. With the right preparation and experienced guidance, they can be handled calmly, clearly, and with confidence.

Sandersons International Moving

Located in Singapore

© Sandersons International Moving, 2026