Relocating to Italy

Once you have decided settle in Italy, you should take enough time to choose your carrier to move your belongings to your new home. It is an important step not to be taken lightly. A moving consultant will eventually visit your home to assess the volume of goods you intend to carry. You will have to specify which objects require special care (special packaging, etc.), and the steps you will take charge of (dis-assembly of furniture, packing dishes, etc.). You can find a carrier or a mover on the internet, or in the yellow pages.

As for the quote, it must mention several key points:

• the start address
• the address in Italy
• volume
• the type of transport
• the carrier's benefits
• the price.

Procedures

It is more common to route your belongings directly to your new home. However, some carriers do not guarantee delivery even among individuals but to a point of storage, which involves additional costs. You will then have to repatriate these towards the final destination. Seek information in advance on the transport and routing conditions.

Make a list of your belongings, as comprehensive as possible in order to establish a value statement. The value statement is a document which allows you to set compensation in case of loss or damage to your property. You must fill it yourself, specifying your property's overall value as well as the value of some assets which could exceed the contractual limit value. An estimate cannot be established without this statement.

Accordingly, a damage insurance will be offered by the carrier. This insurance can cover non- predictable transport damage of your property according to the value you specified in your statement. The cost of this insurance will depend on the total value of your property. The removal company will give you an insurance certificate.

Final step

Finally, you will have to sign the consignment when loading and on delivery. This consignment includes the terms of the contract, mode of transport, volume transported, the customer's name and address and the shipping company, etc. Once you sign this letter, you will be given your approval to the removal company to proceed with the removal.

Generally, you will pay the deposit during the loading and the balance upon delivery. You can as well pay at once at your convenience.

Important:

The carrier will handle administrative formalities relating to your move on your behalf (customs clearance etc.). For more security, opt for an IFIM (International Federation of International Movers) affiliated carrier.

Good to know:

You are advised to check in advance with the Italian Customs Department (Agenzia Delle Dogane) about international removals to be aware of specific provisions or to obtain information on banned products etc.

Useful links:

FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers www.fedemac.com
FIDI - The International Federation of International Movers www.fidi.com
Agenzia Delle Dogane - Italian Customs Department www.agenziadogane.it