THE MOVE
Whether you are moving internationally or within Qatar, keep in mind that several of the international movers have partners/agents in the region. The decision you take is a very personal one as you have to feel comfortable, at ease, and trust that what will be promised to you will be done.
A list of the major movers that are based locally can be found in the directory. Interem Removals and the Gulf Agency Company have been highly recommended in town.
CHOOSING A MOVING COMPANY
An essential part of getting ready for your move is the moving company you end up choosing from your point of origin. Finding out who their corresponding agent is at the destination is important as you can make some inquiries before your final decision. Chances are that the agents will be as good as the company who did your packing.
If you own pets, do make sure that the company you choose is knowledgeable in this area, as it is not a straightforward procedure.
• Moving delicate antiques and artwork requires special packing and handling. Several factors should be taken into consideration (see below).
• It is advisable to see at least two companies in order to assess which one would suit your needs better. You should go with the one you are most comfortable with, even if the other company you interviewed was rated a notch higher or is bigger in size.
• Get familiar with the insurance policy offered and with what happens in case of damage. Usually, a flat percentage is calculated based on the total value of the move, in certain cases, it is possible to buy extra insurance if needed.
TIPS FOR THE MOVE
Here is a tick list with some essentials to help you determine which company would do the best job:
• What is their insurance policy and how does it work?
Insurance is calculated on the total value of the household items you are moving and is generally a percentage of that value. It is based on the itemized list provided to the moving company before any work is done. In order to compare different estimates, you should have this done at the beginning. If items are placed in storage, insurance is based on the weight. Extra insurance is at your option.
• Will your floors be properly protected before the whole packing process starts?
It will demonstrate the quality of service provided from the very beginning.
• What are the packing materials used?
The items are generally wrapped before being placed in cartons, tea boxes, or crates, by using bubble wrap, cling film, soft tissue paper, and tea crates, which consist of smaller wooden boxes placed in cartons for extra protection (these might be good for antique potteries, glasses etc.). Some items have a soft inside with a sturdier outer layer so that nothing gets scratched. Keep in mind that items need to breathe. Containers get extremely warm during the summer as they might be put at the very bottom of the vessel, consequently resulting in the paper getting stuck to the furniture. There are two areas in particular that need protection: the legs and feet of armchairs (these might be best placed upright).
• What type of cardboard is used?
The cheap kind gets dented badly.
• What size boxes are available?
Books and files should be packed in medium to small cartons as they get too heavy to carry and tear easily.
• What is the process of wrapping furniture which requires crating?
This would involve several steps and furniture should be layered before the final stage, when crating is done, the key is to make sure that the corners of the crate have extra padding such as pieces of foam in order to protect the edges of the furniture. When measurements are taken before building the crates, a few extra centimeters should be added as the piece is usually wrapped before going into the wooden box, therefore, adding thickness to its original length and width.
• What should be crated?
Anything you see fit and that works within your budget. Costs go up when crates have to be custom-made. A way to cut on costs would be to use the tea chests described above. Crating limits damages.
• What types of wardrobes are used?
Some have a metal bar across on which you hang your items, similar to metal rods in closets; others have holes in which the tip of the hanger goes in. Either works fine.
• Are refrigerated containers available?
This is very important, especially if the move to Qatar takes place during the summer months. The extra cost might just be worth it (antique furniture stores are quite familiar with the process and might be able to advise on this). Make sure you label at the time of packing what should go into the refrigerated container. Check that your moving company is aware that several factors (like temperature and humidity) should be taken into consideration, especially when moving from a climate different to the one in Qatar. Moving delicate antiques and artwork require special packing and handling. At times, dehumidifiers have to be provided to the moving company at least a week before, if the country you are moving from has a higher level of humidity than Qatar, as the wood may shrink or expand during the transport.
Does the service in Qatar include unpacking, putting dismantled furniture back together, hooking up electronics, hanging artwork?
Some of it is included, the rest is done by professionals recommended by the moving company at an extra cost. Make sure they are reliable. In general, everything should be unpacked. Furniture such as beds, dining room tables and shelves will be re-assembled. If high-end electronics such as sound systems or plasma TVs are to be moved, most companies would not want the responsibility of connecting anything; however, they would provide you with names of people in Qatar. Have them checked before the move and enquire how much they charge as you can shop around.
• If need be, would you have the flexibility of calling your choice of recommended people for repairs?
Repairs should be covered by the total insurance chosen. Keep in mind that, if antiques are damaged during transportation, repairs in Qatar might be difficult to find due to the lack of experts in the field.
• What items can be air-freighted?
In general, a certain allowance is given and is computed within the total sea shipment. This allowance has a weight limit. It will facilitate your physical move, as you will arrive light, which is an important factor to consider especially if temporary accommodation is being used at first. What you decide to air-freight is totally personal and depends on whether you are moving straight into your new residence or not.
Air freight should take a maximum of two weeks. You can send luggage, boxes and wardrobes, but also artwork. If the delivery address is different to the sea shipment, make sure the moving company has the full details as well as all contact numbers. The move is done under one name and this should always be consistent and the same details should appear on all forms provided.
• What are the prohibited items?
Your moving company will provide you with a whole list, however you can follow the general rule of thumb for Qatar (see section on p. 49 on forbidden materials). Follow the rule to the letter as offences are taken very seriously.
• How long does it take to pack?
A thorough inventory will be conducted at this time in order to assess the size of the container. The number of people needed for the job and the time it would take to get the job properly done will vary if you decide to do some of your own packing. Moving companies are responsible for packing everything; however, should you decide to pack some of your personal belongings, you should ask your movers to deliver a variety of boxes — including wardrobes — along with enough paper, tape and markers a week to ten days before the agreed date of packing.
PAPERWORK
Remember all paperwork should bear the same name. There are two types of forms:
The itemized personal list: you will forward it to the moving company, who will provide you with an original to work from. This will come in very handy as you will realize the extent of your belongings. If you plan to move a second time it will help you to sort out what should be disposed of, go to storage, what to move and what not to. It is also useful put a monetary value to all your personal effects, for insurance purposes, whether some of your belongings are kept in storage or are doing the journey with you. Should you decide to leave items behind in storage, or if you are keeping your apartment, additional lists should be made reflecting the location of your personal effects. Your itemized list should be as detailed as possible and cover everything you own, including jewellery. Photos should be taken of your artwork and jewellery pieces.
The moving company’s list is straightforward. It includes the usual rooms in a residence (master bedroom, master bathroom, second bedroom, second bathroom, living room, dining room etc.) and it will be the master list based on which the insurance will be calculated. Copies of passport(s), work permit, address of new residence, telephone numbers where you can be reached in the interim, business address, phone and fax numbers and details of your flight number will have to be given to your movers before your departure.
• The second set of paperwork: submit it to the building management you are moving out of at least one month ahead of time, if you live in an apartment. Take it upon yourself to inform the concierge to book the service elevators ahead of time. Some buildings might require two cheques. One will be returned to you upon completion of the move, if no damage to the building was done in the process; the other one is the fee charged by your building for the move in/out process.