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For those relocating to St Lucia for the gorgeous climate, stunning vistas, sailing opportunities and a leisurely pace of life, there is a lot of planning and preparation before making the big move. Perhaps the most stressful aspect is shipping your possessions to the Caribbean, as this is an enormous responsibility and involves both planning and hard work. In order for the process to go smoothly and to minimise stress, this is what you need to know about moving your things to the Caribbean. Time is of the Essence You should begin researching international removal companies well in advance of your move. This will give you adequate time to compare rates and get a great deal, but it also enables you to opt for sea freight over air freight. The benefit of this is that it is much more affordable, but keep in mind that you will be without your possessions for a period whilst they are shipped. Research The internet and overseas magazines are excellent resources for finding removal companies. One of my top tips is to visit expat forums, as here you can interact with those who have made the move and find out which companies are best (it also gives you the opportunity to ask any other questions you may have before relocating to St Lucia). Additionally, customer reviews provide a great insight into the quality of service, so always look out for these on the web. Finally, ensure that the organisation is a member of the British Association of Removers Overseas Group (BAR). This means that once you have paid, you will not have to pay again should the business go into liquidation. It is also worth considering using a company that has attained FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM); this is the highest level of service within the industry. Storage & Insurance It is vital that during research, you look into the storage and insurance options that the business provides. There may be a period during which your items need to be stored; this could be either in the UK or here on the island. Insurance is also another crucial aspect, so make sure your provider offers a comprehensive policy in which your goods are completely covered during transit, storage and shipment. Quotes Those in my network have recommended obtaining several quotes (in writing) from different organisations. They will be eager for your business, so you should be able to negotiate a better price. Whilst you may be tempted by the more affordable company, remember that this is an enormous responsibility and you therefore want a high-quality service. To obtain quotes, the removals firm will come to your home and carry out a pre-move survey. This will be a no-obligation quote and they may also have helpful advice for you about the process. Packing Once you have agreed on a quote and decided what to bring with you and what to leave behind or sell, the packing process can begin. The best businesses will have their own workers pack for you, which will reduce stress and also ensure that everything is packed safely and in accordance with regulations. In many cases, removals insurance will only cover your possessions if they are packed by the company. Lastly, I would also advise obtaining an estimated delivery date in writing. This will give you a way to determine if the shipment does not arrive when it should. Anyone relocating to St Lucia will be brimming with excitement, but there will also be anxiety and stress. A lot of this will come down to shipping your items to the island. This is an area in which I have plenty of knowledge on, so contact me today and we can discuss your move in more detail. Adam Gobat is a renowned expert on the Caribbean, with a passion for its culture, history, people and places. His indepth local knowledge and wealth of experience in providing information for people relocating to St Lucia are key to the marketing and sales of the luxury villas and penthouses in The Landings, one of the most desirable freehold beachfront developments in the Caribbean.
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