Relocation is a key part of moving to Sweden, and planning it well can make settling in much easier. The guidelines below outline the main practical steps and considerations to help you prepare for life in Sweden and avoid common pitfalls during the transition.
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More information聽Planning your relocation to Sweden
So, you have decided to relocate to Sweden? Congratulations! The next step is planning the move itself. Take time to choose your removal company and decide whether you only need transport for your belongings or a broader relocation service that can also assist with practical matters such as housing, banking, healthcare, or schools. Making a detailed inventory of your belongings and requesting quotes from several companies will help you compare options and avoid surprises.
Good to know:
When relocating to Sweden, personal belongings can usually be imported tax-free if they are brought in as part of your move. All goods must be imported within 12 months of taking up residence. Items shipped later may be subject to VAT and customs duties, even if they were previously owned.
Moving to Sweden: choosing between relocation and destination services
Relocation and destination services
Offering more than just moving services, relocation and destination companies offer 360-degree assistance. They can offer practical advice about everyday life in Sweden as well as help you with:
- Managing any formalities, such as residence permits;
- Finding accommodation;
- Finding a school for your children;
- Setting up your healthcare;
- Opening a bank account;
- Learning the language.
These services are not cheap, so you should get quotes from several companies before deciding which one is right for you.
Removal services
If you choose to just hire a company to help you with moving, it's a good idea to take quotes from several moving companies before committing to one. Set up an appointment for an in-house estimate and make an exhaustive list of all the objects that require special care (glass, mirrors, art, etc). Specify to the mover what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes, etc.) and what you expect help with. Regarding the estimate, several key points are to be considered, such as:
- Origin address, where removers will pack and load your belongings;
- Destination address in Sweden, where the movers will unload your belongings;
- Volume and/or weight of your belongings;
- Any objects that require special care;
- Types of transportation (by air, train, truck, ship);
- The terms and conditions, including liability and insurance coverage;
- What level of insurance is included;
- Type and quality of packaging;
- Total cost, what is included in the price, and the payment schedule.
Usually, removal companies unload your belongings directly at the destination address. However, some removal companies unload your belongings in warehouses, and you have to pick them up yourself afterwards, implying additional costs. Check your moving contract carefully.
Packing and shipping your belongings to Sweden
You should make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings so as to establish a value statement. The value statement is an important document that sets the compensation amount you could receive in case of loss or damage to your belongings.
Complete the declaration of value yourself by stating the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. Read the terms and conditions of your contract to find out more about transportation and handling of precious objects. This statement is particularly important because, without it, an estimate cannot be established, which will obviously affect your relocation.
Accordingly, damage insurance will be proposed by the carrier. This insurance automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value. The cost of the insurance depends on the overall value of your belongings. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.
Finally, you must sign the waybill before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, and the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you definitely agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead.
Good to know:
Most international movers handle customs paperwork and clearance on your behalf. For added security and professional standards, consider using a carrier that is a member of FIDI (the International Federation of International Movers).
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