FAQ for USP Relocations
About USP Relocations Phuket
There is no doubt that our team of experts at USP Relocations (Phuket) can assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding moving to or from Thailand.
However, we understand that you may prefer to have your questions answered without first having to speak to a real person. To accommodate this preference, we have created an FAQ based on our 20+ years of experience in the international moving industry.
If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance. Our top priority is to provide you with as much information as possible and ensure your comfort throughout the entire moving process.
Before Moving
Certain clients may be uncertain about what they should do while awaiting the packing day. In the case that you are relocating to or from Bangkok or Phuket, Thailand, there are specific actions that you should and should not take before our team arrives.
A: It is recommended that you contact us as early as possible. We suggest that you get in touch with us no later than 2 weeks prior to your planned moving date. It is particularly crucial to do so during our peak season (June to August). The more time we have to prepare, the smoother the relocation process will be, and the lower the cost to you.
A: There isn’t too much that you need to do as our team will take care of almost everything. However, to ensure a smooth packing process, we recommend that you take the following actions:
- Review the Destination Guides and Customs Regulations for the country you are moving to. These documents will assist you in determining which items can be shipped.
- Decide exactly what you are bringing with you and what you are leaving behind. Some clients even label everything.
- Complete any necessary documents as soon as possible, such as insurance forms, VISA applications, health certificates for pets, import permits for vehicles, etc.
A: While you may believe that packing your belongings would be beneficial, it is not necessary, and we advise against it. Our packing teams in Bangkok and Phuket are fully certified packers. If you were to pack anything yourself in a box, then we would have to label it as Packed by Owner (PBO), and those items would not be covered by the insurance you have. However, you can separate which items you want to be packed and pack small valuables such as money, jewelry, and watches yourself.
A: Yes, it is possible to add items to your shipment if it has not yet left our warehouse or been shipped out. We will add the new items and send you a revised quotation. However, if you simply forgot a small item, the volume will likely remain the same, and a revised quotation will not be required. If you purchased a new large item, such as a sofa, the volume will change, and the price will be adjusted accordingly.
A: Payment requirements vary based on the client. If you are paying privately, we require full payment before the packing process begins. Our corporate clients who have established credit with us are offered different payment terms based on their status.
Corporate Clients: If you wish to establish credit with us or adjust the payment terms, please contact us, and our Business Development Manager will assist you.
A: Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your moving date and time, but please let us know at least 3 days in advance.
Moving Day
No two door-to-door moves are ever the same. Each move presents its unique challenges, and some are more straightforward than others, depending on factors such as location, type of residence, and the goods to be moved. Below are some frequently asked questions about the moving process that have arisen over time:
A: Our teams generally start at 9:00 AM and finishes the day off at 5 PM. Of course, if these times do not work for you, then we can coordinate a time that best suits your needs. Just let us know in advance.
A: It depends. If you are just shipping a few boxes then we are looking at a matter of only a few hours. If more than that (usually is) then naturally the time increases. This should give you a good idea:
(Assuming all goods and furniture are to be shipped)
15 Cubic Meters in a 20ft container (1 BR apartment or small house) = 1-2 Days
30 Cubic Meters in a 20ft container (2 BR apartment or medium sized house) = 2-3 Days
45 Cubic Meters in a 40ft container (2-3 Br apartment or house) = 3-4 Days
60 Cubic Meters in a 40ft container (3-4 BR apartment or house = 4-5 Days
The above is only an estimation. Other factors can either increase or decrease the amount of time needed.
For example: Let’s you have 30 Cubic Meters but you live on an island outside of Phuket that requires us to take a Ferry there. Also, you have many big pieces of furniture on the 10th floor and there isn’t a service elevator. These factors would most likely increase the moving time from 2 days to more like 3. Vice-versa, if you have a 2 Bedroom apartment but only one sofa a nd a few boxes to move, then the time would decrease immensely.
A: If you are not already aware, Thailand is a country where tipping is not part of the culture. So no, you do not need to tip anyone. If you insist on tipping then you may and the crew would highly appreciate it, but again that is not necessary at all. If, however, you are very satisfied with our services (we hope you are) then you could show your appreciation by leaving a nice review and recommending us to your friends and family.
A: Some apartments and condominiums (especially in Bangkok) either have an elevator that is too small and/or do not have a service lift. This is ok. Our team of burly men can hand carry your precious items up or down any number of stairs. Our Relocation Consultants can inform you if this will be necessary during the FREE Pre-Move Survey.
A: Yes please! Many condos, apartments and even villages have a management of some sorts with a security team always on post. We highly recommended informing them of our expected arrival and duration of stay in advance. More times than not, they will require prior notification from you as the owner/renter.
A: Contact us immediately so we can assist you with the claims process. This is of course assuming that you took some form of insurance with us. We hope you did.
Post-Packing
A: Your shipment will be directly transported to our secure warehouse where it will be kept in storage for free until the day it is dispatched by sea or air. Our warehouses in Bangkok or Phuket are safe, secure, and temperature-controlled. For more information on our warehouses, please visit the Storage section under “Our Services.”
A: Yes, it is possible to add another item to your shipment after the packing team has left. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can coordinate when and how to add the item(s) to your shipment before it is dispatched.
(Assuming all goods and furniture are to be shipped)
15 Cubic Meters in a 20ft container (1 BR apartment or small house) = 1-2 Days
30 Cubic Meters in a 20ft container (2 BR apartment or medium sized house) = 2-3 Days
45 Cubic Meters in a 40ft container (2-3 Br apartment or house) = 3-4 Days
60 Cubic Meters in a 40ft container (3-4 BR apartment or house = 4-5 Days
The above is only an estimation. Other factors can either increase or decrease the amount of time needed.
For example: Let’s you have 30 Cubic Meters but you live on an island outside of Phuket that requires us to take a Ferry there. Also, you have many big pieces of furniture on the 10th floor and there isn’t a service elevator. These factors would most likely increase the moving time from 2 days to more like 3. Vice-versa, if you have a 2 Bedroom apartment but only one sofa a nd a few boxes to move, then the time would decrease immensely.
A: Usually, the final charges will not differ from the initial quote, but it is possible. During the pre-move survey, we do our best to accurately calculate the volume of your shipment. However, sometimes after packing, the volume may either increase or decrease due to unaccounted items.
Our Relocation Consultant will keep track of everything you wish to be packed during the pre-move survey, and we will compare that list to the packing list kept by our Lead Packer. If the volume increases after packing, we will adjust the invoice accordingly. Similarly, if the volume decreases substantially, we will investigate the reason and attempt to reduce the final price you pay.
A: Yes, for quality assurance, our Crew Leader will go over the packing inventory with you, and we require your signature stating that everything is present and you are satisfied with the services provided or not.
Destination Services
When moving internationally to or from Thailand using our door-to-door services, there are many more aspects to consider than with a domestic move.
A: Our quotes for all door-to-door moves, whether domestic or international, include the following destination services:
- Delivery of your shipment
- Unpacking of all boxes
- Placement of all furniture and other free-standing items such as TVs and workout equipment
- Removal of all debris and empty boxes
- Re-assembly of any furniture that had to be dismantled for moving
Please note that we will not place items back into drawers, cabinets, and shelves. We do not offer wall-mounting services, but we can provide handyman services at an additional cost. Please let your relocation consultant know if you require these services during your pre-move survey.
A: While we strive to mitigate or prevent any additional charges at the destination, some countries may have unavoidable charges. Our relocation consultants will inform you of any potential charges at the destination and provide an estimate of what they will be. Additional charges may include:
- Import duties and taxes
- Port storage charges
- Additional services required, such as stair carry charges or parking permits
To avoid potential charges, please inform your relocation consultant of any obstacles at the destination so we can determine if extra services are necessary.
(Assuming all goods and furniture are to be shipped)
15 Cubic Meters in a 20ft container (1 BR apartment or small house) = 1-2 Days
30 Cubic Meters in a 20ft container (2 BR apartment or medium sized house) = 2-3 Days
45 Cubic Meters in a 40ft container (2-3 Br apartment or house) = 3-4 Days
60 Cubic Meters in a 40ft container (3-4 BR apartment or house = 4-5 Days
The above is only an estimation. Other factors can either increase or decrease the amount of time needed.
For example: Let’s you have 30 Cubic Meters but you live on an island outside of Phuket that requires us to take a Ferry there. Also, you have many big pieces of furniture on the 10th floor and there isn’t a service elevator. These factors would most likely increase the moving time from 2 days to more like 3. Vice-versa, if you have a 2 Bedroom apartment but only one sofa a nd a few boxes to move, then the time would decrease immensely.
A: In the rare event that this happens, all of our partners at the destination can provide short-term or long-term storage at their secure warehouses. Please contact USP Relocations (Thailand) if storage will be needed, and we will provide a new quotation based on your shipment’s volume and the required storage time.
Our Relocation Consultant will keep track of everything you wish to be packed during the pre-move survey, and we will compare that list to the packing list kept by our Lead Packer. If the volume increases after packing, we will adjust the invoice accordingly. Similarly, if the volume decreases substantially, we will investigate the reason and attempt to reduce the final price you pay.
A: If an item is lost or damaged, you have 30 days from the time of unpacking to contact us and initiate the claim process. We will guide you through the process, which is fast and easy.
Payment
USP Relocations (Phuket) values your hard-earned money and as a for-profit business, we prioritize transparency in our dealings. We do not engage in overcharging, concealing hidden charges, or utilizing distasteful sales tactics.
We are proud to maintain complete transparency not just about the services we provide, but also about their associated costs and the final amount you will be required to pay.
A: USP Relocations (Thailand) is made up of specialist that have worked in the industry for many years. These specialists know how to find the most efficient way to relocate your goods from point A to point B. Additionally, because USP Relocations (Thailand) is based in Thailand only, our costs are generally less than the big guys and so this reflects in what you pay as the customer.
A: No, quite the contrary actually. While it’s true our costs are generally lower, this does not mean that we offer anything less than our competitors. In fact, some of the biggest and most expensive companies out there get so big, that they lose that “personal touch”.
We treat every customer not like another number, but a family member. USP Relocations (Thailand) is here for you and we offer personal yet professional service at an affordable price.
A: We do not claim to be the best or the most affordable (yet) 😊. That said, if you really want to use our services, but found another company that offers a cheaper price, then please let us know ASAP and we will work with you as much as possible to match or even beat that price.
In the end, we want you to be happy, and if this means you using a different company then so be it. All we ask is that you give us a chance to give you that happiness that you so deserve.
A: For our private (consumer) clients, we of course recommend settling any payments as early as possible to avoid any delays in the relocation process. That said, you can pay a maximum of 7 days from the invoice date, or just before your shipment is dispatched (whichever comes first).
For our corporate clients, please contact us for the specific credit terms related to your business/organization.
A: Yes. Unless otherwise requested, all of our quotations and invoices will include and show Thailand’s 7% VAT which is applied to all services that we offer.
A: Yes. There have been many instances where a friend, family member or even college has helped with payment. We can sperate invoices depending on who pays for what. Please note, that only one name can be placed onto the shipment and the respective Bill of Lading (B/W) and/or Airway Bill (AWB).
B: Yes. To reduce costs, some people have chosen to combine their shipment with another person’s shipment. Please be advised, that normally the whole shipment will have to be placed under one name only. We recommend combing with someone that you know and trust. That said, both parties still run a risk, as technically who’s ever name is on the shipment owns all the goods.
Warehouse (Storage)
Whether you need to store your belongings for a short or long period, or simply need to keep them safe before your shipment is dispatched, USP Relocations (Phuket) provides reliable storage options.
Our warehouses in Bangkok or Phuket are equipped to ensure the safety and security of your cherished possessions, regardless of the duration of storage.
A: Typically, your goods are stored in custom-made wooden crates called Lift Vans, which are designed to protect your items from damage or tampering. However, if your shipment is large and awaiting dispatch, your goods may be stored in a metal shipping container until the shipping day.
A: Our warehouses are under constant surveillance by trained security personnel and CCTV cameras, ensuring the safety of your belongings. We treat your goods with the same care and protection as we would our own.
A: Yes, our warehouses are well-ventilated to prevent humidity buildup. We offer open air storage and temperature-controlled storage options based on your needs. However, it’s important to note that Thailand is a hot and humid country. If you plan to store your shipment for more than a week, we recommend taking out Storage Insurance. Speak to one of our Relocation Consultants for more information on Storage Insurance pricing and options.
A: You can store your goods with us for as long as you need. Whether you need to store a few boxes for a couple of weeks or a full 6-bedroom home for a few years, we can accommodate your storage requirements at an affordable price.
A: Yes, you can access your goods while they are in storage. Simply give us a few days’ notice of your retrieval needs, and we’ll arrange for you to access your stored items at our warehouse.
Summary
If you have a question that was not addressed in this FAQ, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email. We value all inquiries and are happy to provide answers to help you make informed decisions. Your questions also help us improve our FAQ for the benefit of future clients.
As the relocation industry is dynamic, unexpected changes can occur. However, USP Relocations (Phuket) is well-equipped to handle such changes, allowing you to focus on the exciting prospect of settling into your new home with your family.