So you’ve got your property in Turkey, but it looks a little empty! Your furnishing options include buying locally, nipping up to Ikea (which is a little unimaginative, frankly, but undeniably easy), or bringing your stuff from home. It’s that option that we’re investigating today.
The extent to which you will need to consider removals will depend on whether you are buying a holiday home in Turkey or moving there permanently.
Holiday home
If you’re purchasing a holiday home, you have two relatively straightforward options available to you: either shop for your new furniture locally – there Ikea stores located in areas popular with expats – or purchase a furniture pack. These packs offer great value for money, by enabling you to order all the furniture you need to make your house a home in one purchase.
If you’re moving to Turkey permanently, you will probably need to arrange for a large amount of your belongings to be shipped over with you
Permanent relocation
If you’re moving to Turkey permanently, you will probably need to arrange for a large amount of your belongings to be shipped over with you. Because there are so many removals firms to choose from, do plenty of research. For example, check they are accredited by the British Association of Removers (BAR) or The International Association of Movers (IAM). Try and talk to other expats to see who they used and if they would recommend them.
Check a removals company’s insurance status
There are three main questions you should answer regarding the insurance status of a potential removals company:
• Does its insurance policy cover your possessions while in storage, awaiting removal?
• Does its policy include marine insurance while your possessions are in transit by sea?
• Do your possessions remain insured once they arrive in Turkey, and are awaiting delivery to you?
Do your research before choosing a removals company
Contacting removals companies
Aim to contact potential removals companies three to six months prior to the removal date. This provides enough time for them to visit your home to assess your belongings and provide a quote. If you have enough money in your budget, it’s advisable to pay extra to have your belongings packed professionally. This makes even more if the company doesn’t guarantee them unless they’ve packed them.
Packing
Deciding what to take and what to leave behind can lead to some tough decisions. Try not to let sentimentality dictate your thought process. Be as ruthless as possible so you only take what you need. Make sure your removals company writes the box contents and the room it’s from on each box. This will save a lot of hassle when the time comes to unpack in Turkey. Also make sure you have a full inventory of all your packed possessions.
Remember to pack essential items in the suitcase you will be taking on the plane
Because there will be a transit period of around six weeks, remember to pack essential items in the suitcase you will be taking on the plane. Once your possessions are packed and shipped you won’t be able to access them until they arrive.
Remember to shred bank statements and bills you don’t need to protect yourself from identity fraud. The shredded paper might even come in handy when packing.
Complying with regulations
Work closely with your removals company to ensure you comply with all regulations applicable to goods entering Turkey. They will be able to provide a list of what you can and cannot take with you to your new home. Your removals company should also be able to advise you around useful things like which electrical goods will work in Turkey.
Storage
If you will be living in temporary accommodation prior to moving into your new home, you might need to arrange storage for your possessions. Your removals company will be able to advise whether it will be cheaper to store them in the UK or Turkey.
