1st Move International

1.5 (15 reviews)

Movers, Shipping Centers

Closed • 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

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International moving

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1st Move International - Our boxes safe and sound arrived to our garage ! What an excellent service ! - Movers Near Me - Bristol, BST

1st Move International - Movers Near Me - Bristol, BST

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Prader-Willi H.

2 years ago

Perfect service and assistance given on our moving to USA from UK. Tessa is an Angel very helpful and gives a perfect and reassuring customer service from the UK. Our 60 boxes and a large flat screen tv was professionally packed and safely delivered in time. Every time they have given us proper update and tracking about our vessel called CHACABUCO. We love you Chacabuco! Thank you for helping us in this successful relocation! Highly recommend 1st Move International! read more

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Helen B.

3 years ago

Where to start... They offer great customer service until they have packed your stuff and possess all the power over your stuff. The guys who came to pack our stuff on the moving day wasn't aware that we had booked them to pack the stuff. Even though we had it in writing from the company and confirmed it over the phone the day prior. It was pure luck that I had extra bags and boxes to pack the remaining stuff in, otherwise they wouldn't be able to pack everything on that day. We received a quote to pay £5K and they billed us more than double, £12K (!). They said it would take 2, maximum of 4 weeks, we received our stuff after 7 weeks. They deliver everything curb side, which essentially means they dump the stuff in front of your house and leave. The pallets they use are so massive that they won't fit in an American standard sized lift. I would not recommend them to anyone. It would have been a lot cheaper and quicker for us to rent an entire container with the additional services then to go with 1st move. When I summarised our experience and chased an eta for our stuff, they didn't even give one apologetic sentence.. Which just shows that they don't care about the customer service one bit, once they have received their money. They also pretended to send us links to review them on Tripadvisor, however we never received the links. Which is a massive red flag and explains why Tripadvisor have 4.5 stars, while Yelp has 1 star and Google have 3.8 stars. Very dodgy! The only positive part was that our stuff did arrive in a good condition which of course is a huge relief... But your belongings are better off with a different company, hence my one star. read more

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Hani N.

5 years ago

This is my experience with 1st Move International when moving from UK to USA. TLDR: They engaged well to schedule the collection. They were late over 3 months of what was advertised. All my most valuable items shipped were missing. 1st Move International blamed their contractor in USA company called DGS Logistics who pointed finger to their contractor. No one took responsibility and basically said here is few dollars from your insurance claim and go away. Reviewing this in phases for fairness sake: The Good: 1st Move International was good in engaging me and letting me know of what the steps are and responsing quickly for scheduling the collection day and how it would all work out. This was helpful as it helped me plan quickly and get collection done. They told me they are faster than others as they do 2 weekly shipment and I was told I will receive my package around 6 weeks time (I received it after 3 months, this was OK though as it was during pandemic time and a lot was not going smoothly). The Bad: The service is only for curbside in my case as 1st Move International wanted to charge me about $1,000 for bringing boxes upstairs (12 steps). Collection took place and I have got told I will be notify once the collection is shipped from the UK. Every two weeks they would say yours has been delayed. Once they claimed it is shipped but few days later they said actually it was not the case and it's still pending. From this point onwards no more happy client servicing from 1st Move International where asking them where my package is was a burden for them to respond to on every call I had with UK. Later I found out they will contract out to a chain of companies to do the final delivery (this was not made clear at all from the begining). This meant that once package got to US 1st Move International asked me to no longer contact them directly and go through this other contractor company (DGS Logistics) which I had made no research as I was unaware this is who does the final move, but oh that wasn't the company which did the final move I found out later. After more delays for package to be shipped from east coast to west coast I have receive some of the shipment. The Ugly: Package was delivered with a different wrapping (missing 1st Move International's trademark) and looked compromised even looking from outside and wrapped as it was no longer in cubic shape. Once it was unwrapped I found many boxes opened and many other missing. After hours and hours of search for belonging it was clear that indeed all the most valuables for myself and my partner were all gone. I have contacted both DGS Logistics and 1st Move International immediatley with pictures of initial package and all the damaged boxes to ask about the missing items. This is where the waste of many more months of ping pong between chain contractors and 1st Move International started, and spoiler alert didn't get to anywhere but deep disappointment. I must add that the interest from both companies on solwing or carying to followup about this case was the lowest of value for them. They could not care less as both told me "Your best chance is to claim for insurance and move on and don't waste your time or ours". In one ocassion the 1st Move International person said "You are lucky you got something, usually when it gets compromised they take it all. Once we shipped someone a piano and many stuff nothing arrived to the guy". Clearly communicating "how valuable some of the sentimental things I shipped were to me and I would like to get to the buttom of who stole it" from my side was a no goer with such service. After months of every few days sending emails and making calls DGS Logistics claimed after checking picture the package was compromised when being transported to west coast from east coast by this other company they have contract with (name wasn't revealed). They shared pictures of the packages openned and they rewrapped after items taken out from it. I mentioned to them this must be a worrying fact for them that their contractor is stealing goods during transport and goes without saying that it's in both our favour to track this. All I was looking for was a closure to what has happened. They first agreed to follow up. Months passed and then they said "we are not getting much from this contractor do you want to get a lawyer and sue them?". This is appalling to me how both companies thought this is my problem more than it is theirs throughout this painful experience. To sum up I paid and waited only to see my most valuable being stolen indirectly by the very company I have paid for their service and trusted them. Finding a Moving company for international move can be difficult specially when you don't have much time to search. I suggest strongly against making any business with 1st Move International and DGS Logistics. You don't move a hundred times around the world and those times you do you want the best service and these guys are far from it. read more

1st Move International - rewrapped after compromised. - Movers Near Me - Bristol, BST

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Ami W.

9 years ago

You will pay about double of what they quoted you for. The company gives you the illusion of it being a door to door service - their sales representative will NOT tell you that their service is only half of what's needed to get your shipment to your destination. They do pick up from your home in departure city, but the shipment will only get to some port in vicinity of your arriving city. On top of that, their shipping partner is just as terribly reviewed as they are. Please avoid this company at all cost. Their entire strategy is preying on consumers not reading the fine prints. Read more: https://www.removalreviews.co.uk/movers/1st-move-international-170#16644 read more

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Tim S.

12 years ago

We shipped items on September 26 from the UK with these people, and as of today, December 20th, they still have not arrived. We have sent more than 25 emails over the past 8 weeks as well as dozens of phone calls and consistently been ignored, provided completely incorrect information, or been given new quotes for basic services, with obviously no choice but to pay them or else we will not receive our belongings. The latest is that we paid a premium fee (nearly the same as the fee we paid for the items to be shipped more than 5,000 miles), for the items to be delivered to our apartment. We were not told at any time before pickup that the original quote would not include delivery. Anyway, we had no choice and paid this fee. After more than 2 weeks of chasing for a delivery date from the LA terminal to our house (another 10 emails, over 15 phone calls), we finally had a delivery date. You will not even believe that once the items arrived, we were told that we were expected to have a FORKLIFT at the ready at our apartment to offload a full palette of items onto a busy street in downtown Los Angeles, and then that they would provide no assistance for me to carry 36 boxes plus a couch into my actual building. It's clear that they are running a scam and want us to get a third party to touch the items so they don't have to pay for all the damages when our glassware, etc. is smashed to bits. Do not use this company, do not use this company, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY unless you would like your expected delivery date to be delayed by more than 2 MONTHS, and would like your to spend your Christmas shouting at these people to please deliver your couch, dishes, and clothing in order for you to have a meal on Christmas day. read more

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Tom P.

11 years ago

I am a veteran of 9 long haul and intercontinental moves all handled by my employer. In this case, as it was on my own expense to return to Canada to semi retire I obviously sought a more economical alternative. I questioned the sales staff at this company pretty thoroughly around the areas of pack quality, how the goods were prepared for sea transfer and what was included. They could not have been more responsive in their sales pitch. The reality of the move itself was something completely different. First, check what is included VERY carefully. They do not ship to your door unless specifically priced separately which more than doubles that enticing quote you get thinking you have found a deal. Their follow up emails advised all costs to destination depot were paid, but surprise. They are not. You end up paying at your destination to the local receiver, all port costs and additional fees and you make arrangements with the receiver to either have them deliver or use your own local mover. The receiver in Canada is not a household goods shipping company. They stated clearly that they do freight not household goods and it was a complete mess. On the pack, most of the day the removers complained at the size of the pack and that their sales reps had oversold another one and understaffed. Not a good start when employees complain to the customer about their employer. Several items were not packed and just left and a painting where the glass was shattered when they dropped it they hid behind a door for me to find after they left. As they were running 2 hours late, they actually refused, yes refused, to come back upstairs for a last check before they sealed the lorry to return. On arrival, it was 2 days of heartbreak. 6 pieces of furniture destroyed beyond repair due to stuffing boxes the wrong way to save space. A vintage guitar destroyed. My 60 inch TV never arrived. My skis never arrived. My ironing board never arrived. How do you lose an ironing board or a 60 inch tv? Many of the wool articles of clothing had been ravaged by insects in the shipment. Destroyed. 2 pieces of art. Glass shattered. My bed. unusable. and on and on. As said I have moved back and forth to North America 3 times. 3 moves within Europe and 3 within Asia Pacific. This was on a scale far beyond anything I have experienced and was the worst pack I have ever seen,,, And despite photographs and emails sent to the company explaining how traumatic this was I have not heard a single peep or apology. Just........ silence But then they have been paid haven't they? Stay clear... read more

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Louise H.

11 years ago

There is a suspicious lack of reviews for this company, especially compared to other review sites. I am having real difficulties with them. As per other reviews, I was charged extra fees out of the blue, and they took the money even after I asked them to clarify the charges. Only half of it has been refunded after I challenged them on this. The company will not respond to emails. I have not received details of the agent in San Francisco who I think has my shipment right now. As a result, and despite several emails, I do not know who has my shipment, where it is, when I need to collect it, or how long they are willing to hold it for. My shipment arrived and cleared customs a week ago and I still have no idea what is happening. To say i'm not happy is an understatement. I also anticipate further charges unfortunately - its not door to door delivery. I was quoted a further £583.00 for 'delivery', but this will just dump your things on a busy downtown street, and you have to unload it, and move it all before its stolen. Wow what a treat. I've also read when you go to the depot you can't just collect your things, you have to hire forklifts etc to move you stuff out of the depot itself.. All in all, other companies may be more expensive initially, but if I could do this over I would use a better company and at least know where my things were, and that they will actually be delivered to me without paying more than half the original quote over again. read more

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J S.

13 years ago

Simply the worst!!! Yelp wont let me give no stars, although I wish otherwise - This place is a true ripoff - they deliberately quote about half the price it will take to ship and then once they have your stuff - fees fees and more fees. The first signal should have been the constant phone calls (once you receive your initial fake quote) so they can make sure you do no comparison shopping and get you in the door w/o reading the fine print. Unfortunately they took me - in to my embarrassment. Avoid at all costs!!! read more

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John V.

9 years ago

They gave me a quote based on the exact size of the boxes that I had stacked up myself in my house in a perfectly precise cubic meter. When I talked to one of their Sales Executive on the phone, he said I will pay exactly for what I have an nothing more. He sounded polite and assuring and gave me a good first impression of a reliable moving company. After they picked up my items, they sent me a new quote that showed a different way of calculating the size and the fees than what I was initially told; and almost 200 GBP extra on top of the old offer. When I called the company about this, my call was immediately transferred to a Move Coordinator who I found very rude, unprofessional, and sarcastic. I do not recommend using this company to anyone. They are not the cheapest in the UK and certainly not honest nor respectful of their customer. read more

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Ben J.

152

9 years ago

I paid a premium given their 30day delivery promise. Turns out this is just a LIE! Items arrived after almost 90days, the same as any of the cheaper shipping companies. On top of that, as other people have found, their quote doesn't include all the extensive fees charged at ports...these increased the price by almost 50%. Finally even though Tom (sales guy) made it sound like they were a door-to-door service, it turns out they only deliver it to the nearest port! That ended up costing a further $250 to get it from there to my home. Overall a terrible shipping company, that uses fine print to massively increase costs, and get out of the headline 30day delivery that they advertise. Would avoid at all costs. read more

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John S.

11 years ago

Simply said...DO NOT USE!! They initially give you a quote that can compete with other companies, but they do not tell you about all their hidden costs and fees, which turn out to be almost half the initial quote. They do not talk to the companies that are actually carrying out the move so that nobody exactly knows what's going on. They are very helpful at first, but when you paid the money that changes and they will insist on their contract, even if whatever they sold you is wrong or mis-sold to you. They advertise their shrink fast system as a great think, what they don't tell you is that this system actually seems to add to the overall size of your goods rather than to reduce it, so that the overall costs seem to increase. Overall rating: I will never use this company again!!! read more

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Faisal A.

11 years ago

SCAM!!! Would not use again. Not recommended. I have overly exaggerated my shipment to get an over estimated price, the things shipped were much less than what I have initially said, yet price quote went up by around 30%. Delay in receiving the item by about 3 weeks due to delays in packing despite numerous correspondence and follow up regarding the urgency of the matter. I can comfortably say very bad in communication, would not deliver what they have promised and offered No assistance throughout or when the item arrived - despite on SALE they promised online tracking of the item and assistance at arrival. This is indeed a SCAM!!! Few of the shipment arrives were missing or broken or severely damaged. Been following up with their insurance company since January with no response to date despite 6 emails and 3 phone calls so far. read more

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D G.

11 years ago

I used this company in December 2014 to ship goods to NZ. On delivery of our goods - weeks later than the estimated delivery date- we found hundreds of Pounds worth of items missing (prior to packaging - i.e stolen by their workforce). We contacted them and they said they will pay out through the insurance. It is 5 months later and they still haven't paid. Beware if you us this company, as their warehouse staff are thieves, and they know they can get away with it knowing you are living in another country. The insurance is not worth the paper it is written on. read more

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David W.

16 years ago

We needed furniture and effects to be moved from my parent's house in the West Midlands to our house in western New York. I found 1st Move on the web and my dealings with them, the pick up and packing, and the delivery (everything in perfect condition) were all very satisfactory. read more

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Shawn W.

12 years ago

guys, the other reviews here are very suspicious (and old). i'm a real user recently moved from london to sf. i was feeling good about the service up til the point that they wrapped my stuff up and took my money. then dead silence from there. I went with them because they promised faster delivery and better prices that competitors. they failed their promise on both counts. they took 3 weeks longer than promised (randomly bumping me off the shipment date they listed on their website), and their US partner slapped me with another $500+ in ridiculous warehouse costs ($70 for "forklifting" the pallet yeah i'm basically buying the fcking forklift) which granted was not included in the price when you read the fine print but is clearly stupendously more expensive when you consider all-in cost vs competitors. When I emailed them for comment the usually resposive team went dead silent. All they care about is dangling that headline price to snag you, and once you're committed and they have your stuff they will milk you like the cow you be having. very stressful move process, bad experience, glad i will never have to deal with them again in my life. read more

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More info about 1st Move International

International House
Worthy Road
Chittening Industrial Estate
Bristol BS11 0YB
United Kingdom
Directions
0800 389 0784
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.shipit.co.uk

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1st Move International offer unbeatable packing and weekly sailing times for your move overseas. With our unique price guarantee you can be assured of a Faster, Safer, Smarter Move

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The Small Move Company

(1 review)

Absolutely fantastic experience with the small move company. Husband and wife owned business. All…read morestaff we met could not go far enough out of their way to help us. Very friendly, cost effective and very efficient. A massive plus was being able to rent all of our packing boxes for a minor deposit. Really cannot recommend this company enough!

From the owner: We are a family run removals & storage company who specialise in moving 1 - 5 bedroom properties as…read morewell as commercial moves of all sizes. We also offer a full packing service and storage if required. Contact us for a great quote!

A To Z Removals & Storage

(2 reviews)

Used A to Z removals in Caldicot to move from our house in…read moreCardiff. This was the first time we have used a removal company and opted for the complete packing service. A to Z were by far the nicest (and best price) by far having had 4 other quotes (one of whom even chased us up a week after moving home!). I cannot speak highly enough of A to Z, they arrived on time, spent all day packing everything carefully and all our goods arrived at our destination without any damage to neither possessions or property. Will definitely recommend to friends and will be using them again.

They were reliable, professional and polite. A first class service at a reasonable price.read more

Abacus Removals and Storage

(1 review)

Abacus removals assisted me during a complicated house recently and I'm glad to say they were very…read moreprofessional and helpful, they were both punctual and reasonably priced. Exemplary service I would highly recommend them to others and they'll be my first call in future moves.

From the owner: Abacus removals and storage Over 10 years experience and over 30 years combined As one of the most…read moreestablished Removal companies in cwmbran, we pride ourselves on the quality of our service and the personal touch we provide For our customers. We offer a full packing service and Piano Removal Specialists our experienced and trained Removals team take care of your belongings as if they were our own.

She Moves

(1 review)

She moves is exceptional and I will use them in future and recommend them without hesitation…read more I Needed an item which was out of stock in London and the only Store that had it was Wales . No delivery possible or option to pay online as old sale stock I asked She moves would they go in store , collect it and get it to me They took the initiative and said . Most courier companies I know would say no as too much bother for them to go into the shop , pay , and collect I was sent a more than reasonable quote and communication was friendly , understanding and quick . I then get an incredible message back saying they had found the item on eBay !! saving me money and not needing her service any more How incredible An honest and ethical company So genuine moving next year so will be calling She moves again. No problem trusting such a company Found out they also are all female , wonderful as a single female during some moves I have felt uncomfortable with some men and van services employed She moves is a gem of a person and business I sense a real passion there and great initiative Such a great help to me today and more than appreciated She moves will move you , courier for you , paint for you , clear your house .... the list goes on A real find Thank You Donna of She Moves You really do move and make things happen

From the owner: She Moves is a female run and operated Removal & Courier Service covering South Wales and the UK…read more We offer a range of fully insured services from single items to full house moves, Waste Removal and also offer an odd jobs service. Here at she moves we offer a female alternative to the traditional man and van service. We are a strong team and are more than capable of taking on the kind of moves you would normally associate with men doing. Our aim is to not prove that we are better than men or be sexist, but to be recognized as a strong and reliable service and to give that little bit of reassurance for anyone who may prefer to have females around. Insurance we are covered by- Goods for Hire or Reward, Goods in transit up to £10,000 and Public Liability for £1,000,000. We also hold a Waste Removals licence and Donna and her team are fully DBS checked and clear

Bowyers Removals & Storage

(1 review)

They were vey helpful, efficient and careful with my belongings. Bowyers were excellent value for…read moremoney and I would recommend them.

From the owner: Removals, storage and man with a van covering Bristol and the South Westread more

Yeates Removals & Storage

(1 review)

Great service they moved me from Bristol - Bury St Edmunds. Professional and great packaging…read moreservices.

From the owner: Yeates Removals and Self Storage is family run firm that has been in business for more than 100…read moreyears. We run two removal and self storage sites - one in Clevedon and one in Weston-super-Mare. Indoor self storage is available at both sites along with a range of facilities for businesses. Outdoor container storage and internal container storage are also available. As a Which Trusted Trader, British Association of Removers and Self Storage Association member, quality and high industry standards are at the heart of our business.

Littles Big Removals

(4 reviews)

I choose these guys after the proprietor came out very shortly after his first child was born to…read morequote me. Even though we only had to move 200 metres as the crow flies but with two young children it was as important as moving to the other side of the globe to us! Andy and his team where exemplerary. Having selected the packing service we left them to it. We came home that evening to a completely clear house as planned! The next day they were equally as brilliant working very hard and around the carpet fitters and cable to engineers. Everything was in and clear the same day even though we had allowed an additional day if required! Thanks Andy - wouldn't hesitate to refer you to a friend or relative:

I booked these guys not just because their price was really competitive but also I found my initial…read morecontact with Andy to be helpful and really informative I.e giving us tips on packing was a real bonus!! On the day Andy and his team arrived promptly and soon got to work, they worked extremely fast and carefully. We also had a delay with our keys, but the guys just told to relax and not to worry at what was a very stressful time, I have already recommended them to friends and family!!

Bennetts

(1 review)

This is a first class removal company. John and his team moved us recently and were professional…read morefrom start to finish. They provided all the boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, paper and special hanging boxes for clothes with the offer of more of anything if we required it. John suggested coming on the Saturday before our Monday move date, to load our boxes and garden furniture onto the van. This worked so well and meant we had ample space to continue our packing in readiness for the move. John even packed a load of items that I hadn't got round to doing, at no extra cost. On the day of the move John and his team arrived nice and early and set up without bothering us. His team were so professional, polite and looked the part in their smart blue uniforms. My daughter had been poorly the night of our move and they were sensitive to her needs and left furniture she was using until the end. I cheekily asked John to collect a large item of furniture from a local address and again this was done at no extra cost. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The boys even assisted a rival removal company in moving furniture out in order to move us in more quickly. They made what could've been a highly stressful day to a rather enjoyable one as we were out of our house with hours to spare and in our new house ready for tea. When going upstairs to build our beds, we found they had assembled all of them perfectly so my 3 children were in bed and had a perfect nights sleep and we could celebrate downstairs in our new home with a glass of wine! Cheers John and your boys!

From the owner: Removals Storage…read moreLocal and long distance Packing service

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Qype User (jayjit…)

14 years ago

Before moving to Dubai I checked out a few International removal companies and then settled on 1st Move. I also read a few reviews about the company and it appeared as though 1 person had unfortunatley had a bad experience which did not put me off 1st Move because in the grand scheme of shipping, nothing is 100% certain. Believe me, I used to work in logistics. So I made contact with the sales guy who wasted no time in sorting out a quote which I was happy with. Then I packed my stuff (quite randomly) and waited for the 1st move guys to come and get it. They were on time and very efficient and even sorted out some of the wrapping that I had already made a mess of. My advice is to just let them get on with it, as it helps them concentrate on where to put things in the van. They did this quickly and the end result was, I could see my things where being looked after as they were packed in propery and secured properly. All along I was dealing with Tessa who I found to be 100% all through and with her collegue Dave in the background, I was never left wanting for answers because different things crop up during the processs and Tessa helps put your mind at ease. I then moved to Dubai and cleared my own stuff at customs which is a bit loborious, in fact it wastes a whole day and coupled with sorting out removal men took longer than expected. This is no fault of 1st move's, just the way it is when dealing with 3rd party logistics people and of course the red tape. I opted for a local company callede Union movers who were a team of 4 guys, who turned up at gate 7 jebel ali where I had to meet them with a delivery note (you have to get this the day before from the shipping agent, i.e. the company who owns the ship that your stuff came on). This document along with your bill of lading (a document that 1st move gives you) is all you need to clear stuff with customs. Then the removal guys pick your stuff up and take it to an inspection bay. We did that but noone came to inspect, and they said they were happy. So I shot off home to wait for the removal guys to turn up with my stuff. The biggest delay was waiting for them because they needed a gate pass to get out, and Emirates have a way of keep Indians waiting (the removal guys were Indian). When my stuff arrived the removal guys unpacked and even put my bed together. So now I'm here and I can honestly say 1st Move were great from start to finish but please people remember if you get hit with a few hidden costs, its not 1st move at faut its just red tape. All in all the process will be a little more expensive than your budget because you might have to hire another van or you might need to pay minimal handling charges for the people who use fork lifts to move your stuff. Thats it in full, so now to make some money and enjoy living in another country. 1st Move International, especially Tessa, you have made this an easy transit and I will use you again :) read more

Qype User (FCUKZI…)

16 years ago

I moved out to Saudi Arabia in November 2009 and initially lived here on my own for 3 months before being joined by my wife and young daughter, initially we only had what I had bought and what we could bring as luggage on the aircraft. It soon became apparent that we wanted to bring out more of our possessions to make life easier and feel more like home (plus renting our house in the UK out meant that things were going into storage if they didn't come out!) I looked through the internet to find companies who offered a service that would suit us. I found 1st Move international (amongst other companies) and contacted them for a quote. 1st Move were competitive but they also appeared to care about the items I was bringing out and even bothered to call me on a Saudi mobile to discuss any concerns / questions that I had. We decided to take the professionally packed option for all of our goods as my wife travelled back with my daughter to empty the house on her own and so it was one less job for her do. As it turns out, if we were to do a similar thing again I would pay the little bit extra for this service without hesitation as it made things so easy and was all packed and loaded in a couple of hours (we shipped 5.2 cubic meters). I was kept well informed of the progress of the shipment and it unfortunately arrived during Eid which meant that it sat in the port for 2 weeks. I had to arrange my own company in Saudi Arabia to clear the goods through customs and deliver them to my home, this cost about £300 for them to deal with everything. My goods arrived without any damage and they were still securely shrink wrapped to the pallets that they left the UK on. I am always the 1st to let a company know if they have done something wrong, but in this instance I took the time to send a thank you email to 1st Move International for their professionalism and friendly service. We had shipped crystal glassware, crockery and numerous electrical items they all arrived in the same condition we sent them and the shipment arrived when we were told it would do. Thanks again for a great service, Alan read more

Alan W.

16 years ago

I moved out to Saudi Arabia in November 2009 and initially lived here on my own for 3 months before being joined by my wife and young daughter, initially we only had what I had bought and what we could bring as luggage on the aircraft. It soon became apparent that we wanted to bring out more of our possessions to make life easier and feel more like home (plus renting our house in the UK out meant that things were going into storage if they didn't come out!) I looked through the internet to find companies who offered a service that would suit us. I found 1st Move international (amongst other companies) and contacted them for a quote. 1st Move were competitive but they also appeared to care about the items I was bringing out and even bothered to call me on a Saudi mobile to discuss any concerns / questions that I had. We decided to take the professionally packed option for all of our goods as my wife travelled back with my daughter to empty the house on her own and so it was one less job for her do. As it turns out, if we were to do a similar thing again I would pay the little bit extra for this service without hesitation as it made things so easy and was all packed and loaded in a couple of hours (we shipped 5.2 cubic meters). I was kept well informed of the progress of the shipment and it unfortunately arrived during Eid which meant that it sat in the port for 2 weeks. I had to arrange my own company in Saudi Arabia to clear the goods through customs and deliver them to my home, this cost about £300 for them to deal with everything. My goods arrived without any damage and they were still securely shrink wrapped to the pallets that they left the UK on. I am always the 1st to let a company know if they have done something wrong, but in this instance I took the time to send a thank you email to 1st Move International for their professionalism and friendly service. We had shipped crystal glassware, crockery and numerous electrical items - they all arrived in the same condition we sent them and the shipment arrived when we were told it would do. Thanks again for a great service, Alan read more

Qype User (RitaC…)

16 years ago

For those who may be interested, I will simply post my thank-you note to 1st Move International. Dear Tessa Beeching, The goods arrived at our Toronto house yesterday. I am quite amazed at the idea of these household things going from Gerrards Cross in the UK, onto an ocean vessel and arriving at our house. The packing job was excellent. The cost of shipping was more than the goods would have fetched at auction or elsewhere in the UK, but the cost was worth it to the family. My husband's parents bought the dining room set forty years ago, and were quite proud of it. It will end up at our cottage in Muskoka, where I am sure it will get another forty years of use, if not more.. I did not realize there would be an additional charge by the agent at this end, but didn't mind paying it and would have chosen to ship the goods in any case. We also paid for the agent to deliver the goods from the shipping office to our house, as the goods consisted of three wrapped skids, and the agent's vehicle had a lift that could deposit the skids onto our driveway. Many Thanks for the excellent job which was done. Rita C. My 2011 follow up to the company's request that I share my comments: I don't mind sharing my comments. I found your service through an on-line search that had users comments posted on it. I finally finished unpacking the glassware and porcelain. The only thing that was broken was a hand from a porcelain figurine that I broke while trying to pack it myself. My attempts to pack were re-done by your packers when they came to pick up the goods. I think they were being kind when they said that they have seen worse. Rita C. read more

Anna G.

13 years ago

I am so glad I used 1st Move for my recent move from the UK to USA. From the initial phone call for information and a quote, to the 2 witty, funny and mega strong men that turned up fully loaded and armed with masses of bubble wrap and the ever so helpful Mark at the end of a phone line and on email: everyone went above and beyond the call of duty. And in response to the person JS who said the company was a ripoff - I find this very hard to believe. I paid exactly what they quoted on my initial inquiry which was half the cost of what other companies had suggested. And above all they moved mountains and made miracles happened. Probably not listening correctly (a bad fault of mine!) I thought my things were turning up earlier than they were scheduled to. So I happily packed up the wedding dress and copious amounts of wedding bits and bobs only to then realise it was all due to arrive AFTER the wedding had taken place. No problem at all. Mark and the team all pulled together, fast tracked my things and from picking up my belongings on a Tuesday morning somehow got them on the boat leaving that Saturday. They then even turned up in Monroe BEFORE Mark thought it would be humanely possible too. I'm one happy girl. And my guests will be thrilled that I'll be walking down the aisle suitably attired and not wearing my birthday suit!!! Thanks to everyone at First Move for making every thing go smoothly. I'd highly recommend them and if I ever move again they'll be the people I'll use. read more

Rita C.

16 years ago

For those who may be interested, I will simply post my thank-you note to 1st Move International. Dear Tessa Beeching, The goods arrived at our Toronto house yesterday. I am quite amazed at the idea of these household things going from Gerrards Cross in the UK, onto an ocean vessel and arriving at our house. The packing job was excellent. The cost of shipping was more than the goods would have fetched at auction or elsewhere in the UK, but the cost was worth it to the family. My husband's parents bought the dining room set forty years ago, and were quite proud of it. It will end up at our cottage in Muskoka, where I am sure it will get another forty years of use, if not more.. I did not realize there would be an additional charge by the agent at this end, but didn't mind paying it and would have chosen to ship the goods in any case. Many Thanks for the excellent job which was done. Rita C. My 2011 follow up to the company's request that I share my comments: I don't mind sharing my comments. I found your service through an on-line search that had users comments posted on it. I finally finished unpacking the glassware and porcelain. The only thing that was broken was a hand from a porcelain figurine that I broke while trying to pack it myself. My attempts to pack were re-done by your packers when they came to pick up the goods. I think they were being kind when they said that they have seen worse. Rita C. read more

Qype User (dawnja…)

13 years ago

My daughter and I recently moved to the USA from England entire home contents 1st Move International were brilliant. I spoke to a number of moving companies but opted for 1st Move because of their friendly (yet professional) and helpful attitude. They packed all of the contents and shipped everything all within 6 weeks. Even the local agent they use here in the US were helpful too. For any International move I would thoroughly recommend 1st Move. All of the items were packed so well (vast amounts of bubble wrap, packing paper, packing card) from my heavy old furniture to antique china, oil paintings, musical instruments to general household items all have arrived safely. Thank you 1st Move for helping create such a smooth move (and I am a fusspot worry about everything, was concerned items would be broken particularly the chandeliers the packers were brilliant and everything arrived safe and sound) I would use 1st Move again in a heartbeat and if you are like me fussy (and I am sure I was a pain to the shipping company) you will be totally satisfied not once did anyone moan at me or give me impression they thought I was being a fusspot they were all cheerful, helpful, friendly and provided expert advice. Thank you thank you thank you. read more

Qype User (Lickle…)

14 years ago

I recently moved from the UK to New Zealand. I got a number of quotes for shipping some household goods. In the end I decided to go with 1st move as I found them helpful on the phone and they came in average to the others in price. Once hired I found the team helpful and they answered all of my little and big questions so that I was comfortable through the entire process. My goods have all arrived in the condition that they were packed in. Which some I packed myself and others I had the company do professionally. I thought the team were quick and efficient and I would definatley recommend them. The only bit I was unsure about was the organisation of the agent on the otherside (New Zealand) as there was no contact prior to picking up and shipping of my goods. However the agents in New Zealand were also helpful, quick and efficient even though there were strikes in the ports over here. Thanks again to all the team, it helped make our move much easier. read more

Qype User (Jeremy…)

15 years ago

I found 1st Move International on the internet after being faced with numerous companies. I liked the way the pallets were packed as shown on the video clip, and the initial communication. I found everyone I spoke with, including Tessa and her team, Dave and the pleasant gent who collected my goods, to be polite and professional. The quote for shipping my goods to California were less than I expected, and the time given until arrival was less than I expected too. I packed my goods myself, and I was amazed at how they got all my stuff onto two pallets, thus saving me a lot a of money. My goods arrived a week earlier than quoted, but I was delayed in getting them only due to US Customs wanting to examine the container further. It wasn't a major issue. I would certainly recommend 1st Move International to anyone wishing to use the services of a professional shipping company. Thank you! read more

Qype User (David3…)

14 years ago

To be honest I thought the service was awful. I have ended up paying over three times the amount of what I budgeted for the shipment, and only have the advice of the team to blame for this, and the fact that the measurement process is so vague and done too late in the process for you to do anything about it. I was told that the removal men were border line retarded and that they asked family to help pack goods that were specifically listed as insurance items, so required 'professional' packing. They failed to advise properly on the costs involved on collection of goods and the partner organisation (in Australia) have got to be one of the least helpful and rudest companies I've ever dealt with. All in all I'd say the service was diabolical, I would not recommend them to my worst enemy. Might look cheap in comparison, but expect to pay first rate costs for third rate service service. read more

Qype User (jackfi…)

14 years ago

I used 1st Move to ship my personal possessions from the UK to the US when I moved for work recently. I would definitely recommend 1st Move - everyone I dealt with at the company was helpful and gave me accurate information and instruction along the way. Their cost was comparable to other company's I looked at, but my main reason for choosing them was the fact they pack and ship your things as palletised freight, meaning your things will depart on the next available commercial vessel, rather than grouping lots of customers' items in their own container and waiting for this to be full before it departs. This means it arrives in 2-3 weeks rather than 2-3 months which is what most large international removals companies will quote. When my possessions landed in the US 1st Move put me in touch with the local shipping agent and delivery company, both of which also did a very good job. read more

Qype User (trion…)

16 years ago

I recently used 1st Move International to ship some personal items from my parents home in the U.K. to my new place in Malta. This was completely foreign to me having never moved before and I found the company helped me every step of the way. This was especially helpful as I am not very computer literate and the staff were always so helpful and obliging when I contacted them with my numerous queries. I used the professional packing service and this was done efficiently and with good care. All my goods arrived safely shrink wrapped on the palate and transferred to my flat. I paid extra for door to door delivery but this service was well worth it to me, being a single woman alone in a new country. I found the staff very friendly and helpful in all aspects of the shipment and I would recommend this company highly to anyone who needs to do a shipment. Miss Triona Thomas read more

Qype User (tevere…)

14 years ago

Couldn't have been easier. Emigrated from South West UK to Toronto, Canada. 1st Move International came to our house and blitzed it in a few hours. Punctual, professional and polite collection guys. Frequent liaison from the office was very reassuring. Then we fly out and 2 weeks later get an email to say our consignment is on time and due in. Liaised with local agent, had customs rubber stamp it (although that does require a visit to the remote office (not too big a deal)). I arranged a removals company this end to collect from the customs warehouse and deliver to my front door. All items pristine and conscientiously protected. Job done. At a stressful time (family emigration), 1st Move International certainly took the stress out of that component. BTW I researched a lot of companies and for what you get, their prices are very competitive. read more

Qype User (Davidw…)

15 years ago

I would highly recommend 1st Move International. I was shipping personal belongings from the UK to my new home in the USA. My wife found 1st Move on the web and they were incredibly helpful from the word go. A visit to their offices to pick up some boxes (we were working on limited time) found us having a run through of how they packed everything, as well as being helped to get the forms filled out. About two and half/three months later I was picking up the not small package in America. Everything was beautifully packed, and absolutely nothing was broken (and there were some fragile things in there). I really appreciate the care, time and professionalism that 1st Move showed, not only in getting everything to the US West Coast, but also how they took any complexity out of the process. Thank you! read more

David J.

15 years ago

Qype User (patdel…)

15 years ago

We feel as if 1st International Movers are close friends. Our relationship began almost 2 years ago when we decided to ship our beloved 1986 Porsche 911 to the U.S. To make a long story short, 1st Inter. Movers were there for us every step of the way, patiently holding our hands through the shipping process. The car was newly refurbished and we were concerned that the trip would mar the new paint. We were pleasantly surprised when we picked it up in pristine condition. I would highly recommend them for shipping any vehicle of any value, they know the steps needed and patiently help you along the way. The cost was well below expected, even with the over land delivery to Southhampton. Special thanks to Andrew Denyard for replying cheerfully to every email and phone call. Pat and Vince Delacruz read more

Qype User (SKhann…)

15 years ago

I have now used 1st Move International twice in the last year. Both times to ship my 2 Range Rovers from UK to Hong Kong. I have received nothing but exceptional service! ALL companies could learn from them. To arrange the booking was a simple email followed by phone call back to me to confirm, and the next time I hear from them, they are collecting my car from home! I was notified that it had been shipped and was supplied all the documentation via email. And in HK, everything was ready for me when I arrived! Absolutely stunning customer service, and I will 100% be using them again next year. Their prices are competitive too! Rest assured and have no doubts that you will receive nothing but brilliant service from them. A big big thank you to the team there! read more

Qype User (Lore…)

15 years ago

I have used 1st move International for the shipping of my personal belongings from London to Seoul in Korea. Everything arrived on the exact day and I have been very impressed by the kindness and the professionalism of the staff Thank you again K ! ;) All the contacts were done via email (and phone for the last details) and every time I got a quick answer to all my questions. Being assign abroad with a short noticed (usual thing from my company) I picked up 1st international on the Net without having any reference. I must admit that I was a bit (very?) stressed to give them all I have without knowing them but now I can tell you that it was the smoothest moving I ever had! All my stuff arrived in one piece! Cheers from Asia Laurent read more

Qype User (Rosssw…)

13 years ago

I happened upon 1st Move International from a search online for companies capable of moving families overseas. From the first call to make enquiries and try to better understand costs and logistics, the team was first rate all questions answered immediately and the quote on the basis of description alone was about as near as one could hope. The process of physical removal through paperwork completion and landing our possessions in the US was seamless and without any unnecessary complications one might expect from such an undertaking. I cannot recommend the company and its people highly enough if you face simple or complex moves. Friendly, efficient and above all else what I deem to be very good value for money. Ross Walker April 2013 read more

Qype User (JamesT…)

14 years ago

Used 1st Move International for my move from the UK to the US, and must say they did an excellent job. Never having done this before I needed quite a bit of support, and absolutely everyone I spoke with was friendly and helpful. The boxes were picked up from my house right on time and arrived in perfect order. My costs were exactly as quoted, and payment was straightforward. For those of you doing this for the first time please remember that costs are based on size not weight, and there will be some additional charges at the destination for handling / customs etc. That said, my total costs were exactly as outlined! Great job 1st Move International. read more

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