MOVE WITH PEACE OF MIND www.agsmovers.com AGS IS AN INTERNATIONAL - - PDF document

MOVE WITH PEACE OF MIND

www.agsmovers.com

IS AN INTERNATIONAL GROUP OFFERING SERVICES ON 5 CONTINENTS

AGS

The safety of your goods is an absolute priority to AGS. The worldwide AGS network will assist you at each step of your move, guaranteeing a stress-free relocation.

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FIRST CONTACT / QUOTE PACKING MATERIALS OUR TAILOR-MADE PACKING PROCESS THE EXCELLENCE OF OUR STAFF TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL MOVE ON THE DAY OF YOUR MOVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS CUSTOMER CARE / ONLINE TOOLS AGS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PLANÈTE URGENCE MOVING CHECKLIST

We compile a pre-move survey to estimate the volume of your goods and identify your specific requirements

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FIRST CONTACT

As soon as we receive your request, the customer service manager will contact you to discuss your needs.The following important points will be discussed during this telephone call:

• The date of your pre-move survey
• How to estimate the volume of your personal effects
• Shipping conditions
• The dates of your move
• Import / Export restrictions that may apply to your personal effects
• Your allowance, if any, if the move is paid for by your employer.

The customer service manager will answer any questions you have regarding the move process. Shortly after this telephone call, you will be sent a confirmation of the following:

• The date and time that was agreed upon for the pre-move survey
• The name of the representative
• Your departure address and contact details
• Your allowance as per your employer’s mobility policy, if any.

PRE-MOVE SURVEY / QUOTATION

During the pre-move survey, our mobility expert will visit your home and take note of your requirements. You will be provided with a detailed step by step explanation of your move. This visit will give us all the information we need to organise your move:

• Potential access restrictions for the property and / or parking
• Potential need for a furniture lifting crane and / or special handling
• A detailed inventory of your goods and an estimate of the volume of your move
• A list of objects requiring special care
• The logistical requirements of your move.

You will receive:

• A list of the required documents
• A list of restricted goods for import / export.

Following the pre-move survey, the customer service manager will email you to confirm the important points of the visit, and send you a quote.

Our mobility expert takes note of all objects requiring special care

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AGS has developed specific covers and cartons for the transportation of clothing

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PACKING MATERIALS - AN AGS BENCHMARK

AGS has developed innovative packing materials that respect the environment and are unrivalled in the industry. Over the years, AGS has developed cartons to suit contemporary personal effects, for example a halogen lamp carton eliminates any possibility of damage to standard lamp bases. We have created a “First Necessity” box which is loaded last so it can be easily reached as soon as the truck is opened on arrival. We advise you to pack items that will be needed as soon as you arrive at your destination, such as a baby’s belongings, medication, a coffee machine and any other items you might need before all the boxes have been unpacked. 7

AGS shoe protection bag

We custom-build crates to ensure complete protection of your most treasured items

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OUR TAILOR-MADE PACKING PROCESS

Some goods are unique due to their value, size or fragility, and cannot be transported in standard boxes. AGS branches have their own in-house carpentry workshops where they design and produce custom-made crates for fragile and high value items, to ensure their complete protection. All wood currently used by AGS for export crating is de-barked and heat-treated to comply with international regulations, including the US Department of State regulations, which are the strictest in the world. We agree to conform to any new regulations with regards to wooden packing materials which may be required by government departments in the future.

You can count on our reliable and skilled staff to take excellent care of your belongings

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Whatever the shape or size of your furniture, AGS has suitable packing materials to wrap your personal effects

A unique item is first wrapped in tissue paper for protection

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We pay careful attention to detail and handle your belongings with the utmost of care

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A valuable chair is first wrapped in an American blanket

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The most fragile items are first wrapped in tissue paper for extra protection

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AGS has developed innovative packing materials, unrivalled in the industry Our packing materials are environmentally-friendly and specially created for the protection of your personal effects, while respecting the planet

THE EXCELLENCE OF OUR STAFF

PROFESSIONALISM AND EXPERIENCE

AGS’ strength resides in well-trained and well-equipped staff ensuring excellence at each step of your move. We invest in staff training and empower our people with knowledge on all aspects of our industry. Our packers are specially trained to use techniques which offer the best protection for each item to be moved. These wrapping methods comply with FAIM and ISO 9001:2008 quality standards. 16

No challenge is too great for us. We pride ourselves in our ability to safely move any item in your home

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AGS wrapping methods comply with the most prestigious quality standards in the industry

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AGS staff is trained to handle rare and limited edition items

AGS, your expert in moving fine art

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TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL MOVE

3 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

• Ensure that your family’s passports, visas, work permits, international driving licenses, as well as school and home search processes are started
• Inform your children’s old school that you are moving and collect documents necessary for registration in their new school
• Meet your banker to discuss the best options for banking in your new country
• Consult your doctor to check that all the family’s vaccinations are up to date and whether you need any specific vaccination for the area you

are moving to. If you are on medication, renew your prescription and ask your doctor for advice. Collect medical and dental files to take with you

• If you have any pets, consult your vet to ensure that they have been vaccinated and to obtain all the documentation and recommendations

needed for their transport.

Ensure that the whole family’s vaccinations are up to date

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AGS is your partner of choice for moving your pets

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AGS has selected partner companies specialising in the international transportation of pets, ensuring that your pets receive the best possible care and attention during your move.

2 TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

• Sort through your personal effects and sell or donate belongings you no longer need
• It is time to store, file, clean and archive
• Ask your AGS advisor for information regarding export customs clearance and import duties and taxes
• Ask AGS to provide you with a list of restricted / special items or items with importation procedures
• Keep invoices for new items as they could be required by customs at your destination
• Think about changing your address and cancelling your contracts and direct debits for:
• Water, electricity, gas
• Insurance, social security
• Bank, telephone, internet
• Schools
• Satellite / cable
• Entertainment, sports memberships
• Take the time to discover information on your country of destination
• Find temporary accommodation at your destination for the period before delivery of your consignment.

1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR MOVE

• Arrange the safe transport of items not transported by AGS, such as jewellry and important documents
• Arrange to have your children and pets cared for on the day of the move
• Make a detailed inventory with replacement value of all goods to be moved
• Clean and dry your garden tools and furniture as many countries forbid plant and soil imports. Check with your co-ordinator if your

destination country has any special regulations

• Clean all kitchen appliances to avoid mildew forming during transport
• Check that your appliances will be compatible in your destination country and buy adaptors if necessary.

Make a detailed inventory of all your personal effects

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Don’t hesitate to contact AGS Relocations. They can assist you with procedures regarding visas and passports. Your dedicated coordinator will help you find your future home and the best school for your children.

1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR MOVE

• Forward the documents requested by the mobility expert to AGS. We shall check that they are compliant and completed as per customs

requirements

• Take down and wash curtains, take down curtain rails, dismantle shelves, TV antennas, satellite dishes, or any other fittings you are taking

with you.

• Collect any items from the dry cleaners
• Pack your suitcases with items you will need for a few days and select some toys for the children for the journey
• Use dehumidifiers to dry your belongings to minimise mould (especially if your they will be kept in storage).

We are respectful of the planet and all our packing materials are environmentally-friendly

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Think about our tailored storage solutions for the items you do not want to take with you.

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A bicycle box has been developed by AGS to provide extra protection for transportation

48 HOURS BEFORE YOUR MOVE

• Drain fuel from all vehicles
• Select and put aside all the necessary documents: plane tickets, passports, identity documents
• Set aside your medication and make sure you keep it with you
• If you are planning on keeping any boxes with you, mark the boxes that you will transport yourself
• Prepare a bag with items for the trip, such as snacks, a change of clothes, medication and magazines
• Make sure that baby bottles, pacifiers and favourite toys are put in the luggage that will travel with you
• Remember to confirm your babysitter for the day of the move
• Empty and defrost your fridge and freezer and leave them open.

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Our top priority is to handle your goods with maximum care so you can move with peace of mind

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Our team uses protective covers on the handrails of the stairs

MOVING DAY

• Put aside all your important documents: plane tickets, identity documents, passports, customs forms and phone numbers of the

people you will need to reach on arrival

• All boxes are loaded in the removal truck. Before the crew leaves your home, walk through each room and check each cupboard to make

sure that nothing has been left behind

• Once the movers have left, have the electricity, water and gas disconnected if necessary
• If your electrical appliances were sold with any special wedges or ties to protect them during transport, please give them to our staff, or

highlight where extra protection is needed

• If you have sold or given away an item since the inventory was drawn up, make sure you indicate this to AGS
• Make sure your phones and tablets are fully charged before your trip and buy some electric adaptors for your destination if necessary.

All items are loaded into the removal truck

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TIPS FOR ARRIVAL

• When you arrive at your destination, contact the local AGS branch or partner and give them your new address and phone number so

that you can be reached to organise customs formalities and the delivery

• Confirm with the AGS branch or partner at your destination that your import documents are complete, as some can only be obtained upon

arrival

• Be present when the movers unload the items, and explain which label on the boxes corresponds with which room in your new home, to

ensure fast and efficient service

• The professional team will deliver, unpack and reassemble all the items of furniture that were disassembled at departure. Items will be

put in the indicated rooms as listed

• All packing equipment, empty cardboard boxes and waste will be collected on the same day at the end of the delivery
• Check the state of your goods as soon as possible. If any item is missing or damaged, write it down on the inventory and transport

documents and inform the local AGS branch or agent. You will be given advice on how to submit your claim.

On arrival, contact your local AGS branch or partner

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We assist more than 70 000 families annually with their moves

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Packing lists and box numbers are used by the team leader to track all your items

ON THE DAY OF YOUR MOVE

PROTECTION OF THE PREMISES

The team will protect the floor to avoid dirtying it, and protect the stairs and handrails if necessary. The team leader will organise the safe loading of your goods into our trucks.

PACKING

On the day of the move, the team leader will introduce you to the team upon arrival. Your belongings will be carefully placed in boxes or packed with the relevant materials as per the pre-move survey report. The AGS packing team is trained to pack your personal effects with utmost care and AGS has developed packing materials optimized to protect your belongings. Our top priority is to handle your goods with maximum care.

PACKING LIST

The packing list is drawn up on the day of the move. It lists the number of items taken by the movers, each box’s number and the content of each

• box. This document helps us to note the state of the items at origin, as well as their state when you receive them at their destination. The packing

list is signed by both the client and the mobility expert, the client receives a copy. 30

The AGS packing team is trained to pack your personal effects with care

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The team leader organizes the safe loading of goods into our trucks

LOADING

Expert loading is essential for the success of a move. No empty space is left between the boxes. If the container is not full, wooden partitions are used in order to prevent your boxes from shifting during transport.

CUSTOMS DECLARATION

Each of our branches has complete knowledge of both import and export regulations and has connections with the customs authorities as well as with the agents who issue the authorisations. The mobility expert will assist you in collecting the necessary documents within the allotted time-

• frame. He / she will also book the freight and confirm the estimated date of arrival. Each AGS branch has its own shipping department. A team is

given the task of guaranteeing the best possible transit times. Whatever mode of transportation is used, the coordinator will give you the estimated date of arrival of your goods within two days of the confirmation of the date of your move.

DELIVERY

Upon arrival at the destination, the AGS team will:

• Unload the vehicle or container
• Arrange a shuttle if necessary (where access to the property is limited due to traffic, long and narrow driveways or other restrictions)
• Reassemble furniture
• Put all furniture in the specified rooms / places
• Unpack all boxes and put their contents on a countertop or a table, unless the option of putting the contents into cupboards was selected
• Remove all waste, and take the empty containers back to the warehouse
• All items on the packing list and the inventory are checked upon delivery to make sure everything has been received.

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STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Your items are loaded in specific storage boxes, sealed at your home in your presence, and then transported to our warehouse. Our warehouses are checked frequently. They are equipped with:

• Secure locking systems
• Appropriate ventilation
• Alarm systems and / or surveillance cameras linked to a security office or a security company
• Anti-fire systems, smoke detectors, smoke evacuation and fire doors
• Our warehouses are also treated against humidity and pests.

All the AGS storage warehouses are safe and secure

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AIR TRANSPORT

Our packing materials for air transportation take weight and volume constraints into account.

SEA TRANSPORT

Sea transportation requires extra protection of your personal effects.

ROAD TRANSPORT

To offer you a more secure and flexible service we invest in our fleet on an ongoing basis.

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CUSTOMER CARE - GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK

At AGS, we do more than simply move your personal effects. We accompany you. Mr GoodMove, your customer relations agent, is available via email to answer all your questions and provide information on your move, always ensuring that you are completely satisfied. He is the guarantee that you will have a fast and professional response to all your queries. Contact Mister GoodMove: mrgoodmove@agsmovers.com. Mr GoodMove guarantees an answer to all your urgent requests in record time.

ONLINE TOOLS

We have developed a range of convenient tools that can be found on our website (www.agsmovers.com) and can be consulted 24/7, from the comfort of your home. During each step of your move, we keep you informed of it’s progress, from the first telephone contact right through to delivery. The online tracking tool allows you to locate your belongings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our online tool also offers:

• A complete list of hints and tips for a successful move
• A comprehensive directory to know everything about moving and AGS
• A checklist for you to make sure that you do not forget anything
• A satisfaction questionnaire and an inventory form to complete online
• A directory of AGS branches with the contact details of your nearest branch.

Track your items 24/7 with our online tracking tool

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AGS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PLANÈTE URGENCE

Over 200 000 trees have been planted by AGS

AGS is committed to planting a tree for every international move

• conducted. A tree certificate will be emailed to you. By choosing

AGS for your move, you act in favour of the environment. AGS is working in partnership with the NGO, Planète Urgence, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity and promote local socio-economic development. AGS undertakes these aims via four projects.

AGS has participated in a silvicultural development programme in Mali, a reforestation and local economic develop- ment project in Haiti, and now focuses on the restoration of the mangrove swamp in Indonesia, and the reforesta- tion of Tapia forests in Madagascar.

North Sumatra region, Indonesia

RESTORATION OF THE MANGROVE SWAMP IN INDONESIA:

3.9 million trees planted in the North Sumatra region.

AGS is working towards the reconstruction of the mangrove corridor in order to combat global warming and protect biodiversity.

REFORESTATION OF TAPIA FORESTS IN MADAGASCAR:

500 000 trees planted in the Itasy region near Antananarivo.

AGS has spearheaded the urgent planting of Tapia trees and is raising awareness in communities to fight against deforestation, as well as providing economic support for local populations.

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MOVING CHECKLIST

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NOTES

1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR MOVE:

With the help of the AGS form, make a detailed inventory with replacement value of all goods to be moved. Drain fuel from all vehicles. Confirm the date of the move with AGS. Arrange to have your children and pets looked after on the day

• f the move.

Clean and dry all kitchen appliances to avoid mildew forming during transportation. Keep aside passports, documents, travel tickets, personal effects and clothing that you don’t wish to send with the move.

3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE:

Make an appointment for a pre-move survey (where the volume will be estimated) at your home. Book your moving dates with AGS. Arrange to obtain: passport, visa, work permit, international driving license. Inform your children’s school of the move and request necessary documents for registration at their new school. Ask your bank if it is preferable to transfer your accounts or to arrange transfers to your new country of residence. Consult your doctor to check that your vaccinations are up to date, and ask to renew any prescriptions if you are on medication. Consult a vet to carry out any compulsory vaccinations and to ask for documents necessary for the transport of your pets.

2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE:

Sell or dispose of any items you do not want to take with you. Ask AGS for information regarding export customs clearance as some countries allow VAT reimbursement on goods bought within six months. Ask AGS to provide you with a list of forbidden items or items with exportation restrictions (e.g. alcohol, wine, books, video tapes, animals, medicine, ivory). Keep your transport receipts in a safe place as they could be required by customs at destination. Consider temporary accommodation at your destination for the period before delivery of your consignment. Give AGS your new address if you leave your home before the move. For the following subscriptions or facilities, either arrange to have your mail forwarded or cancelled: Take the time to collect information on your country of destination (books, guides, CDs and DVDs). Water Electricity Phone, mobile, internet Insurance Schools TV / Cable Lease Gas Mail Bank Medical aid Revenue service Associations / sports clubs Leases / body corporates

MOVING

DAY

AGS GLOBAL NETWORK WE MOVE THE PEOPLE

WHO MOVE THE WORLD

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