Moving FAQ – Your Guide to Moving in Greece
If you have moving questions that need answering, this FAQ page is here to help. We’ve researched the most common questions our clients ask and answered them here, covering everything from pre-move planning to claims, so you can approach your relocation to or from Greece with confidence.
Pre-Move Questions
When is the best time to move?
The busiest season for moving companies in Greece runs from May 15 to September 15, when the volume of shipments is at its heaviest. Take this into account when planning your move, and if your schedule allows, offer your mover a five-day loading window rather than a single fixed date. This gives crews and drivers more flexibility, which can make a real difference to how smoothly your move goes. Being flexible with your destination timeframe helps too, since your shipment is rarely the only one on the truck.
How do I choose which moving companies to get estimates from?
Ask neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family in Greece for recommendations, and check each company you’re considering with consumer protection agencies. Good service is still the best measure of a good mover.
When should I start contacting moving companies for estimates?
Give movers as much notice as possible, particularly during peak season. Six weeks before your move is a reasonable time to have an estimator visit your home for a visual survey of your household goods. If your employer needs to approve the estimate, build in extra time. Aim to choose your mover around four weeks before your load day, then confirm the booking and schedule your packing, loading, and delivery dates. This timeline can be shortened somewhat during the off-peak season between September 15 and May 15.
What happens when a relocation consultant visits my home?
The consultant will complete a visual survey of your belongings, then calculate the weight, packing costs, and any other charges related to your move. Since they need to clearly see everything you’re moving, it helps to organize your home beforehand. Don’t be surprised if they check cabinets, closets, under beds, or on top of wardrobes. Point out anything that’s out of view, and flag items you plan to get rid of before the move. Clearing out anything you don’t intend to take is important: skipping this step can affect the accuracy of your binding estimate or leave the driver short on space.
Packing and Furniture Protection
Can I pack items in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
It’s best to empty all drawers and pack loose items in boxes to prevent loss or damage during your move.
Will the driver load all the boxes I packed myself?
Yes, provided the driver considers them safe for transport. This applies to local moves within Athens as well as international moves from Greece.
How should I prepare my waterbed for moving?
Waterbeds need to be fully drained, and fiber-filled waterbeds should be professionally vacuum-drained before your move.
Can I pack and move my plants?
Most moving companies in Greece won’t transport plants, since temperature and stress conditions inside trailers can damage them. Plant import regulations also vary by country, so check local rules if you’re moving internationally.
What should I do with jewelry and other valuables?
High-value items like jewelry, antiques, and collections can be included in your shipment if you let your Allied relocation consultant know in advance. That said, it’s generally best to carry these items with you or arrange separate transport.
How do I prepare appliances for moving?
Washers, dryers, and refrigerators need to be disconnected, and washers require a stabilizer installed. Allied’s Greece-based team can arrange this service through trusted partners.
How will Allied protect my upholstered furniture?
Allied Greece uses stretch-wrap, a durable, transparent plastic, to shield furniture from dirt and damage during both local and international moves.
Valuation and Coverage
Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, though the level of protection depends on the valuation coverage you choose. This matters for both domestic and international moves in Greece.
- Released Value is the most economical, no-cost option, covering €0.60 per pound per article. It’s recommended only if your household goods are already covered by other insurance.
- Full Extra Care Protection offers full replacement value for lost or damaged goods, and is highly recommended for all Allied moves across Greece and Europe.
Preparing for Moving Day in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras & Beyond
How do I prepare my home and myself for move day?
Your Allied Greece mover may offer a load window of one to three days depending on your shipment size, and flexibility helps especially during peak summer months. Make sure your home is ready by clearing porches and pathways, removing small rugs or slip hazards, and taking doors off their hinges if large items won’t fit through. It’s also a nice touch to have water or drinks on hand for the crew.
How will I know where my shipment is once it leaves my home?
Allied offers satellite tracking for clients moving from Athens, Thessaloniki, or internationally. Ask your relocation consultant for access details.
How will I know when my shipment will be delivered?
Your Allied customer service representative will stay in touch, and your driver will call 24 hours before delivery. It’s a good idea to provide multiple contact methods, such as work, email, and a local hotel, and to designate a family member as a backup point of contact.
Estimates, Paperwork, and Claims
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a contract that sets, in advance, the precise cost of your move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. If additional services are required at origin or destination, the total cost will increase.
What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate charges you based on the actual weight of your shipment and the actual cost of services performed. The driver will weigh their trailer before and after loading to verify the weight, and any additional charges will be calculated at your origin address.
How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
Whether you’re moving within Greece or internationally, charges are generally based on the weight of your shipment and mileage, known as transportation charges. Additional charges may include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, bulky article fees for oversized items, and extra labor. Ask your relocation consultant to walk you through each line item so you can compare estimates accurately.
How should I pay, and what are the payment methods?
Charges must generally be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the destination. Cash, certified check, or money order are standard, though credit card payment can sometimes be arranged with your provider. If your employer is covering the move, they may pre-arrange invoicing. Whatever method you choose, settle it before packing and loading begins to avoid complications at delivery.
What is an order for service?
An order for service is a written confirmation of the services you’ve requested, including agreed pickup and delivery dates, the valuation amount you’ve chosen, any special services ordered, and contact details for reaching the mover during your move. It also outlines the charges you’ll be assessed and, for non-binding estimates, the maximum amount payable at delivery. Both you and your mover sign this document.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The bill of lading is the receipt for your goods and the contract with your mover for their transportation. The driver who loads your shipment will give you a copy, and it’s your responsibility to read and understand it before signing, since it specifies payment terms and the valuation coverage on your shipment.
What is an inventory?
The driver typically creates an inventory as your shipment is loaded, listing your household goods and their condition. You may see codes like PBO (packed by owner) or CP (carrier packed), along with condition codes such as SC for scratched or C for chipped. A legend at the top of the inventory sheet explains what each code means, so check it if anything is unclear.
Still Have Questions?
For more on planning your move step by step, visit our Moving Checklist hub, follow the full Moving Timeline, or review our Moving Day guide for what to expect when the truck arrives. When you’re ready to move forward, request a quote from Allied Greece and start your stress-free relocation today.