If you have moving questions that need answers, this FAQ is here to help. We’ve gathered the most commonly asked moving questions and answered them all in one place — from your first estimate through to claims, we cover the inquiries that come up most often during a relocation.
Moving FAQ: Pre-Move
When is the best time to move?
The busiest season for moving companies in Croatia runs from May 15 through September 15. By the end of that window, shipment volume is extremely heavy — true for all professional moving companies, not just Allied.
Take every factor into account when choosing your ideal move date. If your schedule allows some flexibility, give your moving company a five-day window for loading your shipment. That flexibility helps the people scheduling drivers and crews work more efficiently, and it’s worth extending the same flexibility to your destination timeframe too, since your shipment is likely sharing truck space with others. Staying flexible really can make a meaningful difference.
How do I select which moving companies will provide me with a moving estimate?
Ask neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family in Croatia for recommendations. Investigate any mover you’re considering through consumer protection agencies. Good service is still the best measure of a good mover.
When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates?
Give moving companies as much notice as possible, especially during the busy season noted above. Six weeks before your move date isn’t too early to have an estimator visit your home for what’s called a “visual survey” of your household goods. If your employer requires approval of your estimates, build in even more time. Aim to choose your mover about four weeks before your actual load day, then call to confirm your booking and schedule packing, loading, and delivery dates. This timeline can be shortened somewhat during the off-peak season, from September 15 through May 15.
What happens when a relocation consultant comes to my home?
The relocation consultant visits your home in Croatia to complete a visual survey of your belongings, then calculates the weight, packing cost, and any other charges tied to your move. Since the consultant needs to clearly see what you’re moving in order to give you an accurate estimate, it helps to organize your home beforehand — crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can easily throw off the picture.
Don’t be surprised if the consultant checks cabinets, closets, under beds, or on top of cupboards. They need to see everything that might need packing, so point out anything out of view, and flag anything you plan to get rid of before the move. One tip that can save real headaches on loading day: get rid of items you don’t plan to move ahead of time. Skipping this for a single small item won’t matter, but leaving out something as large as an entire bedroom suite could throw off your binding estimate or leave the driver short on space.
Request a quote whenever you’re ready to get the process started
Packing and Furniture Protection for Your Move in Croatia
Can I pack items in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
All loose items should be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage — it’s best to empty all drawers before your household move in Croatia. Our packing guide has more detail on packing efficiently room by room.
Will the driver load all the boxes that I packed?
Yes, as long as the driver judges them safe for transport. This applies equally to local moves in Zagreb and to international moving services from Croatia.
How should I prepare my waterbed for moving?
Waterbeds need to be completely drained. Fiber-filled waterbeds require professional vacuum-draining before your relocation in or out of Croatia.
Can I pack and move my plants?
Most moving companies in Croatia won’t transport plants, due to the stress and temperature swings inside trailers. Plant import regulations also vary by country, so it’s worth checking local laws if you’re moving internationally.
What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
High-value items like jewelry, antiques, and collections can be included in your shipment if you notify your Allied relocation consultant in advance. That said, it’s generally recommended to carry these items with you personally or arrange separate transport.
How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Washers, dryers, and refrigerators all need to be disconnected before the move, and washers require a stabilizer installation. Allied’s Croatia-based moving specialists can arrange this service through trusted partners.
How will Allied protect my upholstered furniture?
Allied Croatia uses stretch-wrap — a durable, transparent plastic — to shield furniture from dirt and damage during both local and international moves.
Valuation of Coverage for Moves Within and Outside Croatia
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 select. This matters for both domestic and international moving clients in Croatia.
- Released Value — The most economical, no-cost option, covering €0.60 per pound per article. 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. Highly recommended for all Allied moves across Croatia and Europe.
How do I prepare my home and myself for move day?
Your Allied Croatia mover may provide a load window of one to three days, depending on the size of your shipment. Flexibility helps scheduling go more smoothly, especially during peak summer months.
Make sure your home in Croatia, or at your destination, is ready:
- Clear porches and pathways
- Remove small rugs or items that could cause slips
- Take doors off their hinges if furniture won’t fit through otherwise
- Offer water or drinks to the crew — Allied’s movers are trained professionals who appreciate a comfortable working environment
How will I know where my shipment is once it leaves my home?
Allied offers satellite tracking for clients moving from Zagreb, Split, or internationally. Ask your relocation consultant for access details.
How will I know when my shipment is going to be delivered?
Allied’s customer service representative stays in contact throughout the process, and your driver will also call 24 hours before delivery. It’s a good idea to provide multiple contact methods (work, email, local hotel) and to designate a family member as a communication backup.
Other
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a contract that specifies, 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 requested or required at either origin or destination, the total cost will increase.
What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate charges you according to the actual weight of your shipment and the actual cost of services performed. You’ll still go through an estimating process to get a sense of what your shipment may cost.
To verify weight, the driver weighs the trailer before loading your shipment, then weighs it again once loaded. Other charges are calculated at your origin address, and if any additional charges come up during delivery, the driver will let you know. This is rare, but it can happen.
How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
Whether you’re moving to a new location within Croatia or internationally, charges are based on the weight of your shipment and mileage — referred to as transportation charges. A number of other charges can appear on your estimate, so ask your relocation consultant to walk you through each line item. These may include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, bulky article charges for oversized items, and extra labor. Understanding these charges up front makes it much easier to compare estimates accurately.
How should I pay and what are the payment methods?
Tariff provisions require all charges to be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the destination. Accepted payment methods include cash, certified check, or money order, and other options like credit card can sometimes be arranged with your moving service provider. Discuss payment options with your relocation consultant or customer service representative ahead of time. If your employer is covering the move, they may arrange to be billed directly via invoice. Whatever method works for you, make sure it’s settled before packing and loading — sorting this out after the fact can cause problems at delivery.
What is an order for service?
Every mover is required to prepare an Order for Service before transporting your shipment. It provides written confirmation of the services you requested, the agreed-upon pickup and delivery dates, the valuation amount you requested, any special services ordered, and contact information for reaching the mover during your move.
The order for service also outlines the charges you’ll be assessed. Under a non-binding estimate, it will show the estimated charges, the payment method, and the maximum amount you’re required to pay at delivery to take possession of your shipment (you’ll then have 30 days to pay any remaining balance). Under a binding estimate, it will show the charges you’re required to pay at delivery, based on the binding estimate and payment terms. Both you and your mover must sign the order for service.
What is a Bill of Lading?
Every mover is required to prepare a bill of lading for each shipment transported. It serves as both the receipt for your goods and the contract with your mover for transportation. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy.
It’s your responsibility to read and understand the bill of lading before signing it. It identifies the mover, specifies when transportation will be performed, and lays out the terms and conditions for payment — including the maximum amount due at delivery under a non-binding estimate. It also details the valuation of your shipment and the mover’s liability in case of loss or damage.
What is an Inventory?
The driver typically inventories your shipment as it’s loaded, though this isn’t required by law. Once complete, the inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and their condition as received by the mover.
Double-check that everything listed on the inventory is accurate. You’ll likely see abbreviations like PBO (packed by owner), which means the driver can’t list the specific contents since they can’t see inside the box, and CP (Carrier Packed container). You’ll also notice a column with letters and numbers that may look cryptic — this is the driver’s shorthand for noting the condition of each item. A legend at the top of the inventory sheet explains the codes (for example, SC for scratched, C for chipped, 3 for the right side of the piece, and 8 for the top). It’s a simple system that lets the driver record any irregularity or existing damage.
For more on preparing for the big day itself, see our moving day guide, or work backward from our full moving timeline and moving checklist to make sure nothing gets missed.