A TV set on a gas-carrier, an overcrowded car boot holding together save a piece of rope: moving can be amusing adventure in Mauritius! Most of us are still reluctant to spend heavily at the removal item. But recent years have witnessed a boom in the sector with a jump in the level of services offered. This has come along with new profiles among customers, notably but not only with more and more foreigners under contract whose renewed needs accompany the latest developments in logistics and transport.

So, though ?most local people prefer to hire a lorry rather than ask professional movers, which is much less costly?, as confirms Kursley Azemothe, manager at Mechanical Transport Co. Ltd (MTL), ?about 20 monthly requests are submitted to the company, which finally translate into four to five firm bookings over the same period?. Though the figure may first seem mean, each of these removals can represent good money for the companies, with sums like Rs 100 000 and more.

The profiles to which correspond the clients are mainly highly qualified expatriates like Philippe Thévenot, a Frenchman, who landed in Mauritius some 14 months ago after moving from the island of Mayotte. In our country he worked on contract as an executive in import-export. Now he is planning to return to France with all his family and assets. His working experience made handling and shipping familiar to him. But it is only the third time he makes the ?big move?. ?When property is handled or moved, some problems may arise. But as far as I have experienced, the quality of services is very good in Mauritius?, says Philippe, who has had a close look at each stage of the process: payment of shipping fees, fixed tax, arrangement of assets in a container, assembly of furniture?

?Most of our clients, among whom we count the diplomatic corps, are very demanding. Affiliation with reputable worldwide movers like the Household Goods Forwarders Association of America, from whom we benefit, are much sought for ?, confirms Jimmy Rughoonundon, Business Development Manager, Somatrans, another clearing and forwarding company.

Importance of careful packing

?The more information you can obtain, both technically and non-technically, the more confident is the customer. Some have travelled much and are aware of the claims process, in case of any loss, from insurance companies?, says Jimmy Rughoonundon. ?And it?s also a good time to update your household inventory, or do it for the first time, for your regular homeowner?s policy?.

Insurance can intervene at two levels: transit insurance and insurance applying in the country. To sacrifice one at the expense of another can be disastrous.

Failing to plan ahead of an international move is a common threat and mistake. In the case of Philippe, he has begun that as soon as he got his air ticket booked, that is two months ahead the actual departure. ??It obviously depends on the destination?; he states, as he is now resettling in Marseille. ?Waiting until the last minute ? especially during international movers? busy summer season ? limits your options and can result in disappointment when it comes to securing the services of the moving company you want at the date of your choice.?

Then comes the package. ?Quality packing material is essential. For things not to get damaged while being transported, moving boxes, corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items, tape, bubble wrap, tissue or craft paper for delicate packing, and other professional packing supplies re needed for a safer and faster job.?

Most Mauritians who resort to international movers are returning residents, according to Jimmy. Many are interested in bringing a maximum of assets, among which cars. ?We help them fill conditions, notably concerning customs duty.?

These Mauritians, acquainted with European standards, will choose container facilities. But even coming back to familiar settings, the experience of resettling is always a truly moving one in every sense of the word.