When you’re sending clothing from Pakistan to the UK, things can get complicated pretty quickly—especially if it’s your first time doing so. If you don’t have any family or friends in the UK who could potentially receive your package and forward it along to you, the whole process can be more complicated than it needs to be. Here are five tips that will help you with shipping clothing from Pakistan to the UK so that your items arrive safely and on time.
1) Examine Your Clothes Carefully
Before sending your clothes, have a good look at them. Check for stains, tears or other signs of wear and tear that could affect their value or safety when being shipped. These issues could cause problems at customs—but you can avoid them if you catch them before shipping.
Look over every garment and get rid of anything that has noticeable damage. A good rule of thumb is to remove anything with more than two minor tears or holes, as it’s unlikely these items will be worth what you paid in shipping fees.
2) Plan Ahead For Shipping Costs
A long-distance move of clothes is an expensive proposition, so it’s smart to plan ahead and find affordable shipping options. Unless you don’t mind shelling out a lot of money for shipping costs, it makes sense to start looking around for affordable shipping options at least three months before your expected departure date. Most shippers will require you to pay for your goods in advance, but it never hurts to ask about special deals or discount codes.
3) Time Your Package Delivery Well
One of your biggest challenges will be getting your package of clothing from Pakistan delivered quickly and efficiently. In most cases, you’ll have to ship your clothing from Pakistan through a freight company.
Most companies deliver clothing packages once or twice a week, so if you need your clothes in less than that time, let them know when you place your order. You should also take holidays into account, as holiday seasons are a very busy time for delivery services.
4) Pack Like an Expert
If you’re nervous about sending your clothes overseas, it may help to think of it as a trip. After all, that’s exactly what it is! You wouldn’t forget things for your vacation, so why would you forget something as important as an expensive pair of boots?
The best way to ensure your clothing from Pakistan arrives in perfect condition is by using high-quality shipping materials. Packing tape and bubble wrap can protect items from both crushing and puncturing during transit while wrapping each item individually will prevent them from rubbing against one another. Remember: if it doesn’t fit in a box, don’t ship it!
5) Know Which Forms to Send and When
If you’re shipping an item of value or something that is hard to replace, make sure you know what forms you need and when they’re due. There are several types of forms depending on whether it’s a gift, personal item, professional item, etc.
If you’re shipping by boat or plane and plan on filing a claim if your shipment is lost or damaged, check with your insurance company about their requirements for notification and filing.