Taking the stress out of a move to Guernsey

Taking the stress out of a move to Guernsey

Taking the plunge and moving home comes with mixed blessings; the exciting prospect of pastures new with its many lifestyle and business spin-off s, coupled with the immediate stress of packing up your life and transporting it to your new home-from home. 

These challenges are often exacerbated when it comes to relocating overseas. Located just a stone’s throw away from the English Coast, the Channel Islands are recognised for their stunning coastlines, internationally lauded beaches, and rich local history that lives in the stones of the islands’ many glorious homes. 

Life has a quintessentially British feel to it, which can suggest an easy transition into a new life chapter, but there are caveats that prospective island-dwellers should take into account. 

“The English Channel is home to unique tides, and sailing conditions and schedules are often adversely affected by the weather,” says Ant Austen from Relocations Worldwide, a professional moving company. “Sensible project management by a professional who knows the various options for moving goods, and the likely timeframe in which it can happen, is a must.”

Moving to the island brings with it too, due process in terms of completion of the required relocation forms. In this respect - it’s important for newcomers to have a good understanding of the legal workings of the island jurisdiction. 

Adds Ant: “The correct paperwork has to be provided to customs. Guernsey is British, but as a Crown Dependency, it’s not part of the UK. This means it has its own government, laws, and bureaucracy, so familiarity with the red tape moving involves is indispensable.” 

Taking account of the possible issues relocation can pose, those looking to move are well advised to seek out a specialist removals service, such as Relocations. Services provided include a fixed quotation that includes transit insurance, a full packing service, as well as handling all of the required documentation - including the customs C15 form.

FAST FACTS 

• Bailiwick of Guernsey is made up of five islands that you can visit – Guernsey, Herm, Sark, Alderney and Lihou. Each isle is a little gem with unique traits, charms and attractions. There are also the privately owned islands of Jethou and Brecqhou 
• Spring arrives four weeks earlier in Guernsey than on mainland Britain, which allows some unique and beautiful flora to flourish during the island’s longer growing season 
• Guernsey has its own parliament called ‘The States of Deliberation’ through which local taxes, laws and legislation are passed 
• The official languages of Guernsey are English and Guernésiais, Guernsey’s own regional variation of French

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