Every day, in the world of moving, we meet people from all walks of life — different cultures, different temperaments, different expectations. Some customers are a dream. Others… well, let’s just say, they leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.

Whether you’re moving locally or across continents, how you approach the process — and how you treat your movers — has a huge impact on how things unfold.

In this article, we shine a light on the many types of customers we deal with in the moving industry: the organized, the overwhelmed, the entitled, the vanishing acts — even the lovable ones. The aim isn’t to call anyone out (okay, maybe just a little), but to offer some insight, laughs, and self-awareness. Because the truth is: if you recognize yourself in one of these, you’re not alone — and that’s the first step toward a better moving experience for everyone.

It all starts with the first contact

Before we lift a single box or tape a single carton, we speak to customers by email, phone, or through a website inquiry. And trust us — you can tell a lot from that very first interaction. How a customer behaves in the early stages often sets the tone for the entire relationship.

Here’s what we typically see:

• The Prepared Planner sends a clear, detailed list and asks thoughtful questions. They’re polite, realistic, and responsive. They make quoting easy — and usually get priority attention because we know they’re serious.
• The Scrambler calls in a panic: “I need to move tomorrow. Can you help?!” Their inventory list is “just a few things,” which turns out to be a full three-bedroom house. They mean well, but the chaos begins before the truck even rolls out.
• The Control Freak often sends an intense email with ten bullet points and five follow-ups within the hour. They want to know exactly how each item will be packed, in what order, by whom, and at what time. Helpful? Sometimes. Overwhelming? Usually.
• The Ghost fills out the online form… then vanishes into thin air. No email replies, no returned calls. Then two weeks later: “Hey, can you still move me tomorrow?”
• The Bargain Hunter jumps straight to price. “What’s your cheapest rate?” No name, no details, no hello. They send competitor quotes like they’re playing poker. They’ll even request for extra services saying things like “Will you throw in a free piano move? What they forget? You get what you pay for — and we’d rather win customers with quality, not a race to the bottom.
• The Withholder gives as little info as possible. “It’s just some boxes,” they say, while dodging any questions about volume, access, or what “some” really means. We’re left guessing, and guessing is not a great way to run a move.
• The VIP may open with “I’m very busy, so I expect this to be handled efficiently.” They name-drop, rush the conversation, and sometimes act like we’re lucky to have their business. Not the best way to start a working relationship.
• The Cultural Ambassador is often kind and curious, but sometimes unsure about how things work. Language barriers or unfamiliar customs can create confusion — unless both sides make the effort to understand each other early on.
• The Grateful Giver is friendly, human, and respectful. “Thanks for your time!” and “I know this is a big job — just want to make sure I’m doing it right.” That attitude alone makes everything easier — and earns them five stars in our eyes before we’ve even met. You remind us why we provide moving services.
• The Bully shows signs early: rude emails, snappy tone, aggressive demands. We’ve learned to spot the red flags — and sometimes, for everyone’s sake, we just politely decline.
• The Repeat Client checks in like an old friend. “Hi, it’s us again! Can we book you for our next move?” They’re confident, clear, and respectful — because they’ve been through it before and trust the process. They usually need less convincing and more confirming. Honestly, hearing from them makes our day.
• The Royal usually says very little, assuming everything will “just be taken care of.” They don’t read the service details and assume movers will pack, disassemble, reassemble, organize, and maybe even hang their art — without saying a word.

 So here’s the takeaway: The move starts the moment you reach out. Your tone, clarity, and attitude in that first conversation will shape how the process unfolds — and how much your movers are able (and willing) to help you.

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s meet the cast…

1. The Prepared Planner

2. The Last-Minute Scrambler
   (Who agreed to Pack on their Own)

3. The Control Freak

4. The Ghost

5. The Bargain Hunter

6. The Withholder

7. The “VIP”

8. The Cultural Ambassador

9. The Grateful Giver

10. The Bully

11. The Repeat Client

12. The Royal

So… What Type of Customer Are You?

Did you recognize yourself? Maybe in more than one? That’s okay — the goal here isn’t guilt. It’s awareness.

A successful move starts with a conversation — and continues with communication, preparation, and mutual respect. Whether you’re a planner, a procrastinator, or somewhere in between, there’s always room to be better.

And here’s the good news: we’re doing our part to help you avoid those negative outcomes — the delays, the surprises, the stress. Every quote we send is detailed, transparent, and tailored to your specific move. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t leave you guessing.

All we ask? Take 10 minutes to read the quote. Just 10. It’s the most valuable time you’ll spend in the entire process. We’ll also follow up — not to push, but to walk you through it, answer your questions, and make sure everything is clear. That conversation might be the difference between a stressful move and a seamless one.

We’re here to make this easy, but we can’t do it alone. If you bring your honesty, your clarity, and your time — we’ll bring the experience, the muscle, and the plan.

Let’s Make Your Next Move a Good One

 Planning a move? Think about what kind of customer you want to be.
 Already moved? Be honest — how was your first contact?
 Want a smooth, stress-free experience? Start by being the kind of customer you’d want to work with.

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Let’s help more people move smarter — and maybe laugh a little along the way.

The Euromovers Conference is an annual event that brings together leading professionals from the moving industry to discuss emerging trends, share insights, and foster collaboration. Here’s our experience from our participation at the Euromovers Conference held in Catania in May 2022.

Kae International Movers: A Global Presence

Kae International Movers made its mark at the Euromovers Conference. The company’s international staff ( from the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Greece), was fully represented at this prestigious event. It was not the first time we joined this prestigious event, in fact, Kae hasn’t missed any Eurmovers conference over many years.

KAE International Team, from left to right: Marilia Kanellopoulou, Michael Kae,Ondrej Vincenec, Michael Vicenec, Celeste Tat

Exploring the Latest Trends

The Euromovers Conference provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the latest trends shaping the moving landscape. Kae International Movers actively participated in these discussions and gained valuable insights into emerging technologies, sustainable practices, and customer-centric solutions.

Key Presentations and Insights

Throughout the conference, several thought-provoking presentations captivated attendees.

Notable sessions included:

1. **European Consolidation**: Tobia Crisostomo from EUROVAN shed light on European consolidation strategies.
2. **Lead Generation**: Giorgio Genta from TriGlobal discussed effective lead generation techniques.
3. **Search Engine Optimization**: Francesco Argiró delivered a seminar on optimizing search engine visibility for moving companies.
4. **Financial Services**: Geraldine Collett from Halo Financial emphasized the importance of recommending financial services to customers.
5. **Future Developments**: Gerard Geijtenbeek from Roldo Rent shared insights into future developments that might affect the moving industry.
6. **Moving Trade Associations**: Ian Studd, Director General of BAR, provided an overview of the world’s oldest moving trade association.
7. **Sustainability**: Magali Horbert from FIDI highlighted sustainability practices within the moving industry.

Certificate of Recognition

During the conference, Michael, Director of Operations at Kae International Movers, was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for outstanding services and partnerships.

## About Euromovers

Euromovers is a leading international network of moving companies that share common standards, visions, and guidelines. The organization comprises a group of renowned names in the moving industry with its head office in Germany. Euromovers provides a platform for members to collaborate and share insights on emerging trends and best practices. The organization also holds an annual conference that brings together movers and shakers from around the world to explore new horizons and forge meaningful connections.

Looking Ahead: Euromovers Conference 2023

The Euromovers Conference concluded on a high note with an announcement about the next edition. The upcoming conference is scheduled to take place in Ibiza in May 2024. This highly anticipated event promises to bring together movers and shakers from around the world to explore new horizons and forge meaningful connections.

Kae International Movers’ participation at the Euromovers Conference was a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation within the moving industry. By actively engaging with industry peers and staying abreast of emerging trends, Kae International Movers is well-positioned to shape the future of moving.

IAM Conference 2023: Toronto Calling!

In October, KAE International Movers will be participating in the IAM (International Association of Movers) conference in Toronto, Canada. This prestigious event will provide an opportunity for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the moving industry. The IAM represents more than 2,000 companies in over 170 countries.

Stay tuned for updates as we delve deeper into the movers’ world at IAM and uncover exciting developments that are revolutionizing how we move!

What is considered Fine Art?

Fine Arts are considered Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. The difference between art and fine art is that fine art cannot be used for commercial or practical purposes. This is the reason they are extra valuable and irreplaceable. And that is why only a specialized moving company should be commissioned to perform the moving and transport of fine arts.

When you are moving to another country, the definition of Fine Arts for customs and taxes depends on the relocation destination. In the case of Fine Art, there is a distinction between an original work of art and a collector’s object. Antiques, on the other hand, are objects older than 100 years old, which are not original works of art or object of collection.

Why an expert company for moving Fine Arts?

Sculptures and paintings are often heavy, delicate, and in non-typical shapes. Being a unique artwork, even small damage during a move could potentially ruin its value. That is why each item needs to be addressed individually in its own unique way and with a customized moving process. Besides a customized approach to every piece of art, an expert mover will work according to international methods to help you protect the value of your collection.

Fine Arts Shipping 3 Tips

1. Document the condition of your artwork before moving
2. Purchase moving insurance to specifically cover your fine art pieces in case of damage or loss during the move
3. Hire a specialized moving company

KAE International Movers: How we move fine arts

In our company, we have been working with paintings, sculptures, antiques, and museum artifacts for many years. In fact, we have 20 years of experience in moving works of art. Many museums, artists, and private art collectors have entrusted us with their artworks and prestigious collections.

These collaborations have helped us to specialize our company in moving artworks and high-value items. We also continuously invest in our team with training and specialization courses, enabling them to work according to the highest international standard.

Moving Paintings

Paintings can be wrapped or crated. A wooden crate is the safest method of transportation. Measurements are carefully taken, and special materials are taken into

consideration and are assessed uniquely for each item. The crate is then built around

the painting and is assembled on-site. The crate protects against damage, humidity, and any other potentially damaging situations. Adjustable transportation frames are also used for paintings. Paintings may need to be transported in a climate-controlled environment to protect the pigments.

Moving Sculptures

Moving a large, outdoor sculpture is very different from moving a small or large painting, yet each may be worth thousands of dollars. Generally, we strongly recommend that crating is the only right option for sculptures because they best protect them against damage.

Museum-quality crates are custom-built and are padded with special protective material, cushioning, or built-in frameworks.

An appropriate truck and lifting belts may also be needed to safely move your sculpture. In some cases, if your sculpture is too large and heavy, a crane or other professional equipment is used.

KAE International Movers: Art Moving, Art Shipping, and Art Storage

At Kae International Movers, we guarantee that your family’s fine art and antiques are all packed according to international standards and packing methods by using the industry’s top-quality packing materials. Our moving teams are specially trained for fine art and antique moving projects. They have years of experience and understand the care needs of these items.

KAE International: Fine Art movers

Whether you are planning to move within your city or overseas, we offer efficient and specialized moving services to transport your valuable antiques, piano, or objects of fine arts. We have a global network behind us, and the most secure transport and warehousing services.

Contact us today at + 30 210 9370811 or email us at contact@kaeintlmovers.com for a free moving consultation. We look forward to discussing your upcoming transportation and/ or storage needs with you. You can also leave a request for a free quote on our quick and easy website form.

In this article, we’ll share our expertise on how to safely move a piano.

How to safely move a piano

For many people, their piano is more than just a musical instrument. The piano is part of their life and gives them joy, a way to express themselves or to forget the troubles of the day. A piano is also an elegant and classy part of the house. The piano can be a way to educate your kids or provide some great live entertainment. Pianos raise the status of just about any room they sit in. The shiny, black silhouette of a concert grand piano is about as iconic as it gets. A piano is the heart of the home and an expensive item, especially the grand piano.

When you are planning to move to a new home, it is important that you find an expert moving company that knows how to pack and transport your piano. At KAE, we have years of experience in  moving pianos. We pride ourselves in many successful international and overseas grand piano moves.

Have a look at our video of a grand piano move, and let’s summarize the most important factors involved in moving your piano.  

Piano Moving Cost Factors

• Distance and destination:
• Method of transportation:
• Circumstances at the delivery address: Stairs, for instance, present one of the greatest challenges in moving a piano between homes. Other special challenges are sharp turns, narrow hallways, and doorways. That is why there can be an extra charge for these obstacles.
• If your piano is moved to or from the upper story of a building and can’t be transported manually, a crane service might be needed to bring the piano into or out of the building.

Grand Piano versus Upright Piano

The expertise needed for safely moving your piano also depends on the type of piano. Grand pianos are the largest type and require a different packing method than the upright piano. To move the grand piano, we take it apart. We lower and secure the top of the piano’s lid, and we disassemble the piano pedals and legs. All these are carefully wrapped. Next is the piano’s lid, keys, and sides. Everything will be labeled and secured with packing tape.

As you can see, a piano can be moved, tilted, or rotated without doing damage. Damage to a piano only occurs when it is dropped or bumped, or when foreign objects are inside the piano when moving.

The upright piano, on the other hand, is a little less complicated. Upright pianos vary in terms of size, but they all have wooden soundboards that are mounted vertically, with strings that stretch downward and are struck (and muted) by horizontal hammers and dampers. Uprights, therefore, take up much less space, and we do not need to take the lid off. An average upright piano typically weighs between 226 and 362 kilos. It usually takes at least four people to move an upright piano.

Insurance

https://kaeintlmovers.com/moving-insurance/

Storage

If you are not moving into your new home directly, your piano may have to be stored in a climate-controlled facility. A professional moving company has its own warehouse where your piano can be stored safely.

https://kaeintlmovers.com/storage-services/

Tuning the piano after moving

Does the piano need tuning after moving? Yes, a piano should be tuned with each change of location, unless the move is within the same building. In most cases, a move from one room to another part of the home won’t cause problems unless the new room has a different climate.

Why use a professional piano mover?

If you are looking to safely move a piano, you need to contact an expert company. You may be trying to keep your move as cheap as possible but damaging your expensive piano in the process won’t help. Pianos are very heavy and expensive. They are not easy to move, and if you try moving your piano yourself, you are putting both the piano and yourself in danger.

Not only does a professional piano mover provide a team of people, but they also know exactly how to move the piano as a team together without damage or wasting time. Further, when you hire an experienced piano mover, they will provide professional techniques to ensure the piano and the workers remain safe. The moving company will also send the right truck and pack the piano for safe road or sea transport.

Eventually, the professional piano mover will save you money. Because if you damage the piano legs, pins, or strings, you will have to have it repaired and that will be costing you more than hiring a professional moving company.

Kae International Piano Moving Experts

We are professional piano movers with years of experience in domestic and international moving projects. We love to handle any piano moving project and will do this with much dedication. If you have any further questions about moving your piano or other precious items such as antiques or art, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to answer any questions that you may have. For a free quote, please head over to our website form: https://forms.kaeintlmovers.com/web-form

• Moving (back) to Greece from the UK
• UK Citizens in the EU
• Moving from the UK to Greece
• Methods of Transportation
  – Small Volume
  – Larger Volumes
  – Timeframes
• Costs for Moving from Greece to the UK (or vice versa)
• UK Legal Requirements & Customs Regulations
  – Brexit
  – Bringing Goods into the UK for Personal Use
  – Banned and Restricted Goods
  – Car
  
• Moving to the UK Summarized
  
• Storage Options
  
• KAE International Movers: Your Transport Connection Between the UK and Greece
• Get a Quote Today!

Moving to Greece from the UK (or vice versa) doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might seem. If you count on an experienced partner like Kae International Movers, making a (possible) life-changing move will be like a walk in the park.

We’ve been moving people from the UK to Greece and vice versa for many years, offering assistance for private, corporate and diplomatic moves. We also handle destination services, shipping of works of art and transportation of cars. Moving with Kae International Movers will be quick and fluent.

You may wonder how you can decide which moving option is best for the items you need to relocate? In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the different moving methods, timeframes for delivery, and price factors. That way, you can choose the best removal option for your situation and belongings. We’ll also look at important procedures and necessary steps regarding customs.

Moving (back) to Greece from the UK

Are you thinking of moving from the UK to Greece? Are you Greek and you are moving back home? Organizing an international relocation is not something you should do on your own. KAE International Movers has the experience to offer essential services and knowledge to help you move (back) to Greece easily.  

UK Citizens in the EU

For Greek citizens, the procedures are relatively easy. For UK citizens, the situation after the end of the Brexit transition period has changed. If you are a UK citizen moving to Greece, there are new regulations towards the residence status and preconditions for legal residence. The Brexit Law covers the full spectrum of rights of UK nationals and their family members residing in Greece. You can check the Hellenic Police website and the Ministry for Migration and Asylum website for relevant information (in English).

Moving from the UK to Greece

Most European removals are carried out by road, and shipments to Greece are scheduled once per week. Likewise, the import of household and office goods leave from numerous EU partnering depots and are received into Greece once per week. After the careful packing and loading of goods, most EU destinations are reachable within 3 – 8 days from the time our fleet of trucks depart from any EU warehouse / depot. Moving to Greece can also be serviced via containerized transport via sea. In Greece, the most important port is the Piraeus-Athens port.

Methods of Transportation

If you’re moving to Greece or the UK, what’s the best way to send your furniture, belongings, or car? How do you decide if you will need air freight, shipping, and other means of transportation?

For moving your belongings to Greece or the United Kingdom, there’s a varied range of transport options available to make sure that your belongings arrive safely. There are, however, several factors to consider before choosing a moving option to make sure you keep costs down and receive your belongings on time. Let’s take a better look.

Generally, the choice of transport method depends on what you want to take with you. Because the volume will decide means of transport and consequently and most importantly; the cost of moving.

Small Volume

If you are planning to move goods of a small volume, for instance, one pallet (120cm L x 100cm W x 200cm H) and up to 25cbm (a normal sized local truck 6 to 7 meters in length) then road freight may be your best option. Once your household goods are packed and ready to depart, it usually takes between 6 – 10 days for the goods to arrive at our associated warehouse in the UK (or vice versa / i.e at our warehouses located on mainland Greece). This is a good option for people who require a fast service.

Larger Volumes

For people or families who have larger volumes of goods (25+ CBM), sea freight is often suggested. The customer can then compare and make the right decision in which transport method best suits them.

There are many seaports in the UK, some more popular than others. Located in Suffolk, Felixstowe is the biggest container port in the UK, with the equivalent of 3.5m containers handled each year. Because of its convenient location, Felixstowe is the most commonly used port by shipping companies.

The Port of Southampton (on the south coast of England, also a leading port for vehicle import), Tilbury and London  Gateway (in Essex, near London) and Grangemouth (in Scotland) are among the other most popular destinations for shipping containers.

Timeframes

Sometimes, families who have additional extra volume to take with them, need more time to find a residence. This process of finding the correct house could take time. This is why we also recommend the sea freight option since the transit time, beginning from the time the goods are packed up to the time the goods arrive at the port, could take approx. 15 – 25 days. Within this time frame, it gives families that extra time to look for that ideal house. If the goods were shipped by road, they would arrive earlier, and the customer would have to pay the extra storage costs.

To summarize, to people who want to take their time, we recommend sea freight. For those who want their goods quite fast, we recommend road freight.

In some cases, people don’t mind waiting for the majority of their goods to arrive later, but they also need a few things that are essential to them which they would require sooner. For those who require both, the solution is to offer a combination of both sea and road or even sea and air freight, so that the essential items get there either within 2-3 days (air freight) or within a week (road freight).

Once your belongings have reached UK soil, they will need to clear customs before arranging the goods to be delivered to your new home.

Costs for Moving from Greece to the UK (or vice versa)

Usually, the best option for a customer is the most economical one. The price of shipping your items depends on a few critical things, whereby the most common denominators are the volume and how quickly you want your belongings to get there.

There are also secondary services that could influence the costs, such as, what floor level are you moving from or going to? Will you pack things yourself? Are the access conditions at both origin or destination difficult that will require additional handing? You might even require a high-value item to be crated such as a piano or a work of art. You may also require some temporary storage.

UK Legal Requirements & Customs Regulations

Moving all your things to the UK is one thing, handling all the necessary administration and simply knowing where to begin, is another. Do you have to pay customs or are there restrictions or quarantine rules for items you want to bring to the UK?

If you are relocating from any country (EU or non-EU), you do not usually pay tax or customs duty on goods if you have a valid Transfer of Residence (TOR) application.

If you are moving permanently to the UK, you will be required to complete this Transfer of residence (TOR). It can be completed online and within 7-21 days of application, you will receive a TOR approval code if you apply for duty-free entry.

Brexit

Due to Brexit, Europe’s relationship with the UK has changed and so did its customs regulations and bureaucratic procedures. Dealing with UK customs can be challenging. That’s why relying on an experienced party as KAE International saves you effort, time, and money.

While we take care of all the administration regarding your move, you can find full details of customs charges when moving to the UK, at UK government’s guide. Here you will also find information on how the Brexit rules apply to things like travel and doing business with Europe. You can use the Brexit checker to get a personalised list of actions for you, your business, and your family.

Bringing Ggoods into the UK for Personal Use

Banned and Restricted Goods

There are some goods you cannot bring into the UK – they’ll be seized by customs.

These include:

• controlled drugs
• offensive weapons, for example, flick knives
• self-defense sprays, for example, pepper spray and CS gas
• endangered animal and plant species
• rough diamonds
• indecent and obscene materials, such as books, magazines, films, and DVDs
• personal imports of meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries

Some goods are restricted – like firearms, explosives, and ammunition. You need a special license to bring them into the UK.

Some food and plant products are also restricted if they:

• are not free from pests and diseases
• are not for your own use
• were not grown in the EU

If you bring goods suspected of infringing intellectual property rights (for example ‘pirate’ copies of movies or music) they may be seized, and you could be prosecuted.

Source: gov.uk

Car

If you want to bring your car to the UK, you will need to arrange the registration of your vehicle via NOVA in the UK, we will help you complete this registration, this needs to be lodged within 14 days after your car arrives. Your car may also be required to undertake a safety and compliance check before being able to register the vehicle with the DVLA. If applicable, HMRC will inform you if you will be applicable for any tax and duty which may be payable or not. If you use our moving services to move to the UK, we will do the paperwork for you.

The UK customs process might seem complicated, but our experienced shipping team will help you. Here’s what to expect:

• You are required to create a packing list (inventory) of the items you are bringing into the UK, making sure you declare everything
• Customs officials may physically inspect your container, so make sure you know exactly what isn’t allowed into the country (see our list).

Moving to the UK Summarized

Moving to the UK? We’ve got you covered! Packing, moving, organising storage facilities or coping with excess baggage: our service includes all of it.

We can move all your belongings and arrange:

• Personal effects and household goods
• International car shipment
• Fine arts moving
• Packing
• Storage
• Administration and Legal procedures

Storage Options

If you move to an unfurnished place, in Greece or in the UK, you need to bring your furniture along. In that case, choosing an appropriate storing facility for your household items is important. That way, you will be ready to make your new house a home as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Renting out safe storage space, whether for the short or long term, is a service that KAE International Movers will arrange for you. We will also help you to plan and ship your goods in advance. 

KAE International Movers: Your Transport Connection Between the UK and Greece

At KAE International Movers, we have a constant flow of weekly transports to the UK, and we deliver everywhere in the country. Our team consists of local experts experienced to help you move to the UK, move your household goods, and settle into your new country. They will get your belongings from Greece to the UK (or the other way around) safely and on time.

Get a Quote Today!

Setting up your new life in London, moving the family to the English countryside? Wherever you are heading, let us take the stress out of your move to the UK by finding the right shipping option for you. For a free quote, head over to our contact page and fill out the moving details.

If you need any further info or if you have any questions regarding your upcoming move from Greece to the UK or vice versa, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are happy to answer all your questions because we are here to help you!