Your moving overseas and what do you do if you want your best friend to come with you? That nice shiny four wheeled friend has taken you many times from Point A to Point B. And now you want your cool car with you when you move. Depending upon where you Are moving, you can have your far-wheeled friend shipped overseas by us through an international auto transport company.

That’s pretty easy but there are some other things you need to consider before your car is revved up to be shipped across the Atlantic or elsewhere. As always, do your research and find out about the country or city’s public transportation system. This really varies from country-to-country and you will be able to assess how much you will need to drive your car and what kind of driving conditions you can expect.

Here are some factors to keep-in-mind and to know about:
• Is your automobile street legal in your new city? Remember that Japan, Britain, Australia and other countries require you to drive on the right-side of the road.
• Make sure your professional mover knows about any import tariffs. Your mover lets you know about any of these potential fees so you are not surprised by any unexpected costs.
• Drivers licenses – Most countries will allow you to drive with your existing American driver’s license but only for a specified period of time.
• Research your new country’s driving regulations and laws before your international move so you know when you need to obtain a new license.
• Purchase insurance – When you move, things can happen so make sure you buy moving insurance for your car especially if it’s a new car. This will provide you peace-of-mind if something should go wrong during the transport.

Follow these tips and ensure you hire a reputable moving company so that your four-wheel friend is taken care of during your overseas move.

Safe moving!

If you plan to move overseas, there are four online relocation tools that you should bookmark before you head on out across the pond. These are helpful tools when you are living in a different country.
• Currency calculator – Oanda provides advanced and comprehensive currency exchanges as well as trading, data input with foreign exchange rates and many other useful foreign exchange tools.
• Language translator – Google provides a solid text and webpage translations. It covers practically all languages in the world.
• Time zones – This gives you current local times in cities and all countries around the world.
• Electrical guide – Need to know what type of adapters to purchase when moving overseas? The website provides you with the type of adapters and power sockets you’ll need so you can use your current electronics and other devices in your new home overseas.

Safe moving!

Invasive bugs like moths can do a lot of damage if they hop on a ride when your personal belongings are being moved. They can destroy and damage your clothes. Moths also metastasize quickly, lay thousands of eggs that can turn into a nightmare when your belongings finally arrive to your overseas destination.

In particular, and most recently in the news during the summer, gypsy moths have consumed more than 93 million acres in the U.S. since 1970 and can defoliate up to 13 million acres of trees in just one season if left untreated. That’s why the federal government has joined the moving and storage industries to stop the spread of the invasive insect.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires anyone moving from an area of gypsy moths to a non-infested area to provide an official certificate of inspection of all common outdoor household items that could carry the gypsy moths. To meet the requirement, one can perform a self-inspection of household articles or hire a state-certified pesticide applicator.

To ensure gypsy moths, moths and other pesky insects won’t be with your personal belongings especially in outside household items, be sure to do the following:
• Inspect outdoor household goods such as grills, lawn furniture, outdoor toys and games, camping equipment, anything items left outside or in your garage before the items are packed.
• Look for gypsy moth egg masses, female moths lay their eggs and caterpillars spread during the summer and fall months.
• Removing the egg masses is simple by using a putty knife, stiff brush or similar hand tool.
• Dispose the egg masses in a container of hot, soapy water, or you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and set it in the sun. You can also dispose them in a garbage can but please be sure the bag is completely sealed.

You can contact the USDA directly for free information about gypsy moths before moving and if you should have any questions.

Safe moving!