Tag Archives: best movers

Tips about passports and visas when moving

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A little planning and forethought to make sure you understand the requirements, complete all the forms and account for any government bureaucracy, will help to ensure everything goes smoothly when applying for a visa or passport. To ensure your required documents such as your passport, visa and permits etc. are correct, start by contacting the consular office of your host country’s embassy. They know the latest rules and registration requirements because documentation regulations may change on short notice.

Tips about passports and visas:
• Passports
A passport is an official verification of the holder’s nationality and, with a few exceptions, is required to enter another country. In many cases, a visa will not be issued unless you have a passport. Each member of your family should have a passport. Some countries will refuse entry to visitors whose passports expire during the period of their stay, so make sure passports for you and your family members are valid for well past your stay.

• Visas
A visa allows a foreigner to enter a country for a specific purpose and duration. It’s usually stamped in the visitor’s passport, although sometimes it may be on a separate document. It may authorize a single visit or multiple entries to the country.

Once you’re ready to make the big move, countries require longer-term visas. When inquiring about the regulations, make sure you specify that you are relocating to the country. Real problems can result if you obtain the wrong type of visa. The last thing you want, when starting your life abroad, is to find yourself escorted across the border in the wrong direction.

By preparing and making sure your passport and visa and other documents are all in order, it will ensure your move will be uneventful.

Safe moving!

Tips on tipping movers when moving

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Movers are part of the service trade. In other words, they are service professionals and you base your tip on the services performed. Yes, you do tip movers, but it’s not expected. Most people will buy them lunch for their tip and or provide cash.

Some tips on tipping movers:
• Offer the movers to buy them lunch especially if it’s at least a half-day move. That’s just as good as a cash tip. Some people do both but it’s not necessary. If you do buy them lunch, don’t assume it should be hamburgers or pizza. Keep in mind, you are not the only one that they are moving your life belongings for. Ask what the movers feel like having.
• Make sure to have small items on hand such as bottled water (easier to carry around than a glass of water), sodas and light snacks. Don’t offer them alcoholic drinks like beer, it’s stereotypical, movers can’t drink on the job and there are liability issues.
• There’s really no percentage amount to give to movers like there is in other service industries such as restaurants where waitresses or waiters receive 20 percent for excellent service. About $10 per person is proper and if it’s a full day, then about $20 or so per mover.
• If you do give a cash tip, don’t give it all to the driver or one person but to each individual. That really recognizes each individual’s efforts and is fair overall.

If your movers are professional, polite and do a good job, reward them like anyone else in the service industry. Plus, they’ll be more inclined to ensure your belongings reach your destination safely, securely and in good shape.

Safe moving!

Overall tips when moving overseas

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This week, general and overall tips when moving overseas.

An international move can be complicated but since I’m in the moving biz, I’m going to share with you some basic tips but very important tips before you make the leap overseas.

Employment
Yeah, that’s pretty basic but you’ll need work visas or permits to ensure you are working legally in your new country. It’s also helpful just to know the job market there and a basic understanding of the city you are moving to. Do your research on Google and other platforms to be informed regarding employment in your new country.

Finances
You have money coming whether for work or another way of income and you need to make sure it’s in a safe place. Contact some banks there and find out if you can set up an account before you leave. Know what type of fees they might charge and find out how safe your money is.

Accountant
One of the smartest things you can do before your move is to know the tax system not only here when you are out of the country, but in your new land. It can be complicated so be sure to contact your accountant or hire a tax professional to ensure you have a plan and meet all of your tax obligations. It will avoid major headaches while leaving abroad, trust me.

Health insurance
This is another basic tip but believe it or not, many people don’t check to find out if they are covered overseas. The last thing you need is to get ill and be hospitalized and find out your insurance doesn’t cover you or your family. Check with your health care provider if you are insured or not and make any adjustments if needed so you are insured.

Safe moving!

Moving during wintertime

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So, you cleaned your house, got rid of all that junk and now you are ready to move.

I would recommend (if you are flexible with moving) to move overseas during the winter months minus the holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Many times, people utilize the holidays to move. If you can avoid it, the worst time to move is from May to September, in essence, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Moves are based on weight, storage requirements and distance but don’t decide solely on trying to save money verses moving at a different time.

Moving during the winter is the ideal time but there are some factors to consider. Winter months are darker which cuts the moving workday shorter potentially resulting in a 2-day move instead of one. Movers usually don’t work more than 12-hour shifts.

If you are on a tight budget and haven’t planned out in a timely manner of moving, then the winter is best. Keep in mind, temperatures in some countries are cold, wet and snowy weather during the winter so there may be delays. That said, being able to schedule your move and have it done for a discount, winter it is!

Safe moving!

Tips to staying safe when moving

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Moving can be unpredictable to say the least. Anything can happen so you want to ensure you and your entire family including any pets you may have will be safe during the move. Turning your back to safety could be a costlier blunder that you could have easily avoid.

Some safety tips:
• Kids – It can be dangerous if you have young kids around when moving. Heavy household goods can be dropped so avoid any distractions too by having your kids stay at a friend’s place or relative.
• Pets – Just like your kids, you don’t want to have your pets roaming freely while your move is underway. Anything can happen, plan on taking them to friends for the day or hire a pet-sitter to take care of them during the big move.
• Clear hallways – Pick up any clutter, toys or other items that may be in the hallways. Ensure all pathways are free of dirt, water, other substances and ice outside pathways.
• Clothes – Wear the most comfortable clothes during the move, shirts and pants that stretch. Wear comfortable shoes that have good traction and consider heavy duty gloves to protect your hands.

Safe moving!

Tips before you move into your new home

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Now that you have packed your things and the moving trucks are on the way to your new home, I have some tips for you to consider before moving into your new home.

Here’s what you should do when moving into a new home or apartment:
• Document house or apartment – In other words, make sure to take photos of your apartment or home you are moving into. If you have a landlord, document showing the condition of your new home. It will prevent problems down the road and avoid unnecessary liabilities and expenses.
• Boxes in pertinent rooms – As I discussed last week, make sure to label and separate your items room-to-room. Place your boxes in the appropriate rooms so it will be easy for you to unpack and you’ll also avoid any heavy lifting.
• Essentials first – You’ll want to assemble and put together the furniture and bedroom items first, the things you’ll use right off the bat such as a bed, chairs, tables etc.
• Large items – Also, take care of these items first such as the refrigerator, stove, washing machine and other big ticket items. It’s easier to install the bigger appliances when you have the room to hook them up, plug-ins and anything else that’s needed.
• Cleaning – When you first move in, clean the toilets, tubs and other bathroom areas. It’s one of the most used places in your new home besides the living room.

Use these important tips prior to moving in your new home and you’ll be more prepared and will settle in a lot quicker to make the overall experience more pleasing.

Safe moving!