Tips about passports and visas when moving

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 to staying safe when moving

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

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!