Archive for February 2010

Preparing for Warmer Weather

Professional International Movers, like IntlMOVE, will do what it takes to earn your confidence.
IntlMOVE is bonded and licensed by the federal maritime commission, which is required by law.
IntlMOVE also invites its clients to visit its consolidation terminal in Miami, Florida.
While touring the IntlMOVE warehouse, you will see our professional operations so you better understand the international shipping process.
Read our customer reviews, see our operations and research the history of IntlMOVE.

You will see that IntlMOVE has a history of customer satisfaction and successful international moves.

There are so many changes that are going to take place in your life.
One of the changes you might need to acclimate to is the temperature change.
If you are moving to warmer climate, you are probably thrilled at the prospect of enjoying more sunshine.

Moving to Warmer Climate

Clothes
When the weather is warmer, women want to wear clothes that often reveal bare skin.
Sleeveless shirts, sundresses, shorts and bikinis are all worn when the sun is shining and the weather is warm.
Although fashion is different in each country, you can expect most women in Western countries to wear the skin-revealing clothes.
These clothing items may not be provocative by our standards, but they can be completely unacceptable in some countries.
Some countries are very conservative, so research what clothes are acceptable.
Men and women may not be able to wear clothes that reveal their legs or arms.
Some countries are very strict about these rules.
When dressing for work, it is best to overdress than to be underdressed.Most countries do not have a relaxed dress code for the office.
Make sure you wear suits the first couple weeks of work if you will be working in an office.
Don’t show up to work in a tank top or sundress because this is likely unacceptable.

After being at your new job for a short period of time, you will get a better feel for what other people are wearing.

Bugs and Critters

If you are moving to a tropical climate, there is a tradeoff for the beautiful year-round weather.
Bigger bugs and other critters are inevitable when it’s always warm.
Although keeping your living space clean helps, it will not guarantee that you will not have a surprise visit from these unwanted house guests.
The first thing you will want to do is prepare yourself for what to expect.
There will be bugs that might be a little scary because of their size, but they will be harmless.
However, you might see a small spider that could potentially hurt you, your family or your pets if you are not careful.

Health Conditions

Many retirees move overseas because the weather is warmer and may improve their health conditions.
People who suffer from arthritis tend to do better in warmer climates.
If you suffer from allergies, you may want to research what plants thrive in your new region of the world.
A longer growing season could mean trouble for allergy sufferers.

Cooling System

If you are moving to a tropical location, make sure your home is fully equipped with a cooling system or central air conditioning.
If not, the hot summer days might be completely unbearable.
Ask about the electricity bills.
If the house is not insulated well, air conditioning can cost a fortune!

Monsoon Season

Colder climates have to deal with the snowy season and warmer climates have to deal with the rainy season.
Usually during the summer months, warm regions of the world experience excessive amounts of rainfall.
Make sure your house is well-equipped with proper gutters to avoid any preventable flooding.

When to Move

If you have a choice on when to move, try not to move during the rainy season.
As previously mentioned, warmer climates tend to have a rainy season
You are pretty much guaranteed a rainstorm daily during this period of time.

If you don’t have a choice on the timeline of your move, the team from IntlMOVE will keep your household goods safe and dry.

New Job Overseas

Let IntlMOVE help you move when your career takes you across the world!
Moving overseas for a new job can be very exciting.
It is not something that everyone is lucky enough to experience.
International Movers like IntlMOVE help make the move less stressful.
IntlMOVE is your solution to an international move made easy!

Overseas Job Offer
Congratulations, you landed a new job overseas.
If this has been your goal, you may want to eagerly accept the new offer.
However, you need to slow down and take your time to assess the situation.
Hopefully, the offer will be exactly what you are looking for in a new job, but you might need to negotiate a few small items.
You will want to make sure that the job offer will work for you financially and for your family.
Find out what your daily tasks will be and what hours you are expected to work.
Travel for work can be exhausting, so ask your company about your traveling schedule.
However, if you really enjoy traveling for work, find out if there are opportunities to travel for work within your new country or internationally.
You will spend a good portion of your waking hours at your job, so you need to make sure it is something you will enjoy!

Company
If you have been given an employment offer by a new company, research the company’s history before you accept the offer.
Find out if the company is doing well financially and if there is a high employee turnover rate.
If possible, speak to a current or past employee.
If there are other foreigners working at your new company, see if you can speak to them about their experiences.
Speak to your bosses before accepting the offer and get a good feel for their work styles and expectations.
If you feel there are any red flags, seriously reconsider accepting the job offer.

Compensation
Find out what currency you will be paid in because the fluctuation in exchange rates can affect your salary.
In addition to salary, find out what benefits you will be given.
Will you have access to healthcare?
If you have a family, you will need to know whether or not the benefits extend to your family.
Does the company contribute to your retirement fund?
What vacation time will you be given and are there any restrictions on dates that you can travel?
Benefits can make up a good portion of your compensation, so determine what you need and what you will be paid.

Relocation Help
Many corporate positions, and even English teaching positions, are offered relocation help.
Reliable and efficient International Movers, like IntlMOVE, will make moving your household goods and personal belongings overseas a piece of cake!
Find out whether or not your new employer will pay for the shipment of your household goods and personal effects.
Airfare can add up quickly, so negotiate your initial flights and regular flights home to visit friends and family.
Work permits and Visas can be difficult to obtain.
Will your new employer help you secure this documentation?
If the country you are moving to is a non-English speaking country, will your employer pay for language courses?
If you have children, will the company pay for private or English speaking schools?

Housing Accommodations
Many years ago, corporations offered amazing relocation packages with housing accommodations, additional pay and a wide range of benefits.
Today, the relocation packages usually do not include all the perks of the good old days, but they usually cover some housing costs.
They may offer you a serviced apartment or help finding an apartment overseas.
If they will not pay for your housing, negotiate housing help for a short period of time while you are getting settled or looking for permanent housing.
You can also negotiate a trip paid for by the company prior to your move to look for housing.

Deciding to Make the Move
If everything seems good, then you will be on your way to an experience of a lifetime!
Make sure everything you negotiated is put on paper and in a legal contract.
If possible, have a lawyer review the contract for your benefit.
After everything is set in stone, it is time to prepare for your move.

Contact IntlMOVE as soon as you have decided to move overseas and a one of IntlMOVE professional move consultant will help plan your international relocation.

Safety when Moving Overseas

IntlMOVE provides international moving services for individuals and families who are relocating overseas.
IntlMOVE offers a suite of services which can be catered to your international moving needs.
When you choose IntlMOVE, you are hiring a company known for its reliability, efficiency and unparalleled customer service.
When moving overseas, hire IntlMOVE for all of your international shipping needs of your household goods and personal effects

Safety is true concern for many parties moving overseas.
In some cases, moving to a new country should be a real concern because of political or guerilla warfare.
Your embassy or consulate will put out formal warnings for these countries, so check to see if there is a real danger.
In most cases it is best just to use common sense in a new location to avoid any danger.

There is danger lurking in all major metropolitan areas, including those in the United States.
This does not mean you have to live in fear.
In fact, many countries are much safer than the United States.

There are so many great things you can learn when moving overseas. 
Avoiding potential danger is the key to safety.
Constantly be aware of your surroundings and do your best to avoid unsafe areas.

IntlMOVE has prepared tips for your overseas safety:

  • Phone Numbers
    When you move overseas, you will want to find out whom to call in case of an emergency.
    In the United States, you dial 911 for all emergencies.
    This may not be the case in your new country.
    Program the police, fire, ambulance and your local embassy’s phone numbers into your phone.
    Also have these phone numbers written down at home for quick access.  
  • Pickpocketing
    Pickpocketing is one of the most common dangers to happen when moving abroad or traveling.
    Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket and make sure your purse is zipped and in plain view.
    The safest place to keep your valuables is in a zipped pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
    Don’t be an easy target!
    In crowded areas, keep all of your valuables close to you.
    When on the street, walk away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse snatchers.
  • Blend in with the Locals
    In some cases, you may not ever look like a local.
    However, your different clothes and mannerisms can make you a target as a foreigner.
    Don’t wear flashy jewelry.
    Try wearing local clothes and learning the language and embrace all the differences of your new culture.
    Avoid any political demonstrations.
  • Local Laws and Customs
    Before moving overseas, familiarize yourself with your new country’s local laws and customs.
    You will want to make sure that you do not break any laws.
    You are under local laws and jurisdiction, so you are responsible for abiding by the law.
    It will be to your benefit to know legal differences.
    For example, in some countries you are not allowed to photograph police and military institutions.
    Also, you will not want to cause problems by offending someone because you are not aware of local customs.
  • Stay with the Crowds
    Avoid dark areas and alleys don’t travel alone at night.
    It is best to stay around people and well lit areas to avoid dangerous situations.
    However, be aware that pickpocketing often occurs in very crowded places.
    Take precaution in crowded subways, trains and tourist destinations.
    Familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods in your new city and avoid crime-ridden areas.
    If you are confronted, give up your valuables because they are replaceable.
  • Get Copies of all Important Documents
    In the event that something does happen, be prepared.
    Have extra copies of your passport, credit cards, birth certificates, visas and other important documents.
    Keep these copies in a safe place.
    You may even want to have these items scanned and keep them as electronic files, so they are available at all times in case of an emergency.
  • Taxis
    Only use marked taxis.
    Also, don’t carry large sums of cash.
    You will likely move overseas without any problems.Just using common sense will help you avoid many common crimes.