Moving to Lorraine

Even though Lorraine is today one of the 27 regions that make up France, it wasn’t always a French province, or at least not on a permanent basis. It is this discontinuity that accounts for its marked German character, one of the many consequences of being a land the boundaries of which were established rather haphazardly by various events of history. As it stands today, the administrative province is bordered by Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Franche-Comté, as well as Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
In fact, the name Lorraine itself maintains a certain ambiguity, as it may refer to either a unit of political administration or a less clearly defined entity of traditional, cultural, and national unity. The administrative unit comprises a total of 2337 localities, both urban and rural, organized into four departments, which are as follows: Meurthe-et-Moselle, with the impressive city of Nancy as informal capital; Meuse, a landmark of World War I history as it was the place of the famous battle of Verdun; Moselle, which contains the city of Metz, the actual capital of Lorraine; and Vosges, famous especially for being the home of Joan of Arc, who was born there, in the small town of Domrémy.
As mentioned above, the history of this north-eastern province was one of endless upheavals. The first major conflict to go through was the Franco-Prussian War, which resulted in almost all of Lorraine forcefully becoming part of the German Empire. The end of World War I brought a reversal of this situation, with the Lorraine being re-assigned to France, only to be occupied again in 1940, before finally becoming a definitive province of France.
Given this turbulent history, it is no wonder that the province of Lorraine now has a mind-boggling mix of cultures, ethnicities and languages, or rather dialects, some of which have survived and are still being spoken by many of its inhabitants, despite concerted efforts of the officials to impose only one language by offering formal education only in French. Differences aside, the province retains a modest, understated charm that attracts both locals and tourists to enjoy the quiet of its mostly rural landscape.

Europe Remove is specialised in Removals to France with door to door deliveries. We offer Storage and Removal Services at attractive prices and will ensure your moving will take place as a fast paced and secure operation.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.
You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

Author: M.M.Minderhoud

Aaaargh! Culture Shock!

Culture shock is a bit like regular shock – sometimes you can’t identify it once you’re suffering from it, which makes it very hard to cope with.

Signs
Writing “symptoms” felt a little contrived, as culture shock isn’t really a disease or mental illness, more just a feeling of being lost, out of your depth (remember trying to put your foot down in a swimming pool and having that moment of utter panic as you gurgled and spluttered under the surface?), isolated or simply unable to grasp onto any little culture-related life-raft like familiar road signs or Marks and Spencers. Don’t’ panic though; culture shock is only temporary, so moving to France, moving to Switzerland, moving anywhere can become home with a little patience.

Coping
Culture shock is very much fear-based – the shock of the new and unfamiliar. Upon relocation (moving to France, Germany etc.) people tend to split into two groups – those who embrace the new culture over their own, and those who reject it and try to keep their own country alive. Neither of these is the right or wrong choice. Allowing you and your family to each develop your own tactic for dealing with a great move is crucial.

Of course the best way to cope is to be prepared. For example, when moving to Switzerland, have everyone take an interest in the new culture –the food, the hobbies, what the schools tend to look like, what are the common modes of transport, how do you swear in Swiss-German?

The important thing is to be patient, brave and regain control.

Great Reasons to Move to France

Whichever region of France you choose to move to from the UK, the country has no shortage of attractions to discover and explore. Enticing regions include Paris with its romantic boulevards, restaurants, art galleries and museums, Brittany with its beautiful beaches and the Loire Valley and Champagne areas with their famous vineyards, as well as the unforgettable French Riviera. There are many reasons to relocate to France, including the high standard of education and healthcare, the fabled cuisine and the typically Mediterranean weather and relaxed lifestyle.

Although, on a practical level, the process of moving to France is considerably easier today than it was once due to the country being a fellow EU member state to the UK, moving anywhere abroad remains an upheaval. You will find the process less stressful if you prepare well. You will have to decide on your preferred region to live in, find a suitable property and then obtain a mortgage. It therefore makes sense to choose a removal company as soon as you reasonably can.

There are many fantastic reasons to use our removal services to France. We cater to all of the French regions with our furniture removals, which include part loads and full loads. We always aim to provide the best quality customer service, which includes paying attention to the individual needs of our customers and tailoring our services accordingly to ensure that your move overseas goes as well as it can. We can give you advice on successfully moving to Germany, France or any other European destination, including information on time schedules. Whether you are moving to France, or are instead considering moving to Germany, Switzerland, Holland or Belgium, we aim to take the stress out of your move so that you can enjoy settling in at your new home or business address.

Your European Emigration Checklist

A move to the EU is going to be much easier than emigration to somewhere such as America or Australia. As a British citizen you can move freely around the European Economic Area, settling wherever you see fit without need to apply for visas or undergo rigorous interviews or points based tests.

However, whether you are moving to Belgium or moving to Holland it is still not as simple as getting a plane ticket and a passport, and there are still a number of things that you need to ensure you do before you head off towards that sunset.

Before heading off, you need to ensure you talk to HM Revenue & Customs regarding your liability for tax. The laws will differ depending on where you are moving to so don’t just assume that moving to Belgium will carry the same rules as if you were heading to Spain. In fact, you should spend time researching all the laws for the given country that you plan to move to so that you are fully aware of both your rights and the things that could potentially land you in trouble.

Fully understand the situation regarding healthcare. Again the benefits you will be allowed will differ from country to country and it is essential that you are adequately covered from the very start of your life abroad.

Finally, you need to let people know you are going. Even for those who simply want to disappear and get away from their current life, there are certain people who will need to be informed of the dates you leave from schools and banks to any outstanding creditors that may well need paying after you move. You also need to remember to forward your post so that any important letters reach you no matter whether you are moving to Holland or the furthest reaches of the desert.

Some Advice if You are Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Germany, with its robust economy, rich culture, and high quality of life, is a top destination for many looking to relocate. Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities, the charm of its cities, or the beauty of its countryside, moving to Germany involves careful preparation. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to making your transition smooth and successful.

Planning Your Move

Relocating to Germany involves logistical and administrative challenges, so starting early is crucial.

Hiring a Professional Moving Company

The process of moving your belongings to Germany requires professional expertise. Select a moving company that:

Specializes in international relocations.
Offers insurance for your possessions.
Is familiar with customs regulations and requirements.

Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can help you choose a trustworthy provider.

Managing Logistics and Paperwork

Before moving to Germany, ensure you’ve handled all necessary paperwork:

Obtain a visa or residency permit if required.
Register your belongings for customs.
Ensure you have health insurance that meets German requirements.

These preparations will help you avoid complications when you arrive.

Choosing the Right Location

Germany offers diverse living environments, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside villages. Consider your lifestyle preferences and practical needs when deciding where to settle.

Urban or Rural?

Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are ideal for those seeking vibrant cultural scenes and career opportunities.
Rural areas and smaller towns offer a quieter lifestyle and lower cost of living.

Accessibility and Amenities

When choosing a location, think about:

Proximity to public transportation, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Commute times to work or study.
Availability of leisure activities and social opportunities.

Navigating the German Housing Market

Finding a home in Germany requires understanding the local housing landscape.

Renting: A Practical First Step

Renting is often the best choice for newcomers. It allows you to:

Get to know the local area before committing to a property purchase.
Learn about German tenancy laws, which favor renters.
Avoid the complexities of the home-buying process until you’re more familiar with it.

Helpful Resources

For more information on renting and buying properties in Germany, visit:

German Real Estate Guide

Legal and Administrative Considerations

Germany’s legal system is known for its thoroughness, making it vital to familiarize yourself with the basics or hire professional assistance.

Key Steps

Register at the Bürgeramt: All residents must register their address with the local citizens’ office within a few weeks of arrival.
Understand Tenancy Laws: German laws offer significant protections for renters, so ensure you’re aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Tax and Employment Laws: If you plan to work in Germany, research income tax obligations and employment regulations.

Adapting to German Culture and Lifestyle

Germany’s culture is rich and varied, and adapting to it can make your experience more fulfilling.

Language Skills

While many Germans speak English, especially in urban areas, learning German is essential for deeper integration. It will help you:

Build relationships with neighbors and colleagues.
Navigate daily activities and administrative tasks.
Feel more connected to the local community.

Enroll in language courses online or locally to improve your proficiency.

Cultural Norms

German culture values efficiency, punctuality, and structure. For example:

Arriving on time for appointments or social events is expected.
Recycling and environmental consciousness are integral parts of daily life.

Healthcare in Germany

Germany has one of the most efficient healthcare systems in Europe. To access it:

Register for public health insurance (Krankenkasse), which covers most medical services.
Consider private insurance for enhanced benefits or specialized care.

Learn more at Germany Health Guide.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Germany is a significant step that offers immense opportunities. By planning carefully, understanding the legal and cultural landscape, and taking the time to adapt, you can create a fulfilling life in this dynamic country. For more resources, visit:

Germany Info Guide

Embrace the adventure and enjoy your journey to a new life in Germany!

Moving to Switzerland – Some Facts

If you are moving to Switzerland, the chances are that this is a career related move unless you are in the millionaire bracket and you are about to join Lewis Hamilton, Roger Moore and Phil Collins. As Switzerland is not an European Union member, the process is a little different from moving to Belgium or moving to Holland, but it is possible. If you are from Britain there is an agreement between Switzerland and the EU which makes it comparatively easy when compared to non EU nationals. The regulations regarding moving to Switzerland to work were relaxed eight years ago, and it is planned that by 2014 quotas for work permits issued to people from the EU will be dropped.

For those who come from outside the European Union, moving to Switzerland is a lot more difficult. Work permits will only be issued if you can prove that you have a particular skill which an employer cannot find within the country, which means that very few people from outside the EU actually get the chance to emigrate to this country.

Assuming you fit the criteria, what will you need to do when you are moving to Switzerland? Perhaps the most important thing is to find a company which has plenty of experience when it comes to transporting your furniture and belongings. With this in mind, you are in the right place because the people at European Removal Experts have the knowledge and experience to make your move a smooth one.

How to Feel At Home After a Move to France

Choosing to make a move to France can feel like a huge step. The new, foreign surroundings can feel incredibly overwhelming, particularly if you don’t know your new area very well. When relocating to France, it’s important to allow yourself time to settle in and relax in your new surroundings. Here are some tips to help you do that.

• Have accommodation prepared before you move
Not having some accommodation ready when you arrive in France will only add to your stress. Book some temporary accommodation for when you arrive and look for something permanent once you’re settled in the area.

• Bring your furniture
Once you’ve found somewhere permanent, you can make it feel more like home by bringing over all your furniture. A company that provides furniture removals to France can have it with you in just a few days, and that familiarity should help curb any homesickness you may be experiencing.

• Act like a tourist
If you don’t have to work when you first arrive, take the time to get to know your new area as best you can. Imagine you are a tourist and try to take in all the major areas in just a few days. This will help you to find your way around and you may even discover some hidden gems.

• Meet the locals and other expats
After moving to France, aim to talk to someone new every day. Meeting the locals will help you fell more at home in your new area and meeting other expats will help you to see how other people have settled in.

Moving to Limousin

Despite its decidedly small size, the French region of Limousin is as charming, delightful and relaxing as the name suggests, even though it might not represent the kind of luxury that limousines – as in motor vehicles – have come to suggest. It is composed of three departments, each with its own capital, extending over a landscape that varies in height between 200 meters and 1000 meters. Such mountainous scenery also explains why this little province is home to a famous breed of beef cattle as well as an attraction point for hiking enthusiasts. At 977 m, Mont Bessou, towering over the town of Ussel in Corrèze, one of the three departments, is the maximum altitude reached in Limousin, as well as the tallest peak in the Plateau de Millevaches, which literally translates as “Plateau of Thousands of Cows”.
The most important urban agglomeration in this region is concentrated around the town of Limoges, capital to the Haute-Vienne department. It is home to about 300,000 people, half of which actually live in the city and the other half in the areas around it. This is also where most employment opportunities and professionals converge – understandable given how sparse the population is in the rest of the region. Those who do live there are an interesting mix of French people, generally locals, and British and Dutch immigrants who came here seeking – and arguably finding – a place of rest and quiet. Other urban settlements of note are the town of Guéret, capital to the third department, Creuse, Brive la Gaillarde,second largest city in Limousine, inhabited by roughly fifty thousand residents, as well as Tulle and Aubusson, miniature towns that still retain the charm of rural markets.
Those with an interest in history would also find plenty of attractions in Limousine, in particular in Limoges, which was first established as a city by the Romans. Its location between Paris and Toulouse has led to it becoming a famous artistic and cultural landmark in the region, gaining fame as early as during the Middle Ages. Much later, around the XIX century, both its notoriety and its economic development were due to their manufacturing of high-quality porcelain, a product that is indeed as luxe as the renowned limousine motor vehicles.

Europe Remove is specialised in Removals to France with door to door deliveries. We offer Storage and Removal Services at attractive prices and will ensure your moving will take place as a fast paced and secure operation.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.
You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

Author: Jean-Claude Serre

Switzerland – Lessons in Education

Anyone considering moving to Switzerland from the UK will be comforted by the obvious similarities in culture or infrastructure between the nations, however, there are always going to be differences between European nations – whether its the food or the health care etc. One of the most pertinent differences between European nations are the differences in education standards, and arguably the UK does not have the best reputation when it comes to this important aspect of daily life.

By contrast, Switzerland has a world renowned reputation for education, and therefore this alone could be a great reason for moving to Switzerland; but why exactly is it that the Swiss have an impeccable reputation for education, whereas we don’t?

Well it is perhaps unfair to suggest that the Swiss experience in regards to education is far superior than that of the UK, however there are certainly differences; and therefore if you are moving to Switzerland then you should be prepared for a significantly different way of doing things.

The most immediate thing that you’ll notice is different when moving to Switzerland, is quite obviously, the languages; however, far from being a drawback in Swiss education it is perhaps one of its best features, and arguably the key to Swiss education is the fact that kids are obliged to learn four official languages, which is an organic way to help them develop there mental dexterity from an early age.

Things to take with you when moving to Europe

Whether you’re moving to Switzerland or just across the same city you were born in, there are some things that should be packed up in boxes and others that should stay close to you on the trip. There’s nothing worse than realising that one of the documents you really need is at the bottom of a box, inside a moving van heading towards the Alps at 50 miles an hour.

The essentials

This list is a short one- wallet, passport, and important personal items like credit cards, car keys, and a mobile phone. If you’re relocating to Switzerland the journey from door to door may take a quite a long time so it can be helpful to carry a phone charger too. Batteries can be easily depleted by playing games or browsing the internet while waiting in airport lounge, for example. Keep the batteries topped up so that your phone will be ready to use when needed.

Handy information

It’s also a good idea to pre-load certain phone numbers or at least write them down and carry the list in a safe place, like your purse or wallet. Note down the contact detail for your moving company, an emergency contact back at your starting point, and any numbers you might need on arrival in your new home. If moving between countries, don’t forget the international dialling codes!

Some people also like to look up helpful local contacts before they leave home. The phone number of a local 24-hour plumber is a good example, and make sure that you know the emergency services number if it will no longer be 999. If you get stuck, dialling 112 should work across the EU and in some other countries too.

Pack for your first night

When you and your family have just finished moving to Zurich (or Paris, or Stoke-on-Trent) you’ll probably be tired. Pack a first-night bag and carry that with you, so nobody will have to start unpacking straight away. Include a toothbrush and toiletries, soap, a towel, and a change of clothing. If you expect to arrive at an empty house late at night a roll of toilet paper might also come in very handy!

In the morning, when you’ve had a shower and are feeling fresh and ready to tackle those boxes, you can start unpacking in earnest.

Don’t forget the kids

Mums and dads won’t need us to tell them what to pack for their babies, but toddlers and primary school children sometimes have trouble when moving. The process can be scary for the younger members of the family, even if it’s just a case of saying goodbye to the old house and moving into the one next door. Relocating over a long distance is certainly daunting for smaller kids.

Let them choose a toy to take on the journey and make sure they have plenty to do. A colouring book can go a long way and a few sweets or cereal bars can also make sure the whole family stays cheerful on the way to their your new home.