Going Dutch

If you are moving to Holland and you are intending to find a job when you get there, the first thing to say is Good Luck! As with most countries at the moment, finding work isn’t as easy as it used to be just a couple of years ago, so if you are moving to Holland, or moving to France for that matter, it’s probably best to find employment before you leave. Having said that, if you are moving to Holland and are prepared to put the work in to find a job, there are a couple of ways you can look for work.

The public employment service – or the CWI, which is the Centre for Work and Income – plays a huge role in the Dutch labour market as they help people find jobs in a similar way to the JobCentre here in the UK.

The staff at the CWI are very involved and will give as much help as you ask for when looking for a job, whether you are Dutch or moving to Holland from another country.

To get help from the CWI you need the equivalent of our national insurance number. Every Dutch citizen obtains a personal registration number, called a SOFI-nummer, at the age of fourteen. Those moving to Holland can get a SOFI-nummer at the local tax office.

The bottom line is that, when it comes to moving to Holland, you will find the same problems – and solutions – as you will find here when you are looking for a job, so good luck!

The Importance of Preparation When Moving to Switzerland

You’ve just watched a programme on TV that shows how beautiful, cultured and diverse Switzerland is, and you want to experience it for yourself. But you want more than just a holiday, you want to live there, so you start planning your escape in the quickest possible time.

Slow down! Before you dive right into the idea of moving to Switzerland, it’s important to be prepared. Contrary to what you might think, moving abroad takes a huge amount of preparation that can’t all be done overnight.

Moving to Switzerland will involve a number of complex issues. You need to think about the sale of your current house and the purchase of the new one, and what about visas, work permits and residency issues? Have you thought about the language, the locals, the part of Switzerland you want to live in, and what about your possessions?

You need to consider all of these points and many more before you can even begin to think about the reality of relocating to Switzerland. Failing to be properly prepared can leave you unstuck and you could find yourself in a foreign country with no-one to help, so make sure you’re probably organised and that you have experts on hand at every step of the way (such as us here at European Removal Experts).

As you can see, it really is important to be prepared when you’re moving to Switzerland. There are a lot of things you need to think about before you embark on your new life and it’s important you’ve got everything organised before you begin, so no matter how tempting it may be, try not to jump in at the deep end.

Removals to France - Removals to Aquitaine- Removals Companies London UK

Moving to Aquitaine

Many have chosen over the years to move to Aquitaine also known as Guienne in the south-west part of metropolitan France. Aquitaine is situated along the Pyrenees mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. The city has five departments, namely Lot et Garonne, Landes, Dorogne, Gironde and Pyrenees-Atlantiques and it was once a duchy and a kingdom whose boarders significantly fluctuated in the Middle Ages.
Until the 1453, when the Hundred Years’ War ended, Aquitaine was kept as an English town, but then it was annexed to France. Many might know the city under the name of Guyenne as it was cold until the French Revolution.
The Protestant Huguenots use the city as a stronghold during the 16th and 17th century, and because the Huguenots were persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church, they called upon the English crown for assistance.
In Aquitaine there are many locations that attract tourists and locals alike, and the town is well known for its many successful sport teams.
The city is the home to famous football teams such as Pau FC and FC Libourne-Saint-Seurin and even rugby teams out of which there are the SU Agen and US Dax. The city even has one of the most successful basketball clubs in France, the Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez. There are various sport activities that take place in Aquitaine such as bull-fighting and major Surfing Championships are hosted on its coast.
There are also famous locations that are worth every minute of your time, such as the Cordouan Lighthouse that is recognised as a historic monument, measuring up to 68 meters in height, and which keeps watch at the Gironde Estuary. The lighthouse is said to have been standing since the Middle Ages.
Another romantic location that can keep you dreaming is the route from the Notre Dame chapel, to the lantern room and then to the King’s apartment also known under the name of Versailles of the Sea and which measures 311 steps, is well-known to the locals and internationally.
If you’re a lover of history, the many streets and museums found in the Bordeaux will offer you unforgettable experiences. Bordeaux is the capital of the region Aquitaine. Along with the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre vestiges called Palais Gallen, to the CAPC which offer contemporary exhibitions. The city also has facades dating back to the 18th century and situated along the quaysides that offers the city an exciting atmosphere and charm. Bordeaux is on the official list of world heritage sites of the UNESCO since 2007.
Saint Emilion is a commune in the Gironde department and it also presents to the public a medieval monolithic church registered as a World Heritage as well.
There are many places to visit for a chance to enjoy yourself, such as the Dune du Pilat as well as the Bay of Arcachon which are a must see for everyone who ever passes by there.
There is also the castle named Chateau de Bonaguil in Lot-et-Garonne. The fortified castle was built in the 13th century and expanded until the 18th and it’s been listed as a historic monument which has been well-preserved. The castle follows the military techniques history and it has impressive proportions.
The fortified village in Perigord named the Monpazier and La Roque-Gadeac are members of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association, meaning they are some of the most beautiful villages in France.
If you like to party you can even find that here, in Sarlat, where all of the charms of Perigord assemble, and by mixing dynamism with traditionalism it offers everything from cinema and music festivals to truffle markets for your enjoyment. Close to this there is also the site, dating back to prehistoric times, of the Valley of Humanity. All in all you can find everything you need or want in Aquitaine so don’t hesitate to follow your heart. Don’t worry about all the packing and moving because we are here to help you.

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

Attribution: Benjamin Titze

Moving to the Netherlands: Essential Reading

There are many reasons to move to Holland. The modern, socially progressive country boasts a high standard of living, a high life expectancy rate, an excellent healthcare system, and a relatively healthy economy. The country also has a great agricultural, maritime, and trading tradition, and is a visual feat with a wonderful mix of modern and postmodern architecture, colourful flower fields, and a dense network of canals. And if you have children or are planning a family, it worth noting that the Netherlands has an excellent education system right up to university level, and that UNICEF have found Dutch children to be the happiest in the world.

However, relocating to the Netherlands may not be a stress-free experience. Moving home involves a lot of planning and organising, and moving abroad can involve even more work. Besides organising the purchase or rental of your new home, finding suitable employment, brushing up your Dutch language skills, booking your flight or ferry tickets, and making sure your passport is up to date, (and perhaps applying for a European Pet Passport for your furry friend), you will also need to arrange for a removals company to arrange for the transportation of your possessions to your new home.

European Removal Experts offers a simple, affordable and professional solution to your removal needs. The company specialises in Dutch Removals and offers door to door deliveries between the UK and Amsterdam, Amersfoort, and Almere. Your experience of moving to the Netherlands may be made easier by taking advantage of European Removal Experts’s services. Why not contact them for a quick and free quote?

Removals to Dresden- Removals to Germany from UK

Moving to Dresden

Discover the wonderful city Dresden.

Dresden is located in a valley on the Elbe River. The Dresden urban sprawl is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. Dresden was used as the residence for the electors and King of Saxon over its long history as a capital and was known as the Jewel Box because of its city centre comprised of rococo and baroque style. It is a wonderful city to visit for its cultural and artistic magnificence. During the years, historic changes took place and after the restoration of some of the historic inner city, Dresden became once again an important centre of Germany and Europe in regard with education, culture, politics and economics.

Dresden districts differ in appearance and structure and the city is known to be roomy and vast. Some of the quarters are trying to keep their rural settings while other still have an old village heart. Some of the things that characterize the urban areas are the scattered housing from the former suburbs and the historic city outskirts that were build around the 18 century. Dresden is now divided into ten districts but it still keeps another nine former boroughs that have been integrated.

Dresden is composed of many city quarters and a domineering part of these is the multiple historic dwelling units. Part of the cities many quarters you will often find many large villas that stand out. The most famous of the historic dwelling units are Pillnitz, Blasewitz and Loschwitz.

Dresden is ranked as the tenth fastest growing cities in Germany thanks to a stabilized economy and re-urbanisation, same as Munich and Potsdam.

The city is home to some important art collections and it’s striving to regain its cultural importance it held before. It still contains some world famous musical ensemble and it rebuilt many significant building from different architectural periods.

When searching for a way to spend time in Dresden you can always opt for going to one of the smaller theatres run by the Dresden State Theatre or maybe drop by the Semperoper of the Saxon State Opera or the concert hall of the Saxon State Orchestra. Dresden even has its own Dresden Philarmonic Orchestra that was founded in 1970.

During the summer, you can participate in the outdoor concert series held in Zwingerdof, named Zwingerkonzerte und Mehr or visit the yearly cultural festival celebrated in June named Bunte Republik Neustadt.

The Dresden Art Colection is hosted by the city and it’s comprised of twelve museums, such as the Green Vault and the Old Masters Gallery. Art enthusiasts can also visit the New Masters Gallery, the Museum of ethnology and the Armoury.

The city also runs the Dresden City Museum that centres on the city’s history and it prides itself with the famous Dresden Codex that is displayed at the museum of Saxon State Library.

The variety of styles that can be found is Dresden can be overwhelming and the best example for this is the Dresden Castle which, after being restored and added to so many times, it offers a unique view because of the elements that belong to the Classicist, Baroque and Renaissance style.

There is also the Zwinger Palace that stands across from the Dresden Castle which was transformed to a royal art collection centre and a location where festivals could take place. It’s most famous feature is the gate by the fosse which on top has a golden crown.

Europe Remove is specialised in Removals to Germany 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

Moving to Germany? Learn the Language First

One of the things that can be most isolating when moving to Germany is not being able to speak the language. Although learning a new language is easiest when you immerse yourself in it, you can give yourself a head start by learning some German before you move. Here are some ways you can get a grasp on the language before relocating to Germany:

• Teach Yourself
Prior to moving to Berlin, Munich or anywhere else in Germany, teach yourself as much of the language as you can. Read a few beginners books and listen to some audio to give you an idea of pronunciation and intonation. You should also try to learn some grammar as this will help you to structure sentences.

• Take Some Classes
Before you move, aim to take some German classes, both one-on-one and as part of a group. One-on-one classes will enable your tutor to focus on aspects of the language that you need to, or areas that you may be struggling with. Group classes will give you a feel of real world German conversations and knowing other learners will help to keep you motivated.

• Befriend a Native
Only by talking to a native speaker will you get an indication of how the language is used in the real world. Use the internet to get in contact with native German speakers, and aim to converse via email or via Skype before you move. This will give you a chance to practice your German in a low-pressure environment.

Reasons to Relocate

These days, relocation is on the rise. It isn’t hard to see why either as moving abroad can be a fantastic decision, and if you’re thinking of moving yourself here are a few reasons to tip the scales.

• The food. England isn’t always known for its top-class food, but France certainly is. All you gourmets out there will be in your element if you considered moving to France, and you can experience the delights of French cuisine every single day.

• The scenery. We do have some spectacular scenery in the UK, but can it really rival the Alps? If you have a love of skiing or of breathtaking views then moving to France or Switzerland could well be for you.

• The culture. You’ve lived in the UK all your life, so you know what it’s all about. But are you familiar with the cultures of the Netherlands, Switzerland or Germany? If you’d like to experience something completely different, then moving to Holland could be a great idea.

• The way of life. Britain is an incredibly fast paced society, and sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and take stock of everything. By relocating abroad, perhaps by relocating to Holland or Switzerland, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more peaceful way of life – particularly if you choose somewhere off the beaten track.

These are just a few reasons that you should relocate, and there are many more besides. So what are you waiting for? Pick your country and start your new life abroad, and remember to get in touch with us here at European Removal Experts to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.

A stress-free move to France

Many people decide on moving to France later in life, as a second home or somewhere to retire to if the weather is warmer, such as the South of France. However, most people at this stage in their lives don’t want to acquire all the furniture, belongings and household items in duplicate all over again for their new home – they’d rather move some of what they’ve already amassed over the years across the continent.

Insurance can become a worry – removal firms have a reputation even when moving furniture from street to street in the same town, so it’s understandable that if you’re dreaming of moving to France, you’ll be worried about who takes care of your belongings as it crosses not only streets, but continents. Not to mention that this means you’ll also end up dealing with extra hassle in customs as you prove that you’re living in the country rather than importing goods.

Not to worry though, there are specialist companies – like us – that can help when you’re relocating to France or any other European country. If you need peace of mind by someone who understands the logistics of the international removals market, then it would be wise to choose a specialist over a regular moving company.

If you want to say Allo Allo to your new home without waving au revoir to some of your valuable belongings, then a specialist removals company will give you the safest and most secure way of moving to France.

European Attractions

Moving to a new place is daunting etc, but really the best option is to pull your finger out, remind your fretful emotions just how many people would kill to be in your foreign shoes, and go exploring!

Germany
Relocating to Germany is going to give you wonderful access to, amongst other things, some of the best castles in the world. “Neuschwanstein” is arguably the most famous. King Ludwig II designed this flamboyant castle in 1869. In a lovely little fit of eccentricity he employed a theatre set designer instead of an architect. Upon moving to Germany, could you do the same?

France
The French Riviera (Cannes, Nice etc.) is astoundingly beautiful and relaxing. A trip over to the island of Corsica is primarily a popular French jaunt, reminiscent of the way we view somewhere like Cornwall – relaxing, inviting and stunning.

Holland
Moving to Holland is perhaps one of the lowest culture shock risks within Europe. Amongst the history of clogs, windmills and tulip fields, new Dutch culture is blossoming marvellously. Art and music festivals like “Festival aan de Werf” in Utrecht are amongst the most contemporary and unique in the world. The Dutch love festivals – flowers, marches, music, films, clothes, windmills, arts, bicycles – everything has its own celebratory event. Maybe your move to Holland will inspire them to throw a festival in your honour!

Belgium
Cities like Brussels and Antwerp are as chic as they come. The architecture, culture and people are classic and inimitable thanks to the influences of Belgium’s neighbouring countries.

Don’t Waffle About Belgium

European Removal Experts is the connoisseur’s choice for any client who is moving to Belgium. Now that you have your accommodation organised and your new job secured, perhaps in the European Parliament or a deluxe chocolate factory, your only major remaining concern about moving to Belgium is deciding which removals company you can trust with all of your professional equipment, household fittings and fixtures, personal files, keepsakes, clothes and expensive gadgets.

When you choose to use European Removal Experts, you are dealing with a company with a wealth of experience of helping many customers in moving to Belgium. We have the knowledge; there is no doubt about that: from packing your possessions securely to driving steadily yet swiftly, our employees are the best in the business.

Our drivers also have that personal touch; they enjoy helping people to move and they appreciate how stressful the entire situation can be, so they will put you at ease with a reassuring chat and friendliness before they leave base in the UK. Remember, if you are relocating to Belgium from anywhere in the United Kingdom, European Removal Experts are more than happy to help.

We also provide a fantastic man with a van service for domestic removals. You can hire one of our vans complete with a highly trained removal professional who will spend the entire day helping you to remove your possessions form your home, then pack them securely and transport them to your new address.

Please take a look at our great deals for this bespoke service. So, please don’t waffle when you’re moving to Belgium, just be sure to choose Europe Removals: the connoisseur’s choice.