Having the right office is crucial if your firm is to succeed and so you might have decided that it’s time to up sticks and head to new premises. Perhaps your current working space is too costly, or maybe it’s the wrong size. Alternatively, maybe you want to relocate to be in a more convenient location or to be closer to your customers.
Whatever the reason for your transition, it’s important that you approach it in a sensible way. If mishandled, office moves can have disastrous consequences.
Shifting your stuff
Running a company isn’t easy at the best of times and when you have to cope with the added stress and inconvenience of relocating, you might really find you’ve got your work cut out for you.
Rather than trying to arrange the movement of your furniture and other items yourself, it may therefore pay off to bring in the professionals. Here at European Removal Experts, we are experts when it comes to office removal and may be perfectly placed to assist you.
Leaving this task to specialists like us means you can get on with the other important jobs facing you. In contrast, if you were to attempt to transfer your possessions unaided, you might find you’re distracted from crucial issues facing your business.
Minimising damage
Also, because we have plenty of experience when it comes to removal packing services, we’re better able to minimise the risk of damage to your possessions. This could save you stress and hassle. Also, by taking advantage of our insurance policies, you can rest assured you won’t be left out of pocket.
Planning ahead
As well as booking the relevant removals companies in Woodford Green or wherever you’re based, there are other things to plan.
For example, ahead of your move, you’ll need to inform your customers and any organisations you have dealings with about what is happening and provide them with your new contact details. If you don’t, you risk missing out on trade, compromising customer care and getting into bureaucratic difficulties.
Minimising downtime
Another issue to bear in mind is how long it will take you to get set up in your new working environment. Ideally, you want to keep downtime to an absolute minimum. To help ensure this is the case, it’s worthwhile making sure you’ll be able to get your phones and computers operating swiftly once you arrive in your new office.
What your office says about you
Meanwhile, before you sign any contracts concerning office leases, it’s a good idea to consider what the premises say about your firm. Attractive and modern working spaces give the impression that your organisation is professional and optimistic about the future.
In contrast, poky and unattractive offices can really put potential customers, investors and workers off and consequently have a negative impact on your long-term prospects. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for you to choose from these days, so you shouldn’t struggle to find premises that tick each and every one of your boxes.
Considerations When Relocating Abroad
If you’re thinking of relocating to France, Spain or indeed any Western European country; there are a few essential aspects which you will need to consider before you actually up-sticks and wave goodbye to Blighty.
Language
Although many people on the Continent now speak English, there are just as many who do not (or will not). Therefore, you will find it very beneficial to learn the language spoken in your destination country as it will allow you to eat in restaurants, shop in markets and generally mingle with the locals with much greater success.
Climate
Although Western Europe’s climate is not drastically different to that of the UK; there are some parts of the Continent which frequently experience quite extreme weather conditions. Certainly some areas of France, Spain, Portugal and Italy can be very hot in the summer months, so you will need to be sure that you and your family will be able to endure such extremes before you move.
Moving
Regardless of whether you’re moving to France, Germany or wherever; perhaps the most important consideration of all is that of how you will move your furniture and belongings. Thankfully, we here at European Removal Experts can help greatly in this respect as we specialise in moving people’s belongings from all over the UK to countries in Western Europe.
So, if you think you might be needing furniture removals to France or beyond in the near future, look no further than us here at European Removal Experts.
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!
Understanding Foreign Culture
If you are looking to move abroad, then it is worthwhile taking some time to understand the culture of that country before you go. Doing so is not just about trying to fit in and not cause offence, but more importantly it is about understanding why certain customs exist and discovering what makes the place you are moving to so unique.
It will also help you to understand how their culture allows them to overcome problems that people living in the country might face, whether they be political, religious, environmental or educational. Understanding the culture will help you fit in, yes, but it will also help you make the most of your new life abroad right from the very start, as well as understanding the great aspects that give life there its true character.
For instance, for those moving to Belgium understanding its cuisine is very important. Whilst moving to Belgium offers one a chance to live amongst one of the most verbose nations in Europe, and one where language barriers will rarely be a problem, they are very passionate about food and certain things may easily offend when you are eating out.
For those moving to Holland, it is wise to remember that appearance is very important to the Dutch, with cleanliness being imperative and modesty an important asset. Shows of wealth or bragging will not find you in favour with the Dutch.
So whether you are moving to Holland or the furthest tip of Spain, take a while to understand the culture and you will find your new home much more inviting and rewarding.
Is Moving To Holland In Your Plans
Moving to Holland isn’t something you decide to do overnight. You should have given a lot of thought about the practicalities with moving to another country – whether you are moving to Holland or moving to Germany, the problems and obstacles you will face are pretty much the same – but by this stage you will have covered just about every aspect of the move.
Most of the issues you will face when you are moving to Holland can be dealt with by applying common sense, and when necessary, getting expert advice for the trickier aspects which may arise. As an EU member, there won’t be any problems regarding working in Holland, but this isn’t the case if you are thinking of moving to Switzerland, for example, where different rules apply to foreigners seeking work there.
One of the aspects of relocating to Holland where you may need expert advice is the move itself. The chances are you will be transporting all your furniture and other heavy items and valuables which you will not be able to carry in your car, so choosing the best removals company is important. European Removal Experts are the experts when it comes to transporting furniture and other household items. It doesn’t matter if you are moving to France, moving to Belgium or to any other country in Europe, they can assure you that your move will be a smooth one. European Removal Experts can also help you move home in Britain, so no matter where in Europe you are planning to move to, they are here to help.
Something in the Water?
Our phone rings – “Hi, I’m moving to Holland soon…” and we’re only too happy to help! “I’m moving to Holland…” enquires are amongst our most numerous requests. But just what is it with tulip country that’s causing all sorts of British folks – young, old, graduate, retiree – to make the jump to the nation of windmills?
Fitting in
Relocating to Holland is arguably one of the safest options in terms of culture shock. Roughly 12% of the Amsterdam’s population is made up of expats, making the expat community in Holland one of the most prolific in Europe.
Culture
The façade of windmills, clogs and tulips belies a thriving contemporary culture. The Dutch are people who LOVE their festivals! Everything from flowers and windmills to cycling and the Dutch locales themselves are lovingly honoured with upbeat festivals throughout the year. Art and music festivals such as the wonderful “Festival aan de Werf” in Utrecht are well-run, safe and attracting more patrons every year.
Work and Study
Moving to the Netherlands for educational purposes is a huge trend amongst the UK’s high school and university graduates. Similarly, increasing numbers of jobseekers are finding the Dutch balance between work and play all too irresistible!
Travel
They say travel broadens the mind. The reality for most folks is that they don’t want to stray TOO far from home. Nobody says you HAVE to love the country you’re born too though – Just look at Anglophile Gwyneth Paltrow, tennis ace Greg Rusedski, literary father Ernest Hemmingway or fabulous fashion designer Tom Ford!
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.
Belgium Dull? No Way!
If you are moving to Belgium, you’ve probably heard all the jokes about the country from your friends and family. Belgium has gained an unfortunate – and it has to be said – undeserved reputation for being a country with little going for it apart from sprouts and obscure Euro MPs.
The outburst from a British MEP just a couple of months ago, where he described Belgium as a ‘dull little country’ didn’t help the image, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Those who are moving to Germany don’t have to put up with the same jibes, so why does Belgium get such a bad press?
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it is a relatively new country, or the fact that the main language, Flemish, is impenetrable to those who don’t speak it. On the other hand, it may have something to do with the fact that the national sport is cycling, and the national dish is steak and chips, so we can safely assume that there is a certain amount of snobbery involved with this dismissal of Belgium.
The chances are you will be familiar with steak and chips, but if you are moving to Belgium and you’ve never seen world class cycle racing, then you are in for a treat. They really are mad about the sport, and crowds in excess of one million are not unusual at the country’s biggest race, The Tour of Flanders, which is held every April. So that is just one thing to look forward to if you are moving to Belgium!
Removals to Munich
The savvy approach to office moves
Having the right office is crucial if your firm is to succeed and so you might have decided that it’s time to up sticks and head to new premises. Perhaps your current working space is too costly, or maybe it’s the wrong size. Alternatively, maybe you want to relocate to be in a more convenient location or to be closer to your customers.
Whatever the reason for your transition, it’s important that you approach it in a sensible way. If mishandled, office moves can have disastrous consequences.
Shifting your stuff
Running a company isn’t easy at the best of times and when you have to cope with the added stress and inconvenience of relocating, you might really find you’ve got your work cut out for you.
Rather than trying to arrange the movement of your furniture and other items yourself, it may therefore pay off to bring in the professionals. Here at European Removal Experts, we are experts when it comes to office removal and may be perfectly placed to assist you.
Leaving this task to specialists like us means you can get on with the other important jobs facing you. In contrast, if you were to attempt to transfer your possessions unaided, you might find you’re distracted from crucial issues facing your business.
Minimising damage
Also, because we have plenty of experience when it comes to removal packing services, we’re better able to minimise the risk of damage to your possessions. This could save you stress and hassle. Also, by taking advantage of our insurance policies, you can rest assured you won’t be left out of pocket.
Planning ahead
As well as booking the relevant removals companies in Woodford Green or wherever you’re based, there are other things to plan.
For example, ahead of your move, you’ll need to inform your customers and any organisations you have dealings with about what is happening and provide them with your new contact details. If you don’t, you risk missing out on trade, compromising customer care and getting into bureaucratic difficulties.
Minimising downtime
Another issue to bear in mind is how long it will take you to get set up in your new working environment. Ideally, you want to keep downtime to an absolute minimum. To help ensure this is the case, it’s worthwhile making sure you’ll be able to get your phones and computers operating swiftly once you arrive in your new office.
What your office says about you
Meanwhile, before you sign any contracts concerning office leases, it’s a good idea to consider what the premises say about your firm. Attractive and modern working spaces give the impression that your organisation is professional and optimistic about the future.
In contrast, poky and unattractive offices can really put potential customers, investors and workers off and consequently have a negative impact on your long-term prospects. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for you to choose from these days, so you shouldn’t struggle to find premises that tick each and every one of your boxes.
Which Countries Speak Your Language?
For some, a move abroad is both exciting and scary. Over time you will almost certainly find yourself becoming bi-lingual, if not multi-lingual. But for those who speak only their native tongue before they move, the idea of finding themselves unable to communicate at all with those around them can be quite daunting.
So if you are looking to move abroad, it is worth knowing which European countries are most likely to be able to help you out and speak your language whilst you are still struggling with theirs.
Moving to Germany may be the best idea for those not wanting to find themselves lost for words in their new home. Surprisingly, Germany has almost the same number of English speakers as Britain itself, with 59% of its population fluent in English. Moving to Germany therefore means that more than every other person you meet will be able to speak your language and in turn help you to learn theirs.
Moving to Holland is also a great move for those who want to experience a new country but don’t want to feel completely cut off from the English language. Moving to Holland, you will find a massive 87% of people able to speak English. With a much lower population than Germany that means that there aren’t as many English speakers, but a much higher percentage, meaning that almost everyone you meet will be able to help you out if you are struggling with their language.
Belgium and France also have huge numbers of English speaking residents, so you really are spoilt for choice.