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.
Living Abroad Can be ‘Addictive’
Moving to Germany, moving to Switzerland or heading to any other country can be a rewarding experience, it has been noted.
According to a Shelter Offshore article, there is something enchanting about living abroad.
It stated: “The one thing that is … universally true is that when you’re established abroad you discover that most of your fellow expats feel the same as you, and almost no one is in any rush to return to the UK.
“I would even go as far as to say that ‘once an expat, always an expat’ because there really is something addictive about living abroad.”
The news piece went on to claim that once an individual has gone through the challenge of establishing a new life abroad, they know they could do it again if necessary.
“This puts fire in the expat belly and inspires them to move forward and never look back,” it stated.
The article went on to suggest that those who are thinking of moving to Germany, moving to Switzerland or to anywhere else should be warned there may be no going back because once they are in a foreign country, they will discover the “grass really can be greener”.
However, it went on to note that it takes a particular kind of person to make the transition successfully. They have to want to do it, the news provider noted.
When individuals make the decision to live in another country, there are many issues they must deal with before setting off. For example, they will need to sort out accommodation, research the area they will be staying in and make sure all their tax and other financial affairs are in order.
Also, it is advisable for them to take note of the healthcare services available in the area and, if they have children, to find out what sort of educational facilities are available.
Holland’s Hidden Gems
The Netherlands is one of the most unique and memorable holiday destinations on the whole planet – let alone Europe. Therefore, anybody that decides to take the plunge by moving to Holland, will find that they are never stuck for amazing places to visit and things to do!
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a famous holiday destination. Whilst it may have a reputation for stag weekends and red light districts there is actually much more to the city than this, making it one of the most culturally fascinating locations on the planet. For example, you might want to chill out in one of Amsterdam’s many coffee houses, or take a boat ride on one of its famous canals.
Anyone moving to Holland will never be more than a couple of hours train ride from the capital. However, whilst Amsterdam might be the cultural heart of the Netherlands, Holland is much more than its capital, and there is plenty to do and see outside of Amsterdam.
For example, if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam but still want to experience a city that is quintessentially Dutch, then you’ll absolutely love Utrecht, which is a favourite holiday destination amongst the natives. It is an especially idyllic destination for anybody that loves history, and as the oldest city in Holland and the former imperial residence, it is a destination that is absolutely packed with cultural and historical intrigue – an absolute must visit for anybody relocating to Holland.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, and Holland is a country that is gull of things to see and do for all tastes, and anyone lucky enough to be moving to Holland will encounter a unique country that their bound to fall in love with!
How to prepare your children to move to Belgium
If you have decided that you and your family will be moving to Belgium in the near future you may be concerned on how best to prepare your children for this upheaval. You should anticipate that a new environment may be difficult to cope with at first for any child. For this reason it is good practice to ease them into the idea gently early on.
As a country, Belgium is one of the most children friendly, welcoming children from other countries into their culture and lifestyle. It is true that by relocating to Belgium, you are giving your children access to an exceptional quality of education, but you need to find one that suits a child’s individual needs. Researching and discussing schools before hand will help greatly.
The language barrier in Belgian schools can be determined by 3 languages; Dutch, German or French. It is worth looking into the prerequisites of these languages for your child to fully benefit. Parents are also expected to be more actively involved in educating their children in Belgium which may make the transition easier.
Involve your children with all aspects of the move and they will become familiar and accustomed to the idea easier. Removals to Belgium are easy to organise and children will be more inclined to accommodate the idea of moving if they have control over what they take. Allow them to help pack and try to make it as fun and exciting as possible.
Avoid Delays When You Move to Europe – Get Expert Help
Sometimes people get the itch to leave the UK and move abroad after a holiday somewhere sunny like Spain or Portugal. In some cases, a new job or a promotion might mean a stint somewhere exotic overseas or just a short hop away in Europe. Even if you are only relocating just over the channel, moving to Belgium or moving to Holland and you’re only a short boat or plane ride away, it won’t all be plain sailing. Remember you’re going to have to adapt to a whole new country with its quirks, traditions, legal system, language and culture.
In some parts of Europe you can find well established expat communities. Anyone moving to southern Europe to escape the harsh winters and inconsistent summers of the north will find plenty of Brits who have already done the same thing. This will help you to adjust, but don’t get too caught up in the expat scene or you might you not get to explore and enjoy life among the locals. In some countries it’s pretty different. Moving to Belgium or moving to Holland for example, you won’t find so many expats, but at least the natives speak pretty good English. Don’t use this as an excuse not to make an effort though with the local languages. You’ll get far more respect and enjoy a much richer experience by doing so.
Wherever you’re thinking about moving to in Europe, you’re going to need to find a removal company that can help you with the logistics of getting your belongings out to your new home. It’s a lot more complicated than just moving domestically. Shipping goods and possessions across international borders requires additional planning and paperwork. Specialist international removers can help you with the whole moving process, from packing up, through the form filling, to safe delivery of your possessions at the other end. Don’t leave anything to chance. The last thing you want is endless delays as you try to start your new life abroad.
Moving to Dortmund
Trust European Removal Experts To Deliver On Promises And Furniture
There is naturally a huge stress associated with moving house. Paperwork, family, goodbyes, packing and heaving all contribute to the stress and underlying excitement, it has to be said. Now imagine moving country and all of this can be multiplied by ten, particularly when you want to take all of your furniture along with you. It can take many years, even decades, to build up this furniture that you have come to love so it may not be viable o leave it behind. This might include heavy, delicate objects like pianos and antiques or electronics that can be easily damaged like TVs or computers. There should be no obligation on you to leave all of this stuff in the United Kingdom and with a company like European Removal Experts on your side, it can be a formality.
We specialise in removals to Europe that could allow you to keep all of your most beloved, perhaps irreplaceable furniture for a very cost-effective price. We can give you great rates on full or part loads, so you needn’t worry too much about having so much another haulage vehicle is required. We can move your belongings from your doorstep in the United Kingdom right to your new doorstep in France all with guarantees and accreditations in place so you can put your full trust in us as a company that can take the hassle out of moving country. We are a member of the Removers and Storers which automatically means that we can offer you some of the best protection packages available. All of this is based around quality of service where your experience is placed at the forefront of our operation. In other words, none of your belongings should arrive in France broken, damaged, lost or stolen. Furniture removals to France can be treacherous at the best of times, but with a Compulsory Membership to the Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme, an Independent Annual Inspection, numerous reports and Ombudsman Scheme Approved Complaints Procedures and Quality Monitoring Practices, there is enough in place to give you the confidence that we can deliver on our promises!
We also offer storage services if your moving home UK-France service is delayed or you otherwise have nowhere to store your furniture. What puts us ahead of much of the competition is that you can take advantage of our 2 weeks Long and Short Term Storage offer, before or after collection. There may be a handling charge but it is well worth it considering that this could get you some important breathing space.
When you do eventually move, the only way to travel is through the Eurotunnel. This provides the smoothest trip with none of the risks that come associated with ferries. This means no freak weather conditions that could delay the process. Moving should rightfully be a period of great anticipation and excitement, affording you the time to dedicate to your family and friends who you may be leaving behind. Simply check our site for a free instant quote on your big move.
Making Removals To Italy Simple
Romantic Italy
Italy is a beautiful place to move to and no matter where you are in the country it is full of distinctive architecture and lots of history. A move to Italy can really make for a change of pace that many people long for, or even want to return to after having been in the United Kingdom. Our European removals service is one of the best options for getting all of your belongings back to Italy, no matter whether you are in the South, the midlands or the North of either country. We strive to provide you with quality European removals that can allow you to forget about all of the minutiae that comes with packing belongings.
Any Size Any Time
Many people worry about the size of the objects in their homes, from the small to the large. We have an adaptable service however and can provide piano removals to Italy as well as for only a few boxes of items. We treat everything with absolute care and never treat anybody’s personal belongings as we wouldn’t treat our own. This means absolute respect for privacy and the delicacy of what you are taking. If you are transporting delicate objects like furniture or antiques, it is always best to advise us prior. If you have special requirements for certain belongings these can be arranged beforehand, or alternatively, you can provide any protective packaging and simply notify the driver of the item.
Quality And Care
Each of our drivers is insured to provide the quality removals Italy deserves. This means having thousands of hours of road time across Europe as well as extensive experience regarding traffic, directions and even breakdowns. We are covered across this zone as well, so even if the worst does happen, we can call for help and get things moving again in super-quick time. Unlike other removal companies we will not leave you wondering what is going on and will strive to provide you with a quality of service that gives you the peace of mind to relax on your travels. Of course, your belongings may travel by road but you can travel by air and be sure that your belongings will arrive at the time we say. As members of the Removers And Storers, we always strive to provide you with this level of service.
Extra Help
If you are wanting to store your belongings for a period before moving, then we can offer some unsurpassed deals. We won’t charge you for up to 2 weeks of storage, which can buy you some all important time before or even after collection. Long term storage is typically offered in London and is very competitively priced. If you find that you don’t have enough, or the right type of boxes or packing options at your disposal, we can also offer these. We also use the Eurotunnel to ensure the greatest likelihood that we won’t be held up by bad weather or transport issues beyond our control.
Things to take with you when moving
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.
You Don’t Have to be Wealthy to Live in Switzerland
If you are relocating to Switzerland, you will probably have heard some of the myths surrounding the country. One of these is that only the super rich can afford to live there, and while tax rates differ across the country which means that wealthy people can apply to different regions for their tax status, there are opportunities for us ‘ordinary’ people as well.
Having said that, many celebrities such as Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Lewis Hamilton, Shania Twain, Roger Moore, Yoko Ono and Michael Schumacher have all lived in the country at some point. The friendly tax system is perhaps the main reason which saw them moving to Switzerland, but there are other reasons for moving to this wonderful country, for example the relative lack of crime and the high standard of living.
Lets move away from the rarified atmosphere of the super rich celebrity and look at what Switzerland means for the rest of us. The good news for us mere mortals is that if your company is moving to Switzerland from the UK and you have been offered the chance to continue with your job, you can move to live and work in Switzerland relatively easily. Switzerland is not in the EU which means that it does not have the same rules relating to relocation, so you need to be aware of the process for moving to Switzerland well in advance of your starting date. But keep positive and remember that if you have a job offer, you should be able to get a visa which makes moving to Switzerland a lot easier.
5 Reasons Everyone Should Live Abroad Once
We specialise in moving to Holland, Germany and a bunch of other culturally rich European countries. Here are our top five reasons every person should spend at least a little of their life living continental!
1. Culture is obviously the first thing that springs to mind. Think of the difference between Edinburgh and Devon, Liverpool and Oxford, Rowen (a tiny village in North Wales) and London! Experiencing different culture can open your eyes to the world in a unique way.
2. Expanding your career horizons. Experiencing different cultures isn’t just for students and the super-rich. With a little planning and dedication it’s possible for pretty much anyone to find a job abroad. It may even be a step down the career ladder, but in terms of adding interest to your CV, living abroad depicts a superb strength of character.
3. The thrill of the unknown. Call it “fear” if you like. The thrill/fear of relocating to Germany etc. is something that can be incredibly beneficial in life. Not everyone is OK with getting out of their comfort zone, but even something like a few months relocating to Belgium can have an astounding effect on confidence and mindset.
4. Culinary exploration. Maybe you’re already a well-fed food aficionado, but if you’re more the pie ‘n’ chips type, living another culinary lifestyle can be a wonderful adventure!
5. Appreciating home. Sure, it rains a lot in the UK and our sports teams are frequently embarrassed, but true appreciation for all things British is certainly a wonderful side to living abroad. You’ll be surprised what you miss most!