(Vocus/PRWEB ) February 27, 2010 — Since 1991, FlatRate moving company has set themselves apart from the rest. They developed a totally new concept offering customers an all-inclusive, guaranteed, one-price move in order to eliminate the questionable pricing practices inherent to the moving industry, while at the same time providing quality service at competitive prices to their customers in New York. In 2005, due to their success and from this simple concept, they branched out to California with locations in Los Angeles and another in Oakland and since then have become the most recommended mover in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

“Priding themselves on unbeatable service and a steady stream of customer referrals, Los Angeles movers, Flat Rate Moving Systems” first shaped the moving industry with their revelatory yet simple business concept: flat rate, top service. With highly trained movers and specialized trucks and equipment, Flat Rate has set new standards for the New York moving business since 1991. In 2005, they expanded their operation nationwide to include branches in California and have since set new standards for the moving industry in California.

FlatRate has become a household name in the California moving business due of their top-of-the-line technology, equipment, knowledgeable staff and manpower. Every move is treated differently because every situation is unique. Location, date, time, floor, and whether or not there are stairs or elevators are all factors taken into consideration when giving an obligation free quote and planning a move. With their nationwide network of FlatRate office and trucks, they are able to not just plan a move but also provide a window for delivery for all long distance jobs as soon as the customer books a pick up date. Best of all, the guaranteed moving quotes are always accurate. As their name suggests, the rates at FlatRate are flat and all-inclusive. There won’t be any surprises coming to you at the end because the rates are honest and accurate. They’ll ask you all of the pertinent questions in the beginning to ensure that customers get their quote right the first time around.

FlatRate Moving and storage’s meticulous and careful attention to residential and commercial relocation keeps customers returning for all their moving needs. Not only does Flat Rate avoid hidden costs with their all-inclusive, guaranteed pricing, the company also takes great care to ensure that all of your furniture and possessions arrive perfectly safe and within a reasonable time frame for all long distance moves. On their website www.flatrate.com, you can read about their customers experiences.

Flat Rate has proven that “Los Angeles Moving” no longer has to be synonymous with “stressful.” Customers say this moving company’s professionalism, competitive prices, courtesy and staff diligence all help Flat Rate live up to their name. Let New York and now Los Angeles’s most recommended movers take care of you, as this company is obviously “moving” in the right direction.

Special services

Fine Arts Storage - For both institutions and private collectors, care and storage of artwork has to be handled by professionals, who are bonded against damages and are used to dealing with objects of value. Custom crating will almost certainly be required to move the artwork safely, with padding and packing materials that are suited to the piece.

Moving Los Angeles Guide - Information and resources that will help you make your relocation cost effective, efficient, and even pleasant.

moving San Francisco - FlatRate performs local and interstate moves. So whether you’re searching for Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego movers, we’ve got you covered. We strive to provide superior service and obsessive attention to detail during every move, no matter how large or small it may be.

For more information on this company, visit their website at www.flatrate.com or call 213-404-1080.

The first step is to take a step back and examine everything. One of the first things you need to realize is that all of the conveniences you have at your home might not be readily available to you. So when you’re moving overseas, you need to know what services will be at your disposal. After you know what’s available to you, you’ll be able to be comfortable from the moment you move in. However, if you can’t really appreciate things like the food, entertainment options, culture, and the weather, then you’re probably not going to like it.

That’s not to say you won’t experience some initial culture shock. And let’s be honest, you’re going to have a bad day every now and then. Once that bad day passes, you’ll be able to go back to enjoying your new home. It’s important that you don’t feel like a stranger in your new location, so you really want to get out there and make sure you enjoy the overall culture of your location.

Step One: What’s being moved and what is being left behind

Whether you’re moving overseas permanently or short-term, the first step you need to take is to go through everything you own and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. It is important that you do this before you arrange for the moving company to come in and make a quote. If there are items you will use up to the last minute but will not take with you, mark them clearly, so your moving consultant knows not to include them in the space requirements or quotation.

The next stage depends on whether you are moving permanently or on a temporary basis. Temporary moves may mean that you can leave items behind in self storage facilities. However, it is always important to consider what items are time-relevant i.e. if you’re storing your children’s toys and they will be three years older when you return, it’s not really worth the expense of storing these items.

Permanent moves will require a good hard look at what you own, love and don’t really need anymore. You can save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars by taking a realistic approach when sorting through your belongings. After a few overseas moves and quite some domestic I take the approach that if it’s not sentimental and I haven’t used it for more than two years - it’s time to say goodbye.

When deciding on what to take with you, you will need to get a good idea of the type of accommodation that will be available to you in your destination country. You may be leaving a house with good square footage to move into a much smaller apartment. In Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and parts of the Middle East accommodation rates are at a premium and you may not have the budget to acquire the same space you have now.

If you need to leave some of your furniture and belongings behind, or want to store your belongings while you work out the logistics in your new country - try self storage units and facilities. Your moving company may have this service available or you may find a reasonably priced local self storage company who can help you with your requirements.

Lastly, take the time to research the customs website of your destination country. Some may have restrictions or warnings about the types of goods that will require inspection (adding costs) and possibly fumigation. For example, if you are taking plastic containers overseas and also have a large amount of wooden furnishings you may be subject to fumigation at the receiving port. Plastic absorbs the chemicals from the fumigation and will not be suitable to hold any future food products.

Step Two: Logistics of your move overseas

You will need to engage a moving company; your best option is to work with one that can also arrange for customs clearance and delivery at your destination. Many companies have overseas affiliates or subsidiaries making the transition of your belongings less impeded.

Work with a company who has experience with your destination country, each country has their own customs regulations and you need someone who can advise you from experience. Also ask if they can arrange the insurance for your belongings.

The next stage will be to have an agent from the moving company come in and assess the space you will require i.e. part of, full use of either a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller loads, usually the moving company can arrange for your goods to share a container with someone else who has space - saving you money.

For both insurance and documentary purposes you will need to prepare a full inventory of all the belongings you are moving. This comes down to counting how many CD’s, DVD’s, books etc you own. Along with the quantities you will also need to assess the value of each of these items so that you can ensure the insurance will cover the worst case scenario.

Note that fridges and freezes are not recommended to be moved overseas. Electrical items may not be insured, especially the more fragile items such as TV’s and stereo systems. Check with your insurer and your moving company.

During your inventory process, it is a good time to decide whether you need to airfreight any items for immediate use, pack certain more valuable and fragile items in your suitcases or take another serious look at just how much stuff you’re keeping. Remember also that you can use the option to use a self storage unit or keep belongings with family and friends (who don’t mind looking after them).

Step Three: Moving day

Warning never take logic for granted! You will not be able to move food overseas so ensure that you have already removed all of these types of items before the packers arrive. Secondly, check your house and ensure that all teapots, coffeepots, jugs, plant pots etc are all empty of their contents. It has been known for packers to pack these items complete with liquid and contents inside.

Mark clearly any items that you do not want to be packed or even better move them all to one room, garage or location with a sign saying that they are not to be packed.

If you are allowed to pack your belongings you will need to ensure that the packing meets shipping standards. A handy tip is to mark the boxes with the type of destination room you want them to go in, i.e. study, “tommys room”, storage etc. When you’re ready to receive your belongings at the other end post signs on the doors of the receiving rooms i.e. study, “tommy’s room”, storage.

Items such as towels, blankets and sheets make great padding and protection for more fragile belongings. If you are doing the packing you can follow a simple rule - heaviest items on the bottom, most fragile on the top with a good thickness of padding between the sides, bottom and top of the boxes. Lastly, remember that a person at some stage is going to carry the boxes - 40kg of books in one box is not advisable!

With some planning, logical and preparation your move overseas can be made a lot simpler. There will be so many logistical items you will be working on to make the move, so it’s important you contract a moving company that can remove as many headaches as possible.

Do Your Research
By learning everything you can about your new country, you can best prepare your family for becoming acclimated to your new surroundings. Your local library is an obvious but often overlooked place to begin your research. Your library (or local bookstore) will have plenty of resources to learn more about your new country, its customs, and language. If English is not spoken in your new country, are your language skills good enough to get by? If you need to brush up on your skills or learn a new language entirely, your best bet is to purchase audio tapes that will allow you to use your time most efficiently. You can listen to tapes and practice while in your car, at the gym, or while relaxing in your home. Besides language, you may want to research local customs, practices, or even local cuisine found in your new destination. Next, locate your embassy in your destination country. The local embassy or consulate will be able to answer any questions you may have and give you advice on visas, customs, inoculations and their specific requirements. Last but not least, contact expatriate groups in your new country or speak with other families that either live or have lived in your destination city. Many cities will have a local expatriate club whose members can help ease your transition by offering valuable advice and help you get involved in local social events and functions.

Packing Tips
Because of the nature of an overseas move, quality packing will be of utmost importance to ensure that your belongings arrive safely in your new destination. It is strongly recommended that you allow the professional movers to pack all your household belongings. Furthermore, your International Moving Specialist can advise you on what to pack and what not to pack. For example, there may be restrictions on the type and quantity of goods you can bring. Many countries prohibit certain products from entering their country, such as agricultural goods. Next, take some time to find out which appliances will work in your new home. Because different countries operate with different voltages and plug types, your electronics may need some sort of adapter. If possible, consider storing your larger appliances or selling them. This will save you the hassle of using adapters, and the money you make can be used towards purchasing new appliances. Finally, it is highly recommended that you purchase additional insurance on your international shipment. With the help of your International Moving Specialist, take a detailed inventory of all your belongings complete with a precise valuation for each item. Because your belongings have a long journey ahead and may travel on various types of vessels, even the smoothest move may result in some damage. Insurance will protect you from suffering losses during the shipping process.

Preparing to move internationally can be a challenging task. By researching your move and getting organized ahead of time, you can successfully manage the stress of moving and enjoy this exciting and rewarding experience.

Sometimes they’re just fed up with the area where they live, the people they work or associate with, themselves for staying there too long, the quality of life or lack thereof, and they want out of Dodge NOW.

Astrology is one perspective on finding your best city, location, or place here or overseas. It’s not the only one. I want to point that out. Checking your daily horoscope for entertainment is one thing, making a major life change - that’s another story.

This article is from notes taken just recently from a conversation between relocation astrologer Cait Benten - that’s me - and my friend Christine Troward.

Cait, what can people expect from a relocation astrology reading?

When you contact me, I know you want to find your best city or location in which to work, have a successful career, perhaps start a home based business, raise your family in safety, or retire and so one of the first questions I’m usually asked is, “What is relocation astrology? What is it you do?”

What information do you need to do a relocation astrology reading?

Relocation astrology begins with your birth chart - what we astrologers call your natal chart. Where were you born? What was the EXACT time of your birth. Check your birth certificate. I spend long hours moving your birth chart to find what appears to be your best places in the world to live. It’s a long, exacting, and tedious process, and it takes many hours to find the best places that are a match to your natal chart.

What about those inexpensive computer programs? What are their limitations?

A computer program isn’t going to find what I’m looking for when I work on your astrology chart. There are too many variables and computer programs aren’t intuitive. This is why I interview you and ask what you’re looking for in your life, all this happens before I begin your astrology reading which I record and send to you. You listen, then we follow that up with a session where you ask me all your questions.

As I understand it, your astrology readings don’t tell people they have to move to a certain place to be successful.

I’ll tell you up front that even your most favorable location will present its own unique set of challenges. Oh that life were perfect! Before you visit or move to a certain place, I’ll encourage you to count the costs.

Relocation astrology is not about packing up and moving merely because I tell you “This appears to be your most favorable location.” I’ll encourage you to COUNT THE COSTS before you move. Are you ready for what will be a major life change? Each move I’ve ever made has required a settling in and adjustment period and I’m sure this will also be true for you.

Moving requires a lot of planning and thought before packing your things and going somewhere, doesn’t it? Moving becomes even more complicated if you’re moving overseas, although more and more Americans are retiring overseas.

You’ve moved now! Getting settled into your new area is only the first phase of many new things to deal with including a decision that may include purchasing a home, registering your vehicles, finding where schools are located, and it’s so much easier if, when you move, you already have a job lined up, unless you’re retired. If retired, how much are you going to miss seeing your children or grandchildren? Some handle this issue better than others.

Do you use Astrocartography or Vedic Relocation astrology in your work? I notice lots of people like to have their Astrocartography chart done.

I know both systems but over the years I’ve incorporated the best techniques I’ve come across. I rely on my intuition and higher wisdom though when looking at a difficult chart. That’s the only way to break through what seems like insurmountable obstacle in a person’s astrology reading.

Do you ever get the sense people want you to make the decision about what they do for them?

I won’t do that and neither will any other reputable relocation astrologer. Check my disclaimer page at http:www.astro-earth-relocation.com and you’ll see where I’m honest in telling you that “WHEREVER we move our Flatrate travel with us.” Some people, more than others, will need medical, financial, and emotional counseling and I urge you to use these professional resources if your life situation requires such assistance.

The other day a woman said to me, “I want you to send us to a place where my husband doesn’t do drugs any more.” I pleasantly but firmly had to tell her “Your husband makes his own choices in life. I refuse to be responsible for whether your marriage does or does not work.”

As a relocation astrologer I’ll tell you that our lives, no matter where we live, become what we determine to make of them. The wonderfulness of an area is dependent on you and how you treat others as much as how they treat you. Wherever you go, there you are.

A new location, however, may provide you with a new lease on life. Maybe it is time, after all these years, to get out of Dodge City and find a place you appreciate and where you are appreciated.

Do you find that some people are set in their ways and resist any suggestions, which is what they are, suggestions only, that you see as a good location to in their chart.

When you call me for a relocation astrology session I’ll use everything I know to help you find your best place or city. I’ve had a handful of clients who, after I searched and searched for days finding a match for them based on the movement of their natal or birth chart would say, “I don’t like that place.” “My children won’t like it.” My husband says the people in Tucson aren’t friendly.” I’ve heard people make judgments about places they’ve never been to, a case of being too opinionated about areas they know nothing about.

It’s odd to hear a relocation astrologer admit this but there have been a handful of people I’ve done astrology charts for and there is NO one best place for them to live and I’ve told them that. Maybe there’s a second or third best place where they would have a very good life, so just know I’ll be honest with you about my findings.

If I tell you Santa Barbara looks favorable based on your natal or birth chart and you say, “Not Santa Barbara,” or “Oh no, not Austin, Texas,” then, after I’ve pointed out all your best geographical areas I’ll say “Use your intuition then. There are no other places I know to send you.”

Why do you think relocation astrology is a valuable tool, even though you’ve told me on other occasions that it is only one of many tools that might be helpful to a person looking for that next place to call home?

Even though I’m a little more expensive than some other astrologers, I’ve been unbelievably busy since starting Astro-Earth-Relocation five years ago, so I don’t solicit or advertise for clients any more.

Reputation is everything?

It helps, but you only build a reputation by doing great work for your clients. Most of my business is now word-of-mouth recommendations from former clients.

Do you tell people they must move to find success or love, make money, or be happy?

No. Nor do I tell them they have to make this move by such and such date. I do tell my clients to ask themselves, “What would happen if you were happy now and didn’t move at all? Would that disappoint you?” Some people are restless for change. That’s not a good reason move. Happiness is an inside job; you have to provide your own inner cabin pressure no matter where you live.

I’ll close my article about relocation astrology, which I do hope you’re curious enough to try, just to experience this kind of unique astrology reading, with a quote from my friend James Clayton Napier uses to open his marvelous article Business & Career: Know Your Ruling Star which you can read on the web:

“Know your Ruling Star. One man [or woman] is better received by one nation than another, or is one welcome by one city than another. He finds more luck in one office or position than in another, and all though his qualifications are equal or even identical. Let each man know his luck as well as his talents. Follow your guiding star and help it without mistaking any other for it. Know how to transplant yourself. There are nations with whom one must cross their borders to make one’s value felt.”

The article that you are reading and the ones that are placed alongside will lay all your worries to rest, because we have in place excellent tools, tips, suggestions, and guidelines which will tell you how you could move to your new apartment or office without any stress. In fact you might just enjoy the process of moving!

It is better to let the professionals and moving experts (Flatrate),  handle the process of moving. When you hire a Flatrate moving company, you will get quality service at a good price. Having said that, you also need to think about your budget. After considering how much money you can afford to spend on a mover you can think about the various services you would want a mover to complete for your move. If you have a higher budget you might want a company that can do just everything for you, but if you are on a strict budget you might only require a company that will load, move and unload while you perform all the packing and inventories. Your budget will help you decide what type of services you need.

We can help your move locally, do cross-country moves or even move internationally. We would help you find out the right kind of moving companies which are familiar with your area, and are also equipped with the expertise to move your belongings on time. The moving companies that will give you the quotes are the ones that are qualified and abide by the state and federal regulations. You can get free, no obligation quotes and estimates from auto transport companies, moving companies, international movers, self moving services, storage etc.

To make your choice in finding a moving company, ask others around you who have used such services. This is one of the best aids in finding a moving company that does the job, does the job well and on time. If you don’t know anyone who has used a moving company before, we also have a few other great tips and ideas for you.

To enhance your moving experience and also help you move with diligent planning, we have also provided specialized moving guides, storage guides, packing guide and overseas moving guide, replete with tips on how you could take care of your belongings when you move. All in all, we have included everything that you would need right from selecting a moving company to getting the best out of it.

Understandably, it seems like a complicated process. However, with the help of a full service auto transport service, the process is fairly simple and stress-free. If you’ve never shipped a car overseas before, this article will provide an overview about your car’s upcoming journey.

Types of Overseas Transports

The first leg of your car’s journey is the trip from your home to the port. If the port is close you can drive it yourself. If it is farther away, you will probably have the auto transport company handle that part of the journey as well.

Once your car arrives at the dock it will be shipped one of three ways: flatrate.com, in a 20-foot container, or in a 40-foot container.

Flatrate.com is commonly used for short trips. For example, it is the most common. The ship is basically a large car ferry. Your vehicle is driven aboard and parked along with many other vehicles. Upon arrival, it is driven out onto the dock. Flatrate.com  service is usually cheaper than container shipping. However it is also less safe and your vehicle is more likely to be damaged. This shipping method covers the car itself. There is no provision for shipping any personal belongings.

A 20-foot shipping container is a safer method of auto transport. The car is loaded into a standard shipping container, secured so it doesn’t move during the trip, then the container is brought aboard the ship. Most of the time these smaller containers will fit only the car itself. If there is room in the container some shippers will allow you to ship personal belongings as well.

The best solution for shipping both your vehicle and household items is a 40-foot shipping container. The other items are loaded in first then a wooden bulkhead is placed in the container to separate these items from the car. The vehicle is driven into the container and secured as above. This shipping method is safer for both the car and your other belongings but is likely to be the most expensive shipping method.

Other Details of Overseas Auto Transport

Overseas transport is going to be more expensive than typical ground car shipping. Shipping will incur port fees at the destination. If shipping to another country, you will have to pay that country’s tariffs. Finally, your insurance will almost certainly not cover your vehicle during the trip. You will need to purchase maritime insurance which generally costs 1%-3% of the price of the vehicle.

International shipping has stricter documentation requirements. You will need the original title to the vehicle and may need other documentation depending on the destination. An experienced international auto transport company (Flatrate), will be able to help you with the details so that you can get everything prepared before your move.

For some people, the excitement of moving overseas can come to a screeching halt when you start trying to figure out how you’re going to pack up the life you’ve built here, and move it to an entirely different country. But it isn’t as complicated as it may seem.

For the smoothest moving experience possible, it’s best to hire a removalist company to pack your home for you. A professional removalist company knows how to pack delicate, breakable and expensive items for air transport or for a long ocean voyage. The removalist company will be able to work with you to decide which items or how many shipping containers you want sent to your new home via air transport, and which items can take longer to ship or can’t be sent at a reasonable cost on an airplane. They will also be able to tell you about potentially flammable or corrosive items that you may not think of that can’t legally be transported by a removalist company overseas, such as batteries, garden and household chemicals and even some beauty products such as nail polish remover and aerosol containers.

Be sure you understand the customs information and procedures for your destination country in order to ensure that your items aren’t held up in customs when they arrive. Make sure all of the necessary forms are filled out, given to the proper people at the proper time and you have additional copies of everything just in case something is misplaced along the way. Be sure also that you have insured your items for an adequate amount in case something is damaged.

When your shipping containers arrive in your new country, they will be transported by railroad and/or truck to your new home, where the crates are opened and the boxes moved into your home. Be sure to examine your belongings for breakage or damage as soon as possible after they arrive so that any necessary insurance claims can be made in a timely manner.

Once you have gotten your belongings moved to your new country, you can begin enjoying your new home and all of the unique experiences you will have overseas.

Moving overseas requires much more than moving to another city or state, and can be quite daunting. Therefore the more you do in advance the better you adjust for living abroad.

Start by preparing a moving file with all required documents - Put inside the file receipts, notes, and important papers, such as: birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, medical and dental documents, school records, legal and financial documents, passports, etc. Place the file in a secure place to insure that it won’t get lost.

Start doing this as early as possible as it will take a while to gather all documents.

Start spreading the news about your plans to move abroad:

Speak to your dentist and doctor. Ask them for referrals (they might know doctors and dentists in your destination country). Make sure you have current vaccination records, and an adequate supply of medications on hand to get you by until you find a doctor in your host country. Notify your bank about your moving overseas, and make the appropriate financial arrangements with your bank. You might want to start searching for a new bank in the destination country. Notify your kids school teachers about your relocation abroad; ask for their assistance with your kids, and for a full school record.

Some points to think about

• Determine any documents will be needed by customs in your destination country such as titles, insurance certificates and bills of sale.
• Many agricultural products are prohibited from entering the US due to the fact they may contain insects and diseases that could pose a risk to crops, animals and people in the US. Many other countries also have this policy, and the list of what you can and cannot import varies from county to country. Contact the local embassy of the country you are moving to and they will able to answer any questions on customs and their specific requirements.
• There may be restrictions on the quantity and type of goods you can bring in to the country. Contact the local embassy of the country you are moving to and they will able to answer any questions on customs and their specific requirements.
• You may also contact the local embassy of the country you are moving and they will able to answer any questions on customs and their specific requirements.
• Many agricultural products are prohibited from entering the US due to the fact they may contain insects and diseases that could pose a risk to crops, animals and people in the US. Many other countries also have this policy however the list of what you can and cannot import varies from county to country and the local embassy will be able to provide you with this information.
• Contact the embassy of your destination country, and obtain all necessary legal information concerning your relocation, such as: visa requirement, custom laws, driving permit requirements, health insurance details, recommended vaccinations, etc’.
• Check with the embassy if you need to present any formal documents from your home country like - birth certificate, or driving license, and if they need to be notarized by a public Notary.

Those of you who are relocating to a country with a different language might need to translate all legal documents. It will also be a good idea to start learning the new language - it can sure help you to feel less foreigner in your new surrounding.

Do you own a house? What would you do with it while you are living abroad? would you rent it or sell it? Make sure to contact a real-estate agent and get ready to put it on the market enough time in advance.

If visiting your destination country before relocating overseas is not an option then it is recommended to gather all possible information about the country from the Internet, co-workers, embassies, etc’. Do not forget to check what is the electricity volt. This will enable you to decide whether to ship your appliances to the destination country, or to sell, store or donate them.

This brings us to shipping your household -

First find out who will be responsible for shipping your household to the destination country. If the company you are working for will be paying for the shipping charges that’s great. However make sure that your possessions are insured and what is exactly covered under the insurance policy.

If you are the one paying for all shipping charges then start checking moving cost with a few moving companies. Take your time, ask friends, colleagues and relatives for recommendations, and find the one that suits your needs and budget. You should also look for insurance programs that will cover your personal stuff during the transit.

Are you relocating overseas with kids?

Take the time to sit down with your kids, tell them about your relocation abroad, and describe the expatriate lifestyle. Give your kids as much information as you can, explain them honestly the reasons for your expatriation, and answer openly all their questions.

Are you planning on moving abroad with your pet?

If so, Make sure to check on possible quarantine and vaccination requirements at your destination country, and start searching for pet shipping services.

One last point - Do not forget to make the necessary travel plans for your expatriation - airline tickets, car rental and hotel reservations.

The most important thing - Although there are so many things to do, try to enjoy and have fun. This is a one in a life time adventure.

Are you interested in additional information about expats living? Would you like more tips and advice about moving with kids, overseas employment, and cultural differences? You can find this and much more at http://www.newyorkmovers.org/overseas-guide.htmмаси и столове

If you’re currently considering relocation overseas and thinking about whether you could survive a move abroad and personally benefit from expatriation then this article should help you get all the planning in place to make your decision that much easier.

1) Location x 3

Where in the world would you most like to go? What is it about moving abroad that appeals to you? Where in the world are you allowed to live and work and which countries can fulfill the dreams and aspirations that you have for a new life abroad? By asking yourself questions such as these you can do your location research accordingly and ensure that wherever in the world you decide to move to you will get access to the facilities and amenities you want and live the kind of lifestyle that you’re dreaming of.

2) Learn the Language

You will get far more out of a sojourn overseas if you make the effort to speak the local lingo. Consider taking language lessons before you go and then continue your training among native speakers once you relocate. You’ll find it seriously rewarding and by having a second language under your belt, chances are even more countries will begin to appeal to you where you can go and live and practice your new foreign language skills.

3) Finding a Home

Getting accommodation sorted out will be a priority when you move abroad. Even if you’re expatriating for good, consider renting real estate before committing to purchase so you can learn about which locations are best and which best match your own personal property preferences. You can often find short term rentals over the internet before you go and these will allow you to have a base from which to begin a proper hunt for the perfect home.

4) Keeping a Home

If you already own real estate in your original home country what are your plans for it while you’re away? Will you leave it empty, rent it out or even sell it. Your decisions may depend on whether your plans for a move abroad are temporary or permanent of course – but remember real estate is usually a great asset to hold on to but that your decision relating to what to do with your home will have a certain taxation implication, from income tax due on rent earned to capital gains tax due on a house sold.

5) Jobs Abroad

Are you planning on moving abroad to work – if so are you allowed to work in the country you’re planning to move to? Will you need permission to take employment, will your skills and experience be valued or even recognized abroad. How realistic is it that you will find well paying jobs abroad? You have to look into the realities of all these questions and ensure that you can work abroad and afford to live the lifestyle you want to live.

6) Taxing Issues

All countries have different tax systems and some countries like America seem to own their citizens in taxation terms no matter where in the world they live. Check out what rates of tax you will be paying overseas, make sure you won’t have to pay tax back home as well and ensure you’re not about to move to a country where tax is even higher than you pay currently – because where would the fun be in that!

7) Visas and Permissions

Will you require a visa to move to your chosen country before you even arrive or can you sort out residency and employment visas once on the ground? Ensure you know your legal obligations in terms of getting permission to enter and reside in a given country before you even set out, because if you fall foul of the rules and regulations you could be fined, imprisoned or sent back home.

Stay Healthy

Getting healthcare treatment abroad isn’t always as easy as you might think. Some countries have a poorly funded healthcare system and other nations don’t even treat those without insurance in place. Consider having a good international health insurance policy in place to cover you in all eventualities and which will ensure you receive the best standard of care available. Don’t mess with your health.

9) Embassies and Consulates

Your country will probably have an embassy or at least a consulate office in the country you’re moving to – sometimes the embassy is a grand building housing dignitaries, sometimes all there is is a lowly paid person in a small office somewhere – it doesn’t really matter, just ensure you know where the official representatives of your nation are located and register your presence in the given country with them. They will be there for you if ever you get into a difficult situation or if there are serious issues in the nation that you need to be made aware of.

10) Financial Planning

And finally – before you even consider packing up and shipping out make sure you have some money behind you to tide you over once you arrive and also a financial lifeline in case you ever need to get back home in a hurry! Financial planning is the most boring but most essential part of planning a move abroad. Get it right and you’ll have nothing to worry about and you can enjoy your new life – get it wrong and your new life abroad will be over before its begun as you’re forced to take a dead end job or even return back home and take up where you left off having left your dreams for a brand new life far behind you.

A Parent Crash Course Before Moving Abroad with a Third Culture Kid - An Olympic Effort