Thursday, 31 July 2008

Relocating to Portugal

When studies were carried out a few years ago into Britons and emigrating it was revealed that 5,000 Britons a week moved abroad permanently during 2005 and already there are over 50,000 Britons now living in Portugal after making the decision to pack up and leave for a new start. These 50,000 Britons are now enjoying all the benefits that Portugal has to offer such as the lower cost of living, better climate, relatively low crime rate and beautiful scenery.

Portugal also has a rich seafaring past, excellent beach resorts, quaint towns and a landscape covered in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. It is also home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites and has one of Europe's most relaxed and attractive capitals.

Portugal is most definitely a country which is on the up, with the population growing and a flourishing economy. While there are large areas of the country dedicated to tourism and holiday makers, there are climatic differences between the north and southern ends of the nation. However, on average it is still one of the warmest European states, perhaps one of the main reasons why the country is seeing net immigration grow with more Expats moving and living in Portugal.

Portugal has the 22nd largest economy in the world and has an average population of 10.6 million. Portugal is full of many reasons as to why people are now deciding to move over there to start a new life. The country has much to offer but if you are hoping to start a new life in this amazing country then you need to check all of the facts first to make sure that you fully understand what is involved within your move.

It has been said that moving is one of the most stressful things that we do and if you have ever undertaken the task then you know what I’m talking about so if you are thinking about moving abroad it must seem like a very daunting task. This is true but as long as you arm yourself with the right amount of research and information about everything that needs to be done and everything that is involved then your move should go smoothly.

If you have researched into it and you have made the decision that you would like to move over to Portugal then you will have a lot of things to sort out and in order to make sure that all of these things are taken care of you should start planning your move about a year, maybe more, in advance. Remember you have to find somewhere to live in Portugal as well as potentially finding a job but you also have to sell your property back here in the UK. On top of this you need to make sure your passport and drivers licence don’t need renewing and you have the task of sorting out your visa, which will allow you to become a resident within Portugal. You also need to find a removal company to ship you’re belonging over to Portugal.

Only when these things and much more have been taken care of will you be ready to make the move over to Portugal.

Helen is the web master of Overs International, specialists in all aspects of Removals to Portugal.

Removal Company for Removals to Portugal

Portugal stands as one of the most popular overseas locations for Britons moving abroad. It is geographically diverse and has a laid back attitude towards life so it’s no wonder that two million of us visit annually, many of which decide to stay over and make Portugal their new home.

Portugal is a country on the Iberian Peninsula. Located in south Western Europe, Portugal is the western most country of mainland Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal.

Portugal's economy is based on services and industry such as software and automotive. Business services have overtaken more traditional industries such as textiles, clothing, footwear, cork and wood products as well as beverages such as wine, beer, juice and soft drinks. The country has increased its role in the automotive, mold-making and software sectors. Services, particularly tourism, are playing an increasingly important role.

It comes as no surprise that more and more of us are now trading in our lives in the UK for a fresh start in this beautiful country. The weather is better, the lifestyle is relaxed and the people are friendly. If you are one of the many people who are hoping to move out of the UK for a new life in Portugal then there is a lot of planning to be done and there is a lot of research to be carried out.

The advantages of living in Portugal are extremely high and far outweigh the disadvantages; in fact I would suggest there are only two slight disadvantages, the first being the language is complicated and difficult to learn as most people struggle to get past the basics but you will find that English is widely spoken anyway. The second is that house prices can be extortionate as they have risen dramatically. These are however minor problems that are easily overlooked.

Moving abroad to any country is not something that can be done within a few weeks and moving to Portugal is no different. You need to have planned your move well in advance, at least up to a year as there are a lot that needs to be done. You have aspects to sort out both in the UK and over in Portugal as well as sorting out personal paperwork to do with your passport, visa and your job over in Portugal if you have one lined up. One other consideration that you have to make is how you are going to move all of your personal belongings and household items over to Portugal. You will need to enlist the help of a removal company in the UK who performs international moves.

Take your time when you are looking for a removal company to ship all of your belongings over to Portugal. You need a removal company who is established and who has a lot of experience in performing international moves to various parts of the UK.

Once you have found a removal company that you are happy with you should make arrangements to have your belongings shipped over to you so that it coincides with your flight over to Portugal.
Helen is the web master of Overs International, who are an established moving company with extensive experience in international moves, which includes moves over to Portugal.

Friday, 25 July 2008

Removals to Spain – making your relocation a reality

Whether you want to stay long or short term you have to have drive, determination and patience to make a life for yourself in Spain. Hot weather may be a good distraction and look like a reason to go but don’t just move for this reason alone! To fully understand how to successfully relocate to Spain you need to do your homework.

If you are one of the many people thinking about making a new life for yourself in Spain then you should be prepared for the slower lifestyle and the climate change that you will be facing; could you handle working in these temperatures?

Spain has quickly become one of the hottest spots in Europe for relocation and is now home to many foreign nationals, who make up a large proportion of the population. These foreign nationals are originally from countries such as France, UK, Germany and the US. There are many reasons why people decide to move to Spain; better jobs, way of life and cheaper living are just a few of the reasons that we are seeing more and more people relocating overseas and if you are reading this you are probably one of those people who are hoping to enlist the help of a removal company to take you and your possessions over to Spain.

Once you have sorted out the paper work associated with moving to Spain, such as visas, passports, and employment documents to name just a few, you are able to actually get on with preparing your move. Relocating to Spain however is a lot different to just packing up your stuff and moving a few towns away as you will be taking all of your household items and personal possessions overseas with you. Due to this fact it is a good idea to have a clearout, this way you will only be taking things that you actually need across to Spain. You should start to make a list of the items that you are willing to leave behind, which should be made up of items that you don’t really need to take with you when you move over to Spain. Anything that you need and most of what you want can be found in Spain. Of course, getting rid of your worldly goods is easier said than done. You’ve more than likely spent years collecting the objects that fill your home and all of these items will have its own history but if you want your removal to Spain to go smoothly it is advised that you ditch things you really don’t need.

Large items are defiantly the most expensive when it comes to your removal service to Spain and large items are pretty much your furniture, which is why if you don’t need it, ditch it and remember Spain has some beautiful, unique furnishings as well as an Ikea! So whatever you can’t take you will be able to find an alternative for it when you get to Spain.

Remember to investigate into the removal company that you are using to ship your belongings over to Spain and only enlist the help of a company who you fully trust and who has experience in international removals.

Helen is the web master of Overs International, specialists in all of your Removal to Spain needs.

Removals to Spain – how to make your move go without a hitch

Moving home, whether you are just moving down the street or to another city can be an exciting but stressful time; if you are moving abroad this excitement and stress is thrown onto a whole new level.

You need to make sure that your move takes place without problems and that everything goes according to plan on the day that it is meant to take place. To help you with all aspects of your move abroad there are certain things that you can do such as coordinating you’re flight with your movers’ relocation schedule so that you get to Spain roughly the same time as your possessions. You should also book your flights and your removals company as early in advance as you can as this will save you a lot of hassle when it comes to you actually relocating to Spain.

Your relocation company is one of the most important aspects to sort out when you are moving to Spain and one of the decisions that you need to think about is whether you are going to be bringing your car over with you. You need to think about how you are going to be getting around Spain. If you can drive you have the option of bringing your car over or buying a car whilst you are in Spain; however there is nothing stopping you from getting rid of the use of a vehicle altogether and just relying on public transport, which is very effective in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.

There are also more important aspects such as health care that you need to keep in mind when it comes to moving to Spain. It is highly important that you look into how you plan to cover your health costs, whether this is going to be through public health or private medical insurance. If you’re giving up your home residency then you’ll probably have to look to a Spanish company or health insurance for expats. Otherwise, you’ll have to take out health insurance with a company back in the UK. Spain’s healthcare system is pretty good and it is provided to you free as long as you qualify for it, which is one thing that you need to research into when you are planning your relocation to Spain.

When it comes to where you will be staying in Spain it is completely your decision as to whether you sort out your accommodation before your move or after your move has taken place, however it is advised that you set up your accommodation before you set off to Spain. It will be difficult to know the best location and do this over the Internet. You’ll want to stay off the tourist trail, but find out (or ask an agent) about where to move to where there’s a large expat community as this is generally where you’ll want to be, at least initially.

Your move to Spain or any country for that matter should be thoroughly researched and planned out. Realistically you should start planning your trip at least a year or two in advance so that everything is planned out and booked ready for the actual date of your move.

For more information about Removals to Spain visit Overs International today; as experts in all aspects of international removals they will be able to help you with all of your questions, worries and of course your actual move.

Relocating and removals to Spain – all you need to know

Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe behind France. Spain’s economy is the eighth largest worldwide and the fifth largest in Europe. More of us than ever are starting to visit Spain each year; more than 50 million foreign nationals visit Spain every year.

There are many reasons as to why Spain is so popular such as its narrow twisting streets which open you up to impressive views of modern architecture and its easy travel. Accommodation in Spain is also hugely available for all types of budgets and the climate is continually hot, providing you with that summer sun you barely get back here in the UK. Also the people who are living in Spain are a lot more relaxed due to their lifestyle, which appeals a lot to residents within the UK who want to de-stress! As well as emotional factors such as these there is also the appeal of the Spanish landscape. The beaches are long with golden sands and a clear sea, they are voted as some of the best in the world and the countryside is vast and peaceful. Spain is full of variety and the best way to sample the delights of the Spanish way is by moving there.

If you are hoping to relocate to sample the life that Spain can offer you then there are a few things that you should be aware of such as what type of work you will be hoping to gain in Spain. Do you want simple employment or do you want to start up your own company? Whatever employment you will be seeking it is possible, and advised, that you do everything possible to try and gain a job before you move over to Spain as this will save you a lot of hassle when you actually move; it is one less thing to worry about when you are moving your entire life over to Spain.

There are a lot of little things that are highly important that need to be taken care of when it comes to relocating to Spain. You don’t actually realise the scale of your move until you come to do it. One example of what you need to ensure before you move to Spain is that you have opened a foreign bank account as you may be able to get a better and cheaper account. This will make your financial management a lot easier and will allow your wages to be deposited straight into your Spanish bank account.

Also before you make any steps to getting on a plane and leaving the UK for good you need to renew your drivers licence and passport if they are due to expire as this can cause you problems when you are in Spain or any foreign country.

There are so many considerations to keep in mind that many of us don’t even realise, one more example of this scenario is computers and laptops. It is safe to say that most of us will have one of these items but if you don’t or you are planning on getting a new one you should really do this before moving to Spain. Getting stuck with a Spanish keyboard and Spanish language settings can be an exercise in frustration until you learn Spanish fully so save yourself some hassle and get to the UK shops while you still can.

For more information regarding Removals to Spain visit Overs International today. As experts in the removal business Overs will be able to provide you with an international shipping service that is second to none.

Do you need a removal company to Spain?

It is safe to say that Spain pretty much has something to offer everyone, whether you are hoping to find fantastic beaches, mountain ranges, big cities such as Madrid or Barcelona or history towns as well as countryside and wildlife. Spain offers you these and much more; however people aren’t just spending more time in Spain on holiday as more people than ever are deciding to make Spain their new home.

Are you looking for the glamour of a Spanish lifestyle? Want to learn a new language? Retire in the sun? Or do you just want a change of scene? Whatever your reason is for wanting to start a new life in Spain there are a few things that you should be aware of. Life in Spain is a lot different than life in the UK; the cost of living is generally lower, people are more relaxed, bars are open later and it is a lot more child friendly. On a typical Saturday night in Spain you will more than likely find everyone, whether it is young children or grandparents out in the streets and restaurants generally having a good time.

If you have made up your mind about moving to Spain you should remember that it is a big decision so having a test run may be a good idea. When I say test run I mean it is a good idea for you to test out what life would be like in Spain before you make any major commitment to living there. By doing this you will get a taste of things to come; in most instances this just makes you more determined to make your move over to Spain but in some cases it may stop you making the biggest mistake of your life and save you in terms of money and emotional trauma.

Living in Spain is a dream for many people, especially people currently living in the UK. If you are one of these people then there are a few things that you should do in advance of your move to Spain. One of the main things is looking into a basic Spanish course before you move; guaranteed this will be the main suggestion from whoever you ask. By gaining a basic grasp of the Spanish language you will be able to communicate a lot better and you will find it a lot easier to adjust to the Spanish way of life.

You will also need to look into a removal company who will be able to offer you a removal service to Spain. It goes without saying that international moves will be a lot more complicated than a move within this country, which is why you need to choose a removal company who have been established for a while and who can provide you the service of moving you overseas. It is important that the company you choose have experience and are a trusted company. You are putting all of your possessions into their hands so do your research before committing yourself to a removal company.

Helen is the web master of Overs International, who are an established removal company that can provide you with Removals to Spain on a frequent basis.

Are you moving to Germany?

The country of Germany has over 82 million inhabitants and comprises the largest population among the member states of the EU. Germany is also home to the third highest number of international migrants.

The largest and capital city in Germany stands as Berlin. Germany also borders nine different countries so you have gateways to explore other cultures. This puts Germany in a prime location and makes it appealing to tourists.

The most important thing that you must do when it comes to moving to Germany is planning. Planning is the key to ensure that your move goes smoothly and that you are fully prepared to handle the changes that this re-location will bring. You need to ensure that you research the property market so that you are moving into a neighbourhood that you will feel comfortable in and so that you have looked around to find property that best suits your needs and the needs of your family.

It is also advised that you start to learn German as early as you can into your move to Germany. This is important as local residents will appreciate your effort and you will find it easier to pick up the language to use it on a daily basis.

If you are shipping your car to Germany as part of your move you need to follow the importation laws that are in place. Also if you have an EU driving license you are permitted to drive in Germany. If, however you are moving to Germany from a non EU country you have to apply for a German driving license within one year of your date of entry.

If you are moving to Germany and you are looking for an experienced and reliable moving company to ship your belongings to Germany then contact Overs International today and we will help you in anyway that we can.


Removals to germany

Relocating to France

More and more people are moving abroad these days and France is one favourite destination. Its not surprising people are choosing France as the country has a style and look of its own and is steeped in history, it is also well known for its love of the arts and architecture. The country has a population of 64.1 million with 51% being catholics the other half pretty mixed. Its economy is the sixth largest in the world, the currency being Euro or French Franc and the size of the country is 674,843km2.

France has a significant English speaking expat population, which mostly consists of retired and so called inactive expats which are people below retirement age but not working.

France has plenty to offer families and singles wishing to emigrate to the country. It is an exciting place to live but not easy unless you learn the language. The French take pride in their languages and foreign languages are not commonly spoken. There are bilingual schools but even so you should really be thinking about teaching your whole family the language. There are plenty of French language schools offering courses to foreigners.
With regards to employment there are plenty of opportunities however you really will have to learn the language. The French government (Unitary Republic) are very committed to encouraging the unemployed back to work. The French state benefit is one of the most lucrative of the developed world. The jobless in France are very well compensated for when out of work. If your planning on moving to France you can be safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after by the state if you were to lose your employment in the future.

If you are looking for property in France then you will find your money will go further. Property prices are on average substantially lower than property in the UK. Location makes a large difference on pricing as does the age of a house. Newer houses are a lot more expensive than older houses and property in the city’s are a lot more expensive than those in the country side. In fact you can live a good life in France for much less than it would cost you to have a similar lifestyle in the UK. That and the lower property prices are nothing but enticing.
France has an excellent healthcare system but you will have to register with their mairie within 3 months of living permanently in the country. This is to provide evidence that you have financial resources to live there. You will also need evidence of personal medical insurance.

While France has many attractions to foreign nationals looking to relocate, there are a number of areas which need to be addressed. While there are genuine gaps in the employment market which can be exploited by overseas workers, the downside is the taxation situation.

It is easy to see why France has the most foreign visitors of any other country in Europe and why more and more people are relocating there. However relocating to France requires careful planning and an appreciation of the cultures of this beautify country.

Over’s International offers Removals to France.

Help and Advice for Moving to Spain

Relocating to an overseas country involves a lot or determination and focus as well as a lot of drive in order to get all of the planning involved in the move taken care of as well as going through with the actual move. Everything needs to be considered and thought through to ensure that the move goes according to plan.

Have you considered your residency in Spain? Where you will work? As well as where your bank account will be and how you will pay for aspects such as tax and insurance? It is highly important that you don’t leave things to the last minute and that you plan through every part of your move to make sure that everything goes according to plan.

Below is a list of examples of some of the things that you should ensure that you do before your move to Spain:

• Take a basic Spanish course; learning the national language is essential if you are going to be living in the country, you can’t just rely on English
• If possible find a job before moving to Spain, you will then have peace of mind that you have a steady income to make sure you can support your family
• Renew your driving license/passport if they are due to expire soon
• Move for the right reasons, hot weather may be a major attraction but don’t move for this alone
• Be prepared for a slower lifestyle
• Purchase boxes and bubble wrap for when you are packing your belongings
• Put labels on each box that list the contents of the box
• Make sure you have a sufficient amount of cash on you when you arrive in Spain
• Notify your bank etc of your new contact details
• Check your passport and travel documents before you head out

The above are just a small handful of the things that you need to do when it comes to moving to Spain. One other consideration that you should do when it comes to moving to Spain is taking out travel insurance. This is money well spent as it covers all of your household goods and personal effects, including your motor vehicle. If you have travel insurance and your luggage vanishes or your car is stolen with all of your belongings inside you would be covered for it.

One other aspect that many people don’t think about is forms that you may need in the future. When you really think about it in Spain there won’t be forms available for you to renew your passport; because of this you may want to make a trip to your local post office and collect several forms that are used to renew your passport or to replace it if you lose it. You also need to make sure that before you move to Spain you have a full ten year British Passport that you should make several photocopies of, one of which should be kept in a safe place.

If you are struggling with your move to Spain you should get in touch with a professional advisor or talk to your moving company as they will help you in anyway that they can.
Helen is the web master of Overs International, specialists in removals to Spain needs.

Moving to France

It is easy to see why more and more people are choosing to start a new life by moving to France. Many people fall in love with the county once they have visited because of the stunning scenery, architecture and culture. France is often referred to as one of the ‘power houses’ of the European Union.

The largest city and also the capital is Paris. This is probably the most expensive part of France to live in. The city has been raided and pillaged many times in its history but today you wouldn’t think that. It is one of the biggest tourist destinations of the world with so many beautiful sights. You need a good week to get round and see everything. Art lovers will enjoy the Louvre museum as it holds the famous Mona Lisa and lots of other famous paintings and sculptures. Architecturally the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame are must sees as is the Champs Elyesee.

Planning is essential when moving to France as is moving anywhere else. When it comes to the dreaded paper work it is very important not sent send the original documents only photocopies. Originals should be stored safe and securely. If you are not a citizens of the European Union you will need to apply for a French Visa and know what one you will need. . There are 3 basic visa types:
• Student visa
• Long-stay visa
• Work permit visa (2 Types of permits – Temporary Secondment and Full Work Permit)
Each of the visas have slightly different rules so it would be worth talking to an immigration officer to find out what type you will need and how to go about obtaining one

Moving to any country where a different language is spoken is very difficult unless you are prepared to learn the language. The locals will respect you far more if you talk French as they take serious pride in their language. There are plenty of French language schools that offer courses to foreigners.

The best way to get about in France is by car, however be warned. Most of the French drive very erratically. If you are planning on taking your car to France then it can be done but it is very difficult as you will have to conform to French restrictions. To find out what documents you will need you should contact the local DRIRE office, )Diurction Regionale de L’Industrie, de la Recherche et de I’Environnement). They will then send you a list of documents you will require. Some of the documents you will need are

• Manufacturers certificate of conformity or Attestation de Conformite.
• Proof of origin. the car from. A receipt or bill of sale can be used for this.
• VAT evidence.
• Registration Documents.
• Proof of identity and residence in France.
• Registration request form.

Getting all these in order is all well and good but remember the French drive on the right hand side of the road. The best bet in my opinion is to sell your British car before you go and buy a car from a French dealer over in France.

These are just a few things to think about when planning on a move to France but there is a lot more. It really is worth doing lots of research before you go. Speaking to British expats would be the best thing to do. Someone with experience of moving to France is obvioulsy the wise thing to do. You can find many different sites and blogs which English people have written about their experience of living in France.

Carolyn is the webmaster of Over’s International, specialists’ in Removals to France.

Removals to Spain

If you are thinking of moving to Spain either long term or short term you need to be 100% sure it’s the right move. You need to have drive, determination and patience as it’s not as simple as it seems. Most people when thinking of moving to Spain think of the hot weather and how nice it would be to wake up every morning to glorious sun. Remember that once the attraction wares off will you really be happy living in a hot climate? Sunshine is nice for a few days or weeks but imagine it for most of the year. You may end up wishing to see a cloud which never comes. The lifestyle in Spain is a lot slower to this country and things tend to take a little longer to get done. Living in Spain is not a holiday in any way and you should think really carefully about it.

If you are still convinced that you want to move to Spain then read on. Assuming you have cleared up any mess and tied up loose ends in your own country you are almost ready to move.

Here is a helpful checklist for you to follow before you leave:

• Decide which possessions you will take to Spain - which you will leave in the UK - which items you can sell before you leave.
• Obtain three estimates for the move from at least three different removal companies.
• Buy boxes, labels and bubble wrap. When you pack boxes, list the contents on a label (this will save a lot of time when unpacking).
• Ensure you have nothing on loan such as videos, library books and if so, return them.
• Arrange moving date and confirm at least twice with the removal company.
• Check all the details of your Spanish purchase. Confirm mortgage and lawyers.
• Make sure you have some cash (euros) for your journey and arrival in Spain.
• Notify authorities, banks, building societies etc of your new contact details.
• Make arrangements for your pets travel and arrival.
• Check passports, travel tickets and car documents.
• Check you have got travel insurance.


There are also a few personal details to take care of like your pensions, tax, life assurance, investments and healthcare.

Remember that members of EU countries such as a UK national, a Dane, a Swede or Norwegian has the right to live in Spain by virtue of their countries’ membership of the European Economic Area.

If you are retiring abroad, you can continue to receive your UK State pension. If you are moving permanently to Spain, you should get yearly increases in your pension. Contact the Social Security Office to complete the correct forms.

Personal circumstances can vary greatly but you may cease to be liable to UK tax if you cut all ties with the UK and become domiciled abroad. However you will technically be a UK resident if you spend a requisite number of days in the UK and will consequently suffer UK tax on your income. Obtain more information on tax and your domicile status from the Inland Revenue’s document called IR20. If you do change you residency cash held offshore may still be liable to tax in Spain depending on local tax rules. Please note that Spain imposes a wealth tax on your world-wide assets. However, as Spain and UK have a double taxation treaty you should be given relief for double taxation. Please remember that if you are proposing to rent out your UK property this will attract a UK income tax charge.

Once you have all the above sorted out you need to decide on how to get there. This will depend on what you are taking with you. If you are having your furniture shipped over then you will just need to worry about yourself and a few personal objects. If you decide to drive, make sure you read the section on driving in Spain. You can catch a car ferry at many English ports and buy a one way or return ticket. It might be important to note that if you bring a caravan over with you, most ferries will not sell you a one way ticket so you must use the channel tunnel. Consider carefully the cost of a crossing to Calais and the additional cost of petrol and tolls as opposed to a crossing to Santander or Bilbao. Driving through France can be a long nightmare and very expensive on tolls.

Flying to Spain is a cheap alternative if all you have are a couple of cases. Cheap flights can be booked over the internet at as little as £50 each! But, consider how you are to get about once you get here. Spain is a big country and a car is a must, even if you just hire a car to collect from the airport. Whichever way you get here, there are several things you must bring with you. Driving licences/Car insurance papers Birth/Marriage certificates Passports Bank books/cheque and credit cards Enough money to get home Important medication Form E111 and remember to make several photocopies of all your documents!

Because Spain is part of the EU, if you live in an EU country, you do not require a visa to enter the country. You have almost equal rights in Spain as you do in your own country. It’s important to make sure you have a full ten year British Passport well before you leave. Make several photocopies of it and make sure you keep at least one copy in a safe place. Losing your original passport in Spain would be a bad move. It would be worth taking out travel insurance for your journey and it will be money well spent if your luggage vanishes or your car is stolen with all your belongings inside. Ensure your children have their own passports. It’s also a good idea to go the post office in England and collect a form for renewal of a passport and a form for replacement of a lost/stolen passport. These are forms you can't get in Spain. Make sure you have all your birth/marriage certificates with you and again, make sure you have several photocopies of each which you should keep separate from the originals.

Once in Spain the first thing you must do as a foreigner living and/or working in Spain is obtain an NIE number. This is a very important but a very simple process providing you follow the guidelines. You can get a Gestor to apply for you but it will cost you about 100€. To do it yourself, go to the National Police station. You will also need a social security number. You will need this if you are intending on working in Spain, if you are entitled to social security benefits or if you are entitled to medical care. To obtain a social security number all you need to do is go to any social security office, with your original passport and copy of the passport. You will have to fill in a form, which is in Spanish so you might need to take someone whos speaks Spanish with you or even better learn the language before you leave. They issue the number there and then and give you a temporary card. They send on the plastic card at their leisure. It is not necessary to have a job, or even a NIE to get a social security number.

Carolyn is the webmaster of Overs International Ltd, specialists in removals to Spain removals to Portugal and removals to France.

Friday, 6 June 2008

Relocating to Spain

Over recent years more and more people from the United Kingdom are feeing alienated in their country and dream of relocating to Spain for a more relaxed lifestyle. The majority of these people used to be couples that were either in retirement or nearing the end of their busy working life and looking to spend their last years in a warm climate and relaxed life style. Theses days’ research shows that the age of buying a property in Spain is dropping which indicates that younger people are relocating to Spain and setting up their own businesses there. It’s no surprise really as Spain is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates due to fine real estate, good food, an interesting culture, some of Europe’s best islands and beaches and the weather to match. Another major attracting is the fact that living costs are lower in Spain.

The Spanish lifestyle is another attraction for expiates. Spanish people on the whole are very high spirited and proud people. They seem to have a real passion for everything they do. They still take part in age-old traditions such as flamenco-dancing, bull-fighting, winemaking and cooking traditional Spanish recipes. Their day to day life is very attractive also. They take siestas in the afternoon followed by a late dinner and socialising with friends’ until the early hours of the night. It sounds like an all year round holiday and a way of life that most of us can only dream of. The truth is living in Spain is NO holiday. It can be very frustrating as the Spanish take for ever to do things. If you are the type of person who likes things done straight away then Spain isn’t for you. Everything takes longer in Spain which means getting a local tradesman to do repairs could take months rather than weeks.

The Spanish climate is full of sun sun sun. All year round the sun shines with an average annual temperature of 20 degrees. The hottest months of the year are July and August where temperatures can reach 30 or 40 degrees. This maybe a major attraction to you but you should not move for that reason only. The sun is nice for a short while but after days weeks and months of sun you will be wishing to see a cloud. This may sound hard to believe but it is true. Like anything in life when you have it in abundance it becomes less attractive.

Relocation to Spain is a complicated and expensive business, requiring detailed knowledge and expertise of Spanish law, special financial arrangements and transportation. You should do plenty of research before relocating as unless you are completely prepared you may end up moving back to the UK with your tail between your legs and financially worse off.

There are many options when it comes to buying property in Spain but it depends what you want. Properties include apartments, detached houses and town houses each offering a different type of lifestyle. If you want to be around your neighbours you might like to buy an apartment. Generally apartments are cheap to buy and would be easy to sell on in the future, but you would not have as much privacy as you might like. Duplexes are a good investment option especially if you are looking for more of a holiday home than a permanent home and the prices are reasonably also. Detached houses are more expensive but will offer a quieter and more private environment. The traditional town houses are great if you want to be near local shops or are thinking of taking your business or starting a new business out there.

If you are still determined to relocate to Spain then you will need to find a good competent removal company. Over’s International have years of experience dealing with international removals and their customer service is the best. You will find the whole moving experience a lost less stressful if you use Over’s. Contact us today and find out how we can take the stress out of relocating to Spain.

For more information and a quote on removals to Spain

Removals to Portugal

Are you in the process of moving to Portugal for business reasons, home and family or even your whole home and business life being moved to Portugal, are you worried how your going to get all your furniture, personal belongings, equipment, clothes, and anything else you want to transport to Portugal. You may also be worrying about the high costs so many removal companies charge for shipping your belongings to Portugal.

If so here at Over’s International that’s not a problem, we’re more than willing to help you settle into your new life, and take the stress away from your move whatever it may involve to the wonderful country of Portugal. We can also help you if you’re a business wanting to move to Portugal we can help you securely take any furniture or equipment over to Portugal. We are also able to help goods sent to Portugal from the UK.

Over’s International are a company who take care of their customers, they want to provide customers with a hassle-free move which is economical and friendly. Over’s is one of the oldest removal companies in the UK and they pride themselves in the service they provide all their customers however small or large the move is. They don’t just move your belongings they can pack and store them for you also and then deliver them to your new address.

Over’s can offer a weekly removal service to Portugal by road from the UK to anywhere in mainland Portugal. The price of the move depends on the speed you want your items to be relocated it may be a week or if your in a hurry a few days service can be offered. Here at Over’s we have the experience of moving your belongings abroad so we know exactly what paperwork has to be done and that we need to have a schedule of all the move in dates, shipment times etc. If anything does go wrong and we struggle with the delivery, we have good working relationships with Portuguese removal companies and also the hire of smaller vehicles if our large lorries can’t access the property or building.

What Over’s provides for moving items to Portugal include: -


Weekly relocation service to Portugal
One point of contact for your relocation
Full home contents liability cover during your move to Portugal
Uses British Quality Control
Competitively prices of service
Full itinerary checks – making sure every item has arrived and safely
Unpacking and removal of all debris once arrived at property

So what are you waiting for, contact Over’s International today to help you with your removals to Portugal now!

Wednesday, 4 June 2008

Making your move to France

France is often considered a country that is highly easy to fall in love with and as the years have gone by more people from the UK are now choosing to move to France to start a new life. If you are hoping to move to France it is important that you plan your move well in advance of going as there are many considerations that need to be taken care of, especially when it comes to filling in your paperwork. Speaking of paperwork it is also important that you photocopy everything and keep a record of all your documents. Also never give out original copies of any of your documents, a copy of them should be enough.

France is often referred to as one of the ‘power houses’ of the European Union and has attracted much interest from foreign residents who are looking to relocate. There are many reasons that so many people choose France as a prime location to relocate to such as the stunning scenery, architecture and culture. Also another compelling reason that people are opting to move to France is down to the compelling price of the property.

If you are one of the many people who are moving and shipping to France it is essential that you make an effort to learn the French language. Living in France without knowing any of the language is virtually impossible so you should find the easiest and quickest way of learning the language before you move there. Foreign languages are not commonly spoken in France, and the French take pride in their language. There are many French language schools that offer courses to foreigners.

When it comes to getting around France, one of the best ways to do it is through a car. If you have a driving license that has been issued by an EU country then it is fully valid in France and you are allowed to drive with it. If you have any other type of driving license then it may be valid for a limited period but it is important that it must be changed to a French license.

If you are planning to move to France then it is important that you choose the right international shipping service to ensure that your belongings reach you in a safe and secure manner. This is where Overs International can help you. Here at Overs International we can offer you an international shipping service that is second to none. We guarantee that you will have faith and confidence in our shipping service as 149 years of experience can’t be wrong.

Removals to France

Using a Self Storage Company in Halifax

The town of Halifax is situated within the borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire. The town has a lot to offer to both its residents and to its visitors. An example of some of the attractions that can be found within the town of Halifax includes a busy night life with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. The town is also home to many notable attractions such as Halifax Piece Hall, which was a cloth hall where the trading of woollen cloth pieces was done. The hall is now used as a public market and in the winter of 2006-07 it hosted an outdoor temp ice-rink.

Halifax is also home to a town hall which was built by Charles Barry, who is also responsible for the construction of the Houses of Parliament in 1863. Wainhouse Tower is another place that Halifax is known for. This is a factory chimney that was never used and which dates back to 1871. This chimney is now capped with an observation platform, which can be reached by a set of interior spiral staircases.

Halifax is located in the south-eastern corner of the Moorland region called the South Pennines. It is situated about four miles from the M62 motorway and is close to Huddersfield, Bradford and Rochdale. The town to prominence during the Industrial Revolution and used to be well known for its textile and wool manufacturer.

Possibly one of the most notable things that the town of Halifax has done is to give its name to a bank; Halifax plc, which started as a building society in the town. Nowadays Halifax is a trading name of Bank of Scotland plc, as part of the HBOS Group. Halifax is a twin town with Aachen in Germany and the A58 has a stretch called Aachen Way, with a plaque on the town-bound side of the road.

One other attraction of the town is the Square Chapel Centre for Arts. This notable building offers music, dance, plays and comedy to its audience as well as playing host to many community events.

Due to its good location and all of its attractions that are on offer to the residents and visitors to the town more and more people are now deciding to move to the town and also as the year is progressing toward summer many current residents of Halifax are deciding to get renovation and decorating work done on their properties. With these issues in mind there has never been more of a demand for a self storage company.

Self storage companies are the perfect solution to people who are moving home, having renovation work done on their properties or merely selling old items. Whatever your reason for needing the use of self storage it is important that you enlist the help of a self storage company who can offer you both document and domestic storage solutions. You need to use a company who can offer you the following:

• 24 hour climate control, intruder alarms and CCTV
• Full fire safety precautions
• Key holders access only
• Free unlimited access during opening hours
• Assistance with removals
• Free use of trolleys and pallet trucks

It is important that you get the most out of your self storage solution as they are going to be the ones who are looking after your household goods and personal possessions.

Helen is the web master for Keep Safe Self Storage, specialists in all aspects of Domestic and Document Storage in Halifax.

House Removals in the UK

Moving house can be stressful enough having to pack everything away and then securely and safely wrap items up in bubble wrap and other wrapping to make sure your items don’t break, then having to put your wrapped items into the boxes. It’s a never ending circle having to wrap, pack then unpack and unwrap when you reach your new house.

A good idea is to make an inventory list when you begin to pack your items in the boxes. You will then know what each box contains if you number each box and write exactly what’s in each box and where each box is to go. If you write where each numbered box has to go on the box or on the inventory list this will then make it easier for you and the removal company when you get to the new property. Each box will go in the correct room, so when you begin to unpack the boxes it’s easier and no lugging boxes around the house to the appropriate room.

Many removal companies in the UK now offer a service which not only means they come and carry your items from your home into the van or lorry and carry them and put them in your new home but they can also wrap and pack all your items safely away for you saving you the hassle and time. They take full liability of your items when your items are in their responsibility and so if anything goes wrong if one of your items gets broken or damaged they will pay to get the item repaired or replaced if possible.

Finding a removal company can be the hard part, you want someone you trust to look after your belongings so that’s why many people move their own belongings using a hire van or even there car. Of course this takes more effort and time but sometimes it’s the only way to know your belongings are looked after how you expect them to be looked after. There are removal companies that pride themselves in looking after your belongings, and that’s exactly what you expect from them, but there’s so many who don’t and that always gives all removal companies a bad name. If you have any family or friends who have moved house recently ask them who they used and if they were happy with the service, recommendations are the best way to find a good and reliable removal company to help you move house.

If you’re not moving into your new home straight away after moving out of the house your living in now, you may think I have a big problem where am I going to store all my belongings. Well using storage containers or units maybe the answer to your problems. There are a few removal companies around the UK who also offer storage solutions. They will come and pick up your belongings and package them away safely like you would if you were moving from one house to another and instead of taking them to your new house they will take them to their storage facilities and pack them in the container until you require them to be moved into your new house.

So moving house in the UK isn’t much of a problem really is it, I know all you do is stress, but try to stay calm and employ a recommended removal firm to help you make a successful move to your new home!

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Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of OVER’S who are a Removal Company who work in the UK and also internationally. They are specialists in Removals to France

Friday, 23 May 2008

Domestic Self Storage in Elland

Elland is a market town in Calderdale, which is located in West Yorkshire. To the south of Elland is Halifax and the town is located by the river Calder and the town of Elland takes its name from ‘ea-land,’ which means land near water.

Elland developed as a town that was a centre for wool production and since the decline of the wool industry many of mills that were used have been demolished or turned into apartments, creating more accommodation and attracting more people to re-locate to the area.

If you are a resident or a visitor to the Elland area you will already be aware of the fact that there are many places of interest to visit, which includes the parish church of St Mary’s, the old town hall of Southgate, Southgate Methodist Church and the Fleece Inn, which is suspected to be haunted.

If you are a resident of the Elland area or if you are hoping to move to the Elland area and you are in need of any self storage to keep your personal effects/household goods then you are in luck as Keep Safe Self Storage are a domestic/document storage solution who are based within the West Yorkshire area, putting us in a prime location to serve the needs of people based within the Elland area. We also offer domestic and document storage for the rest of the UK, meaning if you are moving home you can rely on Keep Safe Self Storage to take care of all of your belongings.

At Keep Safe Self Storage we offer you a number of different services to make your self storage experience the best that it can be and to give you a secure and safe self storage solution.

Some of the services that we provide here at Keep Safe Self Storage are as follows:

24 hour Climate Control
24 hour Intruder Alarms
24 hour CCTV
Full Fire Safety Precautions
Key Holders Access Only
FREE Unlimited access during Opening Hours
Assistance with Removals
Storage Tips Plus Size Estimator
Professional Help with Domestic and Document Storage
Free use of Trolleys and Pallet Trucks

Visit our site for more information on Domestic Self Storage in Elland

Domestic Self Storage in Brighouse

The town of Brighouse is the second in the metropolitan district of Calderdale in the county of West Yorkshire, England. It is situated just off the M62 on junction 25and is well placed with links to other large towns such as Halifax and Huddersfield. Manchester is just 30 minutes away and Leeds is just 15 minutes away.

The name Brighouse originates from a building close to the bridge over the river Calder and is the second largest town in Calderdale. The population is of around 32,198 people.

Brighouse is a very prosperous town and house prices raised the most than any other play in the country. The town centre has over 170 business with most of the main high street shops. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs in the area with a variety of food on their menus.

Locals of Brighouse have plenty of places to go for walks including Calderdale Way , Brighouse Boundary Walk, The Pennine Way and Spen Valley Greenway is mainly a cyclepath but is is an easy walk due to the flat gradient. The Brighouse Juniors Football club is located just outside Hovedge.

If you live in the area of Bridhouse or are planning on moving to the area you might need to enlist the help of a storage facility. Keep Safe Self Storage in based in Halifax and is ideal for those who wish to store domestic items as well as documents. Businesses in the area might also need a document storage facility and there is nothing better than having this facility on your doorstep.

At Keep Safe Self Storage we can offer you over 15 different sized storage containers for all of your domestic storage needs. Maybe you are hoping to move to the Crofton area and need a place to store your possessions until you are ready to move them in or maybe you are going on holiday and need a safe and secure place to keep your possessions whilst you are gone. Whatever reason you need a domestic storage solution for we can help.

All of our containers have 24hr climate control, 24hr intruder alarms, 24hr CCTV, fire safety precautions and your own key to the container your using these precautions all help with keeping your possessions safe and secure which is Keep Safe Storage’s main concern.

Al the containers are safe, secure, clean, and dry; you have the free use of trolleys and pallet trucks and you have free access to your container during Keep Safe Self Storage opening hours allowing you to pick up or drop off anything from your container.

If you would like more information about storage solutions services available in the Brighouse area then get in touch with us today, call us on 01422 330 202.

For more info visit: Domestic Self Storage in Bridhouse.

Shipping Services to Australia

Are you moving house but not only to another house in the UK but to Australia, and your worrying about how you’re going to get all your furniture and belongings to your new life in Australia. If so here at Over’s International that’s not a problem, we’re more than willing to help you settle into your new life. We can also help you if you’re a business wanting to move to Australia or even to send some products over to your customers or other partners.

Over’s International are a company who take care of their customers, they want to provide customers with a hassle-free move which is economical and friendly. Over’s is one of the oldest removal companies in the UK and they pride themselves in the service they provide all their customers however small or large the move is. They don’t just move your belongings they can pack and store them for you also and then deliver them to your new address.

Over’s international removals service is essentially a sea and air relocation solution designed for both the domestic and commercial sectors. Shipments to Australia are usually on a daily basis. They work together with shipping lines including Maersk and P&O; this helps them provide their shipping service to most countries.

Over’s International service will give you peace of mind on moving or transporting your belongings to Australia this includes giving you:
Full liability cover – from the start to the finish of the move your goods and personal belongings are covered.

Collection, Packaging, Preparation and Detailed Inventory – you can have your belongings prepared, packed safely and collected in Over’s packaging to save you the hassle.
Packaging, Preparation, Unpacking and Delivery – working from your detailed inventory the team will unpack your belongings at your chosen property, set them up and remove any debris.

1 point of contact – throughout the whole process you will have 1 person who you contact and contacts you who are a mover coordinator. They will be responsible for all the aspects of your move including all the paperwork that goes with an international move.

Freight Handling
Crating service – this is for high risk and or fragile items.
So what are you waiting for contact Over’s International today to help you with your move to Australia.

Shipping Services to Australia

Moving to New Zealand from the UK

If you are thinking of moving from the UK to New Zealand you really need think about why you’re going. It is a major move and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you are serious about emigrating it is easy to see why, Great Britain is not so ‘Great’ any more with rising living costs, high taxes, poor climate and just generally bad management thanks to our government.

On paper New Zealand sounds like heaven on earth. It is not part of Australia which many people seem to think it is. It is made up of two main islands, North Island and South Island, with many more islands around the outside. It is a naturally unspoiled island which has spectacular landscapes and nature. The country has active volcanoes, thermal geysers, boiling mud, ancient virgin rainforests and some of the most beautiful trees on earth. It is blessed with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The further north you are the warmer the climate becomes. It is opposite to England in the fact they when we are in our winter; they are having their summer and visa versa. New Zealand’s economy is strong, in March 2007 it grew 1.7 % and is set to peak around 3.2% in June this year. It has the lowest unemployment rate and the strongest jobs market. The population is small with only 4 million people which is the same as Britain but as the islands are so much larger is means there are lots of
unpopulated lan. You could drive for hours and not see a single soul!

It’s hardly surprising more and more people are emigrating to New Zealand some of the main points are:

It has a much small population
Warmer climate
Beautiful scenery
It is a nuclear free country
Has some of the best white sandy beaches

There is an excellent education system which is all free up to the age of 19. The health system is also excellent so you wont have any worries in that department.

How do I go about moving to New Zealand?

For one you will need to have marketable skills and speak good English. There is a shortage of skills so there are plenty of jobs for those with a positive hard working ethic. I would look for a job before you move over there by checking these websites: www.seek.co.nz, www.jobstuff.co.nz and www.ubd.co.nz. Leaving the job hunt until your arrive in New Zealand could be risky. It could take up to 6 months to find a suitable job.

You will need a residence visa either by applying outside the country or when you are in the country on a visitor visa. British are granted a 6 month visa automatically on arrival in the country. If you have been recruited by a company you should apply for a work visa before you arrive. When you have been a permanent resident for 5 years you can go about applying for a citizenship which takes about two weeks to process.

Once your there living in New Zealand you wont regret it, I have read many reports on people who have moved over there and they are all very happy about the way of life. And I have not read one review where they moved back, whereas I know a dozen people who emigrated to Spain only to come back a year or so later with their tail between their legs.

Visit overs if you are thinking of moving to New Zealand and Shipping to new Zealand

Self Storage in Halifax

Halifax is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, in West Yorkshire, England, with a population of 82,056. The town grew to prominence during the Industrial Revolution and used to be well known for its textile and wool manufacturer.

These days Halifax is a thriving town with plenty to see or do. It is a great place to live and bring a family up. There are a couple of very good museums which will be able to teach you about the history of Halifax. The Bankfield Museum, which is located in a wonderful Victorian mill owner's house is where visitors will be able to view an internationally important collection of textiles. Other museums include The Calderdale Industrial Museum, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment Museum and Eureka, the Museum for Children.

In September of 2007 the Sutton Trust and University of Leeds launched a £1 million initiative to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds go to university. It is the only programme of its kind in the UK and will benefit 360 sixteen to eighteen year olds over a 3 year period. This is great for the locals in the area and for anyone thinking of moving to Halifax.

If you’re moving to Halifax or its surrounding areas you might need to enlist the help of a self storage facility. Maybe you are not moving but have got a lot of stuff that you don’t want to get rid of but need to find a place to store it. Keep Safe Self Storage Ltd is based in Bailey Hall Road in Halifax which is an ideal location for locals and surrounding areas.

With Keep Safe Self Storage you get free unlimited access to your domestic storage container during our opening hours. We have over 15 different types of containers, so they are sure to have the right one for all of your storage needs. Some of the services that we provide here at Keep Safe Storage when it comes to looking after you possessions are:


24 hour Climate Control
24 hour Intruder Alarms
24 hour CCTV
Full Fire Safety Precautions
Key Holders Access Only
FREE Unlimited access during Opening Hours
Assistance with Removals
Storage Tips Plus Size Estimator
Professional Help with Domestic and Document Storage
Free use of Trolleys and Pallet Trucks

For more information about the services available to you from Keep Safe Self Storage then get in touch with Keep Safe Self Storage, we are waiting to hear from you.

Carolyn is the webmaster for Keep Safe Self Storage. Contact them for Self Storage in Halifax

Monday, 3 March 2008

Moving to Australia Perth

About 100,000 migrants move to Australia every year and many of these decide to set up home within the countries capital, Perth.

Perth is located in Western Australia. It is the countries capital and also the largest city within Western Australia. It Mediterranean climate and booming economy has made Perth a favourite destination for British migrants.

Deciding to move to Perth in Australia is an immense decision and one that shouldn’t be made lightly. Before you finalise any plans to ship your life half way round the world you need to plan. Planning is key to ensure that your move will go smoothly. There are a lot of decisions to be made such as where will you live? Where will you work? Can you open a bank account over there straight away? Will you take all of your belongings with you. Before you can even get onto details such as these you need to find out about visas and whether you are actually able to move to Perth, Australia.

The residents of Perth, Australia are said to have the highest standard of living out of all the Australian cities. This has a lot to do with Perth’s economy and considerably lower house prices available in Perth in comparison to other cities within Australia. Jobs may be slightly harder to get in Perth than in, for example, Sydney, but you will find many typical city jobs when you move to Perth, Australia. However Perth has a high deposit of metal ores and coal and China has sourced many of its raw materials from Western Australia, which results in high economic growth.

Finding the right house for your move to Perth, Australia is essential and something that you should spend a long time looking into. ¾ of all the houses within Perth, Australia are detached and have various sizes of gardens. There are also numerous flats and apartments available, all of which are considerably cheaper than buying a house. The most sought after property almost always appear within the north and west areas of the city, with many British migrants starting a new life settled in the Northern part of Perth.

When it comes to transport within Perth the roads are wide and rush hour, like anywhere, can cause traffic build ups, however the traffic rarely stops moving completely. The public transport within Perth, Australia is known as Transperth and when it comes to moving to Perth, Australia it is important that you familiarise yourself with what are known as city zones. This is important due to the fact Transperth tickets are sold on the basis of city zones. You can use these Transperth tickets on both buses and trains and they can be purchased in most newsagents.

If you will be making a journey regularly on Transperth, you should buy a MultiRider ticket. These work out 15 percent cheaper for 10 journeys and 25 percent cheaper for 40 journeys than the standard fare.

When you are moving to Perth, Australia you will see that this public transport is probably the best way to get you in and out of the city but it isn’t very good for travelling between suburbs. There is however a free bus service which is called CAT which runs within the actual city centre.

Overs international can help you with Moving to Australia.

Your Checklist for Moving to New Zealand

A move from the UK to an international destination takes a lot of preparation and planning. There is a lot to be considered when moving abroad and no aspect can be over looked so if you are planning a move to New Zealand make sure you are prepared.

It's no wonder that so many Britons are choosing to move abroad to places such as New Zealand where the climate is better and the lifestyle is relaxed. New Zealand has a lot to offer its residents such as stunning beaches, glacial mountains and native forest. New Zealand has a low population but with a modern, prosperous and developed economy. The standard of living within New Zealand is high and the appeal of life within New Zealand is ever growing in population.

If you are one of the many people that are planning for a new life within New Zealand then it is important that you find out as much about life in New Zealand as you can, this can be done via the Internet and if possible a visit to New Zealand.

When you are planning your trip to New Zealand you should keep a checklist of everything that you need to do before and after your move so that you can ensure that you have everything you need to make your move as simple as possible.

Within this checklist you should include the following:

•Take a look at your financial situation. You need to make sure that if you don’t have enough savings to cover your move that you start putting more money aside to cover all of your expenses •You need to find out about visas as they are key if you are planning a move to New Zealand, you can find this information off the Internet •Collect your personal papers such as your driving license, marriage certificate, and your qualifications •Go for a medical and apply for a police check as both of these are needed when it comes to moving to New Zealand •You need to ensure that before the expiry date of your passport it is valid for at least two years. •Book your flights •Open a bank account in New Zealand •Talk to a relocation specialist •Book temporary accommodation in New Zealand; gives you time to look for a house •Cancel any direct debits and organise a forwarding address for your mail •Arrange transport to the airport

All of the above plus a lot more should be done within your year of planning. They are all essential if you are hoping for a successful move to New Zealand.

As well as all of the above planning and preparation you also need to make sure that you organise a removals company to ensure that all of your belongings are safely delivered to you in New Zealand. You need a reliable moving company who have high experience within the removals industry and you should be provided with a dedicated move coordinator responsible for handling all aspects of your move; including customs forms, assisting with paperwork, etc.

You will have enough to think about and sort out when it comes to relocating so take one worry away and ensure that you go with a removals company who provide everything you need and who come recommended. Helen is the web master of Overs International; specialists in all of your Shipping to New Zealand needs and your International Moving needs.

Helen is the web master of Overs International, specialists in all your International Moving and Moving to New Zealand needs. Please feel free to republish this article providing this resource box remains intact with a working hyperlink to our site.

Please feel free to republish this article providing this resource box remains intact with a working hyperlink to our site.

Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Moving to the USA? The Removal Information You Need

If you’re thinking about or have already decided to move from the UK to the United States of America you’re proberly worrying about how you’re going to get your clothes, ornaments and even furniture to the USA.

Moving to a new home is always stressful but moving from the UK to the USA and making a complete new start is more likely to be even more stressful , your not only thinking about your belongings being safe whilst in transit but also will you like living the USA and will you make friends. Making friends is always one for families, they like to have friends around them and moving all the way to the USA and making friends is even harder. A good idea is when you move in have a house warming party where you can invite your neighbours and you can get to know everyone better than inviting each neighbour one at a time round that could get rather uncomfortable.

You will want a reliable removal firm who can not only help you move your belongings, furniture and other bits and bobs from your house in the UK to a port where a boat can pick your boxes up, you want a company who an travel with your belongings all the way from the UK to the USA. This way there’s less chance of things going wrong and losing any of your boxes along the journey.

Moving your belongings to the USA cannot be done just by road due to the sea, so the move would have to be done by road, boat and air. There are usually shipments to the USA on a daily basis but sometimes this changes to once a week. Many of the international removal companies work with the shipping lines including: P&O and Maersk and with their help all paperwork can be filled out properly and quickly making your relocation run smoothly.

Packing your items for shipment from the UK to the USA needs to be thorough, you don’t want any of your items breaking or falling on top of one another. I would recommend the removal company do the packing if they offer the service. They know exactly what needs to be packed with what and how items should be packed together so the boxes can be stacked on top of each other whilst in transit. If you have high risk or fragile items these can be packed and put into a crate for security and safety. One thing I would make sure before you go with any removal company is that they have full liability cover for when your items are in their hands from the start of the move to the end.

So to make your move to the USA less hassle and stress find a reliable and recommended removal company who cover the USA on their removal route. They will be able to help you fill out the correct paperwork so there are no problems with customs at the airport or port. So why wait, make that move to the USA now and make a new lie for yourself and your family.



Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of OVER’S who are a Removal Company who does Daily Shipments to the USA.

House Removals in the UK

Moving house can be stressful enough having to pack everything away and then securely and safely wrap items up in bubble wrap and other wrapping to make sure your items don’t break, then having to put your wrapped items into the boxes. It’s a never ending circle having to wrap, pack then unpack and unwrap when you reach your new house.

A good idea is to make an inventory list when you begin to pack your items in the boxes. You will then know what each box contains if you number each box and write exactly what’s in each box and where each box is to go. If you write where each numbered box has to go on the box or on the inventory list this will then make it easier for you and the removal company when you get to the new property. Each box will go in the correct room, so when you begin to unpack the boxes it’s easier and no lugging boxes around the house to the appropriate room.

Many removal companies in the UK now offer a service which not only means they come and carry your items from your home into the van or lorry and carry them and put them in your new home but they can also wrap and pack all your items safely away for you saving you the hassle and time. They take full liability of your items when your items are in their responsibility and so if anything goes wrong if one of your items gets broken or damaged they will pay to get the item repaired or replaced if possible.

Finding a removal company can be the hard part, you want someone you trust to look after your belongings so that’s why many people move their own belongings using a hire van or even there car. Of course this takes more effort and time but sometimes it’s the only way to know your belongings are looked after how you expect them to be looked after. There are removal companies that pride themselves in looking after your belongings, and that’s exactly what you expect from them, but there’s so many who don’t and that always gives all removal companies a bad name. If you have any family or friends who have moved house recently ask them who they used and if they were happy with the service, recommendations are the best way to find a good and reliable removal company to help you move house.

If you’re not moving into your new home straight away after moving out of the house your living in now, you may think I have a big problem where am I going to store all my belongings. Well using storage containers or units maybe the answer to your problems. There are a few removal companies around the UK who also offer storage solutions. They will come and pick up your belongings and package them away safely like you would if you were moving from one house to another and instead of taking them to your new house they will take them to their storage facilities and pack them in the container until you require them to be moved into your new house.

So moving house in the UK isn’t much of a problem really is it, I know all you do is stress, but try to stay calm and employ a recommended removal firm to help you make a successful move to your new home!


Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of OVER’S who are a Removal Company who work in the UK and also internationally.

Monday, 14 January 2008

Storage Boxes - You’re Moving Solution

If you’re planning to move house or even more business premises then you will of course have furniture, clothing, household items and other bits and bobs you collect in a home. You may be worrying how you’re going to pack all these items away into boxes, suitcases etc.

Nowadays there are special boxes you can purchase from removal firms, local shops or storage centres. These special boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes for a variety of purposes.

There are document storage boxes that hold files and documents you may just want to store away but also useful for a business moving premises, keeping all the relevant files and documents safely together in one box.

There are smaller carton boxes which are great for packing away all your DVD’s, CD’s and books for the move as well as any other smaller items you require to pack away.

There are the standard carton boxes that are great for holding your crockery, ornaments, any glass and china items and other smaller household items you need packing away safely.

There are the jumbo carton boxes these are great for bedding including pillows, duvet, sheets and duvet covers etc.

There are the lay flat carton boxes which are useful for clothes. We all know the last thing you want to do is start ironing clothes to wear when you’ve just moved into your new home. These lay flat carton boxes offer you to lay the clothes flat like they would in a chest of drawers all neat and safe.

There are the wardrobe carton boxes which are made purposely for hanging up your clothes whilst in transit. These stop your clothes from getting creased and crumpled whilst you’re moving house. It’s a great new way of transporting your clothes safely, it may cost a little bit more than a standard carton box but well worth it.

So with the wide variety of storage boxes available what have you got to lose. All your items will be safely and securely packed away in a box of your choice. The best way to keep track of your items is to make an inventory list. This will not only give a list of all your items packed away but also what condition each item is in. Then if something does happen whilst your items are in transit and in the care of the removal company you will have your inventory list to show which will give you the evidence you need to make a claim.

Moving house or even business can be a stressful time for anyone but with the help of a recommended removal company they will help take the stress away. They will not only help you move your boxes and large items into transit they can also help you wrap and package your items up into the boxes whilst making an inventory list. Of course you may want to pack your own items but if you don’t have the time or don’t want to do this then the removal company are more than willing to do this service for you.


Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of OVER’S who are a Removal Company who can offer Storage Boxes.

Thinking of Moving to Europe?

If you like to go on holiday each year, you may go to Spain or to France or even to the Caribbean wherever you go you always think oh I wish I could stay and live here. Well now that’s what many people are doing, there packing their old lives up in the UK and moving on to new pastures usually in and around Europe. I think many people move to Europe because there not too far away from the UK and so can easily hop on a plane or a boat and visit family and friends.

I would say Spain is the place most British people move too, it has sun throughout the year and of course that means its warm most of the time, unlike Britain where we might get the odd week here and there when we think its summer. As well as the weather Spain has a lower cost of living so your money would go further not only in property but also food, clothing etc. If you do want to move to Spain or any other country in Europe your best bet is to go there on holiday and don’t just limit yourself to the coastal areas but move inland and relax then go and have a look around different towns and villages and see if you like any.

If you’re looking to invest in a business out there too then a good idea is to find other British people who have moved from the UK and ask for their advice. They will know of places which may be for sale or available to rent, they will also know of any good areas to find a house within your price range. Locals will be your best bet at helping you decide if the area is for you.

If you do decide to move to anywhere in Europe of course you will need help moving all your belongings from your home in the UK to your new home in the sun whether its Spain, France, Portugal, Italy or Germany. You may even decide to just take your clothes, your special items and other important items you want to have with you. Furniture, pots and pans etc. may not be necessary but some people want to start a fresh and also find it cheaper to buy all new furniture when they’re settled in their new home as shipping all your furniture and other belongings to your new life can be expensive.

It’s only the packing of all your items you have to worry about; it’s making sure you have filled in all the correct paperwork so your containers can be shipped from the UK to your chosen destination. International shipping companies can help make the move less stressful, taking on board all your worries. They will help you pack your items safely and securely and have them aboard a van, which will be driven to the country where your new life is and if there are problems with getting the van to your new property then a smaller local van can be used. The removal and shipping company will take the stress away from your move from the UK to Europe so why not spend that bit of money to make your move less stressful and more relaxing.


Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of OVER’S who are International Removals.

Self Storage in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire

If you intend to go travelling or you’re moving from a large house into a smaller one or you’re renting for while and can’t get all your furniture in or you’re even a business and need safe and secure storage for important documents and files. Whatever your requirements self storage is the option for you.

Self storage is when you package items, belongings, documents or furniture you don’t require at the moment or just want to store away somewhere safely. There are many self storage unit facilities around the UK offering not only self storage but also home and international removals.

Some storage centres can be very flexible and offer a service in which they collect and deliver your items from storage saving you from visiting the centre to collect or drop off your items. Some also can drop off your specified unit at your house, let you fill it up with whatever you want then they come and collect the unit once full, what more could you ask for.

Different self storage companies offer different prices of course. If you intend to store items for over 12 months then a lot of self storage companies offer discounts, so it’s always best to ask and find out what they can offer you. The larger the container or unit you have of course the higher the price will be, of course if you don’t fill it to start with you may fill it later with other items.

Of course you may be worried of security and the safety of your items stored away in containers and units. If this is the case then make sure you go for a recommended self storage company or a company who has good feedback. The storage containers or units should all be clean and dry so your items don’t become damp and dirty whilst in storage. Not only this, but having security systems in place is important to keep your items secure and safe. There are some companies who offer temperature controlled containers which is great for those items that require a certain temperature. Other systems which are an advantage are CCTV systems and 24hr security as well as fire systems; just in case a fire started the emergency services would be automatically called immediately.

I would say a must in any self storage is that the company have full liability insurance on your items whilst in their care. So if something does happen there is insurance to cover the replacement, repair or compensation for this.

Whatever your self storage needs, make sure you get the right sized container for your items, have a safe and secure container in which to store these items and also that the whole self storage facility has 24hr security. If you’re likely to keep getting stuff in and out of your container it may be a good idea to use a self storage facility in your area saving not only money but time too.

If you live in the Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire area you may work in London and all you want to do is relax when you’re home not running backwards and forwards to and from your storage container. Remember the facility is to make your life easier and store your unwanted, unneeded items.


Jene Pedder is the Webmaster of OVER’S who specialise in Self Storage.