Moving to a foreign country might sound exciting. Whether you are relocating for work or shifting to a foreign land with your family for a better life, it is going to be a huge step. Read More Essential Tips for Expats Moving to India: Part 1
Most countries in Africa are still developing; which is probably what attracts expats to this place. Read More Everything expats need to know before moving to a country in Africa: Part 1
Shifting homes gets especially difficult if you are moving with pets. Cats, especially, can get very cranky during a move. Cats are very sensitive to the place at which they eat, the place where they stroll or play around and also the place where they sleep. A sudden change in routine can put them in a state of turmoil.
If moving can make us totally disoriented, imagine what your cat must be going through. The best way to deal with a situation like this, is to prepare your cat for the move.
Related Blog: Important Tips for Moving Abroad With Pets
Before the Move
1. Train your cat to sit in the carrier for long hours
Most of the people only use carriers when they want to take their cat to the vet. Cats know this and hence, aren’t comfortable with carriers. Try and make it a friendly place for cats by feeding them near or inside the carrier. You can also place a clean towel inside the carrier so that your cat can sleep in it.
2. Visit a veterinarian
Many airlines ask for health certificates which you’ll get at the vet. Also, finish giving any pending shots, as it’s going to take a while till you visit the next vet.
3. Call the airlines
Speak to an airlines representative and confirm the kind of documentation required for travelling with a cat. Also, ask whether the cat will be in the cabin or the cargo.
4. Carry cat essentials
Pack everything you may need during transit. Carry extra bottled water, towel, bowl, litter box, paper towel etc. If there is a special toy your cat is particularly fond of, keep it handy.
On the Moving Day
5. Keep your cat away from the chaos
Packing all your house stuff is chaotic. Keep your cat away from the mess of packing.
Since the doors are going to be open most of the time, and you won’t be there to pay constant attention to your cat, it’s a good chance for your cat to escape. You won’t want that happening, right?
Keep her in a carrier to avoid a situation like this. Or you may want to ask a friend to look after your cat till you finish your packing.
6. Make your cat wear the new collar
Put your name, number and address on the collar. If your cat does manage to escape on a moving day, this’ll make looking for her/him simpler.
7. Take special care of your cat during transit
Keep your cat with you whenever possible. During the transit, take special care to not leave the cat carrier in the storage area. It can get quite hot and stuffy here. This will only make your cat uncomfortable and irritable.
After the Move
8. Check if the new place is safe
After you reach your new place let your cat out of the carrier slowly. Allow her to explore your new home from one room to another slowly.
Ensure that the fencing is proper and no windows are broken. You don’t want your cat running out or getting injured in the new place, right?
9. Pamper your cat
Just like you, your cat is exhausted from the trip, too. Make her feel comfortable in the new place. This will help her adapt to the new surroundings quickly. Lay out her food bowls, water, and kitty litter. Spread out your cat’s favorite blanket. This will make her feel like home.
10. Let your cat choose its favorite spot in the new house
You must’ve noticed how your cat had a favorite spot in your old house. Let your cat choose one in the new house, too.
Remember that cats are territorial and don’t like changes made to their routine. They are bound to get shocked while moving, but by following the above tips you can make the transition less traumatizing for them.
You and your pet deserves the experience and expertise of professional International movers and packers. Why settle for less? Speak to an International moving expert from Writer Relocations or call us on our toll-free number for India @ 022-334-91787. Request a FREE moving quote for moving with your pet, here.
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Have you ever moved with your cat? We’d be delighted to know about your experience. Do share the tips and tricks you followed with us in the comments below.
From looking for a new place and packing to hiring an international moving company, there are plenty of things you need to consider when planning a relocation. During this process, have you ever stopped to think about getting moving insurance?
Many people are unaware of this type of insurance, probably because it sometimes comes with a different name. In some cases, people choose to shrug it off since they don’t think they would need it.
Here, we will answer five of the most important and frequently asked questions about moving insurance to help you decide whether to get one for your move abroad.
Before learning the details about moving insurance, we must first clarify that this is not an actual “insurance.” Rather, it is a type of protection offered by removalists to their clients.
Called by movers as “valuation,” this has a similar function to that of traditional insurance. Basically, it ensures compensation to safeguard your belongings in case of loss or damage during the move.
Note that moving companies don’t sell insurance because they are not certified and governed by federal laws that cover insurance providers. Even so, valuation functions much like an insurance does by providing you with peace of mind on your move.
With that said, we’ll be using the word “insurance” in this article since it is the better known term for valuation.
The purpose of moving insurance is to help you rest easy during the transport of your belongings during the move.
So, while it’s all up to you, we strongly recommend that you get moving insurance. It’s a small price to pay for the protection of your belongings.
Keep in mind that there is an available basic coverage that comes with most moving services. However, many people still opt for full valuation protection (to be explained later) because of the expanded benefit and coverage.
For example, if you’re moving overseas, you might want to get shipping insurance coverage to protect your belongings during transport from your origin to your destination country. This way, you can rest assured that your belongings are taken care of.
All moving companies are required by federal regulations to offer two types of coverage to customers on out-of-state moves.
One of these basic coverage offerings entails the reimbursement of the valuation of items set at a per-pound basis.
The first one, called the “released value protection,” is typically included in the moving company quote and is deemed as the best solution for people looking to save while moving with just a few high-value items within a short distance.
Important: The released value protection coverage becomes void in DIY packing since it automatically means that you assume responsibility for the item.
Generally, this type of moving insurance pays 60 cents for every pound of items lost during transit, regardless of what it is. For example, you will be reimbursed $21 for a television set that weighs 35 pounds when it is lost or damaged.
Considering the amount of reimbursement, you may be wondering why you’re paying others for the move if you’ll only get such a small amount if they don’t do their job well. This is where the full-value protection comes into play.
This second coverage takes your valuation of the goods to be transported into account. Under this moving insurance package, you’ll pay 1 per cent of the value you set for the entire package.
This means that if you decide that everything you want to be shipped is worth $50,000, you’ll be required to pay $500 to get full-value protection or “full replacement value.” This will give the moving company two options in case of lost or damaged property: to have the item repaired or replaced with a similar item.
For example, if a two-year-old washing machine gets smashed during transit, the movers can either have it fixed (if that’s possible) or replaced with another washing machine with the same fair market value.
This value protection coverage is best for groups or families on a cross-country or overseas move.
Of course, there’s another option available, depending on your risk tolerance. Writer Relocations, for example, offers shipment insurance that serves as the safety net for your belongings while they’re in transit.
Homeowner’s, renter’s, or condo insurance may not cover your move, but this depends on the details stated in your policy. To be sure, it would be best to check with your insurance provider to know exactly what is covered. This is better than assuming that they cover your relocation, only to end up with no protection at all.
There are certain limitations to the scope of coverage movers can provide in a moving insurance.
In essence, movers don’t take responsibility for things that they aren’t directly involved in. Some of these things are:
Pro Tip: To be sure you get the most out of the moving insurance, have the movers pack everything you want to be covered by valuation.
Moving overseas entails plenty of risks and uncertainties. Keep your peace of mind intact by understanding the details of your moving insurance.
Have more questions? Send us a message. Writer Relocations is always ready to help.
Life can be an amazing series of experiences if one wants to make it so. And in this exciting journey of life, age can never be a barrier when it comes to unleashing one’s true potential. For anybody who is beyond the age when one usually looks for a job by going overseas, life is still brimming with opportunities. All one has to do is look for them in the right places and get ready for an exciting career abroad no matter what the age is.
Here are the things to focus on when looking for a career abroad when over 50:
Objective:
When one is young there is still a chance to dabble in things one is not so sure about. But after a certain point in time, it becomes quite crucial to be sure of one’s own choices or inclinations. So, the first step while looking for a job abroad when over 50, is to be sure of one’s goals. It seems easy in the beginning but being sure of one’s weaknesses and strengths and deciding on a life’s purpose based on that is something that requires consideration. This insight will help to opt for the most perfect job, based on one’s true calling, which will further result in minimising the chances of a failed overseas international relocation. And more so result in considerable happiness after the entire relocation process.
Span:
For those seeking short-term employment, working abroad offers a unique opportunity. From options of working in summer camps, to teaching jobs abroad, a wide variety is available for those in their 50s and beyond. Along with that, there are a few other options – jobs in travel agencies, tour guides, and event planners. However, it all boils down to inclinations and choices. There might be people looking for jobs with greater security, while others who might go to the foreign shores on a temporary basis.
Expenses:
Going abroad and settling there, for whatever span, is a costly affair. From getting a suitable accommodation that is near the workplace, to taking into consideration the cost of living in the land, which is usually more than one’s native country, there are a lot of factors one needs to delve into. So before one venture to a foreign country to look for job options, the monetary part needs to be weighed properly before deciding on the family.
Filial duties:
There are periods in life when one is tied by the filial duties. There are children who are growing up, their education and well-being are responsibilities for the parents. But after the children are grown up and starting their own lives away from home, the parents can certainly plan to go for exciting career options abroad. This is the perfect time for them to explore the world when all the filial duties are done. It is a good idea to go and venture the unexplored with no strings attached and not at the cost of someone’s inconvenience.
So, let not age be a binding factor to stop one from exploring one’s true calling. No matter what the age might be, if one is sure of the objectives and is aware of how to reach that, then going abroad to pursue one’s interests is the best way fulfill all that one had desired for long but could never explore before. And, when it comes to any relocation needs while shifting abroad, it’s best to take the help of a reliable global mobility solutions provider like Writer Relocations to cater to all the moving formalities and requirements.
With an unprecedented situation gaping at us, the immigration and visa norms across the world have become stringent. But slowly things will again become normal and people will relocate to new places.
As one of the reputed overseas international relocation companies, Writer Relocations will partner you in your entire move journey. Even after you go and reach the new country, and your goods get delivered, we help you settle down and make it home in there, as a part of our destination services. From looking for the best possible schools for your children to looking for suitable job opportunities for your spouse, we also help you understand the cultural nuances and get a hang of the local language. Everything comes under our bouquet of offerings as a destination service provider.
Here we give you a list of countries that offer the best working conditions, because after all, we all relocate to give a new essence to our lives.
France – the country to be in for those who seek a great work/life balance
France is not only a country, which is known for its art, culture and heritage, it also offers a wide range of benefits for those who relocate to the country for work purposes. Most companies there offer increased holiday and sick pay as standard. Employment legislation is pretty stringent in that country, which is why workers in France make the most from clear expectations and benefits.
You will be surprised at the amount of time you will be getting for yourself when you work in France. Every worker or employee in France receives 5 weeks of annual leave as standard, which is not the scenario in most other countries of the world. So, employees get more time for themselves and their preoccupations like pursuing a course or hobby, holidaying, visiting friends, and visiting one’s own country. The work/life balance is also boosted by an average workweek of roughly 35 hours per week. In case an employee puts in extra hours, that is always fairly compensated.
The career prospects are also very bright for the women workforce in France. This is why the second-largest rate of female workers in Europe is in France. There are also legislative plans to finally do away with the 15% gender pay gap in the country.
Switzerland – the country to be in for those expats who are looking for good pay packages
Many expats want to be in Switzerland because of the lucrative salaries that the country offers, compared with the other countries of Europe. Workers or employees earn at an average of about 20 francs per hour in this country. However, there is no legal minimum salary in this land. And the high wages many times may be offset by the increased living costs of the country.
In Switzerland, the average working hours per week is 41 hours and 10 minutes and it can stretch to a maximum of 45 hours, as per the legal standards. However, if certain jobs require up to 50 hours of work, it can be supplemented by statutory holidays of 20 days for all employees, in addition to all national holidays.
United Kingdom – for those expats who seek to climb the career-ladder fast
The United Kingdom is currently ranked as the fourth country in the world, in terms of career growth and it’s the perfect place to be in for those aspiring for a well-paid senior role. This is why many graduates flock to the United Kingdom after their university education.
So, make your plans and dream on for a destination you would want to travel to. For all moving and destination services assistance, do partner with Writer Relocations.
Human beings relocate from their known environs to a completely whole new place for several reasons. It can be professional commitments, educational opportunities, or just a quest to have a better life, away from the familiar surroundings. Now people might not be relocating as much as they would want to because of the threat of this novel coronavirus. But this threat will not continue forever and soon people would want to go to places and make new homes and have better lives. And before relocating to another country, it good to know beforehand about the countries with wonderful weather conditions. As one of the leading international relocation companies, offering immigrating and destination services to customers, we recommend a few countries with excellent weather conditions.
Cyprus
A country that gets an abundance of sun and sea, this third largest island in the Mediterranean region is a wonderful place to be in. There is never much fluctuation in temperature with residents getting to enjoy a maximum of 25°C, as the daily average.
The economy of the country is also flourishing so there is no dearth of job opportunities and the country is also home to a number of ancient sites, so it offers a variety of flavours to be cherished for the citizens.
Australia
One of the most developed nations of the world, with job opportunities galore, this island country offers the most spectacular year-long climate to the residents. There is also a great work-life balance in Australia with beaches offering some of the fascinating water sports options. The temperature is pleasant and bearable, and never exceeding 30°C.
Beyond this warm weather, there are also an incredible number of locations down under – the Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House, and plenty of others.
Cape Verde
Located just off the coast of West Africa, this country is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and, boasts of an excellent climate. With temperatures never exceeding 25°C year-round, Cape Verde is one location you can relocate to after the threat of coronavirus gets over and plan to make your home.
Costa Rica
It is said that people often visit Costa Rica as travellers and end up settling there, mostly because of its exceptional weather, friendliness of the locals, a great work-life balance that the country offers and opportunities to build up careers. Home to a unique tropical landscape, the temperatures in this country reach an average of 28°C even in the months that are hottest and only falls by 2°C in January, which apparently is its coldest month. Costa Rica’s popularity is well-known, and the country recently reached the 12th position amongst the best countries to live in, as published in an expat magazine survey.
So, make your plans, do detailed research and when you make up your mind to relocate, Writer Relocations, is one destination service provider, you can count upon.
Assignment to a new country on an office project involves multiple challenges. It’s taxing to travel alone, but if you are doing so with your family and children, then it’s a whole new ball game altogether.
With more than 65 years of experience, Writer Relocations, the most renowned international moving company, has the knowledge and expertise to handle any and every move journey, making the process stress-free for you to a great extent.
Here are a few tips for you when you’re relocating to a new city with your own kids. We help you in finding the best schools for your children.
The moment you get confirmed news about your assignment in an international location, begin the school search process with your relocation services partner. After you shortlist a handful, do not delay in submitting the application in all of them. Schools have different admission criteria and so it’s best to begin the process as soon as possible.
Read up online as much as possible about the good schools in the area where you are planning to relocate. Conduct a detailed and comprehensive online research when it comes to the academic credibility of the institutions, the extracurriculars offered there, the affiliations and accreditations, and if the concerned schools provide good sports opportunities as well.
You need not apply to only the top schools in an area. Assignees shouldn’t just apply to one school because many factors go into an admission process. So, it’s better to have multiple choices at hand as a contingency provision.
Depending on the pattern of how the academic year runs in the specific countries, the time of the year a school application is made, and then further processed, may impact the availability concerns of seats in schools. However, seat availability is never a major issue with certain institutions, and they will accept children whatever the time of year it might be.
The quality of academics is always the primary concern when it comes to choosing the right school. However, the location of the facility should be a consideration, too, with respect to the place of residence and the workplace of the parent.
Being one of the major international relocation services companies, with experience of being a destination service provider to relocate families, we know for sure that it’s best if schools aren’t too far away. Commute time is considerably saved mostly because traffic congestion is, unfortunately, a big issue during peak periods in major cities across the world.
In case the children aren’t too young, it makes sense if their opinions are also taken into consideration before determining which school to opt for. So, let it be a consolidated decision.
We at Writer Relocations help families move to their desired destinations worldwide. We do have the sensibility to understand how crucial it is for families to find comprehensive support throughout the entire move process. After all, it isn’t just moving from point A to B, but settling in there amicably as well.
This is why we have chalked out our destination services and school search service in such a manner that assignees and their family members do not face major hiccups after an international move. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your domestic relocation with your family.