Moving to the U.S.: Life in Houston, Texas
Are you considering moving to the U.S? Cross border moving is such a life changing experience, and choosing your new home is a serious decision. Here are some reasons to look into moving to Houston, Texas, where everything is bigger and some would say better!
The highlight of Houston is the sunlight, with the majority of days being sunny, warm, with a nice breeze. They only have an average of 18 days below zero; so golfing can be a hobby year-round.
Houston has a low cost of living, 9% below the national average, which is mostly due to the housing costs being 21% below the national average. From groceries, to utilities, you will spend less in Houston.
Getting to work is no problem, with the METRO and an average commute time of 25 minutes, your travel to and from work should be smooth and frustration free.
Houston is full of culture, with the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, a 17-block downtown theatre district, the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, and Houston Ballet.
There is plenty of green space in Houston, with two of the nations largest urban parks within city limits. Fourteen-percent of the city’s land area is green space. Be prepared with your picnic basket and frisbee.
Eating in Houston is a difficult decision. There are over 8,000 restaurants and eateries, serving American food and a high percentage of diverse international cuisine.
As you decide on moving to the U.S., consider Houston as a great choice.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @chispita_666 via the creative common license)
Allied Van Lines Announces 2011 Canadian Agent of the Year Award
Allied Van Lines Inc., one of the world’s largest moving companies and a subsidiary of SIRVA Inc., announced that Quality Move Management Inc. (QMM) has been awarded the 2011 Canadian Agent of the Year award. This award will be formally presented in May 2012 at the Awards Dinner at the Allied Van Lines Operations Conference in Edmonton.
Quality Move Management is the first recipient of the award, which recognizes the Agency for meeting criteria for excellence in a number of areas such as booking activity and growth; overall rating and quality improvement; and hauling activity.
“Quality Move Management continues to set the bar for excellence for our Canadian agent system,” said Rob Grohn, Vice President and General Manager of Allied Van Lines Canada. “We are proud to recognize them as the first recipient of this prestigious award, which is an honour in itself.”
“We are extremely honoured by this recognition, which reflects both our industry leadership and commitment to delivering outstanding service and value to all of our customers,” said Kevin St. George, President of Quality Move Management. “This would not have been possible without the dedication of our exceptional employees who work tirelessly to exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Established in Vancouver in 1996, Quality Move Management is Allied Van Lines’ first dedicated corporate moving agent in Canada. From locations in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton Quality Move Management handles more relocations than any Allied agent in Canada and is the largest cross-border moving company in North America. QMM also represents Allied International in these markets.
For additional information, please contact Shelby Slater by e-mail at sslater@qmm.com or by phone at 604-523-3752.
About Allied Van Lines
Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines, with more than 400 agent locations in North America, is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is one of the world’s largest moving companies and one of the established global brands of SIRVA, Inc., a leader in providing relocation services through its subsidiaries to corporations, consumers and governments around the world. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit www.allied.com. Allied Van Lines, Inc., U.S. DOT No. 076235
About SIRVA, Inc.
SIRVA, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading provider of relocation solutions to a well-established and diverse customer base around the world. The company handles all aspects of relocation, including home purchase and home sale services, household goods moving, mortgage services, and home closing and settlement services. SIRVA conducts more than 300,000 relocations per year, transferring corporate and government employees in addition to individual consumers. SIRVA’s well-recognized brands include Allied, Allied International, Allied Pickfords, Allied Special Products, DJK Residential, Global, northAmerican, northAmerican International, SIRVA Mortgage, SIRVA Move Management, SIRVA Relocation and SIRVA Settlement. More information about SIRVA can be found on the company’s Web site at http://www.sirva.com.
Moving to the U.S.: How to Prepare for Customs
When moving to the U.S., you must be prepared to pass through customs, and you want the easiest transition possible. For full information check the website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- The most difficult thing to do is to separate what is advisable to pack and what is not. Your household goods should be duty free if they are one year old or older. You may want to purchase items once you arrive in the U.S. if the duty charge will not be worth bringing the item.
- There are many things that aren’t allowed to be transported. Alcohol, tobacco and unexposed film cannot be in your shipment. Neither can flammable items such as matches, candles, paint, ammunition or cleaning fluids. Leave behind bulbs, seeds, and houseplants.
- It is advised that you carry with you small items of greater value such as furs or jewelry, or ship them in air freight.
- Carry only small amounts of personal medication in their original containers. Ask for a letter from your doctor explaining your condition, and the need for the medication you will carry.
- Transferring pets across the border can be a challenge. Make sure you have your vaccination and medical records from your veterinarian. Have a complete identification tag with your name and contact information.
- Check on the amount of money you are allowed to carry with you in the form of traveler’s checks.
- And lastly, have all your paperwork in order. You need you visa, passport, export declaration form, letter of recommendation, work permit, international driving permit, and immunization records.
Your cross border moving company should be able to help you with these restrictions and requirements.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @Orin Zebest via the creative common license)
Best Online Resources When Moving to the U.S.
When cross border moving, there is a lot to learn. Research can tell you a lot, but you have to know where to look. Try these websites for the info you need when moving to the U.S.
- 1. Start with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is a department of U.S. Homeland Security. Its priorities are to keep terrorists and their weapons out of the country. This impacts you as you attempt to cross through customs. It secures and facilitates travel and immigration while enforcing hundreds of regulations and laws. You’ll find up to date information on documents needed to cross the border, advisories for travel. The Know Before You Go section is particularly helpful.
- 2. You’ll want to check out the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration. There you will find information on green cards, visas, working in the U.S., and gaining citizenship. All the forms you need are free on this site.
- 3. If you are overwhelmed with doing it all yourself, go to immigrationdirect.com. This site charges fees for helping you navigate the documents needed for immigration, but it might be worth it. They offer a step-by-step guided process with “Form Navigation” technology to help with your U.S. immigration application. The site is easy to navigate and understand. They offer customer support 24/7 including phone support. They also offer educational DVD’s and e-books to help you along.
- 4. Chiff.com/moving is your resource for relocating to a state in the U.S. Just click on the state you are relocating to, and you will find a page full of information and websites you need to check out. You’ll find info about laws, taxes, entertainment, costs of living, demographics, and more.
- 5. Movingtoday.com is full of tips and tricks for a successful move. There are articles about hiring movers, how to pack, moving out, a moving checklist, tips on storing your stuff, and moving with pets.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @Baddog_ via the creative common license)
Calgary: 5 Unusual Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
When cross border moving during the Valentine’s Day season, be sure to remember to celebrate with your loved one. Calgary may not be Paris, but it is still known as a romantic city, and holds lots of potential for a special Valentine’s Day. As the big day approaches, there is the decision to make about where to spend the holiday. Fortunately, Calgary offers much to choose from.
Try a small but lovely restaurant called The Blue House Cafe on 19th Street at Northmount Drive NW. They have Latin American food with an emphasis on seafood. Be sure to get a reservation and ask for a secluded table. Romance comes easy with the live music and close atmosphere.
Consider spending the day in the beauty of nature. Travel to Banff, 100 miles to the west, to the oldest national park in the country. There are beautiful mountains, glaciers, ice fields, and forests to see. Go to see Bow Falls or Lake Louise. Stay the night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and take your beloved on a horse drawn sleigh ride.
If you want to stay in Calgary, you might miss the Valentine’s Day crowds if you take a brisk walk in Prince Island Park along the Bow River Pathway over the pedestrian bridge. This would be the perfect backdrop to pop that special question, or just to declare your love.
Pamper your better half with a shared day at the Riverside Spa. This premiere Calgary spa experience offers a beautiful facility and a professional spa team at your service. Spend the day in relaxing comfort as you both receive spa treatments to your liking. Nurture your romance as you nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
Once your cross border moving task is underway, remember to make plans for Valentine’s Day. This task should be easy with the amenities that Calgary has to offer.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @Adam Kahtava via the creative common license.)
