Moving to the U.S.: Life in Austin, Texas
When considering cross border moving to the United States, there is a whole country of great options for where to live. One city to consider is Austin, the capital of Texas.
You might think of the PBS show, Austin City Limits, which showcases internationally famed musicians. Austin is known for being the “live music capital of the world” because of its nearly 200 music venues and many resident musicians.
Located in central Texas, Austin receives the humid winds from the Gulf of Mexico, making for mild winters and hot summers, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year.
Austin is home to the University of Texas, blending the culture of students with that of the locals. Austin calls itself “weird,” meaning they are different from the mainstream, appreciating a variety of viewpoints, and having more liberal views.
A big part of living in Texas is enjoying the great outdoors. Lady Bird Lake in the center of town is a good place to start, with a 10 mile hiking and biking trail around the lake. Also, enjoy one of the 200 parks in the city, or golf on the Austin Golf Trail, where you can find big name designers and affordable courses. Or meander along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, a 7.8 mile natural surface trail where you will see many endangered species of plants and wildlife. Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, where you will find 68-degree, spring-fed water year-round.
Visit the granite Capitol building, the largest statehouse in America, and appreciate the legislation they passed there to make strict no-smoking ordinances in all public places.
Austin is a great place to shop. You’ll find one-of-a-kind boutiques, and outlet stores for those bargain buys. Find South Congress for vintage shopping. With 700,000 square feet of shops, the newest shopping mecca is called “the Domain.”
Once you have finished moving to the U.S., and you are settled in your new home, step out on the town and get to know the great city of Austin.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @Aime Pittman via the creative common license)
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)
First Year in Canada: 5 Canadian Valentine’s Day Traditions
Cross border moving will take a lot of effort and planning, and may consume you to the point that you aren’t interested in adding more to your plate. But consider making some plans for Valentine’s Day. In Canada, this holiday is celebrated by everyone as a commemoration of their adoration of loved ones.
February 14 has been a day of love for centuries, established by Pope Gelasius in 496 AD for an early Christian martyr named Valentine. Ever since, in Canada and elsewhere, people have shared their love in many different ways on this date.
In Canada, social events are planned around the holiday. Balls and parties are held. These are sometimes elaborate celebrations where all the stops are pulled out.
Valentine cards are often exchanged, especially by young school children. Often these cards are handmade for the classroom holiday party. Also, children decorate boxes like a mailbox for their collected cards.
Elementary students also celebrate by learning songs and skits and putting on concerts for parents on Valentine’s Day. These are sometimes historical, and are of course centered on the theme of love.
In older grades, students are invited to attend Valentine’s Day dances organized by the school or another organization. Students often dress semi-formally for these dances, and attend with and without a significant other.
Gifts are popular on Valentine’s Day, such as flowers, chocolates, sparkling wine, or with committed couples, jewelry. Some consider it a religious holiday, but others take it as the chance to spend special time with loved ones.
As you are cross border moving, be sure to make time to tell your loved ones of your affection on Valentine’s Day in the traditional Canadian ways.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @Partha Sarathi Sahana via the creative common license.)
Moving to the U.S.: Life in New York City
When cross border moving to the United States you’ll have things to adjust to. But if you are not from a big city, moving into New York City might be the biggest adjustment of your life! New York City is in the American imagination as tall buildings, Broadway, Manhattan, people and more people, and called the city that never sleeps.
New York is a walking city. You rarely know people who own a car, because where would you park it? Also, the subway is a lifeline to everything – so pack your walking shoes.
This city is known for having so much to do, see, and eat that you could fill a life with trying everything out. There is every type of cuisine imaginable, and delis and bodegas on every corner. Pizza by the slice is the popular choice for food on the run.
Everything in NYC costs more. The cost of living is very high, including the cost for rent. It is said that finding the perfect apartment in the perfect neighborhood is an art, for the patient and persistent.
You can’t forget the museums. There are piles of art museums, history museums, children’s museums and science museums. Buy a membership and enjoy the ones closest to you.
Pick up the Village Voice publication for information on movies, music, restaurants, and all there is to do and see once you are settled. Buy a Zagat book and hit the best-reviewed places. Try NY.com for an inexhaustible amount of advice on living in the Big Apple.
And a word to those moving to the U.S. and especially NYC, choose your side, Yankees or Mets, and stick to it.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @rakkhi via the creative common license)
Moving in the Winter: Things Not to Forget About Moving This Season
Moving at any time of year is often a challenging endeavor. When moving to the U.S. during the winter season, there are several things to remember to make your move go smoothly and safely.
1. Pack snow shovels and salt near the back of the moving truck, in case ice and snow are in front of your new home. Arrive early to allow for time to shovel snow and lay down salt. Make sure you have a clear path from the back of the truck to the entrance so everyone has solid footing while carrying heavy objects.
2. Check up on the weather before you set out driving. Winter weather can change quickly, and you might want to adjust your departure time depending on inclement conditions. Pack an emergency kit in your car just in case. This can include a blanket, water, some non-perishable food, a flashlight, a folding shovel, and traction material such as kitty litter.
3. Cover floors and carpets to avoid tracking in snow. Try to cover all areas where movers will be walking with a material that will not easily bunch up, such as cardboard.
4. Dress in layers. Whenever traveling in the winter, it is wise to dress properly in case you are forced to get out of the car. Wear sensible, waterproof shoes, and light, loose layers of clothing.
Cross border moving in the winter can be done, with a little extra preparation and thinking ahead. Follow these tips for a safe and warm move.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @ebmorse via the creative common license)
5 Things to Know About Moving Internationally
When cross border moving, or moving overseas, there are different things to consider than when just moving within your own country. Things are very different from country to country, and you will need to be prepared to deal with these differences. Consider these tips for moving internationally.
1. Get help with packing. Don’t try to pack yourself for an overseas move. Things need to be properly packaged for the long trip to avoid damage and breakage. Also, the mover needs to take an inventory of your shipment, which will be used at customs. You can rely on your mover to notice items that you can’t move internationally like hazardous materials or perishable items.
2. Check on the voltages and plugs in your new home for your appliances. They may require some type of adaptor in order to work. Consider selling your appliances before you move, but be sure to save that money to invest in new or used appliances in your new country.
3. Contact the embassy of your new country about your visas. They will be able to give you good advice about what you need, what paperwork needs completed, and where to send it. They may even be able to connect you with other expatriate families who can guide and direct you as you move.
4. Itemize your things and value them for insurance purposes as they are packed. This may be done by the moving company, but be sure to request what you need. You can even include the cost of moving the item in the full value of replacing the item.
5. Consider selling your car. Will you be licensed to drive in your new county? Does your car meet all the environmental regulations of the country and state you are moving into? What is the cost of insurance? Can you afford to ship the car?
Cross border moving comes with many decisions to make, some of which are not easy. Take one at a time, prioritizing and keeping lists of what is yet to be done. This will keep you on track for a smooth move.
(Photo attributed to flickr member @Martyn Wright via the creative common license)
