| Before you become an expat, you need to work out | | | | toothpaste) should be no more than three fl. oz. per |
| how to get from A to B. There are many options to | | | | container and must be in a clear plastic bag if in hand |
| consider when deciding how to move you, your | | | | luggage. |
| family, and your possessions abroad. Personal | | | | For our move, it was cost effective to use a |
| circumstances and budget need to be given serious | | | | removal company for our items and then fly out. It |
| thought when researching what will work best for | | | | would have worked out much more expensive if we |
| you. | | | | had hired a van and got a friend to drive us plus our |
| The 3 main methods are: | | | | things down to Nice. BUT do be aware that most |
| - Sell or store all your possessions and travel with | | | | overseas removal companies can take a couple of |
| cases | | | | weeks to arrive as they use a network of overseas |
| - Use a removal van and travel independently | | | | depots. There is a huge selection of international |
| - Hire a van and self drive | | | | removal companies online, and it is easy to find |
| If you are young and free and not attached to your | | | | comparables and check their reputations on online |
| "stuff" then the first method would be the simplest. | | | | forums. |
| It is easy to book a cheap hotel for a few days to | | | | If you prefer the idea of self-driving both your family |
| cover you when you arrive (unless you arrive in high | | | | and possessions overseas then bear in mind the |
| season) this will give you time find an area you want | | | | possible extra expenses. Think about the mileage |
| to settle in. This could be expensive in the long run, | | | | involved and check current petrol prices for all the |
| but if you are single, consider subscribing to "sofa | | | | countries you will be driving through. Research ferry |
| surfer" as a fun inexpensive way to get to know | | | | costs and any overnight accommodation you might |
| your new town with an established visitor. | | | | need to book in advance. Hotels near the motorway |
| Alternatively short let accommodation is fairly simple | | | | can be rather pricey, also full if you travel in summer |
| to arrange online before you depart, as this category | | | | at peak holiday period. Parking can be problematic, |
| is also offered as holiday homes, so there is more | | | | most safe car parks have a barrier height of 1.8 |
| extensive advertising than long-term rentals. | | | | meters and that can apply to hotel car parks too. |
| Remember to weigh your bags before you leave and | | | | Insurance costs need to be covered, and there can |
| be aware of the luggage restrictions if flying. Low | | | | be very high road toll charges throughout Europe. |
| cost airlines have sneaky ways of charging for extras | | | | Do your research thoroughly; search online and ring |
| and may not be such a bargain if you are not | | | | round to make comparables for price versus |
| prepared. Liquids (including shampoo, face wash, and | | | | convenience. |