Starline Overseas Moving is proud to be the only FIDI-FAIM accredited moving company in Alberta. FIDI is the global alliance of professional international moving and relocation companies, specialized in moving household goods and personal effects from one country to another, from one continent to another, according to the best quality standards.

FIDI created a certification program called FAIM. This is the most rigorous and the only quality certification program dedicated exclusively to the international moving industry. It was developed by taking ideas and best practice from the best of large, small, private and public international moving companies from all over the world. It is explained by FIDI below.

“The FIDI-FAIM certification program requires that international movers have a periodic independent assessment of their inter-continental moving activities through an independent audit which is performed every three years.

This ensures that FIDI companies work to a worldwide common standard for managing and performing international moving services in a uniformed, quality-minded and effective way. It also provides a transparent mechanism that ensures that the standards remain high.

From an end customer’s point of view, a FAIM certified company gives the person who moves and the HR department who is organising his move, confidence that the company knows the business and has the resources and know-how to do the job properly.

FAIM is administered by the FAIM Coordination Centre (FCC) based at the FIDI office in Brussels.

The on-site assessment is independently performed by international assessors Ernst & Young.”

Grandfather clocks are very difficult to move. They are also usually an expensive antique. We reccomend hire a Professional Moving Company such as Starline Overseas Moving to correctly dismantle, pack, and move your clock. The steps below outline how we prepare and relocate a grandfather clock.

1. Carefully remove all the weights one by one and pack them separately in bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure you label the wrap/paper LEFT, RIGHT, and CENTRE after you pack them. Although the weights might look similar, they do not all weigh the same, so it is imperative for you to know where each weight should be placed when you put the clock back together.

2. Never leave any shelves or shelf parts inside of the grandfather clock. Remove them all very carefully. If your grandfather clock came with glass shelves remove them one by one. Pack them separately with bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure you write FRAGILE/GLASS on the wrap/paper.

3. Always remove the pendulum and, if possible, pack it in the original box it came in. As you remove it, watch out for the suspension spring at the top of the pendulum. All the parts should be protected with bubble wrap or wrapping paper and placed in a small box that is labeled with its contents. If your clock door has a lock and key, it is a good idea to put the key in this box as well.

4. Remove the decorative spires on top of the clock if possible. Most of them are simple dowels and pop out. If you cannot remove them, make sure you are extra careful when wrapping the clock so you do not put too much pressure on them and break them off.

5. Once your clock is prepped, you can wrap it in a furniture blanket and tape it so that it does not get scratched or damaged. As an extra precaution, we recommend putting cardboard over the glass front and taping the cardboard to the furniture blanket and marking it GLASS.

6. When transporting the clock, make sure it is standing upright and secured by straps. If you transport it laying down, the glass becomes much more vulnerable and easier to break.

If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Moving internationally is an intimidating task. When you hire a professional and experienced international moving company like Starline Overseas Moving, we take all of the pressure off you. Our team is experienced and highly qualified in the international importing and exporting of household goods. We work with moving companies around the world to ensure seamless transition to your new destination. Although we handle the shipping of your goods, we are often asked “what should I carry on my person?” That is why we have created a list of the essential items you should carry or pack with you.

ID

It may seem obvious, but you do not want to be sitting at the border and remember that your passport is in your nightstand drawer, which is packed in the moving truck. Always keep ID on you and handy. Whether it is your passport, driver’s license or any other form of government ID, it is always important to have on your person.

Money, Credit Cards, Checkbook

Again another no brainer as the vast majority of people keep their wallet on them, but sometimes you are stuck in a situation where you need cash. Maybe your banking system is down, or not available in a certain country. Always remember to keep cash on you when you are moving. It may be ideal to also carry traveler’s cheques.

Documentation

Your international move requires a lot of documentation. You will be given a copy of everything pertaining to your move; contract, inventory of goods, customs documents etc. It is important you keep this on your person during your international move – ideally organized in a file folder or large envelope.

Learn how to feel at home in a foreign country, whether you’re there for a weekend, a year, or a lifetime.

After the excitement of moving abroad subsides, the hardest part of being an expat begins: settling in. Integrating into a new culture has its quirks and challenges, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle if you know how to handle the cultural adventure. There are many new things to learn and adopt, from business customs to local foods to dealing with being a hotel for all your friends and family that suddenly want to visit. Here are some helpful tips to help you settle into your life abroad like a professional expat.

Business Culture is Not Universal

Learn local business customs. Don’t assume that everyone has the same attitude toward, for instance, payment schedules. Spend time talking to others in your company and your field to find out what to expect.

Eat and Drink Like a Local

Eat the local food. Okay, you don’t have to order deep fried bugs from the market, but give the local cuisine chance. You may be delightfully surprised. Also, adapt to local eating schedules. If you show up at a Spanish restaurant for lunch before 12pm or for dinner before 9pm, you’ll be eating alone. On the other hand, if you show up to a German or Dutch restaurant too late, you’ll also find yourself eating alone.

Changing Transport

In most parts outside of North America, you don’t need a car to survive. Walking is the most practical form of transportation in many places, especially small cities and towns. It’s a great way to get around, enjoy some exercise, and become acquainted with your new community – to say nothing of the cost savings over other forms of transportation. Bicycling is a good alternative depending on your stamina and the town’s geography. Many cities have city-owned bikes you can rent for a modest fee and leave in public lots, so you never have to worry about their security. It doesn’t mean they don’t get damaged or stolen; it just means that it’s not your problem.

Communication is Key

Phones are a must, and many expats don’t bother with landlines, they just use cell phones. If you have a factory-unlocked smart phone, you can keep the same phone wherever you are and simply change chips when you move from one country to another. A lot of expats start with a ‘go phone’, an inexpensive local mobile that lets you pay for calls without monthly or other fees. Once you have a feel for your calling pattern, an annual contract may prove more economical.

Keeping Yourself Entertained

Is it possible to live without TV? Yes, and if your new country doesn’t offer the kind of programming you’re looking for (say, movies in English), you may want to skip it in favor of the other options, or you can look into streaming services with shows and movies in your language. However, keep in mind that some streaming services are limited or not allowed in certain countries. If you miss English-language radio, check out podcasts on the Internet.

Guests: Making Their Stay More Enjoyable (For You!)

There are two types of guests: the independent ones and those who need a lot of handholding. Be clear up-front about the duration of their stay. Nobody wants a guest that says they are coming for a weekend and stay a week. Do a little pre-trip planning with your guests-to-be via email or Skype. If they will be staying with you, describe the accommodations; for example, let them know if there’s no TV or if they will be sleeping on a couch or inflatable mattress. Suggest that they do online research and come up with things they’d like to do on their own. Explain that while they are on vacation, you are not, and although naturally you’ll want to spend time with them, you will have other obligations to fulfill during their stay.

If you are considering moving abroad, especially if you are relocating the entire family, one thing you might need to consider is your pets. Pets are a big part of the family and it can be devastating for children if you have to leave them behind.

There are plenty of great pet relocation companies our there that can assist with global transportation of your pet. They are highly specialized and trained to carry out the process in a way that keeps your pet’s stress down and as comfortable as possible. They can also assist with any customs documentation, as most countries have strict guidelines you need to follow to get your pet into the country.

Things To Consider
– Are you bringing the pets with you? Moving kids overseas can be a difficult thing to negotiate at the best of times; the news that your pet isn’t coming too might be met with dismay from the other family members.

– What’s best for the animal? Consider that elderly pets may not do well on a long journey and unfamiliar new surroundings or climate.

– How long are you going to be away for? If it’s only a year or two, perhaps a trusted family member of friend can care for your pets during that time.

– Where are you moving? What are the local laws about bringing pets over borders?

– Should you engage a relocation service? This may be best left to the experts, and pet relocation services will ensure all the right paperwork is complete before the move.

Transportation
– Pets are transported in a secure cargo area in a plane in a kennel. It is temperature controlled area specifically for live animal transport.

– Putting a familiar smelling blanket or toy in the kennel will help your pet settle for the flight.

– Your pet should have a light meal before the flight. Obviously it should be walked before as well.

At Destination

– Pets need to be quarantined by customs at destination. Check beforehand to see how long they will need to be held and what the process entails.

– Where is the nearest vet and the nearest pet supply store?

– What’s the pet culture in your new location? Attitudes towards pets/breeds might be substantially different from what you’re used to at home.

– You will have to check that your new home abroad is suitable for animals. Are the fences secure? Is there enough room in the backyard?

With Spring finally arriving, many people will be turning their attention to Spring Cleaning, which in turn means Garage Sale Season. The secret to a successful garage sale is in the preparation. Do your work in advance and enjoy the pleasing profits. Make sure you arrange the date well in advance and before you do anything else, call your city to get informed on permit requirements for a garage sale. Below are 13 garage sale tips that we at believe will help you host a successful garage sale.

1. Make sure to check with the weather network for good weather.
2. Try to hold it on a non-holiday weekend.
3. Place a classified ad or promote it on social media.
4. Go through every single room in your house. Include everything you want to get rid off.
5. Start talking about it with your family and friends. The more items you have for sale, the more people will show up.
6. Clean up, wipe off, and wash down anything you want to sell. Make the displayed items look presentable.
7. Get your friends and family to help you if you expect to get a large amount of visitors. In this case a pizza and refreshments can go a long way.
8. Make sure to print colorful flyers with clear direction to your address. You may even include some of the showcase items on the flyers.
9. Be creative with your large nicely printed signs and place them around the neighborhood.
10. Put a price tag on every single item with a marker on a masking tape. Make table-displaying items for a $1 or less to attract people and always leave room for bargaining. Do not overprice your items, remember you want to get rid off them.
11. To attract people, showcase the most valuable items such as furniture, antiques and collectible right in the upfront. Make sure you set up your cash right at the entrance with lots of change.
12. Make sure people have enough parking spaces. You might want to consider moving your own vehicle to make more space for visitors.
13. Mingle with the crowd, be pleasant, and don’t forget people are there looking for a good bargain.

Don’t forget, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure!

Facts

• Australia is the 6th largest country in the world at over 7.6 million square kilometers.
• Australia is home to 23 million people.
• Australia boasts a diverse range of wildlife and nature and there are many species of animals and plants that are indigenous only to Australia.
• Life expectancy is high and stress is relatively low when compared with other countries in the world.
• It was founded by immigrants from the UK – many of whom were convicts.
• Australia remains a very popular expat destination and is considered to be one of the best places in the world to live because of its low population density, high standard of life and the unpolluted atmosphere.
• According to the Human Development Index (HDI), Australia is ranked 7th out of a total of 174 countries with this ranking being based upon high scores in GDP, life expectancy, literacy and education.
• According to the Mercer Cost of Living Index, Australian cities have continued to fall in the ranking due to the depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar: Sydney (31), Melbourne (47), Perth (48)
• According to the Mercer Quality of Living Index, Australia has 5 cities in the top 50: Brisbane (37), Canberra (30), Adelaide (27), Melbourne (16), Sidney (10)
• English is the official language spoken in Australia.
• The population consists mostly of Caucasian (92%) and Asian (7%) with Aboriginal and other cultures accounting for just 1%.
• Northern Australia is tropical, with hot and humid weather and seasonal monsoons.
• Southern Australia experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are long and hot while winters are cool and occasionally wet.
• Western Australia is hot and dry in the summer and cool in the winter with temperatures often falling as low as 7 or 8°C.
• Rainfall is low throughout the country which is why there is often danger of bush fires.
• Even in today’s economic crisis, unemployment is low.

Information for Expats

• Expats are strongly advised to pay for health insurance. This costs in the region of $80 CAD per month and does not include optical or dental care.
• Pets entering Australia will need to be placed into quarantine for a period of up to 120 days and some breeds of dogs are not eligible for importation into Australia at all.
• Depending upon where you obtained your original driving license you may need to re-sit your driving test in Australia before you are permitted to drive there.

Links – Visas, Jobs & Education

• Visas http://canada.embassy.gov.au/otwa/visas_and_migration.html
• Career Development Association of Australia http://www.cdaa.org.au
• My Future http://www.myfuture.edu.au
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations http://www.deewr.gov.au
• Centerlink (Government Approved Job Search) http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/work_index.htm

Passport
Make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your planned return-home date (yes, return date, not your departure date). Carry extra passport photos just in case your passport is lost or stolen and you need to replace it while you’re away.

Visas
You should find out well in advance what rules and regulations apply to obtain a residency permit, work permit or working visa by contacting the foreign mission (embassy, high commission or consulate) of the country where you want to work. Some countries require your prospective employer to sponsor you before your work permit or visa can be issued. Be aware that a tourist visa may not allow you to undertake any form of work, including voluntary or unpaid activities. Remember to also check the visa requirements of countries you might be transiting on your way to your final destination.

Important Documents
If you intend to stay overseas for an extended period, it’s recommended that you take your personal records with you, including certificates relating to:
– Birth, Name Change and Marriage
– Citizenship
– Divorce and Custody Arrangements
– Police Checks
– Educational Qualifications

Insurance 
If you already have a job lined up, you need to check with your new employer whether you’re covered by their insurance and what, exactly, you are covered for. If your new employer covers you for medical, make sure you understand exactly what is covered. If you’re not covered, you may need to look into long-term travel insurance. Do not wait until you are ill to sort out healthcare, or you could end up with a costly and avoidable bill.

Do You Homework
Research your destination. Visit forums and expat community resources to help get a feel for the area. Also, familiarize yourself with local regulations and customs. If you are relocating for work, insist on a pre-visit and check out all the different areas before you commit to a house. It’s worth seeking out a good relocation agent.

Don’t Rush Into Buying Abroad
Take time to visit the area to see where you would like to live. Don’t be rushed into decisions and ensure you are familiar with local real estate protocol. Do not feel pressured to use your property developers or real estate agent’s legal contacts either. Seek 3rd party advice if you feel it is necessary.

Settling-in Expenses
Before you leave home make sure you have enough money saved to get set-up in your new country. If you have a job lined up, your employer may help with some of your relocation expenses. Be really clear about what they will cover and when, sometimes they don’t pay for expenses upfront so you may be out-of-pocket in the beginning. Don’t forget to take into account exchange rates and potential financial implications of moving overseas.

Banking
If you’re staying in a country for an extended period of time, you may want to set up a bank account in that country. Your bank in your home country may be able to help with recommending banks overseas or give you some advice on what personal documentation you may need to provide to set up a bank account in another country. Consider contacting a bank in your new country in advance for similar advice. Also be sure you research the taxes that will be applicable to you in your new home.

Driving
It can be worthwhile getting an international drivers permit from NRMA. An international drivers license allows you to drive overseas without further tests or application, provided your domestic license is still valid. You will also need it in most countries if you intend to rent a car and it can form part of your personal identification evidence and save you flashing your passport all around town.

Voting
When you go overseas there are requirements you must meet in order to remain on the electoral roll, and in some cases to avoid a fine. Just because you aren’t home doesn’t mean you don’t have to vote and you in some countries you will fined if you fail to vote. If you do vote while living overseas, retain evidence you lodged your vote as required and on time.

Notify the Appropriate Parties You Are Leaving
Notify any government agencies, service providers, family, friends etc. that you are leaving. Forward your mail as well. Canada post has a great service where they notify anyone that sends you mail for you.

Integrate!
Integrate into your new local community. Learn the language. Eat and drink like the locals. Take in the culture and do not isolate yourself.

Starline Overseas Moving had the pleasure of hosting Ernst & Young this past February to complete the physical portion of our FAIM audit. After weeks of anticipation, we are pleased to announce that Starline Overseas Moving has been approved for a full renewal.

FAIM (FIDI Accredited International Mover) is the most rigorous and only quality certification program dedicated exclusively to the international moving industry. The program was developed by taking the best practices from the top large, small, private and public international moving companies from around the globe. 

This year’s audit was based on ‘The FAIM Standard 3.0’ defining clear and consistent quality requirements which a company has to comply within its operations and services to customers. The quality requirements cover every aspect of the administration and performance of an international move. The audit completed this year too into account every facet of a moving company’s services, procedures, staff training, vehicle and warehouse maintenance.

With our full renewal successfully completed, we look forward to servicing all of our client’s international moving needs at the highest standard known around the globe.

Did you complete a prank yesterday for April Fool’s Day?

Our Starline Overseas Moving team got quite the laugh this year. Our Vice President, Nate Edwards had his office filled with balloons. We hope he enjoys his work space as much as we do.

Happy April Fool’s Day from your friends at Starline Overseas Moving.