With the summer days dwindling and back to school just around the corner next month, there are more students than ever participating in studying abroad. According to the US State Department, approximately 260,327 Americans studied in a foreign country in 2009. Furthermore, Project Atlas Canada reported that more than 45,090 Canadians studied abroad in 2010. The top five countries Canadians continue to relocate to for foreign exchange studies are the United States, UK, Australia, France followed closely by Ireland. Many students are choosing these locations to live and study within to fulfill their need for the hands-on experiences many of these countries offer.

                If you or someone you know is thinking of studying abroad soon, keep in mind to get fully prepared for the life changing experience. Firstly, remember to do your research homework. Not all student exchange programs are identical. Review all the pages of the brochures or site pages and ensure you have read all the fine print before making any final decisions. You want to make sure the study abroad program has a good reputation and is well-established.

                After deciding on a foreign exchange program and getting the paperwork from the company take the time to read all the information thoroughly. It is best to ignore the study programs that run on a dime because with steep discounts upfront may result in the company not including all the necessities needed for a proper study exchange. Remember to pay attention to financial deadlines such as final deposits. The last thing you would want to do is miss the last financial deadline for your upcoming trip. When it comes to the actual exchange it is a good idea to have a nice combination of local currency and either Canadian or U.S. dollars.

                Keep in mind to double check your passport is valid and is nowhere near the expiry date. Depending on how long you are planning to relocate for, a visa may also be required in the host country. Being prepared and doing your research ahead of time just as if you were preparing for an upcoming move will go a long way in ensuring your trip is a memorable success.

                Lastly, try not to leave packing to the last minute as the days prior to your trip you will have plenty of other details on your mind. Distinguish what you’ll carry onto the plane versus what will be checked with the airline(s). Remember to stay positive and not over panic about the upcoming study exchange opportunity. Who knows, you may end up loving the country you are studying in so much that you may even contemplate moving there in the years to follow. If that is the case, we at Starline Overseas Moving would be happy to assist with the relocation process.

Safe travels and all the best this upcoming school year from the entire Starline Overseas team.

          Have you recently moved to a new place and your stuff from your previous location is just not sitting well in your new home? Looking for a little inspiration? We have rounded up some of our favorite international home décor sites for some inspiration. Sometimes those pillows or throw are just not working in the main space of your new home. The great news is that many of these sites also ship internationally. Happy decorating!

Charlie Ford Vintage – A fresh online source of one-of-a-kind vintage treasures from across the country. Shoppers can choose from hundreds of unique pre-loved pieces without the hassle and haggling feel from a vintage market. Charlie Ford Vintage also offers plenty of design advice on their chic blog.

Brit + Co. – This crafty online community offers an abundance of step-by-step guides on how to make your space look good without stretching the dollar. Brit + Co. understands that moving can add up quickly, therefore saving a couple bucks is always a bonus. The site often features product inventions, do-it-yourself crafts and delicious recipes. All in all, the site provides the necessities of making a home feel like home.

West Elm – This modern furniture and home décor site offers inspiring designs and colors for many types of home lifestyles. They offer everything from unqiue furniture pieces to the softest bedding sets. Shoppers will love West Elm’s variety of inspirational design looks that are available and they currently ship to over 90 countries around the world.

ModCloth – If you are looking for something unique, off the beaten track for your new residence then turn to this site for some fashionable design pieces. ModCloth offers its consumers retro-style apartment décor at reasonable prices. In addition, they offer free shipping and returns on all books, wall décor and other neat trinkets for your pad.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2013

CALGARY, ALBERTA -The city of Calgary and surrounding Southern Alberta communities including Canmore, Banff, High River, Okotoks, Black Diamond and Turner Valley were in a state of emergency due to significant flooding. The severe flooding began Thursday afternoon on June 20^th and was due to record-breaking rainfall amounts combined with run-off from the melting snow in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

            Due to the mandatory evacuation of many communities and closure of various roads – Starline Overseas Moving in Calgary instructed all operation teams on site to return back to the main office early on Friday June 21, 2013. By doing so, all of our office staff and teams were able to return home safely. The severe flooding has not directly impacted our Calgary office and storage facility.

            As of Saturday morning, one hundred thousand people were still directly affected by means of evacuation or without power and or gas. Over twenty communities within the city including downtown remain on lockdown with the hope of re-opening anytime between now and the latter end of this week. Many communities surrounding the city have been affected tremendously and the flood cleanup will take months to complete.

             Safety of our teams and customers remain our top priority. For the next two weeks, the Starline teams will continue to work around the clock to ensure all impacted families are serviced. Please be patient with us as we do our best to ensure all delayed deliveries are assisted as soon as possible.  

            We appreciate the heartfelt concerns we have received over the past few days from many agents and accounts from around the world. Any agents or individuals who would like to assist are urged to make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross online at redcross.ca or by contacting the following number 1-800-418-1111.

Contact:

Sylvia Cieslik

Sales & Marketing Coordinator

Starline Overseas Moving

sylviac@starlineoverseas.com

       There is lots of content available online that is focused on how to best pack your overseas container for your upcoming relocation. But what are some of the items that should not be packed away? The following list of items should be kept with you during the moving abroad process.

1) Medication – Medicine is something you will need to do your research on before relocating to your new destination as there are laws that surround the importation of certain drugs into foreign countries. Each country has their own set of laws and restrictions that they must abide to. Some locations will also need your doctor’s certificate of approval to import the medicine into the country. Before relocating its best to check.

2) Items of Sentimental or High Value – Items that are considered irreplaceable such as family heirlooms, jewelry or personal photos should be taken with you and not packed away into the container. Yes, the move insurance will cover the financial aspect if for some reason an item was damaged or lost however that sum of money would never replace the sentimental value of that item.

3) Personal & Financial Documents – Its very important not to pack away essential documents into your container. We recommend even making copies of each document and keeping them separate from the originals. If possible for additional protection, scan the documents onto a secure online document program or external hard drive. The following types of documents: insurance policies, medical records, tax filings, cheque books, birth and marriage certificates, stock documents, children school records, passports, importation of pet(s) documentations and professional accreditations – will assist with setting up your new life before your container arrives with the rest of your valuable goods.

4) Credit Cards – Its good to be prepared by having a credit card available throughout the transition just in case something does occur during the relocation. Also, notify your credit card company in advance of the move so they do not try to block your purchases abroad.

5) Power Adapters – Depending on where you are moving to they may have different power currencies then what you are accustomed to. Bring along the necessary adapters for items such as your computer, mobile phone or camera so you have access to the necessary items during and after the transition. This step will save you the hassle of trying to find and purchase these items once you arrive to your new destination.

6) Starline Teddy Bear – Remember to not pack away your Starline teddy bear. We understand relocating to a new country can be difficult at times. Our teddy bear promises to provide comfort when most needed.

When you are moving a great distance, often times you and your family will be in transition.  When you are traveling to your new home, take the time to enjoy the journey.  Consider making a vacation of it.  This offers a great opportunity to visit attractions and areas of interest along the way that you would not necessary have the chance to do. 

Moving can be stressful but making the most of your situation will go far.  It will make the journey more exciting and fun for you and your family. It will enable your family to look forward to the trip and give them something to plan and enjoy.

Whether you are driving or flying, look for accommodations online that will help you find the places that will work for you and your family during your travels.

Here are some tips to help you make a vacation out of your move.

Do your research

Before you move, take the time to do your research.  Find out about the places along the way that you and your family would like to see and may be interested in doing.  If you are flying directly into your new home town, when you arrive take the time to get to know the area and all of what the community has to offer.  

Explore

While you are in temporary accommodations, take the time to explore.  It will make it easier on you and your family.  It will break up the stay and make it fun for everyone.  Getting out of your hotel to explore will make it a vacation.  It is a great opportunity to share this experience with your family and make some fun memories.  Plus, it will give you a head start on learning about your new area.

Make it fun

If you make it fun for your family, they will enjoy the experience.  Moving can be stressful but offering opportunities to enjoy the experience will go a long way.  Fill your kids with positive memories by seeing and doing fun things so that they will see the transition as positive.  

Enjoy your time

Enjoy your time.  You will soon be taking delivery of your goods and unpacking.  Therefore, enjoy your time with your family and get your rest.  There will be plenty of time to do your work and get settled.  Take full advantage of the opportunity to get to know the area and enjoy the community.  It will be a great time for your family.

Moving is challenging for anyone.  However, making a vacation of the transition will help break up the work, give you some rest and help give a positive experience for your family.  Make fun memories of the experience that will stay with you.

       Last year alone, China exported 3.2 million shipping containers.  Now a handful of these containers are being transformed into a novel 5-star hotel experience. This project is known as the Xiang Xiang Xiang Pray House and was specifically designed to be a boutique hotel.

      To read the entire article and see the inside of the hotel rooms click on the following link.

China’s Shipping Container 5-Star Hotel

Written by Sylvia Cieslik

            Moving from one home to another in the same city can be complicated enough – but what happens when you need to move to the other side of the world? You may have already booked your moving company to relocate your valuable goods overseas but it’s important to remember about your pet’s upcoming air travel experience too.

The following checklist can assist with your upcoming pet relocation:

• Make reservations for your furry friend well in advance and be sure to follow airline instructions provided along with having the proper veterinary documents ready to ensure a smooth transfer.

• Carefully schedule boarding and shipping arrangements for your pet to assure that your pet is well cared for until you are available to receive it at your new destination

• If your pet is accompanying you, allow for extra time at the airport. If you are shipping your pet, go to the freight terminal a minimum of three hours in advance of your flight 

• Be certain that contact names and addresses of person(s) responsible for your pet at origin and destination are clearly marked on the pet’s identifications tags and the shipping container.

  

•  If possible, obtain the pet shipping container a week or two in advance to familiarize your pet with it. Gradually lengthen the time each day until your pet is familiar with the surrounding. 

Sometimes you will not be able to move directly into your new home.  If that is the case, temporary accommodations will be in order.  Depending on how long you will be in transition, you will need to evaluate your options.  

There are great places out there that can make your stay very comfortable.  Depending on your budget and your needs, you may be able to find a place that has a kitchenette, bedrooms, sofa-sleepers, laundry facilities, gym and wifi.  Keep in mind that some places will even offer breakfast and happy hour.  If you have a family, having access to a pool is fantastic.  It helps to keep your kids occupied and enjoy something they may not have on a regular basis.  Nothing is better than enjoying the hot tub as your kids tucker themselves out in the pool.

Just remember that when you pack for your move to set aside important things that will get you through your temporary transition phase.  This way you will have access to medication, toiletries and family favorites to make it more comfortable.  If you have electronic games that help keep your kids occupied, don’t forget to pack them.  Further, if you have a pet, make sure to ask ahead of time whether or not your accommodations will allow for their stay.  Of the places that allow for pets, most have size limits and some have restrictions on breeds and exotic pets.  Therefore, calling ahead of time and asking will save you stress at check in.  

Keep in mind that doing a little grocery shopping before checking in will save you some money.  Most accommodations have convenience items for sale.  However, you will pay for that convenience.  For example, if you have laundry facilities, you will want to purchase some detergent before checking in.  You may even want to have spare change to pay for your load.

If you are on a corporate relocation, your relocation representative may have made arrangements for you and your family.  Therefore, you want to confirm with them what is your responsibility.  Further, some have arrangements with corporate relocation apartments that are fully furnished.  So clarifying this ahead of time will be very important.

Being in transition can be challenging, so the more comforts of home you have access to the better you will feel about it.  If you treat it like a vacation, the rest of your family will see it as such.  

It takes time to prepare for your move but it is worth it.  There are several steps that you can take to prepare yourself and your family for the big day.

Itemize your needs:

Before you get started, sit down and identify what you will need for your move.  Ask yourself some basic questions.  Where am I moving?  What is my budget?  Why Am I moving?  Will I need storage?  Am we moving straight into our new home or will we need temporary accommodations?  Are there any special items that need extra care and handling?  What is covered by my insurance and what additional coverage will I need for my move?  Itemizing these needs will help you to take the right steps forward.

Budget:

Setting a budget is essential.  This allows you to understand your constraints very quickly.  If you have a limited budget, you may have to pack yourself.  Think of ways that you can optimize your resources.  For example, asking your friends and family to help you pack could save you some money.  Downsizing may be a great option if you have the time to dedicate to it before your move.  If you are on a corporate relocation, find out what is covered in your move.  Ask your relocation coordinator or human resource representative about your companies policies and procedures.  This will help you understand what your company will pay for and reimburse you.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your professionals here at Starline.  

List:

After you have itemized your needs and set a budget, you will be ready to start your to-do list.  This will change constantly.  Therefore, I suggest you have a centralized location for all your documentation and lists of things to do with reference numbers.  Keeping them in one location will help you tremendously.  It will save you time and energy trying to find things.  Further, it will prevent you from overlooking an important task.  

Secure dates:

Once you have a good idea of when you are moving, secure your dates.  This does not mean wait to contact us until you have a solid date. Rather, the minute you know you are moving, contact us so that we can have you in our system.  Once you have those dates secured, let us know right away so that we can accommodate you.  This is especially true if you are moving during the peak season.  Your professionals here at Starline will do their best to meet your needs.

Downsize:

If you are downsizing from your current location, take full advantage of the opportunity to sell, donate or give away your things that will not fit in your new home.  This will save you money in the end.  Therefore, the earlier you start this task, the more time you will have to dedicate to this.

Storage needs:

For a variety of reasons, you may not be able to move your goods from one location into the other.  If this is the case, understand your storage needs ahead of time.  Your professionals here at Starline have a variety of storage solutions for you and we will be happy to help.  Let us know your storage needs and we will find the best solution for you.

Moving is filled with ongoing tasks.  Therefore, the better prepared you are, the easier it will be on you and your family.

Preparing for your move is essential in making sure you will be successful.  Start as soon as you know you are moving.  This is definitely the case of the early bird gets the worm.  Your professionals here at Starline will do their best to help you. Just keep in mind that during the peak moving season, it is harder to be as flexible.

Here are a few tips to prepare for your big move.

Timeline

Set a timeline.  Based on all of your tasks at hand, put together a timeline.  This will help you keep track of everything that needs to be completed.  If you have to sell your house, make sure you include the time to sell and close on the home.  If you are renting make sure to include your notice to your landlord.  Keep in mind that if you are selling, your timeline will be contingent on the sale of your house.  Include in your timeline all the notifications to your vendors and canceling services.  If you are purchasing another home, do not forget to include that in your plans.

Folder or binder

I can’t say this enough.  It is very important to have one location for all of your important documentation. Get yourself a folder, binder or file container.  Keep all of your important information with you.  Put your birth certificates, passports and other vital information in it.  Make sure to scan backup copies and keep them in a safe electronic place.  This will help you in case your important documents are misplaced.

Downsize

Take this opportunity to go through all of your things and either donate or sell them online.  Ask yourself this very important question, do I want to pay to move this item?  If the answer is no, get rid of it.  Moving is the best time to downsize because you do not have the time to vacillate on making a decision.  Time is of the essence, so you will have to make your decision and stick with it.

Research

If you are moving to anywhere new to you, you will need to do some sort of research online.  You want to start this research before you begin to search for your new place.  This will help give you a feel for your new community and where you think you would like to live.  This way when you conduct your search in your new area for your new place, you will be ahead of the game.

Selling or Renting

Before you move, you will have to decide on whether you will be buying or renting your new place.  Also, make sure to have back up plans in case things fall through.  Remember, if you are buying a new home, nothing is said and done until closing.  Therefore,  delays and unforeseen things can happen.  Do not expect to move in and close on the same day.  Give yourself some contingency in the event things do not go as planned.  Your professionals here at Starline will do their best to meet your needs.  However, the better you plan the better we can help.

Contacting your utilities

Don’t wait until the last minute to do this.  Further, make sure to have a forwarding address set up prior to calling to cancel service.  They will need a place to send your last bill.  Chances are you will not be in your new location, so consider setting up a post office box for your forwarded mail.

Storage needs 

If you have any storage needs with your move, your professionals here at Starline will be happy to help.  Make sure to discuss your options with them ahead of time to make sure the arrangements best suit your needs.  You will have to determine whether or not you would like your goods stored at origin or destination. Ask which would option will be better for your move.

Forwarding your Mail

Don’t wait to the last minute to do this.  You want to make sure that your mail does not inadvertently get lost in the shuffle.  Take the time to make your plans accordingly.  This is especially important if you have plans to move a long distance and/or internationally.