How To Move To New York From Europe

Embarking on the endeavor of relocating from Europe to the vibrant city of New York is a cherished aspiration for numerous individuals, and understandably so. The dynamic streets, renowned landmarks, and multicultural ambiance render it an alluring destination.

As a reputable moving company based in New York, we possess a profound comprehension of the enthusiasm and obstacles associated with international relocation. In this extensive manual, our objective is to furnish you with indispensable knowledge and perspectives to facilitate a seamless transition to the illustrious Big Apple. From the intricacies of the move itself to acclimating to the urban landscape, we are fully equipped to assist you every step of the way.

How Can a European Move to New York?

map of europe

Moving from Europe to New York City involves several crucial steps. To begin with, let’s discuss the importance of the right visa. Obtaining the appropriate visa is often the first and foremost step when planning your move. Whether you’re considering a tourist visa, work visa, or even a green card for permanent residency, researching and applying for the correct visa well in advance is essential.

When it comes to planning the move itself, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll ship your belongings overseas or buy new items once you arrive. This is where moving companies like ours come into play. We specialize in handling the logistics, customs clearance, and transportation of your belongings, making your international move considerably more manageable.

Locating appropriate housing in New York City can present a formidable challenge owing to the substantial demand and associated costs. In order to arrive at a well-informed decision, it is imperative to conduct thorough research on neighborhoods, property options, and rental rates. In this regard, the assistance of local experts can prove to be invaluable, as relocation companies frequently possess valuable insights into the most suitable neighborhoods for individuals new to the city.

Additionally, opening a local bank account and understanding the U.S. banking system is vital for financial stability. Ensuring you have sufficient funds for initial expenses and a financial cushion to navigate the city’s high cost of living is a prudent move.

The provision of healthcare is a crucial aspect to be taken into account. The healthcare system in the United States varies considerably from that of Europe, hence obtaining health insurance coverage should be given utmost importance. It is advisable to conduct thorough research on healthcare providers and opt for a plan that is in line with one’s requirements.

Is New York Foreigner Friendly?

New York City’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures makes it generally welcoming to newcomers. However, adjusting to life in this vibrant metropolis can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider:

Embracing the multicultural atmosphere of the city and establishing connections with local communities from one’s home country can provide valuable support and foster a sense of belonging. The city’s diversity is a significant asset and a source of strength.

While English is the primary language, you’ll find a multitude of languages spoken in various neighborhoods. Learning some basic English phrases can be immensely helpful in your day-to-day interactions.

Navigating the city’s public transportation system, including the subway and buses, is a valuable skill. New Yorkers are known for their fast-paced lifestyle, so be prepared for the bustling city environment.

How Much Money Do You Need to Move to New York?

woman counting money

New York City’s reputation for a high cost of living is well-founded, and it’s essential to budget accordingly. Housing expenses, in particular, can be a significant portion of your budget. Be prepared to pay a substantial upfront cost, including security deposits and the first month’s rent.

Utilities and groceries also factor into your budget. Research local costs and consider shopping at neighborhood markets and cooking at home to save on food expenses.

Transportation costs can add up, so calculate expenses for public transportation or consider owning a bike to save money on commuting.

Entertainment and dining are part of what makes NYC special, but these activities can be expensive. Establish a reasonable entertainment budget to enjoy the city without overspending.

Is New York Easy to Get a Job?

hiring sign

Securing employment in New York City can be competitive, but it’s possible with the right approach:

Establishing a robust network is of paramount importance. It is advisable to capitalize on your professional connections, participate in industry gatherings, and make use of digital platforms such as LinkedIn to establish links with prospective employers.

When searching for job opportunities, explore listings on various websites, including industry-specific job boards. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to stand out.

To adequately prepare for interviews, it is recommended that one conducts thorough research on the company, gains a comprehensive understanding of the role, and practices answering common interview questions. Additionally, our esteemed moving company can provide assistance in transporting your professional attire, thereby enabling you to make a favorable impression during interviews.

Can I Move to America Without a Job?

While having a job offer can simplify the immigration process, it is possible to move to the United States without employment secured:

Consider pursuing higher education in the U.S. by applying for a student visa (F-1). This allows you to study and potentially work part-time on campus.

If you have a substantial amount of capital to invest in a U.S. business, explore options such as the E-2 investor visa.

Family-based immigration is another avenue. If you have close relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they may sponsor you for a family-based immigrant visa.

How Moving Companies Can Assist

Moving to a new country is a complex process, and professional moving companies like ours can make a world of difference. Here’s how we can assist:

Logistics and Transportation: We specialize in handling the logistics of your move. This includes packing, shipping, and customs clearance, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on time.

Local Knowledge: Our extensive local knowledge can help you find suitable housing and navigate the intricacies of New York City, from neighborhood recommendations to understanding local regulations.

Storage Solutions: If you need temporary storage for your belongings before or after your move, we can provide secure storage options.

Customized Services: Every move is unique, and we tailor our services to your specific needs, ensuring a seamless transition to your new life in New York.

Conclusion

Moving from Europe to New York City is a big change that needs careful planning. We are a moving company based in New York and we can help you with everything, from getting the right visa to finding a place to live, managing your money, and finding a job. Enjoy the city’s diverse culture, be smart with your money because it’s expensive to live here, and work hard to achieve your career goals. Adjusting to life in the city may be tough, but it’s also full of opportunities and excitement.

Top European countries for expats

 European countries for expats is the goal here. Moreover, many Europeans want to live an American dream, to enjoy the charms of New York and the sun of Florida. But many American expats choose European countries to live their dreams. Nowadays, moving from America to Europe is very common. According to Internet researches and statistics. There are almost 9 billion American expats currently living abroad. If you are one of Americans considering relocating to Europe. There must be questions to worry you. Are you thinking about which country to move? Are you wondering if that country has a lot of English-speakers? You would like to move to a country with lower costs of living?  

Continue reading “Top European countries for expats”

Shipping Container Sizes: What To Know

If you are seeking to relocate to New York City while adhering to a budget, it would be advisable to consider renting a shipping container. The utilization of shipping containers presents numerous benefits, including significant cost savings. Additionally, they can serve as a convenient solution for temporary storage requirements during the relocation process.

But, before deciding to rent one, you will need to know which shipping container size and type is the right one for your needs. Picking the container dimensions might seem really confusing and hard at first, but it really isn’t. After you read our simple guide, you will know everything there is to know about moving containers.

Shipping Container Types

Shipping containers are designed in a way to make the transportation of your items easy and safe. This is very important when you are planning to relocate everything you own. Especially if you are planning a cross-country move.

Since not all of us transport the same kind of goods, there are different containers that will suit everyone’s needs. You’ve probably already figured out that there are different kinds of moving containers. More than ten types! And all of them come in various sizes and are from different materials. So, what are the most common types of moving container?

  • Dry Containers. One of the most commonly used containers. They are perfect for transporting almost any item.
  • Flat Rack Containers. This will be your number one pick if you want to transport oversized items or construction gear since they come in bigger shipping container size.
  • Open Top Containers. Great for high items.
  • Tunnel Containers. They are similar to dry containers but have openings at both ends which is why you can load and unload much easier.
  • Refrigerated Containers. You will need these if you have temperature sensitive goods.
  • Car Carrier Containers. You are planning a long distance move, but don’t know how to transport your car? The answer is – Car carrier containers.

Stacked shipping containers in different colors.

Most Common Shipping Container Size

As you already know, every type of shipping container comes in various sizes. Shipping container size sticks to international standard- ISO (Industrial Standards Organization). As a result of this, today’s shipping containers are customized in a way to meet everyone’s demands. Whether you need to transport heavy equipment or a bulk of grain, you will have the opportunity to rent (or buy) a perfectly sized container.

You are probably wondering why is it so important to pay attention to container’s size if you don’t have many goods to transport. It will fit in any container, right? Well, keep in mind that bigger containers cost more. And one of the ways to save money in the Big Apple is to find the right sized moving container.

Standard Container Size

Shipping containers come in standard sizes – 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft. If you have big, bulky or heavy items you can also get a container of a non-standard size. Every type of shipping containers comes in more than one size. There are two shipping container dimensions: external and internal. And since most of moving containers come in rectangular or cubic shape, its measures will include length, height, and width. It is important to know that, for example, external length isn’t the same as the internal length.

"Be smart" written on paper

External Dimensions

At times of heightened stress, it is not uncommon for individuals to commit superfluous errors. One such mistake is selecting a shipping container of larger dimensions than the designated outdoor area. Another scenario involves placing the container in a location that impedes its opening due to insufficient space.

Neglecting to consider the container’s dimensions may result in significant complications, which are best avoided on the day of relocation. To circumvent such issues, it is imperative to undertake precise measurements prior to acquiring a shipping container.

Internal Dimensions

This one is easy. You will need to pay attention to internal dimensions in order to assure all your belongings will fit the container. Getting a big shipping container doesn’t mean it will be the same size on the inside. If you have high belongings, don’t forget to get the container with the right internal height.

What Size Moving Contianer Do You Need

There are a few things you’ll need to consider when thinking about the size of a shipping container. Firstly, if you are planning to use it as a small office, you will need enough space for your stuff. Get yourself the right sized container and then find reliable office movers NYC.

In short, think of its purpose. Secondly, think what items and how many of them will be in it. And thirdly, examine how adaptable your new space can be. Who knows, you might need a bigger space in the near future. Think of everything.

Questions to ask when deciding on shipping container size.

Where Can You Find Shipping Containers?

Don’t go for the cheapest solution! You need quality when you are thinking of getting a shipping container. Let’s put it like this. When you are planning a move to NYC, you will read NYC moving companies reviews, and then decide which one you will hire. It’s the same with shipping containers. There are many reliable companies with a service of renting a shipping container. Some even have an option to sell you one. No matter what will be the purpose of your future container, always go for the best option. Find a reliable company which will help you decide which shipping container size and type you need. You deserve the best, so don’t settle for less.

Moving From South Africa To NYC

New York is indeed a special place. People from all around the globe dream of someday being New Yorkers themselves. However, we all know that moving to New York is not the easiest thing to do. Before everything else, there is the expensiveness of this city as a huge obstacle. But, if you were wise and found the strength necessary for moving to New York, read on. Today we will show you that moving from South Africa to NYC is not an impossible endeavor.

A picture of many tall buildings in New York close together during the early evening. The lights in the building are turned on and the clouds can be seen behind them. This is something you will get to see everyday after moving from South Africa to NYC.

Be Ready To Move From South Africa to NYC

Before deciding to move, you first need to be 100 percent sure of your decision. Sure, you can always move back home after relocating to NYC, but this whole going back and forth will cost you. Therefore, before moving to NYC from South Africa, you first need to do a couple of things.

Research the City and Standard of Living

As we mentioned before, New York is a costly city. Before considering a move, it’s important to examine statistics and average prices. The last thing you want is to relocate and realize you can’t afford a comfortable life. Additionally, if you have children, it’s crucial to research schools and universities. Being prepared for the future, rather than just the present, is essential.

Visit New York

Of course, this is under the presupposition that you have never been to New York. However, before moving from South Africa to NYC, it is crucial that you experience the city at least once. South Africa and New York are very different. It is necessary that you see whether you are ready for such a change. On that note, try to go beyond the tourist attractions and visit small shops and supermarkets. Only then will you see if you feel comfortable in New York.

Save Money Before Moving

New York is a lot more expensive than South Africa. In order to move to NYC, you will have to save money carefully and for a long time. Of course, the amount of money saved up depends on many factors, such as your economic state of affairs and your lifestyle. However, the amount of money saved up should be significant, since you will have a lot of moving costs NYC – related to pay.

Twelve 100-dollar bill banknotes on a white surface.

Find a Job

You cannot survive anywhere without a job. The cost of living keeps on rising all around the world, and especially in the developed countries. Therefore, you first need to find a job or at least know that you are eligible for one in NYC. The first step to finding any job is making a fascinating CV. An informative resume will open many doors for you after moving from South Africa to New York. Here are some pieces of information your CV should contain:

  • Your educational background.
  • All of the work experience you had before moving from South Africa to NYC.
  • Individuals skills you find important.

It is always a good idea to get your CV made by a professional. They know how to make you look good.

Have Skype Interviews

After sending in CV`s, we hope you will get invited to some interviews. The advantage of the 21st century is that now you can talk to someone across the globe from the comfort of your room. After scheduling interviews, you need to focus on your appearance and clothes. No one will hire you if you look unkempt. Also, be sure to be punctual. It is of extreme importance.

A blonde woman dressed in a white jacket with a black collar smiling. She is holding a phone in her left hand, and a white tablet in her right hand. She might be having a video call. Before moving from South Africa to NYC it is important to attend video interviews.

Find a Home

Moving and not having a house is terrifying. Therefore, before moving from South Africa to New York City, you need to find a great home for yourself. Luckily, the Internet has all of the information you need. It should not be too hard to find a house or an apartment that you will like. The best thing about NYC housing is that you have many options. But, first things first. Before everything else, you need to decide in which New York borough you want to live. Here are some of your options:

  • Greenwich Village – if you are financially very stable, this is the place for you. Greenwich Village is one of the most expensive NYC neighborhoods.
  • Meat Packing District – known for its fine dining and nightlife.
  • Brooklyn – an up-and-coming NYC borough. The life in Brooklyn is on the slightly cheaper side. Brooklyn movers are also cheaper than Manhattan movers, for example.

Of course, these are just a couple of suggestions, but there are many more boroughs in NYC to choose from after moving from South Africa.

That would be our short guide to get you started on your adventure of moving from South Africa to NYC. Among other things, what is important is to hire reputable NYC movers to handle your belongings. After doing that, you should relax and remain positive. You`ve got this!

Moving from Europe to Brooklyn

If you are moving from Europe to Brooklyn you are making a great decision. You will find yourself if one of the fastest developing New York boroughs. There are plenty of job opportunities. There is also plenty of excitement and the nightlife is incredible. Moving specialists in Brooklyn will help you move and after that, you can settle down and start your new life in the Big Apple. We will tell you about the benefits of moving from Europe to Brooklyn and why it is a great idea. We will also give you some information about life in Brooklyn. After you read this you will experience less of a culture shock. You will know what to expect after moving from Europe to Brooklyn. Continue reading “Moving from Europe to Brooklyn”

How to move abroad on a budget

If you have decided to move abroad from NYC you should know that it is a big step. It is also an expensive endeavor. First of all, you should start off by choosing the best one among the international moving companies NYC has to offer. Hiring good movers is the most important step. You can already suppose that moving abroad doesn’t come cheap at all. It is an expensive investment and you will want to save some money wherever you can. We are going to give you some tips and tricks on how to move abroad on a budget. We will also suggest some of the cheapest destinations you can move to.

How to save money and move abroad on a budget

So we will give you some ideas on how to save some money and how to move abroad on a budget. These are some tips and tricks that will definitely come in handy. So first of all, if you can choose, always choose sea freight instead of air freight. If you can choose an international shipping option it is always best to choose the waves. The sailing mileage is more affordable. For just a fraction of the price, you will be able to load and transport much more when sailing. For example, if you are moving a one bedroom apartment abroad it will be almost 50% cheaper to send it by sea than by air. However, you can fly something in two to three days, but shipping your possessions in a container ship can take up to a month. But think of the money you are going to save.

Try groupage shipments

If you don’t have a lot of things to move you might end up with a half-empty container. This is just a waste of money.However, there is a solution. You can try group shipments.This means that you can share your container with someone. Also, if you are not transporting more than 20 cubic meters you should opt for less than full container load, rather than the full container load.This will save you money.

a blue and white ship with containers you can use for move abroad on a budget
You should use ship containers for your move abroad on a budget

Plan everything in time

You should not wait for last minute booking of any kind.If you do this you will lose a ton of money. If you know when you want to move you should book your shipping in advance. When you leave this for last minute you will have to fly everything for a crazy price or wait forever before your container arrives. If you apply for any papers in a short notice you will have to pay larger sums of money. So, apply for visas, work permits and pet passports in time. Statistics say that you should buy plane tickets seven weeks in advance for short-haul flights and eighteen weeks in advance for long-haul flights. Sunday is the best day to book and buy plane tickets. If you subscribe to JacksFlightClub and Hitlist you will get e-mails notifications about cheap plane flights.

Sell the things you will not need

Every move is a chance to get rid of unnecessary things and to get better organized. Moving a lot of things will cost you more and this is frustrating. If you want to move abroad on a budget you should get rid of all of the things you will not need. For example, if you are moving to a hot country, you will not actually need all of those winter clothes. You can sell your stuff on e-Bay. This is a great way to earn money you can use to cover some moving expenses. 

Sort out your taxes and open an international bank account

You should inform your government that you are going to move abroad. Sort out your taxes before you move, if you don’t do this you might end up paying taxes in two countries.Now, that is a money wasting nightmare. Moreover, forget about your old bank account.You should open an international bank account to avoid those expensive transfer fees and exchange rate fluctuations. The benefits of an international bank account are

  • You can hold  different currencies at the same time, so you will not have to convert your money
  • These accounts have low fees and good exchange rates

Find an affordable moving company

There are so many international movers to choose from these days. Try to find the most affordable movers NYC has. Ask around with friends and colleagues. Google is your friend, so try to gather as many information and details as you can. Pay attention to company reviews and ask about discounts.

Move to a cheap country

If you want to move abroad on a budget you should choose a cheap country to move to.This will save you a lot of money in the long run. We are going to suggest the three cheapest countries you can move to.

Lisbon in Portugal

Lisbon is a beautiful city with wonderful landmarks. It is one of the cheapest cities in Western Europe. You will enjoy a perfect climate and cheap prices. You can live a comfortable life and pay for lodging, food and more for just around $1 300 a month. If you want to buy a place to live a 538-square-foot apartment costs only $90 000.

Lisbon ctyscape
Lisbon is a great location to move abroad on a budget

Cali in Colombia

This city is a top cheapest city for a good reason. A couple can live here for only $987 a month. The price includes the rent. Real estate is crazily cheap. For only $45,100, you can afford to buy a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment in the best location. Not to mention that the people are very polite and hospitable. The city is also very safe now.

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo is the capital of Dominican Republic. If you move here you will have a year-round lifelong vacation.Doesn’t that sound just perfect? This is a heaven for tourists so you can enjoy five-star restaurants and great shopping malls.You will also love the carnival. The cost of living here for a couple is $1,450 a month including rent and food.

an old palace in Santo Domingo
You will love the old colonial architecture in Santo Domingo

So we hope we have given you some useful tips and for your move abroad on a budget. If you stick to our advice, find cheap movers NYC has and maybe choose one of the cheapest destinations, you will definitely save some bucks.