Expat’s Guide To Living In Los Angeles

There’s no other place in the world like Los Angeles. There are cities that are bigger, but none of them match the energy that this sprawling, unique, beautiful city has to offer. Whether you’re moving to LA for business ventures, to get a head start on your acting career, or for something completely different, the City of Angels has something for everybody.

New Zealand Movers have helped many Kiwis trade in their quiet home towns for the sleepless metropolis of Los Angeles. Here, the team at New Zealand Movers compile what they’ve learned over 40 years of moving Kiwis to Los Angeles. This is your expat’s guide to living in LA!

Choose your neighbourhood wisely

LA is a huge place, with a population of over 13 million people. And unlike other metropolises like New York or Hong Kong, Los Angeles is spread out; people generally live in homes rather than dense apartment blocks. This means there are hundreds of neighbourhoods to choose from, each with their own characteristics that make them beautiful. Families are attracted to the safe, convenient locations of Culver City and Diamond Bar. For young professionals, it’s all about hip neighbourhoods like West Hollywood (WeHo, for short), Venice Beach and Santa Monica. There are so many great suburbs in Los Angeles, so it’s up to you to do your research and pick the perfect spot.

Climate in Los Angeles

For those who love the sunshine, LA has got you covered in it. Year-round sunshine and warm weather is what you can expect as an expat living in Los Angeles, thanks to the city’s distinctly Mediterranean climate. If you were thinking about a white Christmas, you’ll have to head further north; it’s not uncommon for Christmas Day to be 27-28 degrees Celsius in Los Angeles.

Job-seeking in Los Angeles

It’s easier to move to Los Angeles, and America in general, when you’ve already got a job lined up. As soon as you have employment arranged, it takes the pressure out of obtaining visas and navigating the US’s rules around staying in the country on a tourist visa. If you’re planning to find work when you arrive, this is possible too, but you’re only given a period of three months on your tourist visa before you have to gain employment or exit the country.

Getting comfortable in LA

The way to make yourself comfortable when moving to a new place is to research and prepare accordingly. You want to start off on the right foot, so that everything falls in its right place immediately. The way most Kiwis do this is by calling New Zealand Movers on: 0800 000 022

NZ Movers are the nation’s finest team for international relocations. Transporting your belongings across the Pacific with absolutely zero fuss, the team at New Zealand Movers want to make your move to Los Angeles as easy as possible. For over 40 years, their team has helped countless others to relocate to North America, as well as every other continent on the globe… apart from Antarctica, of course. Get in touch and start your new life in LA today!

Moving House? We’ve Got Some Handy Hints

Moving house is quite a subjective experience. Some may look at it as a super easy task, and others can view as one of the most difficult. But the truth? Both of these ways of thinking can lead to pitfalls when moving house!

That’s why it’s best to take an informed, measured approach to moving house – rather than viewing it as either easy or hard.

However, New Zealand Movers are here to make it easy for you when moving house. Here, their team outline some handy hints when moving house.

Choose a team with experience

A moving team is the first thing to look for when you’re moving house. Professional movers are essential for any type of home-dweller: whether you’re a student, a large family or a couple of retirees. Professional movers with years of proper experience are what you’re looking for. New Zealand Movers have been conducting local, inter-city and international moves for over 40 years, making them one of New Zealand’s most experienced companies across all three types of moving house.

Consider storage facilities if you need them

When moving house, one of the handiest hints we can give you is to make the most of storage facilities. Many people find that not quite all of their belongings fit or are suited to their new home. In these circumstances, you’re just going to give you belongings away or leave them behind; storage facilities help you with a temporary solution to holding your possessions while you think about the reconfiguration of the new home.

Insurance policies

It may not be the most exciting part of moving homes, but it’s certainly one of the most important: insurance. A good professional mover will have a clear, straightforward insurance options for keeping your belongings covered should something unlikely or unexpected occur. Choose a reputable moving service with a comprehensive insurance policy so that, no matter where you’re going, you can arrive there, stress-free.

Don’t fret over packing

Are you the type of person who gets stressed over packing for a weekend trip, let alone packing the whole house up? You’re not alone in that feeling. That’s why so many Kiwis choose professional packers when moving houses. Professional packers are expertly trained in the art of packing up a home. They use specific techniques and methods to pack your house systematically and unpack it in the new home.

For more handy hints when moving homes, just call New Zealand Movers. They’re one of New Zealand’s best moving companies, offering full-service moves with insurance, packing, storage and more. Priding themselves on a professional service at affordable prices, New Zealand Movers have experience in inter-city and international moves too. Get in touch for a quote today.

5 Tips For Moving In Auckland

Moving around within the City of Sails? Auckland is a big town, with many different suburbs that possess their own characteristics, qualities, and advantages. With its perfect climate, excellent job opportunities and range of top-level education institutions, Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand for a reason.

So, if you’re firmly rooted in Auckland but need to relocate to a different suburb, what do you do? Here, the team at New Zealand Movers, Auckland’s #1 moving company, tell us 5 tips for moving within Auckland.

1) Book in early

There’s nothing worse than leaving things until the last minute when you’re moving in Auckland. We all know this city well – it’s busy, and things get booked fast. A professional moving company like New Zealand Movers is no different. To avoid disappointment, give the team a call to book at least 6-8 weeks prior to the move. Otherwise, you could be left with limited options for moving service and be forced to pay more for a lesser-quality moving team.

2) Choose the perfect suburb for your situation

Auckland is generous in its selection of suburbs. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family or a retiree, Auckland has numerous suburbs to accommodate you. Grey Lynn, Auckland City and Ponsonby are often cited as the best suburbs for young professionals. Families are drawn to the beautiful suburbs of Takapuna and Devonport, while retirees are sure to love the convenience and relaxed atmosphere of Howick and Remuera. Read our blog about the best suburbs in Auckland to choose the perfect suburb for you.

3) Downsizing or upsizing?

Consider the nature of your move in Auckland before you book your moving service – are you upsizing or downsizing? Upsizing may require you to purchase extra furniture, particularly for growing families. Downsizing, however, may require a storage facility to be used while you figure out the layout of your new home. Always choose a top-tier moving service that offer storage facilities in Auckland, like New Zealand Movers.

4) Consider the season

Moving in each season presents its own advantages and challenges. While spring and summer tend to be the most popular seasons for moving due to finer weather, you’ll have to book earlier during these periods. Winter and autumn can present weather challenges, but are often less busy. Find a top tier moving team who have measures in place to beat adverse weather conditions, like New Zealand Movers.

5) Ask for a written quote

With any service, a written quote is absolutely essential. When a company is willing to provide quotes in writing, it’s a testament to their legitimacy and honesty. Always get a written quote before hiring a moving company in Auckland.

New Zealand Movers are one of Auckland’s best moving companies. They have helped to move countless Kiwis move within the beautiful city of Auckland, establishing them in better homes and better suburbs. Priding themselves on a professional service at affordable prices, New Zealand Movers have experience in inter-city and international moves too. Get in touch for a quote today.

Moving Overseas – What You Need To Know

Moving overseas? There are plenty of reasons to do it. Whether we’re seeking a better environment for family life, have the opportunity for the perfect career move, or simply craving a change, moving overseas is a sure way to achieve these goals.

But for the move to be successful, you’ve got to be prepared. It’s a good thing, then, that you’re in the right place! The team at New Zealand Movers are the nation’s most experienced in international relocations. Let’s take a look at what you need to know when moving overseas.

Making yourself comfortable

Possibly the greatest factor in determining the success of your move is comfort – in other words, how comfortable you make yourself when settling into your new country. Moving overseas is quite a big change, and it can be difficult to settle in if you’re not totally comfortable. The best way to make yourself comfortable in the initial stages of the move is to surround yourself in a familiar environment, with your own furniture, clothes, appliances, and other belongings. By being comfortable in your new country, you’ll feel more confident and prepared for the entire experience.

Asking a local’s opinion

It’s a fantastic idea to reach out to locals in your new city and get their opinions. You may even find Kiwi expats who are in a similar position to you regarding age, children, profession, etc. So, how do you ask a local’s opinion if you don’t know any locals yet? Facebook groups are a valuable resource when it comes to gaining opinions of others who also stood in your place. In many cities across the world there are Kiwi and Aussie expat groups which can provide a wealth of good opinions on suburbs to live in, schools, job-hunting and more.

Organising employment before or after arrival?

One thing to ascertain before moving is your employment situation. Whether you’re being relocated via your current workplace or you’re looking for work when you arrive, both options are perfectly feasible. If you’re moving without employment pre-arranged, then you should reach out to other expats in your industry and find out how difficult it is to secure a job.

Moving overseas with children

Moving overseas with children is something many Kiwi families do – it’s not only an enriching experience for the parents, but also for kids. While it requires a little more preparation in terms of finding great schools and family-friendly neighbourhoods, with the right team of movers, the job gets a lot easier!

Coordinating the move with the right moving team

New Zealand Movers have helped to move countless Kiwi families, couples, and singles overseas. Priding themselves on a professional service at affordable prices, New Zealand Movers have experience in relocations across all continents of the globe. Get in touch for a quote today.

5 Reasons To Choose A Packing Service

If we have issues with a drain, we call a plumber. Even if we could fix the problem ourselves, the plumber is the expert and will resolve the issue much faster than we could; the same goes if we need our pants to be hemmed. We could probably do it ourselves, but a professional seamstress will do a much better job in a shorter amount of time.

So, when moving house, it’s a no brainer to leave the packing up to the professionals. New Zealand Movers share 5 reasons to choose a packing service to make your move stress-free.

1) They use professional materials

Forget about stalking your local grocery store to get your hands on some subpar boxes which are usually too small or too large. By choosing a professional packing service your movers will use an array of packaging materials of all shapes and sizes to best protect your belongings. Staff are educated with the latest packing techniques and a good removalist company will be environmentally conscious by recycling, re-using materials to put your mind ease.

2) They prioritise important items so you aren’t left without

Choosing a packing service isn’t just convenient – it’s clever. It’s not their first time packing up a house; they’re highly experienced and they know all the tricks of the trade. When you pack your house by yourself you may not be as systematic and don’t prioritise like the experts do. The pros will make priority boxes with important items like remote controls, bed legs and toothbrushes. This means you’ll be able to locate things that are needed straight away.

3) Saves money

Think about it, if you take time off work to pack your belongings up, are you really saving money? You’ve already got enough to think about with the move, work and possibly school commitments. It can all become a little overwhelming. Plus, when you purchase insurance, you’ll be covered if something goes wrong in the move, so you won’t personally be out of pocket. When you invest in a professional packing service, everything is taken care for you, meaning that your dollar goes further than if you took time off work to plan it all yourself. The logistics are arranged, a purpose-built fleet is included and all the best loading equipment is used.

4) Avoid injury

Moving is already mentally exhausting, so why not avoid the physical stress. Investing in a packing service means you don’t have to subject yourself to the physical labour of packing your items, even if it’s just packing boxes you can still injure yourself. The professionals are taught how to correctly pack and move items to ensure items are packed correctly, without injury.

5) To keep your clothes clean and crease free

Unfortunately, the world doesn’t stop when you move. You’ll have all the same commitments. So, it’s paramount you take cheeky short cuts when you can. A packing service allows you to keep crease-free your clothes that were hung nicely on their hangers. This means your clothing will be ready to wear once you arrive at your new house and you won’t have any washing or ironing to redo on top of everything else.

Investing in professional packers is smart, but also economical. It gives you the freedom to focus on some of the positive aspects of moving like decorating your new house, or searching for your new gym.

New Zealand Movers are the experts at moving, with over 40 years’ experience in the game. They specialise in intercity, long distance and even international moves. They pride themselves on a professional, affordable service, offering full-scale moves with packing and storage to take all the hard work out of moving. Get a quote from New Zealand Movers today.

Top 5 Cities to Move to in the UK

Moving to the UK is a popular destination for Kiwis and comes with some fantastic lifestyle changes. You’ll have opportunity to live in a country with rich and diverse history, access to great healthcare and will have the incredible job market to explore to further your career.

If you’re considering moving to the United Kingdom, you’ll need to find a city to settle in. New Zealand Movers, the international moving specialists, share the top 5 cities to move to in the UK.

London

London is an exciting and diverse city with plenty of employment opportunities. It’s the mecca of many global business like HSBC and Barclays. People at the top of their career-game move to the UK capital to further their career and take on higher roles. London is a bustling city with a rich history and world-class public transport, so you’ll have no trouble exploring. This stunning city has a large population of expats, which makes it so multicultural and vibrant and a fantastic place to raise children to be open minded and worldly.

Bristol

It isn’t just the “artsy city”; Bristolians have been making waves environmentally. It was the first UK city to achieve Green Capital status and is the most bike-friendly city in the UK. There are fantastic education opportunities with the University of Bristol being recognised as one of the UK’s most prestigious universities and is even renowned internationally.

Edinburgh

With a wealth of history, Edinburgh is a great place to settle. The locals are super friendly and there’s a real sense of community. When the sun’s out you’ve got countless parks to choose from, as well as the iconic Arthur’s Seat hike to stay active. One of the biggest perks is tertiary education is completely covered by the Scottish Government for Scottish residents if they’ve lived in Scotland for at least three years.

Reading

Just a quick 30-minute train ride to Central London – it’s easy to see why so many people are moving to Reading. Once an industrial town, Reading is now a popular place with families. Purchasing a house in Reading is much more affordable in comparison to surrounding areas. Reading’s average property price is £400,000, where as a similar house in London goes for a big £670,000. Outdoor activities such as rowing on the River Thames and cycling are popular in this green, leafy town.

Oxford

This charming city is considered quintessential Britain; with grand, gothic style architecture throughout the city, it’s hard not to feel like you’re teleported back in time. Oxford is home to one of the world’s oldest and prestigious universities. Besides having elite educational institutions, large companies such as BMW and Oxfam are located there, so employment opportunities are strong.

Getting excited to make the switch to an array of museums and Sunday roasts?

New Zealand Movers are the only people to trust when making your move to the UK. They’re highly experienced in moving Kiwis to the UK and are New Zealand’s most reputable team in overseas relocations. Get in touch with the team today and start your the next chapter of your journey, call: 0800 000 022 or request a quote online.

5 Reasons to Move to Nelson

Nelson is New Zealand’s sunshine capital, with delightfully warm summers, crisp white wines and picturesque landscapes. It’s easy to see why Nelson is one of New Zealand’s most visited areas, and there’s no wonder you’re considering making it your home. In this article New Zealand Movers share the top 5 reasons to move to Nelson.

Great housing value

House prices have sky-rocketed on the North Island, meaning you really don’t get much bang for your buck. The housing median in Nelson is about 40% lower than Auckland. So, whether you’re looking to rent or buy, your dollar will go a lot further. A nicer house, bigger backyard and in your ideal location – sounds great, doesn’t it? That’s what you’ll get when you buy in Nelson.

Easy commute

Well, we can barely call it a ‘commute’. Say goodbye to the horrendous peak hours that occur in other major cities. If driving isn’t your thing, Nelson is home to many renowned cycle trails which bring people from all over the world to enjoy. So, whether you’re a bike enthusiast or looking to get active, Nelson is the perfect place to cycle and keep fit.

Thriving economy

Nelson’s economy is booming and it’s easy to see why; there’s a happening art scene, large farming sector and it’s home to New Zealand’s largest fishing port. Unemployment rates are much lower than most parts of the country, plus there are great employment opportunities – particularly in industries such as health, transport and retail.

Nature

Craving nature? Wanting a place to reconnect, recharge and completely unwind? Nelson is the place to be. You’re so close to rivers, lakes, forests mountains and beaches. Whether you’re mountain biking at Kaiteriteri or sunbathing on the secluded Awaroa Beach, you’re never short of options. With sunshine almost year-round, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore all of the golden sand beaches, kayak and even partake in some white-water rafting to appeal to the thrill-seeker in you.

Food and drinks

With rich soil, sunny days and gorgeous landscapes, Nelson produces top quality food and drinks. Head inland to Moutere and you’ll be treated with award winning gourmet cheeses, dry white wines and traditional apple cider; if you prefer, stick to the coast and make your way to Motueka and choose between home-made gelato containing local fruit or for something a little more decadent a hand-crafted buttercream donut.

With a strong economy, a great sense of community and a lower cost of living you can see why the Nelson region is a fantastic place to reside. With an abundance of nature and great food, you’ll never run out of things to do.

If you’re ready to make the move to Nelson, get in touch with New Zealand Movers. They’re the experts in intercity moves and pride themselves on a professional, affordable service, even offering packing and storage to take all the hard work out of moving. Get a quote from New Zealand Movers today.

Why Are We The Best Long Distance Movers?

Moving is exciting, but there’s no question it can be stressful at times. It feels like there’s so many things that need to be done, with so little time. We can’t help but feel excited about starting a new chapter, but dread the thought of packing up our life and then having to unpack it all.

The best thing you can do is invest in a moving company. They simplify the entire process by taking care of the most challenging, mundane parts of the move. So, if you’re looking to move far away, you’ll want to invest in a mover that specialises in long distance moves. In this article we share why New Zealand Movers are the best in the game when it comes to long distance moves.

Most experienced movers in the country

It may seem obvious, but not all moving companies do inter island or international moves. You want to choose a removalist who has lots of experience. New Zealand Movers having been successfully moving people across the country and globe for 40 years making them the most trusted relocation service in NZ.

Easy to deal with

It’s difficult to get an exact cost of moving initially as there’s a few things to consider: the distance of the move, the size of your house, the amount of belongings you have and whether or not you’re using full packing services. With that being said, you want the quote process to be easy and competitive.

Going through New Zealand Movers is a breeze. You’ve got the option to call them directly and speak to one of their knowledgeable staff or request a quote online. From there you have the option to fill out a few more details and request an instant online estimate or opt for a firm quote by giving a little more detail.

Competitive prices

When choosing a removalist, the cheapest option doesn’t always mean the best option. More often, you’ll be charged additional fees and will receive a subpar service. Working with New Zealand Movers you’ll get the best of both worlds – super competitive prices with extensive industry knowledge.

Incredible insurance policies

New Zealand Movers acknowledge that with moving there is an element of risk and want to ensure your beloved items are completely covered. Available to New Zealand Movers customers there’s a wide range of insurance policies to suit and give you peace-of-mind in the unlikely event something was to happen.

Offering a wide range of services

There’s a lot that goes on behind-the-scenes of a move. New Zealand Movers take the stress out of those smaller, yet important tasks. They offer a wide range of services including packing, pet transport, vehicle transport, house cleaning and valet unpacking so you can focus on the fun parts like decorating your new house.

With more than 40 years’ experience, extensive industry knowledge and competitive pricing New Zealand Movers are the experts in their field when it comes to long distance moves. With a passion for moving, they genuinely care about you, your belongings and the environment. Request a quote for your long distance move today from New Zealand Movers.

 

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5 Reasons To Move To Singapore

Feel like swimming in the world’s largest infinity pool? What about exploring century old temples? Or even eating famous noodle dishes, like having a laksa in a Hawker Hall? Singapore, a highly developed nation of almost 6 million people, is vibrant and full of life. Job opportunities are plentiful, education institutions are among the best in the world and quality of life is high. There’s a great mix of old and new, and always something exciting going on. New Zealand Movers share 5 reasons to move to Singapore.

1) A great place to raise a family

Any parent would agree that safety is the most important thing when raising a family. Singapore has been voted one of the safest cities in the world, with much lower crime rates than most New Zealand cities. As well as being safe, Singapore is known to be one of the cleanest cities in the world. There are plenty of parks and playgrounds and museums to keep yourself and the children entertained.

2) The food

One of the perks of being a multicultural city is the food. It’s fair to say Singapore has some of the world’s best food with every cuisine on offer. Singapore cuisine draws influence from China, Malaysia and India. It’s home to delicious dishes like fried kway teow, or the simple yet scrumptious chicken and rice. You’ll never get bored exploring Hawker centres – large, traditional Asian food halls.

3) A great base to explore

Singapore is a vibrant city full of life, with always something to do. You also have the rest of South East Asia around you to explore. Living in Singapore you can freely travel to other South East Asian countries with a quick, cheap plane ride or even a train. Four hours in a car and you can be at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur!

4) Job opportunities

Singapore is considered the business hub of Asia. With this in mind there are lots of attractive job opportunities for professionals – especially in fields like finance, tech and healthcare. Singapore is considered one of the more expensive Asian countries, however, the salaries tend to be lucrative, meaning you’ll earn a lot more than what you would in New Zealand.

5) A sustainable city

With clean air and an emphasis on nature Singapore is considered a pioneer in green urban development. When walking the lively streets you’ll find thousands of buildings covered in lush greenery and lots of open green spaces, with beautiful gardens. They don’t call it “a city in a garden” for no reason.

With lucrative employment opportunities, low crime rates and great quality of life, it’s easy to see why this vibrant city attracts expats from all over the world.

Thinking it’s time to trade your same-old surroundings for museums and fabulous food? New Zealand Movers are looking forward to helping you establish yourself in Singapore. They regularly move Kiwis to Asia and are New Zealand’s most reputable team of overseas movers. Get in touch with New Zealand Movers today and start your journey the best way possible, request a quote online or call us on: 0800 000 022

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Top 5 Cities To Move To In Australia

‘Quality of life’ is a term loosely thrown around when we discuss living in Australia. With great healthcare, more job opportunities, and a relaxed, slower pace, it’s a no-brainer thousands of people immigrate to Australia each year, to get a piece of the ‘no worries’ lifestyle.

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and relocating to the Land Down Under, you’ll need to decide where you’ll want to live. New Zealand Movers will discuss the top 5 cities to move to in Australia, and what makes them so great, so you can pick a city that’s right for you.

Sydney

Sydney, one of the most exciting, cosmopolitan cities of the world! Perfect for professionals and also families who crave a bustling city but are after an active lifestyle. Sydney offers fantastic weather all year round, pristine beaches and a great education system. If you’re a parent and looking for public or private schooling for your children, there is plenty to choose from. From prestigious schools like Sydney Grammar to fantastic public schools like North Sydney Girls High School, you’re never short of excellent academic institutions.

Melbourne

Melbourne is the second most populous city after Sydney. With a booming job market, Melbourne is particularly great for industries such as tech, science and engineering, making it a desirable spot to settle down. Melbourne’s known for its arts, culture, food and coffee. Melburnians are sports-mad with their city being the home of the MCG and Australian Open.

Perth

Perth is one of the world’s most isolated cities, but don’t let that put you off. Settling in Perth is like being on holidays permanently, and it’s a great place to raise a family, with a laid-back lifestyle, super friendly people and a lower cost of living. Not to mention, Perth has some of the best beaches in the world – take a look at Scarborough Beach online!

Hobart

Hobart is as pretty as a post card. With the freshest produce, loads of natural beauty and even a bustling art scene, Hobart really does have something for everyone. Even though Hobart is a little detached from the rest of Australia (literally) it’s still a quick plane ride to Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, so you’ve got a great base to explore surrounding gems. People in the industries of tourism, education and arts will quickly find work in Hobart.

Adelaide

This vibrant city has been voted one the world’s most liveable cities and it’s easy to see why. With a big emphasis on arts, food and the home of the country’s best wine, it’s easy to see why Adelaide is Australia’s best-kept secret. Not only is this quaint city cultured, but it’s generally much more affordable than many other Australian cities.

While each Australian city is unique and offer different selling points, there really is a city for every lifestyle. Australia is a multicultural country making it a perfect place for expats to relocate.

New Zealand Movers are the only movers to trust when making the move to the Land Down Under. They’re highly experienced in international moves and take all the stress out of moving so you can focus on the finer details, like finding your new coffee shop! Get in touch with the team at New Zealand Movers to plan your move today, request a quote online.

A night view of Sydney Harbour Bridge