Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

It is amazing the number of people that don’t know how to properly clean or polish and wax their cars.  Many people use products that were never intended for their car and others use products and equipment that should only be used by properly trained professionals.  Some never even wax or clean their cars.  Then they wonder why their car is given a very low trade in figure at the dealer, or why their paint is dull and flaking.  

For the purpose of this article we interviewed numerous professional automotive detailers and similar professionals.  We asked them what products they used and for tips that consumers could use.  They pretty much came back with the same advice:

Properly clean the car:  This is very important as the use of harsh, non-automotive products can actually harm your cars finish and make it wear quicker.  Spray the car first and get it wet.  Use the water to spray off dirt and other contaminates that will scratch your car if you immediately start using a sponge and water first.  Also do not clean your car in the sun on a hot day.  Do make sure you use warm water as it works best to loosen contaminates.  After getting your car wet, use an automotive car wash solution and add to water in a bucket.  Follow the directions on the bottle.  Then wash the car.  You will find it easier if you use a long handled wash brush (most auto parts stores have these).  Be sure to wash and rinse in sections so the car wash soap doesn’t dry before being washed off.  Then using terry cloth towels or chamois, dry the car off.  Expert tip: use a squeegee.  It is much faster and easier.

Remove stubborn contaminants: There will be dirt, bugs, tar, etc… that will be left after washing.  There are many products that are made specifically for removing these items you’re your paint and car.  The resounding answer from the experts was Meguiar’s bug and tar cleaner.  Remove all the contaminants and follow the directions (some products can remove paint if not used correctly).  Expert tip: 3M and other manufacturers make a plastic shield that can be applied over areas of your car’s paint like bumpers and behind the tires to protect from contaminants and rock chips.

Use a cleaner polish: This will remove any left over stubborn contaminates like ground in bug splatter on your painted bumper, acid rain etching, bird drop spots, and minor scratches.  Use a circular motion, just like for wax.  Follow the directions for that particular cleaner polish (some require a wet or damp applicator pad others don’t).  Do the car one section at a time and use a clean section of cloth to buff  once dry.  Most cleaner polishes will dry to a whitish haze.  Be sure to buff off all the haze and residue from the cleaner polish.  When done the car finish will be really smooth.  Expert tip: for deeper scratches, contaminants, etc… you can use an orbital buffer or polisher to apply the cleaner polish.  Be careful and use low rpm’s (under 2000) anything above this and you risk burning the paint.  

Apply several coats of polish or wax: There is a big difference between car wax and car polish.  Car wax is usually a blend of carnauba and other waxes which will give a deep, wet look and  new car shine.  It comes in both a liquid and a paste, and it will not last as long as a car polish.  Car wax is also less effective in high temperatures and can actually melt on hot areas like the hood.  Car polish is a polymer blend usually with no wax.  Car polishes can last 1 year between coats and is very durable protection for your paint.  The experts recommend a car polish with Teflon in it for maximum protection and durability.  The experts love the extra, deeper shine from car wax, but all agreed it was better suited for car shows.  Whichever you choose, they are both applied the same way.  Apply in a circular motion and let it dry to a haze.  Then buff dry with a clean terry cloth or microfiber towel. Expert tip: Don’t use regular towels or diaper cloths as they can trap dirt particles and similar and leave scratch patterns in your finish.  A microfiber cloth works best for removing dried car polish or car wax haze.  2 to 3 coats are recommended for maximum protection and shine.  A good rule is to reapply the car polish or car wax at least 2 times per year.  Expert tip: Apply car wax, not car polish (as car polish will leave streaks and smudges on glass), to your windows.  Do one light coat and completely buff it off.  The car wax will work better than the leading brand glass treatment for rain (it will also quite your windshield wipers).

Gas Saving Tips from the Pros

(ARA) – They’re up, they’re down, they’re back up. Gas prices got you down? If telecommuting and pubic transportation are not viable options for you, here’s some down-to-earth advice from the pros at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

It is important to keep your vehicle properly maintained and change your driving habits so as to maximize your mileage, according to ASE officials. Here’s a plan of action from the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians:

Monitor your tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure. Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Consolidate your daily trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Avoid excessive engine idling. Shut off your vehicle while waiting for friends and family.

Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns and adjust your speed gradually. Use cruise control. (You’ll help your brakes and suspension system last longer, too.)

Get rid of excess weight by removing unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. After family vacations, make sure you remove all unnecessary items, including that roof-top cargo carrier.

Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on — assuming that the system is in good working order. If possible, try to avoid using your air conditioner in heavy, stop-and-go traffic such as traffic jams or holiday weekend back-ups.

Be a sensible patriot. Everyone loves the flag. But show your patriotism by affixing a decal rather than hoisting a large flapping U.S. flag, which increases air resistance.

Keep your engine operating at its “peak efficiency.” A well-maintained engine will help you maximize the gas mileage for your specific make and model. A misfiring spark plug can greatly reduce gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner’s manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected at a repair facility. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.

These conservation tips will not only save gasoline, they’ll help extend the life of your vehicle and help you conserve precious natural resources. Patriotism, indeed.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Visit www.asecert.org for more information.

Trinidad is an amazing vacation destination, but there are definitely some things it’s best not to waste your time with, and others you should absolutly make the time to see and do.

In the 1940s and 50s the Trinidad and Tobago tourist attractions that were most actively marketed were: watching Trinidad Carnival, limbo, and calypso; going to Maracas Beach; and visiting the Pitch Lake and Buccoo Reef. Side trips included such things as visiting the Botanical Gardens and seeing the Magnificent Seven. Today, while these attractions are still icons, I think you will agree that active people of this decade probable have different ideas about what they considered ‘fun things to do’, than they might have had back in the 40s and 50s. But unfortunately, Trinidad is still marketed today, in much the same way as it was back then.

Vacation Tip 1

The only reason you should visit the Botanical Gardens, these days, is if you have nothing better to do. And there’s a lot to see and do in Port of Spain. The same advice goes for the Pitch Lake. Even with new facilities being built in La Brea, if all you plan to see and do in south and central Trinidad is visit the Pitch Lake then be prepared for a long drive, and a rather placid tour at your destination.

So, what is there to do in Trinidad that will stimulate you, and make your vacation memorable?

Here are a few favorites:

Vacation Tip 2

Don’t plan to sit by the beach every day. Sure, Trinidad and Tobago has many interesting beaches, and there are great water sports, particularly in Tobago. But Trinidad and Tobago’s best attractions – after being arguably one the top Carnival destination in the world, comparable to Rio and New Orleans – is its outstanding bio diversity and exciting eco tour adventures.

Vacation Tip 3

Pack good sneakers or hiking shoes because there are waterfalls tucked away in Trinidad and Tobago’s rain forest that are fun to explore, world-class bird watching opportunities at Asa Wright Nature Center and other interesting locations too numerous to mention, exciting trekking adventures to lost worlds on Trinidad’s highest peaks, and expeditions to the renowned Tamana Bat Caves… So come prepared.

Vacation Tip 4

Plan to visit the Nariva and Bush-Bush Wildlife Sanctuaries. You’ll enjoy this Caribbean kayaking safari and likely have encounters with West Indian Manatee, Macaws, Amazon Parrots and other amazing birds, Monkeys, Cayman, Boas, Anteaters, Sloths and the like. You see Trinidad is a lost enclave of the great South American jungle, which offers an easily accessible peek at that continent’s outstanding bird and wildlife.

Vacation Tip 5

Spend a day in India. That’s right 40% of Trinidad’s population is of East Indian decent, and Central Trinidad is packed with sights, sounds and tastes that transport you to India. When combined with a trip to the Pitch Lake in La Brea, and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, where flocks of Scarlet Ibis and Snowy Egrets roost at sunset, you won’t believe that this was just another day in Trinidad.

Vacation Tip 6

Make sure your taste buds are in prime working condition. Why? Because Trinidad’s diverse ethnic heritage provides you with the most exciting food culture in the Caribbean. Trinidadians and Tobagonians were creating fusion dishes before renowned chefs invented the concept. So, make sure you don’t leave Trinidad without trying Trinidad doubles, a unique street food that you are sure to love, and a treat you will continue to crave long after you return home.

Escape to Trinidad and Tobago, where, if you follow these tips you will have an amazing Caribbean vacation.

If you’re wanting to install a new stereo system in your car, you should first do your homework.
For instance, you should take the location of the speakers into consideration as well as the power and sound. You should plan for your stereo system to fit your own specific needs. Is bass your greatest concern? What about the loudness? Do you want your stereo to “pound” and “shake” your car? No matter what you’re looking for, here are some car stereo tips:

-You should place your speakers in various places around your car in order to find the perfect location. The location that you place both your left and right speakers will determine the quality of the sound that you hear. Test them in different places around your car before determining their permanent placement.

-Make sure that you place and connect your cables flawlessly. The way you connect them will play an important role of the sound quality. When choosing your amplifier, keep in mind that they’re not all created equally. Ask employees at local car audio stores what they would advise for your car.

-You should also consider using equipment to stop vibration. You don’t want the metal panels to become part of your audio system. Dynamat is a good tool to use for noise and sound control.

-It’s also important for you to build the perfect subwoofer and enclosure for your car stereo system. There are empty enclosure boxes and boxed subwoofers for you to choose from. You should consult your local car audio dealers for advice. You can also experiment with different types and sizes of enclosures to find out what sounds the best for your car.

-Not only should you want your car stereo system to sound good, but you should want it to look good as well. Use colors that look well with your car interior.

If you follow these car stereo tips, your system should have perfect sound and quality.

Resorting to buying used cars is not a bad idea. For some people who cannot afford to buy brand new cars, second hand cars offer valuable alternatives to saving money for other important matters.

In fact, in a 2005 survey, more than 60% of people surveyed are becoming more open to procuring used cars rather than brand new.

Attractive as it may seem, before you decide to make a purchase of and used cars models, there are some things you need to know and advice that will help you make the most of buying used cars.

Below are some recommendations that you may want to follow to secure your finances and optimize your car buying experience.

•    Research Police Records

Do some searching on the web or through your Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or local police. These agencies will be able to help you track the legal history related to the used car you are trying to purchase.

Stolen cars reported to police agencies are tracked for possible resale. Consulting a police agency would save you from potential headache and probable involvement in the sale of illegal or stolen item.

•    File a Vehicle History Report

The recent hurricanes gave us a new idea of how the business of used cars works in this diverse marketplace. Cars that are completely submerged in water and totaled are sent to motor shops for remodeling and washed to bring it anew.

An interesting example to cite is through ordering a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. This verification and research policy empowers consumers to choose the right products for them and optimize the use of used cars.

•    Take note of the detailed damage and its extent

The history report will provide details about the level of damage including but not limited to internal and external corrosion, broken parts such as frame damage due to accidental or intentional dilapidation, fluid leaks, corroded electronic main parts and accessories and tarnished frames and the location where the car was originally purchased and dismembered for resale.

Additionally, particulars about the source of damage like due to natural phenomenon such as hurricanes and flooding are detailed as well.

•    Try Browsing for Online Best Buys

Take an online survey of some of the must and best buy items on the net offering used car models and brand new models. Some reputable websites offering these kinds of services like Car.com and invoice Dealers offer reasonable car package and discounts which will allure you to buying new cars instead due to their competitive and reasonable prices.

To keep your car looking good and performing well, Here some simple guidelines that will give you all the information you need to know. Also some excellent suggestions in taking optimum care of your car.

UNDER THE BONNET

Do you know your way around under the hood of your car? While not as critical as it used to be, periodically checking under the hood can head off problems before they become costly. Today, with self-service gas stations everywhere, often the only way you will get it done is for you to do it yourself.

Start by reading your car owner’s manual or search for your car models manual on line if you bought a used automobile which most of the times doesn’t have manuals for the drivers for them. There will always be a section on under bonnet checks. A word about safety though: read the safety warnings in your owner’s manual and any safety warning stickers under the hood. Also, it’s advisable that you keep a pair of old gloves and a roll of paper towels in the boot.

If the engine has been running for any length of time, there are areas under the hood that can be very hot. Except for checking transmission fluid level, all checks should be done while the engine is turned off. If the engine is running, do not put your hands near any belts or fans.

BATTERY

Most batteries today are maintenance free, which simply means that you can’t check the water level. This doesn’t mean however, that there is nothing to check. The main things to check are the top of the battery, which should be clean and dry, and the terminal connections, which should be clean and tight. If the top of the battery continuously becomes damp or corroded soon after cleaning, then have the charging system and battery checked by your mechanic. If by chance you are considering to buy used cars from dealers, and know nothing about batteries, you might wanna check it by looking and inspecting the connection wires. If it is corroded (it is rusty or white chemicals are forming), you can ask the used car dealer to clean it or change the battery to save you more money.

To keep your car looking good and performing well, Here some suggestions on checking the Coolant (Antifreeze) level as well as the engine oil level.

COOLANT (ANTIFREEZE) LEVEL

Never open the radiator of a car that has just been running. The cooling system of a car is under high pressure with fluid that is usually hotter than boiling water. Look for the cooling system reserve tank, somewhere near the radiator. It is usually translucent white so you can see the fluid level without opening it. (Do not confuse it with the windshield washer tank). The reserve tank will have two marks on the side of it. FULL HOT and FULL COLD. If the level frequently goes below full cold after adding fluid, you probably have a leak, which should be checked as soon as possible. Today’s engines are much more susceptible to damage from overheating, so do not neglect this important system. If your car is prone to overheating, you might wanna change your engine coolant or have your radiator checked up. Cars bought from car auctions usually have this problem so you might wanna research the used car value and asking for the cars service and damage/accident history to be aware of this kind of problems. Having an overheating engine on the road could be a very difficult thing to deal with.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL

An engine cannot run without oil; oil is what prevents serious engine damage or total destruction! To check the oil level, make sure that the engine is turned off, then find the engine oil dipstick and remove it. With a paper towel or rag, wipe off the end of the stick and notice the markings on it. You will usually see a mark for Full and another mark for ‘Add’. If you have just acquired a used automobile, it is wise to check the oil immediately to determine if it is required to refill or do an oil change. Clean oil also is best for car engines.

Check your owner’s manual to be sure. Push the stick back into the tube until it sets, then immediately pull it out to see the oil level. You should not add oil unless the level is below the Add mark and NEVER add oil to bring the level above the Full mark. Your main concern with this check is that oil consumption is not rapidly increasing. If it is, take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible and have it checked out. It is acceptable for the oil to be dark as long as you change it at the recommended intervals. However, it should never be foamy and should never have a strong petrol smell. If either of these conditions exists, have it checked out soon. Remember, you can browse sites like Automobile Mechanics to give you some tips and advices in properly maintaining your car but it is also advisable to pay a few dollars for an expert periodically to check your car to get it to its best condition.

LAX Car Hire

Business Hours

Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Cautions

Earthquakes are a threat in California. Should you experience an earthquake, stay calm and try to protect yourself under a table or doorway during the shaking. The biggest risk of injury is from falling objects and windows breaking, so try to stay put where you are during the quake, going outside once the shaking has stopped.
Currency

The currency used nation-wide is the US dollar, which comes in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 as well as higher denominations and coins are available in US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

Almost all shops and businesses accept credit and debit cards in LA; however, we recommend that you always carry a small amount of cash on your person for small transactions. Currency can be exchanged at the airport or any bank branch, while there are also exchange bureaux’s spread around the city, often at tourist hotspots or in shopping malls.

ATMs are widespread in Los Angeles, so you should have no problem withdrawing money with an internationally-recognised bank card. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are the most widely accepted. Money wiring services such as Thomas Cook, Moneygram and Western Union are also available, although these services charge hefty transfer fees and should be used as a last resort.
Customs

Upon entering the USA, you must complete a customs declaration form. No fresh food or agricultural products are allowed to be brought into the country, while items from North Korea, Cambodia, Libya and Cuba; pre-Columbian artefacts; chocolate liquors; or obscene publications are also prohibited. There are also strict regulations on drugs and firearms. Duty-free allowance is: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars; a litre of spirits.
Electricity

110V AC, all plugs are two-pronged

Etiquette

It is important to follow some basic elements of American etiquette if you want to get the most out of your stay. LA is a busy city, so some of the common courtesies you may find in more remote parts of the US, may be absent here.

Apart from those conducting business, the dress code in Los Angeles is generally casual and it is perfectly acceptable to go to most restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions wearing shorts and t-shirt. It is important to observe basic courtesies such as joining an orderly queue if waiting for a public service and not smoking in a non-smoking area.

Like social etiquette, there is no strict dining code of behaviour in Los Angeles. If you dine at a restaurant, you should wait until all members of your party are seated and served before starting your meal. If someone makes a toast, stop eating until the toast is over. Diners are not required to eat everything they are served, although it is considered polite to finish your meal if you are eating at someone’s house, as a compliment to your host and their cooking.

Dessert is often served after a meal, as is coffee or tea, while alcohol is also frequently consumed at meals. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork parallel at one side of your plate to indicate that you have had enough. For some foods such as pizza and chicken wings, it is considered okay to use you hands to eat, provided your hosts do the same. Be warned that if you invite friends to dine with you, the invitation may be taken as an indication that you will be paying for the meal.
Health

If you encounter any health problems while on holiday in Los Angeles, there are excellent medical facilities and staff will attend to you promptly. Although emergency treatment will be given and charged for later, it is essential to have a comprehensive insurance policy as you will have to pay for any minor medical advice or prescriptions upfront. Keep all of your medical receipts in case you want to make an insurance claim at a later date.

There are no specific vaccinations required for travel to the USA, but we recommend that you make sure you are up-to-date with standard inoculations such as tetanus. Tap water is safe to drink and eating out shouldn’t present any risks. If you suffer from asthma, you may find the air in LA is less than ideal for your condition, with high pollution and smog levels present; try to make your sightseeing trips in the morning, when the air is at its freshest.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: +1 310 423 3277
Emergency services: 911
Language

English is the most commonly spoken language in the USA. However, many Angelenos speak Spanish. Many different ethnicities and nationalities are well-represented in LA and foreign languages are available for study in schools and language centres.
Visit this website for further information about English Course Los Angeles.
Tourist Information Offices

Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 333 South Hope Street, 18th floor, Los Angeles, California, 90071, USA. They can be contacted by calling: +1 213 624 7300; or alternatively visit their website at: www.lacvb.com. They can provide information on what to do, accommodation, events and transport among other things.
Visa and Passports

European Union nationals need to fill out a form requesting a visa at least 72 hours before they plan to travel to the US. You may need to show evidence of funds and an onward ticket. Canadians also require a passport to enter the US.

Rent-A-Car In LA

In your quest to make money online, why should you find top internet marketing resources?  Good resources will equal good advice. This can save you time, energy, money, and frustration plus it can shorten your learning curve so you can go from newbie to earning faster. Read on for three helpful tips that can assist you with getting good internet marketing information to help you excel in your online entrepreneurism.

Free Webinars

Take advantage of free online courses available to you. Many experienced internet marketers will offer access to free information via online seminars /Free webinars as well as podcasts or special reports that you can download.  By listening to the info shared in these meetings, you can pick up on a lot of information related to SEO, copywriting, marketing, and selling. If you do just a bit of searching, chances are that you’ll find seminars available weekly, if not almost daily, that you can take advantage of.

Your Google Reader

Have you found some great internet marketing blogs to take advantage of? There are countless blogs out there that you can read and it can be difficult to remember which ones are the greatest internet marketing resources for you so it’s a good decision to take advantage of using your Google Reader so you won’t miss new posts on helpful blogs. Most blogs will allow you to subscribe via RSS and by signing up for a free Google Reader account, you can have a page that displays a quick view of the blogs you subscribe to. New updates will show up for you to skim and decide whether or not you want a full read. Want to find relevant blogs to read? It can seem like an endless sea of blogs once you start looking but you can narrow your search with great tools. Check out Google Blog Search for keywords related to internet marketing or to your particular niche and you can find blogs that meet your criteria in order to add a few to your Reader. Want more blogs to read? Check the blogroll of your favourite internet marketing blogs to find out who your mentors are paying attention to.

Internet Marketing Forums

A lot of internet marketing resources exist through talking to other marketers. You’ll find forums where online entrepreneurs share information on a regular basis about the blogs they read, the tactics they’re using, the information products and memberships they utilise, and to read product reviews that could help you decide where to invest your time and money. There are a lot of great internet marketing resources out there to take advantage of and thanks to technology, you can subscribe and get the information spoon-fed directly to you to you.

We’ve come a long way from the old AM/FM Radio / Tape Deck combo stereos systems. These days car stereo systems have so much more to offer. There is so much to choose from, ranging from standard CD players to high quality satellite systems! Radio Tuners, CD players and changers, and digital audio are three types of media players that are installed in today’s cars.

Choosing the right audio system for your car can be a rough task. You need to start out by deciding whether you’d prefer a simple, basic system or a high quality system. Keep in mind that the high quality stereo systems are more expensive than the basic ones. Think about the best price range for your affordability.

User friendliness is another important factor you should take into consideration. If you don’t have the time to learn all of the functions your system provides, then don’t waste your money on one that will confuse you. Thankfully, a lot of new car audio systems are user-friendly. The displays are large, clear, and easy to read. The buttons are large and properly spaced, which will ensure easy operation. The easier it is for you to control your stereo, the more safe you’ll be when driving. Make certain that the instruction manual is written in a way for you to understand, as well.

Your system should have a powerful amp as well. The more new and high quality your stereo system is, the more powerful the amplifier should be. You should also think about subwoofers. Does your system come with one? Would an extra one suit your needs? Ask a car stereo expert for subwoofer advice. While you’re at it, have them to check out the tweeters. The tweeters need to be separated and well positioned.

These are some basic tips for choosing the perfect stereo system for your car. You’ll need to read reviews on different systems and products before making your decision. If car stereo systems are completely new to you, you should talk to a car experts for their recommendations and advice.

Moving to Canada Tips Blogspot

There are plenty of sites offering information on how to apply for a Canadian Immigration Visa and many more offering services (paid of course) to help you do it. Visit here http://immigrationsupport-org.blogspot.com

One of the major issues I had during the immigration process was the actual move itself and what happens when you arrive. I have received plenty of emails through my information website, onestopimmigration-canada.com, asking for additional help and advice about what forms are required, what to expect at the Canadian customs and what to do when they first arrive in Canada.

I won’t pretend this article will answer all questions for everybody, but I’ll be giving as much background as I can with more, detailed information backing it up from the website in the text or by links to the appropriate authority. I’ll start with one of the biggest headaches – the house sale (if you own) and packing up for the move.

Packing Up

When it comes to moving house there are several theories as when to put the house up for sale. Basically, we were told to wait until called for medicals as at least then you are over half way through the process. We were lucky in that we had somewhere to go, so we put the house on the market as we just wanted to have it sold and out of our hair! Even then, as “Our Story” shows, we had trouble. If you own your house you need to asses the local housing market and though its always a gamble, plan your house sale and know at what stage in the immigration process you will put it up for sale.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, but once the visa is issued, you only have 12 months from the date of your MEDICALS to physically land in Canada. One big worry I had was that we wouldn’t be able to sell the house quickly which in turn would delay our landing. If you miss the 12 month deadline, you will probably have to redo the medicals at a fair cost and then resubmit form there. Or you could land in Canada with your house unsold back in your native country with all the problems that entails. With many people’s houses being their main source of settling funds, you’ll need to have that money in the bank as soon as you can after landing.

If there is anyway you can find temporary accommodation then to have the house sold is one less headache you need when you are moving countries. You may pay rent for a while but at least you know what is in the bank when you arrive in Canada and this allows you to budget properly for your new life.

If you have Kids make sure you keep them involved. One big mistake we made was thinking that our 3 year old didn’t need to know at an early stage of the proceedings – we were amazed when a very sad and angry boy told us what the “For Sale” sign meant in the front garden as we had forgotten to tell him before it went up! All kids will be unsettled and I think the older the child, the harder the move may be for them – especially if they are in their teens.

Only YOU know what you will take with you so it may be easy or it may be a serious project to plan what to take sell or throw out! Put kids into the equation and it starts to become complicated.

We used the whole exercise to get rid of all our old or unwanted things and start again. It comes down to economics if it costs more to insure, store and ship something than its worth. The decision on whether to insure or not is a personal choice and depends upon the value of the items you are shipping and don’t forget to take into account any excess fees you have to pay in the event of damage or losses. You will need to build a list of all the items you are bringing into Canada and give their values in Canadian dollars.

This is probably easiest to take it from the inventory drawn up by the packing company – give as accurate assessment of value as you can but don’t spend weeks on it. If you have a box of kids toys for example – put your best guess at the value on the list as follows:

1. Box of assorted used kids toys C$100.00

2. Box of photographs No commercial value

3. Queen size bed C$850.00

And so on. You will be expected to have several copies of your packing list and a form B4 (Goods to follow) with it upon your arrival so make sure you have at least 3 copies in your hand luggage. Its ok to have too many but a pain if you don’t have enough!!

You will also need a similar list for any items you bring with you on the day of arrival and also any other subsequent shipments (we had an extra large box of things couriered in a totally separate shipment just before we left).

Don’t forget that Canada, as with the rest of North America, has an electrical system that runs on 115v different from both Europe and the UK. There is a good chance non North American electrical goods will require a transformer or simply won’t work over here so this may be a good time to dispose of your old goods and buy new once you arrive and are settled.

The chances are you will be using a specialist international moving company to move your possessions to Canada. Depending upon where you are moving from, you may have a long wait for your things to arrive at their final destination. You may also decide to store the property in your home country while you find the home of your dreams so make sure you allow for storage charges and extra insurance. These charges soon mount up and can give you a nasty surprise.

One thing I’ll say about the moving companies is that you are paying them for a service, if they are a good company they will be able to advise on the correct paperwork etc and formalities that will ensure a smooth arrival and customs clearance in Canada. You don’t need your shipment to be turned away from the port of entry (very expensive when they order its return to the original port of departure) or you end up liable for extra taxes etc. because of incorrect paperwork. You may well be able to have it repaid once you prove it is legitimate but you will still be out of pocket in the short term.

Most shipping agencies charge by the cubic foot and have several schemes offering different rates – “share a container” or “Full container”. The Full container service will have the container packed and sealed at your residence. The shared container service will see your possessions packed at your residence and then transported to the companies’ depot. Once there it is packed with other items to complete a container.

It all depends on how much you intend to ship on which service is the best for you. All the companies we contacted offered to send an estimator to the house to size up the load, go through your options and give a rough estimate to cost. Whatever you decide, ensure you give yourselves plenty of time to contact the shippers as we almost left it too late – 6 to 8 weeks would be reasonable. There will be plenty of advice on offer from qualified professionals – moving continents is a huge undertaking so any advice or extra information may help you out or save you money!

Upon the arrival in Canada, the agent contacted us with all the information and forms required. Once Customs had released it, the shipment arrived at our house 2 days later and was unpacked for us. A true door to door service! We suffered one breakage – a glass – so we were happy.Visit here http://immigrationsupport-org.blogspot.com