Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. Basically, it’s when someone finds it difficult to throw things away. We all have a friend, family member etc. that we know has a hoarding problem, be it broken items from our childhood to clothes that are out of style or even just spoilt junk. Let’s face it this can get quite messy and no one likes a messy house. So, lets help you get rid of some of this clutter and maintain a clean clutter free house.

First things first, you have to realize it is a problem and the various risks that come with this. Clutter makes a room look messy and doesn’t give space to for more relevant items in the house.

Then you have to dive deep into the hard part getting rid of the already compiled clutter. Majority of people who have this problem find it hard to let go and that can be a problem to those who live with them or share a space. Here are some of our tips to a clutter free environment.

• Work room by room. Gradually but surely, we will get there. Going drawer to drawer in a room making sure that what is needed there is what is present i.e. kitchen utensils are in the kitchen etc. making sure whatever is in that room has a purpose.
• Getting rid of items that haven’t been used in a long time. Best example is that dress that you feel is too small or big or too out dated. It’s time for it to go. You can start as small as items you haven’t used in the past 5 years, let’s face it most probably you will never use it. Also, items that are require to be singular in a house/home i.e. Dishwasher, blender etc. one is enough.
• Sell all the extra items either online or give them out to family and friends.

These are some tips on how to prevent declutter.

1. Make a list of what you want and need

This can be done every month so as to do bulk shopping especially nonperishable items. This assists you to stick with the listed items and ensures you are able to maintain a budget.  You can do this throughout the month where the most essentials take the highest priority.

2. If you don’t need it don’t buy it. It’s the easiest way to stop getting more stuff in.
3. Be strict with yourself. Strict to the list and maintain your budget.
4. It’s okay to ask for help from a friend or family. It takes time to adjusts.

Having visitors to your home is always associated with a joyous occasion. However there are some guest who are definitely not invited to share your cherished space with you.

Some are those little intruders who appear from nowhere and take up permanent residency in your home. They take many different forms and shapes, there needs and effects also differ. We are talking about house hold pests. At Taylor Movers we have partnered with Roan Services to help you address the issue of Pest Control.

Pest control services is the action of taking care of the unwanted and nuisance pests, e.g.coach roaches, bedbugs, mosquitoes, rats/mice and termite. Normally the pests are mostly found in homes, apartments, offices, factories, hotels, restaurants, hospitals etc.

It is important to eradicate pests because they causes sickness like diarrhea, allergies and may trigger some other illnesses such as asthma.

Early detection and treatment is the key to proper pest control management. This means getting a home assessment from the experts at Roan Services at least every 6 months. If you are thinking of Moving, before you call Taylor Movers you may choose to get the current home and new home checked. This way you don’t move with any of those unwanted guest or find yourself moving your family into their home. Home inspection services are free from Roan Services.

The home inspection does not require you to get out of the house for the whole day. The time it takes to inspect a home depends on the size of the home and the size of the yard. This can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Once the inspection is done, Roan Services will give you a report showing the findings or our inspector. This will also include the treatment solution that would be best for your home.

For interior pests such as couch roaches the treatment may require application of the treatment gel that can be done while you are doing your house chores. Other pests can be treated with a spray which only requires you to be outside for only 2 hours.

For outdoor treatment such as against mosquitoes and termites the same fast and convenient approach is deployed.

Motorblowing machines are used on flowerbeds and trees which clears the mosquitoes. Termites are notorious for causing damage to both your lawn and even the structure of your home. This can result in expensive repairs if the termites are left to continue growing their colony. Our favored treatment option is carried out by filling up the termite holes with termicide to clear the termite colony.

For property treatment against termites we drill holes along the load bearing walls of the building and termicide is injected into these holes. We then cover the hole to its original color this way no one can tell whether treatment was ever done.

For termite treatment we give a warranty of 10 years with yearly routine checkup. If any infestation is noted the treatment will be redone with no extra cost.

We use approved chemicals passed by pest control board of Kenya and we also they are eco-friendly.

We look forward to ensuring only the guests you want to visit are those that come to your home.

Get in touch with Roan Services for the best solution for any pest seen or for an inspection to ensure that those that may be hiding are found and dealt with.

http://www.roanservices.com/

info@roanservices.com

Rose Kiriba 0720733828

I know some if not all of us are eager about Black Friday, most stores already started giving us great deals, but the official Black Friday date is usually the last Friday of the month of November, this time it falls on the 29^th of November.

Black Friday is the name given to the shopping day after Thanksgiving, originally coined in the US. It was originally called Black Friday because the volume of shoppers created traffic accidents and sometimes even violence. Police coined the phrase to describe the mayhem surrounding the congestion of pedestrian and auto traffic in downtown shopping areas.

These days, the tradition has been welcomed all over the world guaranteeing us great deals and discounts on things like electronics, shopping supplies and many more. We’re also excited about it but we also want to prevail on the side of caution, that’s why we created these few dont’s this Black Friday;

• Do not go shopping blind folded

Before you decide to purchase anything on black Friday make sure you have done your research. Check all the stores and sites that have that particular item on sale. This way you are sure you got the best deal.

• Don’t break the bank

The deals on black Friday are amazing and might coax you into thinking you can buy anything and everything. We advise setting aside a budget and sticking to it. A shopping list is also a good way to manage impulse buying. You do not need it if it is not on the list.

• Don’t buy everything on Black Friday

Yes, it has amazing deals but so does Cyber Monday and store clearance sale deals.

• Don’t spend more for an extended warranty

Most stores use this strategy to make up for the discount they are giving on big purchases. The extra amount you pay will be about 10-20% more. Most appliances rarely break down within the extended warranty period.

• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

The deals are good and some might be great but it’s not worth the headache you are trying to inflict on yourself by going to all the stores to get several items all at once. Just take a deep breath, pick what you can handle and enjoy yourself.

Kenya is undoubtedly one of the best and most gorgeous countries in Africa. A lot of people dream about the tropical weather, enjoying lazy afternoons in the sun with a cold beer in the white sandy beaches while looking into an amazing landscape. These are truly some of the best experiences you can have in Kenya. With the lush plains, stunning weather, awe-inspiring mountain ranges and a coastal region as beautiful as the Caribbean, Kenya will surely blow your mind. The capital city Nairobi is a vibrant one with 3 million people. With an economic growth rate of 6.9% in 2015, Kenya is definitely showing signs of progress and Nairobi is its epicentre.

In the last few years, many relocation organizations have set up their regional headquarters in Kenya, especially in the capital city Nairobi. Kenya is surely one of the best places to relocate, but at the same time, it is not the easiest country to live in. If you plan on relocating to Nairobi for a significant period of time, then you must consider the full service movers in Kenya. It will be a huge learning curve, but you need to embrace the cultural differences. To make your relocation easier, we have brought a comprehensive analysis about what the leading full service movers in Kenya have to say. But before that, let us get a brief idea about how good Kenya is, as a country.

How Good is Kenya as a Relocation Option?

Nairobi has been named as the ‘most intelligent city’ in Africa. When it comes to infrastructure, Nairobi is among the most developed cities. It has high-speed internet, a forward-moving economy, 24-hour establishments, superb housing and the city is a 24×7 business hub that has got something for everyone.

Kenya has got an amazing wildlife, and that is why the country is known as ‘unofficial African Safari Central’. The plains and conservancies of Kenya are home to some of the breath-taking wildlife you will ever see. The best part of this country is, you can opt for beautifully formulated safari packages where you get to see the animals in their natural habitat.

If you plan on relocating to Kenya, it is better to opt for the full service movers. Africans are mostly peace loving and friendly people. But there have been increased security risks in the recent years. So, the professional and full service movers in Kenya will be well accustomed to safety and security issues and prioritize in keeping your valuables safe throughout the relocation process.

The city of Nairobi has a plethora of car owners. A lot of people rely on the public transportation too. You can either choose a bus or you can also opt for the ‘matatu’ (a minivan). The buses and minivans are the most affordable means of transport in Kenya. The full service movers in Kenya will offer you the best and safest transportation throughout your relocation service.

In any relocation process, mastering the art to avoid traffic is extremely important. Between 7:00 am to 9:00 am in the morning, there is a long trail of slow moving cars in Nairobi. The full service movers in Kenya, are well accustomed to the roads and the peak time for traffic. It won’t be a difficult task to avoid a bad start in the mornings while shifting from one place to another.

The cost of living in Kenya will depend on your preferred life. If you prefer a thrifty lifestyle, you can live on as little as Ksh25,000 shillings for a month. For an upper-middle-class single person, the cost of living is around Ksh60,000 shillings for a month. And a luxurious lifestyle costs Ksh200,00 shillings a month.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Full Service Movers in Kenya

A lot of full service movers in Kenya feel that providing transportation during relocation can be a risky job compared to providing transportation for relocation in other countries. There are two primary reasons for such feeling among the leading full service movers in Kenya. First of all, there is no written law and secondly, Kenya doesn’t have a self-regulating body like an “Association of Kenyan Movers”. Another important factor is necessary to consider in this scenario. Though the relocation industry has become well established in Kenya, still the professional moving category didn’t do enough for distinguishing itself as a separate and independent industry with a completely different identity than general transporters.

Thus, numerous leading full service movers in Kenya have a lot of similarities in documentation, procedures, image, and culture which are identical to the general transportation companies. These transportation companies don’t hesitate to call themselves as professional movers on their front end (brochures, websites, etc.), but their back office operates in a completely different mode. Their system is not the right one for a modern day moving company. Thus, it is absolutely imperative to carefully select the professional and full service movers in Kenya during any relocation process.

In reality, the full service movers in Kenya take up a lot of risks compared to the transportation companies. The primary objective of the leading full service movers in Kenya is offering timely services with high levels of expertise and reducing the risk. All the moving and relocation service agencies have realized the importance of heavy investments in professional staff recruitment, training, and moving the resources and equipment. Compared to start-up relocation and moving agencies, the leading and well-established relocation companies have shifted their attention in offering ‘move insurance’. At present, the companies are also offering ‘Goods in Transit Insurance’ and ‘Marine Insurance’. Apart from road accidents, there can be other damages and losses related to moving which can happen because of poor handling, planning, and packing. With these insurances, the leading relocation companies have already started avoiding the above-mentioned losses.

In major economies, moving and relocation is an extremely well-regulated industry that has written laws. These laws guide the minimum responsibilities and duties of relocation companies. Even the moving companies are provided with licenses. With the improvement in economic condition in the last decade, Kenya is gradually moving towards being a ‘1st World Country’. The strong industry associations have enabled the leading full service movers in Kenya to offer top-class services to their clients and enhance the name of the industry. Though Kenya faced an economic drawback in 2016 with a growth rate of 5.5%, it is projected to increase at a constant rate to 5.8% in 2018 and 6.1% in 2019. The leading full service movers in Kenya will have a lot of business opportunities to explore. This will help in enhancing the standards, create an order and establish the relocation services as an independent and dominant industry in Kenya.

Initially, it was difficult for the full service movers in Kenya to gain the trust of people with their relocation services, especially if it is corporate relocation. The major concern was the safety of their valuables during the process. It was the top-notch relocation companies like Taylor Movers that assured clients by offering absolutely flawless relocation and moving services and established a strong foothold in this industry in Kenya. At present, you will find a lot of full service movers in Kenya, which reflects the growth of the relocation industry. Till now, Taylor Movers have proved to be the most experienced and effective one. Once you check out their services page, you will get to know why is Taylor Movers the best Kenyan mover and packer company.

Remember These Factors for a Smooth Relocation to Kenya

As we mentioned above, Kenyans are very friendly people, so if you are planning to relocate to Kenya, all you have to do is make a slight effort to know people and they will immediately take you in. If you feel like a new entrant, just go out and do the things that you enjoy doing.

Nairobi may not be a perfect city, but it is wonderfully modern. The supply of water, electricity, the internet is pretty fast and steady. With the superhighways, highways, and flyovers, Nairobi is a well-connected city which offers smooth local and international relocation.

There is no language barrier in Kenya. Almost everyone speaks English fluently. So, you can make yourself at home. Speaking of home, the real estate market has flourished significantly in Kenya where you can get readily available apartments ranging from Ksh90,000 to Ksh300,000.

When you are selecting full service movers in Kenya, don’t forget to check the licenses and insurances offered by the relocation companies. This will ensure that you are contacting a genuine company for all your relocation requirements.

Check for the reviews and testimonials from previous customers of full service movers in Kenya. This will offer you a clear insight into any hidden charges and the quality of services offered by the relocation companies in Kenya.

Whether you choose to work in Kenya, set up a business or just come to take a tour, this country has got a lot to offer. If you are moving to Kenya, the best relocation company to contact is Taylor Movers. You will be provided with sufficient amount of storage to keep your belongings safe throughout the relocation.

It is not really an easy task to move your home or business to a new or separate location and this is why it is essential to opt for a professional movers and packers company. It needs a lot of planning to make the process successful and it is not possible for a single person to handle everything on his/her own. Apart from the stress to handle all the factors while packing and shifting, the safety of all the valuable articles is another important reason why you should opt for professional movers and packers in Kenya.

Now, the first thing that comes to our mind is, how, being a small country, Kenya is a potential place for well-established packers and movers like Taylor Movers. Yes, it is. The reason is, firstly, Kenya is one of the easiest places to pack, move/shift from one place to another. And the second reason is the packers and movers in Kenya are easily available at affordable price. Thus, the common people in Kenya don’t want to take up the hassle of packing and moving on their own.

Importance of Professional Movers and Packers in Kenya

Here are the following factors why you need to opt for the professional movers and packers in Kenya.

Attention to Details: This is one of the most important factors when it comes to movers and packers in Kenya. A professional packing company will focus its attention on details. They will take care of every step of your relocation. Firstly, they will offer safe and secured packing services, then they will offer you the complete details of the route they are going to take for the relocation and finally, they will also help you with the unpacking of your valuables. Not all the companies will offer help and support in unpacking but the renowned companies like Taylor Movers will help you even in unpacking. Professional movers and packers in Kenya will ensure that each of your valuable articles is relocated to the destination in perfect condition.

Trained Personnel: This is another important factor why you should only hire professional movers and packers in Kenya. They offer professionally trained experts who have the necessary skills and instruments to load and unload all your valuable articles without a single scratch. Moreover, renowned companies offer a background check for all their trained packer and mover persons. So you can rest assured about the security of your valuables.

Storage Facilities: The professional movers and packers in Kenya will offer you with both long term and short term storage facilities. If the final destination of your relocation is not determined yet then getting a storage facility is a really great option. You can store your valuables for a certain period. The expert movers and packers in Kenya have large storage facilities and they are located for easy access to the central business districts and other parts of Nairobi too.

Cost and Ease of Access: Another important factor of the professional movers and packers in Kenya is they will not charge you will a huge amount. They offer reasonable and fixed price which is affordable for the common people. You will be able to check the reviews for any professional movers and packers in Kenya. They are open and clear about their terms and conditions.

There are no “hidden expenses” or clauses which might get you into trouble or increase the final amount of money. The company will make a budget considering all the relocation expenses and the payable amount will not exceed the estimated budget. Ease of access is also very important. When you get a storage facility, you should be able to access your valuables at any time. A professional mover and packer company will offer you 24 hours access.

Reasons to Hire Professional Movers and Packers in Kenya

Now that we know about the importance of the professional movers and packers in Kenya, we will now shed some light on the reasons why you should opt for professional movers and packers in Kenya.

Experience: This is a vital reason why you should opt for the professional movers and packers in Kenya. Any professional shifting and relocation company will train their employees appropriately. They will take care of all your small and large valuable articles while relocation. After shifting, they will carry all your stuff inside the new location and arrange them exactly according to your preference. The entire process of shifting and relocation by a professional company will be short, simple and fast. The reason is, professional shifting and relocation companies like Taylor Movers are in this profession for a long time and they know exactly what they are doing. Apart from the professional training, they have also attained the clever tricks through years of hard work which will lead to automated problem-solving abilities.

Speed and Efficiency: The professional movers and packers in Kenya are highly efficient in performing their shifting and relocation work in time for each of their clients. They have the manpower, the tools and the luggage carriers necessary for completing the packing and moving process in time. Finishing only the work on time doesn’t necessarily make them an efficient company. There are value-added services which include various types of services including, household, corporate and office packing and relocation, helping in unpacking and excellent mobile storage facilities, ease of payments and refunds in case of cancellation and all time availability.

Reliability: When you contact professional movers and packers in Kenya, there is a binding contract between you and the company. With a professional movers and packers company in Kenya, you can trust them that your job will be done safely and every article will be intact. The professional movers and packers in Kenya are certified for the job and they also have insurance policies to cover up for any damages and accidents on the way. You will not get these facilities for any rogue or unprofessional companies. A reliable and professional mover and packer company in Kenya will offer you peace of mind.

Safety: This is yet another important reason why you should opt for Professional movers and packers in Kenya. The professional movers and packers in Kenya come with proper safety equipment and they are accustomed to various safety techniques. Apart from that, the professional companies are certified to meet the necessary safety standards and regulations while packing and relocation. Relocation services include shifting of heavy articles starting from furniture, kitchen appliances, and electronic goods. They have the proper equipment like dollies for the kitchen appliances and heavy furniture, hand trucks for the packed boxes, the furniture pads for large furniture, bubble wraps, moving boxes, packing tapes, moving tapes, labeling markers and a lot more.

Things to Remember While Hiring Professional Movers and Packers in Kenya

Even if you are hiring professional movers and packers in Kenya, still relocation can be stressful, especially if the company is a new one and this is your first-time relocation. There are a lot of cases of fraudulent movers and packers where valuable articles from people were stolen. A lot of times people have bad experiences with the crew of certain packers and movers who would come drunk or show up late. Sometimes the companies act polite till you sign the agreement and after that, they don’t pick up your calls. This is why you need to do the following things before hiring any movers and packers in Kenya.

Background Check: This is very important if you want to get a good reliable packers and movers company. Remember that you are going to let the whole crew of movers and packers Company in your home and they will handle all of your valuable possessions. So, it is very important that you do a thorough background check to know which company you are dealing with. Make sure that you are not dealing with a company which has no criminal records, misdemeanors or felonies. You can also visit the premises of the company to check out the state of trucks or vans they are using. The condition of trucks is a major indicator of how well the company is doing. Deal with such company only which has clean trucks in good condition. Check out the company website, their customer reviews.

Enquire About the Recovery of Claims: Like we have mentioned before that professional movers and packers in Kenya will offer you with insurance so that you can recover the damages. This is what you have to ensure. It is the difference between a reliable moving company and a fraudulent one. Learn clearly about the process of claims and recovery. You need to inquire whether the moving company has its very own system of processing claims or they are using other outsourcing companies for the claims of the parties. You have to find out whether you need to contact the insurance provider.

All professional movers and packers in Kenya have an internal quality control department which will assist you with the insurance claims. You have to find the affordable ones but at the same time, be careful about the cheap movers. Remember that you trust almost all your belongings to movers and packer during relocation and this is why you have to find a company which is trustworthy. A legitimate company will offer affordable rates along with reliability.

REASONS TO CONSIDER A REMOVAL COMPANY

We all know how stressful moving is; it is a very huge undertaking especially when one is moving within Nairobi or moving somewhere else in our out of Kenya. Most people always dread the process of moving no matter how good or better the new location is for them, packing your life up and moving to a new place is hard enough but having to deal with packing, lifting, unloading and unpacking a house or even a business is even worse and people don’t look forward to it.

We at Taylor Movers Kenya are here to take the stress out of you, whether you don’t have time or in need to eliminate any stress, hiring professional movers and the right company will make a huge difference.

There are many reasons why a removal company is helpful:

• HELPS TO FREE UP TIME TO FOCUS ON OTHER THINGS

Moving day is one of the most hectic days, the thought of it makes one wish there was any easier way to get it done. Moving does not only involve moving from one location to the next, but you also have to handle other things like clearing with the caretaker, dealing with management prior, during and after the move off course including taking care of the kids. Have no fear, Taylor Movers Kenya is here to help, by choosing us you free the mental space involved in the details of the move, focus on all the other aspects of relocating and literally leave the heavy lifting to US!.

• NO INJURIES

The most common thing people forget is about their own health and often they get surprised how easy it is to get injuries during a move. Without professional training and experience, one will not know how to properly handle packing and moving items wither delicate, heavy or dangerous.

That’s why we have a Mover Education Program to ensure that our movers know how to handle the oddly shaped, sharp, fragile pieces of furniture. Furthermore our movers are used to carrying and handling such items, ensuring we will deliver the best practices for packing and moving your items.

• MOVERS HAVE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

Taylor Movers Kenya will have the tools and all the wrapping materials needed for large furniture and for all your valuable items. Heavy furniture can take another level of stress when you don’t have the required tools to dismantle each piece. Our moving teams are professionally trained carpenters, electricians and plumbers to ensure all items are handled well.

Moving large delicate items like pool tables, piano that require extra special wrapping to make sure the structure of equipment is maintained.

• ALL YOUR VALUABLES ARE INSURED

Do you trust yourself to move your valuables? Are all your expensive furniture insured? If your answers are “NO” then you need to call movers. Taylor Movers has experienced professionals who have the ability to move your belongings.

We have you COVERED!! No matter how fragile you items are, we have the necessary insurance cover.

This will make you actually save money in the long run.

In conclusion, without professional movers, one may end up with broken, lost items or unexpected moving expenses. Professional movers will have an estimated quote with no other hidden charges for equipment you did not know you needed or an underestimate.

From these excellent reasons, hire Taylor Movers Kenya, if you want to take stress out of your move.

Moving from home is always said to be one of the very most hectic and stressful events in one’s personal life. Even more so when it comes to moving to a totally different continent and country, the level of stress involved can increase. For a successful relocation, choosing the best removal company is key; Taylor Movers East Africa will make sure your belongings are securely packed, loaded, transported and unloaded to your final destination.

 
#TIP 1: EFFICIENT RESEARCH
Most people move for various reasons, it’s either for personal reasons, relocated by employer, because of kids or to join ones family, and research is an important factor.
This can be done online, through the Expat forums and communities, in these kinds of forums one can get to know a lot about life in a particular country.
Keep in mind that most people feel very safe talking about how homesick they are or what exactly they don’t like about the new home, so don’t get distracted by the negative sentiments.
As for the children it’s important to investigate schools and access to other activities.
Even after you the research your new home, your chosen place of residence may not work for you once you get there. It is advisable to first have a rented home on a short term basis so that you can choose what suits you.

 
#TIP 2: VISAS AND RESIDENTS PERMITS DOCUMENTS ARE IN ORDER.
No matter the reason why you are moving or how straight your situation, unless you are a recognized citizen of the country you are moving into, you will have to make the required arrangements for work and resident permits. You may also require a visa because without all this documentation a lot of things will be put on hold for example, opening a bank account, clearing your household goods etc.
The processing of these documents vary per country, since they may take time to process, so it’s important to understand well in advice what should be provided and get everything processed before your belongings can be transported to the new country since they will be required for customs clearance at the new country.

 
#TIP 3: EXCHANGE MONEY
There will still be bills to pay or money to transfer to your new country.
Since banks don’t offer the best exchange rates for money transfers, it will be better to consider using the foreign exchange bureaus. Be cautious of caring large amounts of money as many countries have restrictions on the amount of money you may carry into their borders. This also increases the risk of theft, large amounts of money should be discouraged during your trip.

 
#TIP 4: PREPARE WELL IN ADVANCE FOR MOVING YOUR PETS
When moving overseas you need to know what the new country rules and laws on pets transportation involves, you will need to consider a professional pet transport company who will help with the processing the paperwork. From vet visits, vaccinations and quarantine ,they will know the most efficient and comfortable way to get your pet to the destination country safe and sound.
It’s also important to note and keep in mind that in some locations, it’s not easy to find a pet friendly rental home or even an apartment can be difficult and this is where research plays a major role.
#TIP 5: TAXES

Be sure to follow up and check on your tax obligations both at home and the destination country.

#TIP 6: HEALTH CARE
It’s important to find out what are the requirements for health insurance and the amount it covers in the new country, even if there seems to be no reason to acquire one, it’s never a good idea not to acquire health insurance.
It is important to have information on your health records from your previous doctor about any current treatments. This information will include your current treatment and any medications you may be taking. In the event of any emergency, medical staff in the destination country will be able to access this information to provide care to you or any family member. If there is a language barrier between the origin and destination country you should consider translating your medical records to make it easier for the medical staff to understand.

 
#TIP 7: LEARN THE LANGUAGE
It’s always easy to get along in many countries without having to know the local language.
Even just knowing how to say PLEASE, HELLO, EXCUSE ME…helps to make life in the new country easier.
It also helps to understand symbols or signs in public places and even paying bills.
Classes are also a good way to learn the local language and even make friends.
Consider using any of these free or low cost resources:
1. DuoLingo – Excelent Free tool. < http://www.duolingo.com/>
2. The Foreign Service Institutes’ varied list of courses. <http://fsi-language-courses.org/Content.php>
3. The Omniglot Intro to languages. < http://www.omniglot.com/writing/languages.htm>
4. BBC languages’ intro to almost 40 different languages. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/>

 
#TIP 8: BE READY FOR CULTURE SHOCK AND HOMESICKNESS
Even those who adjusts easily in new areas or are well adjusted expats yearn a bit of home, the new food that you have never eaten at home leads to irrational cravings, though , there are many expat focused Eat outs with tastes from home, though the prices may be very expensive.
Buy a few cook books to help recreate your favorite meals back home or even discover new ones with a twist of the local foods from the new country
One can help reduce the missing through, installing apps like Skype, Face time so as to have face to face chats with family or friends.

MOVING TO KENYA

Kenya is a country that boasts of beautiful sandy beaches, a cosmopolitan capital, amazing wildlife and a very rich multicultural background. Nairobi as its epicenter once known as the” city in the sun”, a vibrant city of over 3million people with a projected growth of 6.9% is a hub of activity which caters to any interest imaginable. Bumming with pubs, hotels, restaurants and a variety of many outdoor activities. It’s no wonder the increasing rate of expat community is growing by day with slot of open opportunities to work and stay. A country which captures one when you arrive and can never leave you.

Before you wish to jump and start packing your bags, there are a few things you need to consider and how to get ready to move in Kenya, because it’s a huge learning curve which involves a lot of adjustments on embracing the different cultural differences .In any case ,you need someone to help with moving to Kenya or just a move inside Kenya, we at Taylor movers East Africa can handle everything, from packing, to loading, to moving everything and unpacking is also a thing we do and help to make the whole process easier for you.

• Are you eligible to move to Kenya

So many people don’t realize that Kenya has some specific requirements when it comes to moving to its country either as an immigrant or citizen, the immigration department is strict, unless one is sponsored by a company.

• Moving around efficiently

Nairobi as its capital has many people who own cars, but there are other means like “Matatus”they are vans and are affordable ranging from $0.2(ksh.20) to $1(ksh.100).The other means is the motorbikes which are good for evading traffic and short distances, they range from $0.8(ksh.80) to $5(ksh.500) depending on the distance to be covered. Lastly is the taxis which are most expensive and better for longer distances and its advised to use the company owned taxis for security reasons.

One has to master on how to avoid the traffic, between 7am-9am the roads are very congested, the only way to avoid this is wake up early for work.Between,5pm-6pm the same traffic is crazy, the only way is leave before 5pm or stay till late to avoid the crazy traffic.

Living Standards

• When deciding on which school to take your child in Kenya it is very important to define which part of Nairobi you are going to live because this will largely determine ones social circle and also where exactly in the part of the world you come from. There are schools that offer European Systems like German, French and British.
• About picking where to stay ,this will vary according to personal choice ,if you would want to make yourself at home ,the real estate market in Kenya is booming so one an get one of the luxurious furnished apartments from Kshs.90,000,if this is pricy there are available apartments in areas like Westlands, Kilimani, kileleshwa and Lavington,which have rental apartments from $550(ksh.55,000).Furthermore ,one could live on a house budget of $250(25,000),in estates like donholm, buruburu, komarock.
• On outdoors activities,there are great options on the eating joints from Thai, indian, Mexican, chinese with a variety of international franchises for example; KFC, Coldstone, Subway and Domino. If you are craving for Kenyan cuisine there is KOSEWE.
• Lastly , join one of the many country club, they are not too expensive, they will be one of the best ways to make friends and mostly in the expat community.

If you have all of the above covered then its good to get into the next plane to Kenya and enjoy the experience. It is a very fantastic country, where sundown’s are a way of life, where there are various meanings to word like “JUA KALI”,where your sense of humor will increase ten fold, having a work life balance really is possible and even start referring to yourself as Kenyan regardless what your passport says.

If you’ve moved before then you’ve probably asked yourself, “How should I pack my household items?” It may seem trivial, but it’s a major component of any relocation if you’re packing yourself.

A list of household goods packing tips could be a long checklist of criteria one might have to go over when considering moving personal goods overseas.

It goes without saying that improper packing is one of the major concerns when it comes to breakages and damage.

Based on our years as an international moving company, we’ve created a comprehensive list of tips for packing household goods to help with any move, overseas or cross-country.

How to Pack Household Goods Safely for Your Move Overseas

Following are some of the basic materials one should consider to use for household packing:

• Always insist on using strong boxes to pack the fragile items
• Make sure the bottom of the box has additional tape to prevent opening when lifted
• Wrap all fragile items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper
• Corrugated boxes that can be closed shut are highly recommended to secure your belongings
• Plan on using a lot of strong packaging tape, labels and markers to clearly identify the content being places in various boxes
• Try and use blank newspapers, plastics or bubble wraps to fill the empty spaces in the cartons

Different household goods will have to be handled in different ways to ensure they are secured correctly packed and can be moved easily. One could come across all sorts of different household goods varying in shapes, sizes and weights.

Investing time and effort by creating an international moving checklist also helps ease out the entire process. It’s a good practice to reach out to overseas moving companies and seek information from their knowledge database.

Following are some pointers to pack some of the commonly found household items:

Electronics

• Remember to unplug all electronics
• Refrigerators need to be unplugged 24 hrs prior to loading as they need to drain of excess water and ice
• Tape the inner table in a microwave oven so it does not move inside and break the glass door
• Check the device manuals for all appliances for any special instructions
• Double pack electronics with glass screens safely to ensure they do not break

Kitchenware

• Fragile bone china and ceramic kitchenware needs to be packed in bubble wrap
• Glass containers and sharp cutlery should be wrapped with extra packaging
• Place paper between all plates/bowls/cups and dinnerware to prevent chipping and breaking
• Wrap cutlery and utensils together in tight bundles and bubble wrap before putting in boxes
• Wine glasses/ vases / crystal pieces etc, should all be double wrapped in paper and bubble wrap

Small Furniture Products

• Ensure the edges are fully covered to prevent chipping
• Remember to protect the surfaces with a bed sheet to prevent scratches
• This furniture will probably be double stacked in the truck and container so all surfaces must be well protected
• For a more comprehensive list, read our advice for packing furniture

Other Items

• Books can be packed in corrugated boxes – don’t over pack large boxes as books are heavy. Pack in multiple small boxes
• International sized bags could be used to pack clothes and shoes
• Wardrobe boxes with hangers are available from your service provider
• Photo frames can be packed by placing packaging paper between multiple frames
• Fine art, pianos, and musical instruments all have unique requirements for packing – please consult your service provider

The most important thing is to have an in-depth discussion with your shipping consultant while making your initial inquiry. If you disclose all-important information about all the articles that you need moving, it makes the whole process easier to organize from a shipping, packing and loading point of view.

We offer professional and affordable packing services to all our clients who may not have the time to pack themselves

Remember, moving internationally is a three-step process.

1. Making sure you have all your household goods packed thoroughly, either by yourself or a professional moving crew
2. Moving these items from the house to the loading warehouse for loading into a container for ocean freight
3. Careful unpacking of the goods upon arrival at your new destination.

If you are looking for a one stop shop and a company that will manage all three of these aspects and give you peace of mind, or have questions about your international move, Taylor Movers will be happy to work with you.

So what are you waiting for? Request a free overseas moving estimate by calling us today or by completing our quick quote form.

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar. You’ve just decided to move to a new place. You’re unbelievably excited and enthusiastic. Then, almost as soon as the rush of delight came on, reality sets in for you. You look around, with a growing sense of dread, at all of your stuff, the stuff that now needs to be packed into a box, carried into a moving truck, and moved. Just thinking about it makes you want to change your decision about moving, and you haven’t even started the process yet.

We’ve all been in situations like this. Somehow, unknown to us, our stuff piles up in drawers and hidden corners so that when it comes time to pack it up, the job seems overwhelming. Where did it all come from? When did we buy it? We always knew that decluttering and downsizing your home and life was necessary, but could never get ourselves to actually do it. Well, the good news is that it’s never too late to begin your decluttering efforts, which will no doubt dramatically lessen the number of boxes to be packed and carried down the stairs on moving day.

Ready to get started? Here are 7 useful tips:

1. START EARLY

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving next month, six months from now, or you don’t even have any plans to move. Start decluttering today. I know it’s tempting to continue to put it off as you tell yourself you’ll do it once you’ve moved into the new place. But think about it: why go through all the hassle of moving your stuff only to eventually get rid of it? When you do move, you’ll save a load of money by doing it now because you’ll need fewer boxes and a smaller truck.

That’s also fewer things you have to waste your physical and mental energy on when moving things back and forth. Lastly, not only will you have drastically simplified your life, but downsizing and decluttering will also help you make giant progress towards making your house one of those energy efficient homes you’ve always admired, the economy almost requires it.

2. START SMALL

Looking at a house full of stuff you need to sort through can be really dispiriting. I know, I’ve been there too. This is why you need to start small. Focus on areas like your bedroom closet, or the living room TV cabinet. Don’t try to do an entire room at once unless you’ve already won a medal for decluttering. Trying to tackle a large space, especially if you have a lot of items to sort through, is draining and might extinguish your motivation. Small spaces over a longer period of time give you a sense of accomplishment because they can be completed in a matter of hours. Looking at the progress you made, and the pile of junk that’s getting donated, will keep you motivated and excited about the next session.

3. BE PREPARED

Before you get started decluttering an area, make sure you have everything you’ll need right there. This includes several boxes (one for trash, one for recycling, one for donations, one for “thinking about” items), a shredder (optional obviously), plenty of water, and some great tunes to keep your spirits up.

4. PUT IT TO THE TEST

My last move involved going from a nice-sized home to a smaller one. All my stuff had to go up three flights of stairs since there was no elevator. I examined every item in my home and asked “Do I want to carry you up three flights of stairs?” Most of the time, that answer was “no.” I got rid of more than half of my possessions using this simple question. Look at the items you own and ask yourself if you love it enough to pack it up, carry it out to the truck, and haul it up the stairs. You can even pretend you’ve got to carry them up three whole flights, like me. This works even when you are using professional movers.

5. DO THE KITCHEN

Go through your kitchen and throw out anything with an expired date or that has gone stale (this especially goes for spices, which usually don’t last longer than 6 months to a year). Use this time to also get rid of any cookbooks you haven’t cracked open in the past year, and any strange kitchen gadgets you really don’t have a use for, broken or lost pieces of kitchen ware and outdated items that you know will not be used in the foreseeable future.

6. KEEP GOING

Make decluttering part of your everyday routine. Set up a Donate bin in your bedroom closet. Every day, find at least one thing to put in there. Do you have a pile of unwanted gifts you’ve received over the years that you’ll never use? Add those to the pile too! When it gets full, take it to a childrens home or a foundation for needy families and so on. As another option, if you decide to make money selling these unwanted products through e-commerce sites, social media or garage sales, you’ll be able to develop some awesome passive income stream opportunities.

7. DEEP CLEANING

It’s also important to set aside time, at least every weekend, to do deeper decluttering. Mark this time off on your calender so you don’t forget. And, make it fun! Promise yourself a reward, like dinner out with a friend, after you’re done with a weekend session. This will help keep you motivated.

What are your thoughts on decluttering? Do you have any good strategies that have worked for you when trying to decide what to throw out and what to keep?