While preparing to move to Europe from America, it is important to decide how to conduct the move cheaply and effectively, having taken everything necessary at the same time. Since the lifestyles, technologies in use, goods in sale, and prices differ dramatically, some items are better be left in the US, while others are cheaper to be brought to the new country of residence.
A Car: to Ship or not to Ship?
Instead of selling the car and buying a new one in Europe, consider shipping of the own one. In Europe cars are much more expensive that in America. However, of course, decide whether a car will be among the most needed things to take to a new place – in a large city it might be more convenient to use public transportation. So, check what kind of transportation will be the best for your destination.
Household Electrical Appliances not to Move to Europe
It’s better not to take any electrical appliances with a motor, such as fridges, blenders, or washing machines. In Europe the electricity is 220 volt, not 110 as in the USA. In addition, the frequency is 50 Hz instead of the American 60 Hz. So, though for things like a laptop a good option might be an appropriate adapter, any devices working with a motor will need a transformer. Since electric appliances are usually more expensive in Europe, it might be a good money-saving idea to buy such 220-v 50-Hz devices can be in specialized US stores.
- As for a washing machine, it is definitely not the best idea to move the own one. While in addition to the difference in electricity standards, American washers have connections for cold and hot water, European ones – for cold water only. So, it will be easier to simply buy a new washing machine after a move.
- European TV sets use different from that in the USA broadcast system. So, it will be pointless to take an American TV set to Europe, unless it is a “multisystem” set that can be switched from one broadcast standard to another.
While most electrical devices are cheaper in the US, it is often simpler and safer to buy some in Europe in order to be sure they will work properly, and correspond to the European standards. Having decided to own a car in a European country, the best and cheapest option to choose is shipping one from America. As for the furniture, and other home appliances, it will, of course, be cheaper to move them to Europe than to buy new ones there.
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