You confront challenges that may be overwhelming. You face worries about a new neighbourhood, new schools, new bank, new doctors, new way to work, new job, and new ways to get lost on new roads. All of this can be quite aggravating and stressful. Not to mention expensive.

Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Know where you are going: The UK is a big country including Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In choosing your settlement destination, consider the following factors, such as strength of the local job market, cost of living, and access to affordable housing, weather patterns and the like, instead of basing your decision on arbitrary factors. Research well in advance of your move. Good preparation will save you time and money and a lot of stress in the end! Begin by learning some quick facts about UK; Weather, Voltage, Public holidays, UK money, Tipping, Measurements and the like.

2. Money: It may seem obvious, but even if you are planning to get work straight away, you will need to have some money behind you. You should have enough money so that you don't have to worry about paying the rent or the bills for the first few months and all the costs associated with moving. You will be paying for most things up front without a credit history here. Get estimates from shipping companies. Decide on the shipping method to suit your needs, timeframes and budget. - Get estimates for pet shipping services. An air-worthy animal crate will need to be ordered and is custom built to your pet's specific measurements. Each airline has a different policy on the transportation of live animals. Contact your airline.

3. Capture the hearts and minds: How will everyone adjust to the new country and its culture? What special considerations should be made for the children? What about the family pet? Perhaps your spouse or "significant other" is being relocated and you're ready to explore employment opportunities for yourself in the same country?

4. Housing: It is quite expensive to rent good quality housing in the UK, but rental prices do vary significantly between locations. It is very expensive to rent housing in central London. Properties vary in style greatly but are mainly constructed from brick, and types vary from terraced houses, semi detached, link detached, detached and flats (apartments). To buy a home is becoming easier and easier for foreigners and there are lenders prepared to lend up to 95% of the mortgage. It is important to get a good mortgage broker who will compare what's available on the entire market. It is highly advisable to rent in an area first before buying, to get to know your neighbourhood. Places you can use to check accommodation are www.rightmove.co.uk , www.propertyfinder.co.uk and for more upmarket homes www.primelocation.com. To check out the neighbourhood you can use www.upmystreet.com. If you prefer to use a relocation agent you can try www.venna.co.uk