Just found out you, and the family, are on the move? Nervous that you’re losing your friends and support network? Wondering how you’ll cope with no local knowledge?
All the Off the Sidewalk team have been through relocations themselves. We know it can be a tough time but it’s a wonderful opportunity. We know it’s essential that you and the family feel at home as quickly as possible. And we know it’s not just about the first few days. It’s about making friends, and a life, for the weeks and months ahead.
Don’t be daunted. We offer a series of bespoke consultations; face-to-face in London or New York alternatively via skype if elsewhere in the world. Prior to your departure we meet you for a Q&A, once you arrive in your new city we meet with you having done all the research to answer those burning questions you had and discuss everything with you. We support you before, after and during your relocation, our Off the Sidewalk network and personalized ‘Settling in Service’ will guide you through your move.
We can offer help with everything from exploring your new city to finding a place to live. Need to check out local schools for the children or source a fabulous restaurant for a evening out? We’ve got that covered too.
Here are some recent testimonials
Richard Norton, Bloomberg, London-NY
“Off The Sidewalk were supportive in my relocation from London to New York in the capacity of neighborhood orientation and acommodation search. Their website offers a wealth of information for anyone wanting to relocate to New York from advice on how to find acommodation with or without a broker, to setting up a social security number, getting NY State ID and understanding the health system – to name a few topics that are foreign to expats.
During a one on one meeting with Jane McClenahan she talked me through the different neighborhoods, the commute options, building alternatives (condo, coop, new build) and discussed the role of the broker; very insightful and instrumental in helping me find my first acommodation.
Through their monthly events Off The Sidewalk offers the opportunity for their members to build a social circle outside of their work environment which offers a smooth transition into the NY lifestyle and helps create a support network to mirror the one left behind in the home country”.
Carma Van Allen, wife of Morgan Stanley employee, NY-London
“Lisa and the rest of the Off the Sidewalk crew have been incredibly supportive throughout the stressful process of our first international move! Lisa took the time to meet with me in person during our “look see” visit to London and provided a wealth of information about neighborhoods, schools, and other critical pieces of our relocation. She also was a great resource for the “little things” that I, a London outsider, had no clue about, such as where and how to buy a used car, how to set up utilities, procure a mobile phone, etc. Off the Sidewalk provides a fantastic and much needed service, especially for those of us who are completely unfamiliar with our new city!”
Everything we can cover is below, although this is not a restricted list each client is unique.
What we offer ?
A specialised, bespoke settling-in service with one of our in-house team who have all been through the relocation process themselves.
PRE MOVE
Each client has a series of consultations, either in person or via internet video calls, both before and after the move.
ON ARRIVAL
The services offered include but are not limited to the following:
- Neighbourhood Orientation
- Explanation of the nursery and school system
- Opening a bank account
- Navigating the health care system
- Applying for a Driver’s License / State ID / Social Security Number
- Information on local food shops, dry cleaners, car rental
- Investigation of appropriate fitness facilities and sporting options.
- Information on entertainment for children and babysitting options
- Information on neighbourhood restaurants, take-out delivery, tipping practices
- Parking Options / Permits
- Guidance on the public transport, particularly with children
- Bespoke information on things to do and visit around the city
ONCE SETTLED-IN
- Monthly social events including cocktail evenings and coffee mornings which help clients to meet others who have moved to the city
- Automatic membership of Off The Sidewalk. This gives members access to a vibrant online community and regular blogs and other mail-outs which provide information on life in their new city.
Off The Sidewalk also works in partnership with range of other professionals, including realtors and lawyers, in both New York and London.
Each client’s needs are different. Off The Sidewalk’s Settling-In Service is tailored to the personal needs and requirements.
The individually designed packages reflect that. Our services are available for half and daily rates.
As you settle in, you can kick start your new life with our social events.
We know how to help give you the best start possible.
If you would like more information to arrange a meeting please contact:
Jane – jane@offthesidewalk.com or Lisa – lisa@offthesidewalk.com
