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peppergal
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« Reply #15 on: August 29, 2009, 04:34:29 AM » |
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On storing the car, yes it is possible to do so. I stored my car for two years while doing research abroad. I got directions from Click & Clack, and I think the directions are probably still on their website.
Basically, drive until you're running on fumes, put gas stabilizer in the tank (you can get the gas stabilizer at a car parts store) and fill up again, then drive again until you're running on fumes. Put the car into storage, disconnect the battery, and you're fine. When you get back, reconnect the battery (or connect a new battery), fill up the tank, and take it to a mechanic to make sure it's ok (you'll probably have to take it for inspection to get it reregistered as in operation in any case).
I managed to find a storage company that rented me a locker large enough for my car and all the stuff that didn't go with me. I think I paid about $200 per month.
I also changed my address to my brother's for things like financial stuff, voter registration and DMV. Since he lived close to my grad school uni, he had a key to the storage unit, and went to check on it periodically (and he was listed as the emergency contact, in case the unit got flooded or burned or something, which didn't happen).
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maybe
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« Reply #16 on: September 06, 2009, 08:48:48 PM » |
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Hello,
When I taught abroad for a year I gave up my apartment and put many things in a storage unit, which cost about $70/month. I kept my car at my parent's house and I used their address as an official address for bills and whatnots.
Here are two things I wished I had known about:
I bought a new Dell lap top right before I left. It needed repairs and was still under warranty, but where I was it was nearly impossible to find a service center that would work on my computer. I was able to do it, but not without a ton of persistence and the help of a native friend to drive me around and get this taken care of. It was an enormous pain and I was without a computer for a long time. Other brands were much more easily serviceable in this country: if I'd have taken an HP or a Mac it would have been fine. So, I would recommend that you find out what kind of computer stores there are in this country...
Also, it might be helpful to move your bank account to a bank that has offices in the country you are going to (if this is possible). This will eliminate any possible transfer fees if you are working abroad and needing to shift the money into your US account. For example, there were offices of Citibank where I was living, and if I had transferred my account to Citibank it would have been helpful (I didn't find out about this possibility if it was too late).
Happy travels.
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« Last Edit: September 06, 2009, 08:50:09 PM by maybe »
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auctions
New member
Posts: 1
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« Reply #17 on: October 16, 2009, 09:02:14 AM » |
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thats a good idea, subletting the leased one.. But make sure the subletter gets renter's insurance or ask to send you a certificate to that effect from his or her insurance company.
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der_gadfly
SSOB-hatin', snarklet-writin'
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 1,844
oy vey
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« Reply #18 on: October 17, 2009, 12:06:30 AM » |
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With respect to the car: a local gas station/repair shop MAY agree to store it for free in exchange for being able to use it as a 'loaner'. There are inherent dangers in this, but at least it would theoretically get regular maintenence and would be used/started periodically.
Just a thought.
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(and I bow before der_gadfly) Don't forget, that cat hair can come in handy as a good luck charm! |
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buglet
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« Reply #19 on: October 17, 2009, 12:29:57 PM » |
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When I went away, I paid a friend $50 a month to store my car in her garage, and disconnected the battery. Also got a storage unit for about $70 dollars a month for my stuff. Had my mail forwarded to my international address, but I only used a debit and not a credit card. The secretary in our department forwarded my departmental mail to me about once a month.
Getting a bank account with an international bank is a great idea. I've had splendid luck with HSBC and can do my bill paying etc, online almost entirely, and they have offices all over the world. KEEP the US bank account...it is almost impossible as a non-resident to re-open one if you decide not to come back to the States. (Though I know you intend to do so, sometimes opportunities can arise).
And, hire some students to help you move and pack...if you have any furniture you want to get rid of, they usually are glad to have it, saving you having to deal with it.
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wanna_writemore
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« Reply #20 on: October 17, 2009, 02:48:56 PM » |
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I second the advice to check on banking options. If you're going to need to access money in your US account while you're abroad (from ATMs, especially), try to find a bank that waives ATM fees. Bank of America is connected to several banks in Europe and Latin America (places I travel), for example, so as long as I use the right bank's ATM in the foreign country I'm in, I don't have to pay ATM fees. These can really add up, so even during a 2-month summer trip I save a fortune.
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glenden
Junior member
Posts: 52
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« Reply #21 on: October 23, 2009, 09:55:33 PM » |
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Thank you for many good suggestions! For the car, I think I will be able to park my car at my friend's house, and she will start the engine once in a while. I will also use her address for credit cards, banks, and car insurance. Or, should I rather turn off the battery?
I will probably use a storage in town. I checked the price and went there to see the size. I will pay about $50-60 a month for articles and papers, kitchen stuff, clothes, desks, washer & dryer and furniture. Is there anything I should NOT store there? I will probably put all the CDs in my office as they may melt down with heat. If I should be careful about certain things to or not to store, please let me know.
Thanks again
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