What an exciting time!  

We did it!  Closings feel better than just about any other part of this business, but for you the best part is about to begin, moving into your new home!  Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and smoother.

Make a list—Before you pack even one box, set up a simple record keeping system.  Then place a number on each and every box you pack and include its contents on your list beside the appropriate number.  Make sure to be specific when describing the boxes contents – “X-Z files” is better than “files”, and “Plastic ware” is better than “misc. kitchen”

Packing time can be a great incentive to cut down your belongings.  Separate items you aren’t sure about into three groups; throw away, keep, give to charity (or sell, if you’re into garage sales).

I will keep posting great moving and packing tips like these.  If you have any questions or concerns We would love to hear from you.

Take the Stress out of Your Next Move

Let us help make your move easier! Our customers trust and rely on us to deliver the rental home results they demand. Finding rental homes, apartments or townhouses is fast, easy and FREE at Arabella Chambers!

Rental Houses
Want the space of a home and a yard of your own but without the hassles of ownership, the mortgage or just not ready yet to decide where you want to buy in Belize? Renting a home is the perfect choice for many when relocating. When a drain gets clogged or the roof needs to be fixed, all you have to do is call your property manager—and then kick back and relax.

We know that finding a new rental home can be stressful, no matter where you live so our “Homes for Rent” page makes looking for your next house to rent easy and convenient. Whether you’re staying local or moving cross-country, Arabella Chambers gives you access to many listings for rental houses. You can narrow your search based on price, location, features and other criteria that are important to you. Save time and money by taking virtual tours of homes for rent right from your living room and search as often as you like, because it’s always free for renters. If you do not see what you are looking for on our website, we will do the search for you.  We want you to be satisfied—and to find the home rental that’s right for you.

Moving Checklist - Planning is key!

The logistics of relocating can be stressful, in order to help keep things straight it is good to have a "Plan". Having a plan in place can assist in preventing unexpected problems from arising and to reduce the overall stress of moving. There are many items to consider in the move from departure to destination. For example, you may need to find a job for your partner, arrange local housing, schooling, medical and banking facilities, transportation and much more. Here are a few items that you may find useful. Download this checklist of items to remember when moving by clicking the link below. 

Move for the Best    Relocation Checklist

Retiring in Belize 

To many, Belize is the perfect place to retire, by evidence many American, European and Canadian expatriates have chosen to retire here due to our Real Estate prices which are comparatively low and the few restrictions on foreign ownership.

Belize offers attractive package of incentive to retirees. Qualifying persons are exempt from tax on earned income abroad, and may import many personal goods such a car; a boat, household items and even a light aircraft, free of duty. To quality one must be at least 45 years old, and be able to document a monthly income of a least US$2,000.

To see if you qualify and for more details on the retiree incentives, visit http://belizeretirement.org

Applications need to be submitted through an Immigration Consultant licensed in Belize to the Director of the Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Program Unit. The applicant needs to provide a sworn affidavit stating that he/she has reviewed, understood, and agreed to the Program's guidelines and criteria.

Completed application forms require to be submitted with the following supporting documents:

• passport photographs;
• character references;
• birth certificates;
• marriage certificate (divorce decree where applicable);
• medical certificate (indicating that the applicant is free form AIDS and other communicable diseases);
• certified copy of ID card or passport;
• criminal record certificate;
• an application form for a Belize passport; and
• A receipt showing that payment of the registration fees has been made into a Special Fund set up by the Central Bank of Belize for this purpose.
• Applications are processed by the Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Program Unit, before being sent to the Scrutinizing Committee for review. Applicants are notified of the Scrutinizing Committee's decision within 7 days. Successful applications are sent to the Director of Immigration to prepare a Certificate of Nationalization and a Belize Passport. The Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Program Unit informs successful applicants of a date and time to be sworn in which can be done in Belize or at a Belizean Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate office elsewhere. Successful applicants are entitled to have their spouse and children, below the age of 18 years, registered as citizens of Belize at the same time

LOCATION: Central America, bordering the Caribbean sea betwen Guatemala and Mexico

CLIMATE: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

CURRENCY: Belizean Dollar (BZD)

EXCHANGE RATE: Belizean dollars per US dollar - 2$ [The Belize dollar has been pegged to the US dollar since 1976 at the exchange rate of US$1=BZ$2]. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards.

POPULATION: 287,730 (July 2006 est.)

LANGUAGES: English (official Language) and Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole are widely spoken throughout Belize.

CAPITAL: Belmopan

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:

BUSINESS HOURS: BANKS Monday to Thursday, 8:00AM to 2:30PM. Fridays 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Banks hours may vary and some also open on Saturday mornings until noon.

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 12:00PM [lunch] 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Some businesses also open on most weeknights and on Saturdays as well. On Sundays most business are closed but it is always possible to find some businesses [grocery store] that are open until noon. 

GOVERNMENT: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 to 5:00PM and 8:00 to 4:30PM on Fridays. Always make sure to check their individual office hours, some departments close earlier.

BELIZE IS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY...