I can't help you with the move, but maybe with some other info...
You will be able to send your child(ren) to public school - no fees involved...but keep in mind the school year is different - school year starts in Sept and ends in June - but your child can start at any time. However, which school depends on where you live so when choosing where to live, you want to take into account quality of schools...unfortunately, I don't know how you go about finding this info but I'm sure it's out there and US real estate agents who you will meet in your search for a rental will be able to provide you with info as well. By the way, with the way the property market is going there, you should get a good deal on rent.
OH - make sure that in your DH's employment (and since it sounds like it is not an expat package) if they terminate him early, they pay for your move back home plus any "early termination" costs (i.e., of lease). Employment laws in the US are very different...2 weeks notice is norm and there's no statutory right to any kind of payout - only what you negotiate in the contract and giving what you are going to undertake to move, this isn't unreasonable.
As a prior poster said, health insurance is key - so much so that it it's not part of the package, I would not go (however, I'd be shocked if it wasn't)...just make sure there are no waiting periods for anything - the HR representative should be able to provide this info. Make sure it starts from day 1 of move even if DH doesn't start work until day 10 (if you know what I mean)...if you can't get it from Day 1 because DH isn't starting work on Day 1, then make sure you have travel insurance for the gap. You don't want to be in the US without insurance - not even for 60 seconds.
Bring all your children's immunization records - the public schools may want to see this --- or they may want a letter from your GP or a doctor there who would take into account your Aus history.
Keep in mind that things are much cheaper in the US - you will be shocked about how much less cars, furniture, white goods, clothing, shoes, shampoo, make-up, sheets, towels, etc. etc. are....if you are curious as to say how much a car would cost - think of a car, and go to their US site - you should be able to find the "sticker" price - NO ONE pays the sticker price! but it is a start for comparison as well as costing.
Hope this helps somewhat - what area of the US would you be living in?
Seattle is fantastic...coming from sunny Australia, it will be a change but it is beautiful - so green and even though it does rain a lot, it's a very outdoorsy city - beautiful parks and very, very family friendly. And according to my sister (who lives in Seattle), great 2nd hand stores for children's clothing - some of which seems as if it was never worn. Also, great quality of food - Seattlers (or Seattlites...not sure what they call themselves) are very green (meaning all for organic, growing/eating local etc.) - great farmers markets and a large number of top quality supermarkets...I don't know if you are one to get excited over supermarkets, but the US has some fantastic supermarkets (whole foods, trader joes to name a few).
Seattle also has a decent public transport system - where you live will be key in terms of how convenient it is for you (or your DH if he wants to commute to work).
If you have any questions about Seattle in particular, I can ask my sister - she'll definitely know a bit about schools and areas as she's been there for over 10 years and has 2 young boys.
Oh wow! You're really selling it! I had heard it was outdoorsy and it is in a great part of the states for access to national parks. I will return and ask you for more Seattle tips if my H gets the job and we decide to take it
If you move and you need that vegemite or tim tam hit, pm me. My sister runs a business that sends aussie food overseas, everything from vegemite to maggi casserole bases.
Well, my H's phone interview with the HR lady is finally this Tuesday. This is the overview of their benefits and relocation assistance. Looks good overall in terms of health care and relocation costs... but 2 weeks of holidays??!! Any more alarm bells/questions you would ask?
Health Care:
* A choice of three medical plans designed to meet your individual needs (several in-network and out-of-network options), with domestic partner coverage
* Dental plan
* Vision plan
* Company-paid basic life and accident coverage as well as optional coverage at a low cost
* Company-paid short- and long-term disability plan
* Employee assistance program including dependent-care referral services and financial/legal services
* Health-care and dependent-care flexible spending accounts
Time Off:
* Salaried employees earn two weeks of vacation time in the first year, three weeks of vacation in the second
* Six personal days every year in addition to six holidays
Savings Plans:
* Every full-time employee receives Restricted Stock Units
* 401(k) savings plan with a company match
* Several employee discount programs
Relocation Assistance:
We have partnered with a world-class relocation service provider to make sure your relocation is as stress-free as possible. Our service provider will assist you with real-estate and destination services to find just the right new location for you.
* Packing, unpacking, and moving of your personal goods and car
* Fully furnished, temporary housing, which will include maid service, utilities, and parking
* Storage for your personal items
* Rental or real-estate tours to assist you with finding a new residence
* A rental car until your personal car arrives
* Relocation allowance to assist you with incidental expenses
* Payment of part of the tax liability incurred with most of your taxable relocation expenses
So my H received his job offer this morning and the salary looks good so we think we'll take it. Still need to chat about it over the weekend but I think it's looking likely.
Soo... just bumping this thread again in case there are any more hints and tips for moving with a young family Thanks!
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