Familly moving to HK

[Mathieu500]

Hi guys,
I just find this forum and found very good info about living in HK. I've been offered a job in HK with an office base in Kowloon (on Nathan Road).

I'm strongly considering moving my wife and 2 children (2year and 3 month) by the end of October.

What would be your advice on moving (knowing that I will keep my place in Montreal)
Should I find a place on the internet before or is it better while there.

Any suggestion how to manage the move (thing that you have done right and things that you would have done differently)

My plan is to move everything that could enter in a box (clothes, sports equipment, kitchen tool etc) and buy all the furniture in HK. Does it make sense

What is the best to make a good transition for the children and wife?

I know its a lot of question and I will appreciate any input.

Thanks

[penguinsix]

You'll find a few threads on Hong Kong Baby, Parenting and Pregnancy Community - Hong Kong Baby and Pregnancy about planning a move with a family. If you have the space in your new building, many recommend stocking up on the western baby supplies you use (diapers, wipes, formula, etc) while in the West rather than paying the premium for those products when you are over here.

You really need to make a recon trip over here for house hunting purposes, or consider a stay in a corporate apartment (maybe without the kids) when you first get here. Do not rent over the Internet unless you want to pay a premium and then end up with a place that say is above a fire station with sirens going off all night long, or has windows that open over a restaurant's trash bin leaving a nice smell in your house every morning. There are 100s of things they don't show on the Internet that you will see once on the ground.

What is your housing budget and requirements (2br/3br, etc).

[Mathieu500]

thanks for the info, my budget will be around 30K-35K for 3br. I wouldn't like to commute for more than 30 minutes. Is it possible?

[anothercanuck]

Hong Kong is relatively compact in relation to the main business areas...30 min commute to Nathan Road where you'll work will allow you to live in a wide area, and there are multiple MTR stops along Nathan Road. have a look at gohome.com.hk for a general idea (disregard the prices as they are not up to date), then narrow your choices and come out for a personal visit (a week for sure) and get an agent to show you around your areas of choice...DON'T go by any of the promotional photos you see online...they are aesthetically modified at best, total fabrications in many cases..