Moving from one place to another can cause you excitement and fear at the same time. Each year, in America, hundreds of thousands of people move each year, whether locally or interstate.
Some families move to another state as well. Moving with your family does not have to be and should not be a bad experience and with the proper help of gentle movers, your move to the new house can be smooth and quick.
Key parts of getting settled in are knowing how to get everything right and a bit of cooperation and organization. Doing proper research for apartment movers, storage options and the best movers nearby as well as getting a feel for your new location should be the most important things to focus on before the move happens.
Preparing your family for the move
Moving to a new country, like life itself, is never without flaws. There’s bureaucracy to contend with, new laws, different customs, local languages, and cultural quirks to interpret.
There are days when Google Translate feels like your best (and only) friend as you finalize your residency status, open that local bank account, and pick up your first SIM card.
For some, that’s just part of moving abroad with your family. For others, it’s a source of stress. And for nearly everyone, it’s an emotional transition that takes time to adjust to.
Getting ready to relocate is the first step in the moving process.
Think about your new location, and get an idea of where important facilities such as hospitals and police stations are located. Look at the new neighborhood, and find out where major grocery stores and other important places are situated.
Check into facts such as the local population, current government programs, and schools. Get ready to pack as far in advance as possible, and begin boxing up some household items that are not needed right away such as decorations and off-season clothing. Label all of your boxes, so when you move into the new home, it will be much easier to unpack and set everything up.
If storage space will be needed, reserve the space in advance so you can easily put everything in its place as soon as you arrive. Calling utility companies in advance and getting power, gas, and water turned on for the move-in date will ensure you have all the essentials ready to use.
Do proper homework
There’s also sorting out your own quality of life. It’s important to find a job that is easily commutable and fits into a balanced family life.
Locating basic support services such as opening a bank account or buying a SIM card are also key. Don’t forget the things that money can’t buy, either; seek out the local community of your faith if you follow one, for instance.
Having a nearby mosque during Ramadan, a church during the Christmas holidays, or public events during the Chinese New Year can help the entire family adapt.
If it is new, it does not have to be a horror
Bottom line: research and preparation before setting off is vital, as is a plan for once you’ve arrived. As an example, if any paperwork can be done before you go, do it!
Hearing about and learning from the experiences of fellow expats can also help provide some clarity in the murk and alleviate immediate concerns.
Prepare your kids for the move
Moving can be tough on a child. It’s hard for anyone to say goodbye to their old home, but it can be particularly difficult for young children who don’t feel in control of the situation.
So how can you prepare your kids for a move?
This will walk you through how to prepare your kids emotionally, pack with little ones, have a successful moving day, and make their first few weeks in your new home totally awesome.
Discuss the move with your children as soon as you can
Kids love to feel involved, and the news of an impending move can make them feel left out. You may find them asking, “How long have you known?”
They don’t want to think you’ve been keeping secrets from them, so avoid waiting until the last minute to break the news.
It’s best to tell toddlers about the move about a month ahead of time, while older children can know a bit sooner. This shows consideration and gives them more time to emotionally prepare.
Remind them about the move very often
It’s easy for younger children to forget about moving plans, so say something to remind them about the move at least once a day.
Talk about moving in an exciting, yet casual way. For example, you could point out something at the store and say, “This would look nice in your new room when we move!” This helps them normalize the concept of moving. With younger children, it’s also good to remind them what will stay the same.
Reassure them that their favorite toys and the family pets will be coming along. If they are part of activities that they will continue in your new location (dance, sports, etc.), remind them that they get to keep doing these things, as well.
Let them say goodbye to their favorite places
Moving to a new place can be a bittersweet experience. Even if you are staying in the same city, saying goodbye to your old home is an emotional experience.
Allow your children to be sad or angry about the move — it’s okay for them to be upset, and it won’t last forever. Even if their agitation seems to linger, they will eventually come around.
Some experts say it takes about six months for a child to completely acclimate to a new lifestyle, so don’t worry if they are having a hard time.
Let them make some decisions
Kids love feeling in charge! Find ways to give them some decision-making power. This will help your kids feel a bit more in control of a situation where they don’t have a say. Planning their new room is a great way to do this.
Let them pick out new bedding, a new rug, or a paint color for the walls. They’ll love getting to make their own choices and it will get them excited about the home! Older children can give some input on other home decor as well (“Can I get your opinion on this rug for the living room?”), or even go with you to check out some houses with your realtor.
Just be sure they are mature enough to deal with the possibility if the house you choose wasn’t their favorite one.
Throw them a ‘’see you later’’ party and promise to visit often
Goodbyes are important, even for children. Consider throwing a “See You Later” get together for your kids and their friends.
This ensures that they don’t miss out on a goodbye with anyone. Don’t plan your gathering too close to your departure date, however — a party the day before the move could become a very sad spectacle.
Plan to get together a week or two before the move, so that no one believes they are seeing each other for the last time before moving day.
Help your kids visualize the life in their new home
Prepare your kids for their new lifestyle by helping them picture it. Show them photos of their new home, school, and city. Find places they would love to visit — an ice cream shop, a great playground — and talk about when you can go and how fun it will be.
Be prepared to answer all of their questions, especially about their new school. If you can visit the school, city, or your new home ahead of time, do! This will make the actual day of the move feel less unknown and frightening.
Pack and donate their toys while they are sleeping
You can imagine the scene: Your child notices you boxing up a toy that they rarely play with, but upon seeing it THEY WANT TO PLAY WITH IT RIGHT NOW.
Kids tend to want something the moment they believe it’s out of reach, so if you are packing in front of them, you may find them unpacking everything right behind you! Try packing at night while they are sleeping, and they probably won’t notice if a few toys are missing.
This goes for donations, too. You can expect a fit if your kids find out you’re ditching any of their stuff — even if you know that it’s only things they never use. Take donations to a drop-off at night after bedtime.
Be wise about the location of your new home
Safety and security is another vital consideration for families. Your home may be your castle, but you don’t want to be afraid to venture beyond the drawbridge.
Out-of-town and more affluent districts where there might be more room for the family pet to have a run around the garden tend to have lower crime rates. However, more suburban locations usually come at a price.
Finding a place to live in the right neighborhood is an exercise in patience. It’s also an investment in time that many people simply do not have when they arrive. But it need not be a minefield.
It’s far easier to have all the data presented as a clear comparison of available properties in your city. Services vary by country, but many real estate websites have robust search engines that allow you to customize your search for a home.
With the right pre-move preparations and support from relocation agents, most expats settle in well during their first year; the majority go on to enjoy a richly rewarding experience.
But the importance of finding the right place to live in the right neighborhood cannot be overstated.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Every cloud has a silver lining. Although moving abroad with your family might seem like a looming dark cloud to the youngest family members, remind them that with change comes a fresh start.
Get your kids excited about new, exciting activities and making new friends in the place you’re moving to. This is especially relevant if your child has experienced bullying or had difficulty fitting in where you currently live.
New schools and friends present the opportunity for your child to be themselves from the get-go; they can find a new, better social group from day one. Best of all, they’ll still have their family around when it comes to observing the most important holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.
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