5 things to consider before you move overseas
Moving abroad takes some planning. From arranging the transport to deciding what to take, getting prepared to leave the country for pastures new is no mean feat. Before you go, take some time to make sure you’ve considered everything thoroughly. Here are some resources to help:
1) Do your homework
Researching where you’re going can be so much fun, and can get both you and the kids into the groove of the new country you’re going to. Take the time to get them excited, with videos, food, sights and more. Check out our tips on how to research your move abroad here.
2) Learn the language
OK, so you might not have enough time to become fluent in the local lingo, but learning a few basics as a family can help you find your way in a strange place just a little bit better. Find out about the importance of learning the language here, and make sure you can at least manage your please’s and thank-you’s before you arrive in the country.
3) Prioritise your packing
Unless you’re moving everything you own into a new house elsewhere, chances are you’ll have to pare down a fair bit in order to travel with a reasonable amount of stuff. Chances are you’ll find that half the stuff you’ve taken is surplus to requirements, so do your best to be measured in the assessment of your gear, and to only take what’s really needed or what you won’t be able to buy over there. Get some insight with our moving overseas: packing article here.
4) Prepare for the flight
If you’re flying long haul, chances are this is going to be the least fun part of your exciting move abroad. If you’ve got older kids, chances are they’ll be adequately entertained with the in-flight movies and a good book or two. Younger kids can be a bit more of a challenge, however, so read our advice on how to keep your kids happy on a plane journey.
5) Say goodbye
Leaving enough time and space in your schedule for both you and your kids to say goodbye properly is crucial if you want to make the transition as painless as possible. Helping your kids to say goodbye to their school friends, family and neighbours can help them feel happier about their move away. We offer some advice here on how to help your children say goodbye.
Moving abroad is never going to be the easiest thing in the world to do, so don’t be surprised if you feel a little overwhelmed from time to time. Try not to panic, and instead make sure you have the time to do all the preparation you need to get things off to an amazing start.
Check out ExpatChild.com for many, many more articles on this topic. Start here!
