If you are thinking about moving overseas with your family, you have come to the right place.
More and more families are considering a move abroad, for adventure, new opportunities, or a better quality of life. There is a surge of interest in families wanting to make the big move.
A move abroad is exciting, but it also requires careful planning – it is no simple feat!
Below are seven tips to help you and your family thrive abroad and give you all the smooth transition you need to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
Have a Realistic Budget
Every family has a different comfort zone regarding their finances and cost of living, so it is essential that you do your research early.
Generally speaking, cities may be more expensive to live in, and a similar lifestyle in one country could differ vastly in another. For example, living in Bali will be significantly more affordable than in New York City.
Do not make the mistake of underestimating the true cost of moving abroad. Create a realistic budget before you go, starting with the obvious costs, such as flight costs, pet transport, and accommodation.
Explore Schooling Options
As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is finding schooling options for your children before moving overseas.
Choosing the right school will shape your child’s experience and make the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one. Do adequate research before your move.
As soon as your move becomes more than just a possibility, look into schools. Some schools have long waiting lists, so starting early will give you time to compare options and secure spots before arrival.
Every country has its own educational system, curriculum, and entry requirements. Familiarize yourself with the system in your new country to help you anticipate what you will need for your children.
Involve The Whole Family
It might be difficult to comprehend how much an international move will affect every member of your family, but it does.
It is even harder emotionally than a cross-country move, and those are hard enough!
While the logistics can feel overwhelming to you, the concept is harder for your kids to wrap their heads around, especially if they are older.
Involving the whole family from day one can help lighten the load for you and create a sense of shared excitement. Before making any real plans, gather the family together to discuss the move.
Talking about the reasons behind the move and the opportunities it will bring to your family can give your kids the chance they need to ask questions and feel supported.
Prioritize Insurance
While no one likes to prepare for the worst, it is essential when preparing for an international move.
Moving abroad is one of the biggest (and most costly) undertakings a family can experience. Accommodation, shipping, and flights are typically booked months in advance and can easily run into multi-thousands of dollars.
If something unforeseen happens that forces you to cancel or delay your move, you will be so grateful that you got the right international insurance package for your needs.
Look for an option that includes Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, just in case your reason for cancellation falls outside of the standard terms of a policy.
Create a Checklist
Moving abroad is a wonderful opportunity for families, but moving with kids adds extra layers of complexity and planning.
A well-prepared checklist will reduce stress and help ensure your transition is smooth and enjoyable for everyone. Start by organizing your travel documents, visas, and any other permits or certificates you may need – and keep physical and digital copies of them all.
Make a list of everything that needs to be done, checked, and packed, and work through them systematically in order of priority.
Stick With Routines
When discussing a move overseas with your family, it can be tempting to make it all sound like one big adventure, and while that helps build positivity and excitement, children thrive on predictability and structure.
It can feel overwhelming when their routines are disrupted, so maintaining a sense of structure during a move can help them feel comfortable and secure in a new environment.
Start by identifying their important core routines, such as mealtimes, morning rituals, and bedtime. Keep these as consistent as possible to give your children grounding when everything else feels unfamiliar.
Build a Support Network
One of the most valuable things to have when moving abroad is a strong support network.
Moving overseas means leaving behind friends, family, and familiarity, which is difficult to do. With a strong support network, the adjustment period can feel less isolating, particularly for your children, who may not have chosen to move if given the option.
Create meaningful connections with locals in your new community, which can help you and your family build a thriving network. Many countries have expat communities with social gatherings, groups, and clubs dedicated to making newcomers feel welcome.
In Conclusion
Moving abroad with your family is more than just a life-changing adventure; it is a logistical challenge that will bring many ups and downs along the way, but the uncertainty of life is what makes it so special.
Follow these seven tips above to give you and your family the best chance of starting a new and thriving chapter abroad.
