Any move with family can be a challenge, but things take on extra gravity when the move is international. One of the biggest hurdles in becoming an expat family is dealing with unfamiliar customs, languages, and environments. Navigating legal requirements like visas and foreign health insurance can also be complex.

With that said, an international move brings with it many benefits. It opens up opportunities to experience new cultures, meet diverse people, and broaden your family’s horizons. Your children can learn new languages and customs, which can be incredibly enriching and educational. Kids are generally adaptable, but they still need preparation to handle such a big change. In this article, we will go over several ways to prepare your family for an international move.

Start with the basics

Before moving to a new country, you need to plan carefully. Start by learning about your new home. Find out about the local culture, traditions, and everyday life. This will help you fit in better and avoid misunderstandings.

The weather in your new country is important too. Knowing what kind of climate to expect will help you pack the right clothes and prepare for different seasons. If the weather is very different from what you’re used to, it might take some time to get used to it.

Language can be a big barrier to settling in when you don’t speak it. Learn some basic words and phrases before you move. This will help you with everyday activities and make you feel more comfortable. You can use language learning apps or take classes to improve your skills.

You also need to take care of legal and administrative things. Make sure everyone in your family has a valid passport and the right visa. Check what the visa requirements are for your new country and apply early. Nevertheless, if the immigration process seems complex or you’re unsure about specific visa requirements, consulting with an immigration attorney, like Abhisha Parikh, can provide valuable guidance. They can help you navigate the paperwork, ensure all necessary documents are in place, and address any legal concerns related to the move. Some countries may require vaccinations or health check-ups before you go.

Prepare the finances

Getting your finances ready is very important when moving to another country. Start by making a detailed budget. Include costs like hiring movers, shipping your things, and any storage you might need. Remember to add travel expenses, such as flights, transport, and places to stay during the move.

My friend Shelley immigrated from the UK to Australia in 2021, and she can give you some great tips on this.

Plan for your initial living costs in the new country. This includes rent, utility deposits, groceries, and daily expenses. It’s a good idea to set aside some extra money for unexpected costs that might come up as you settle in.

Managing money in a new country can be different. Try to open a bank account in your new country before you move, if possible. Research the best banking options for expats and choose one that suits your needs. You might also want to keep your current bank account open for a while to handle any leftover financial matters.

Taxes can be confusing when moving to a new country. You might have to pay taxes in both your home and new countries. Research the tax laws and think about consulting a tax advisor who knows about international taxes.

Organise the move

Any move needs to be organised so it will go smoothly. However, moving your household overseas requires more time and planning to ensure you can settle in quickly when you arrive in your new country.

Start by going through all your stuff and decluttering—a lot! Be ruthless in deciding what to take, what to sell, and what to donate or throw away. This will help reduce the number of things you need to move, making it easier and cheaper.

If you have a car, decide whether to sell it or ship it to your new country. Shipping a car can be expensive and requires planning. Research the costs and regulations for bringing a car into your new country. Make sure your car meets local requirements, and handle the paperwork well in advance.

If you choose to rent a container, you can pack it yourself and have it shipped to your new location. If you do it yourself, start packing early and get lots of supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.

Another serious consideration is whether to take your pets with you or rehome them. Making this decision will be either heartbreaking or expensive. It will also involve considerable advance planning, as immigrating with pets will include vaccinations, possibly quarantine, and transit implications. Do your research and be prepared.

 
 
 
 
 
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Prepare the family

Getting your family ready for an international move means more than just packing boxes. You need to take care of both emotional and practical needs to make the move easier for everyone, especially children.

Kids adapt well, but they need to be prepared. Show them pictures and videos of the new country, their future home, and school. If possible, visit the new area beforehand to make it feel more familiar. You can read about our experience of moving our kids from school in South Africa to school in the UK.

Look into schools in your new country and understand their systems. Arrange to transfer school records and talk to the new school about any special needs your children might have. Meeting teachers beforehand can help your child feel more comfortable.

Ultimately if you’re looking to immigrate as a family you should involve your children in the moving process. Let them help pack their belongings and plan their new rooms, let them dream and wonder about their new home country, and let them feel included and important in the process. All this will help them to settle in when you get where you’re going.

For more tips and advice and insights into our personal journey, check out the other articles in our ‘Relocation journey‘ section on this site.