Whatever the reason for your relocation might be, moving your family overseas is never an easy job.
There is so much to be handled, so if you have already made the decision, start preparing right away.
Even if long-distance relocations are something that you often do, there are always things that might surprise you.
Here are some useful pieces of advice that might help you move as smoothly as possible.
Moving Your Family Overseas
Check what documents you might need
This might seem like the most logical starting point to you, but not everybody thinks alike. Start by checking whether you need a passport – which you probably will.
Depending on the country to which you are relocating you might also need a visa. If that is the case, find out which type of visa you should apply for and how much time it will take for the Embassy to issue it to you.
There are many permits that you might need if you are moving your family overseas, but since almost every country has a different rule, we cannot help you there but advise you to google the necessary info.
Many expat forums offer answers to your questions but you should never rely on the info you get there. When it comes to this, you should still double-check whatever you can.
If you happen to be traveling with your dog, make sure that all its vaccinations are up to date. Inform yourself about the rules and requirements the airline companies have regarding the transportation of pets.
Make sure that you hire the professional assistance
Long-distance moving is not something you should take for granted. It will require more time, effort and probably much more resources than you originally planned to invest.
The DIY method would only be a waste of time in situations like these. Preparation for the move is already too much to handle, let alone the relocation.
Luckily for you, there are relocation companies that can help you with whatever you need – be that packing, shipping, storing or unpacking.
You should focus on what’s before and after moving since the professionals such as Four Winds Saudi Arabia will have the relocation covered.
Preparing your children for the relocation overseas
Moving so far away can be very emotional and distressing for the youngest members of your family. They are not always fond of a change, but you have probably noticed that.
Us, adults are able to make rational and practical decisions, but our children will often focus on what they will miss the most about their previous home.
That is why you need to be patient with them and start preparing them in time. Allow them to be sad and try to understand their feelings. Make sure that they feel your support.
Also, some children will cope with the change more easily than others.
There will be some difficult moments before the move, as well as after you have reached your new home. Do your best to help your children adapt to the new school after the move. When explaining the change, focus on the positive aspects of your relocation such as:
- being able to make some new friends,
- living in a much better place,
- having more entertainment options,
- if the country you have chosen for moving your family overseas is famous for some sport, maybe your child would like to try it,
- some teenagers will probably be excited about meeting the new culture, so if you can focus on that when introducing such a big change in your lives.
Don’t forget to make a party so that your children can say goodbye to their home, their friends, and neighbors.
Research the job market before moving your family overseas
The reason for moving overseas is often the change in a job position or an entire career.
If that is the case with you, you don’t have to worry about finding a post for yourself.
But, does your spouse have enough career options in your new hometown? That is something that shouldn’t be left to chance.
Luckily, nowadays you can find a job in almost any field by searching online.
However, you should start browsing as soon as possible if you want to be able to choose from a variety of posts.
The same goes for you if the change of a job is not the reason why you decided to move your family abroad.
Prepare your possessions
You will have to be rational when deciding what part of your possessions you should take with you and what you should leave behind. Bear in mind that you will probably not be able to bring all the stuff that you would like to.
The airline companies are very strict about baggage limitations. Taking an extra bag or a suitcase will cost you an arm and a leg. Shipping your possessions is a much better option. The transport will not be as fast as by air, but you will not have to break the bank to do it.
Moving all of your possessions overseas would be too expensive and it doesn’t make sense to do so. You will just have to be practical and take the most necessary items with you.
Everything else you can leave in a proper storage unit or ask your family and friends to keep it for you.
Think about your finances before you move away with your family
Your finances are an important aspect of your relocation. You should inform yourself about the best way to transfer your money to the country you are moving to.
Check which currency is used overseas and do the necessary calculations to see when the best time for exchanging your money is. Maybe you will have to open a new bank account after you move, so do it as soon as you can.
There are many more things to be done upon your relocation. But, once you are done moving your family overseas, you should take a day or two to relax and unwind.
You will need the energy for unpacking and starting over in a new community.
Good luck!
