Relocation - especially overseas - can be a daunting thing for all members of the family. It’s essential that in the months, weeks and days before and after the move, steps be taken to ensure a seamless and smooth transition. 

When moving, there’s endless research that needs to be completed before packing your bags. There’s paperwork, new laws, customs, languages, social etiquette, the list can feel overwhelming. 

No matter who you and your family are - seasoned expats or new-time travelers - a little help can be the antidote to any emotional stress. In order to understand how best to prepare each member of your family, we’ve made a guide for you and your family to help with the emotional transition before, during and after the move. 

How to Prepare Before the Move 

Before the move is when the nerves and uncertainty kick in for all members of the family, but there are some things you can do to increase excitement and decrease anxiety.

Stress Management 

As evident above, stress and anxiety are two of the most prevalent emotions before a move and therefore stress management practices need to begin promptly.

“During stress, individuals must know the necessary coping skills to reduce the effects, and if the pressure is managed and the effective coping skills are applied, the person will be able to get along better with the needs and challenges,” according to US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health’s Journal of Medicine and Life.

Whether it’s getting outside for some vitamin D, exercising as a family, listening to calming music or just maintaining open communication - see section below - it’s important to find the practices that work for your family.

As a parent, it’s important to remain positive and optimistic as your children will pick up on this energy.

Learn About the Community

Take the time before you leave to learn about the community. Yes, there are mandatory things you need to understand before you leave as outlined above, but make sure to look at areas that are going to make this place your home. 

Research the places to see, any must-do activities and hidden gems as this will help make all members of your family excited. Look at photos, reach out to expat sites and explore social media channels. 

Another tip before the move is to take your family to a restaurant featuring the cuisine from the region you’re moving to. 

Maintain Open Communication 

Open communication is always important for a healthy family unit. But when a move as significant as this one is around the corner, it’s important to sit down with your children and ask them, “How are you feeling about this?” “How can we help make this easier for you?”

During these conversations, remain open and honest as this can be an especially difficult time for your children.

Choose the Right International School 

This is the last piece of the puzzle before you move as the school is where your children are going to spend the majority of their time and where you will most likely form the majority of your new community. It’s important to research the schools and make sure they have everything your family needs to make this smooth transition.

This step is one of the most difficult as the research can be extensive and all-consuming. What do you look for? What does the perfect school need to offer?

Our new checklist will help cut through the clutter that occurs while researching possible international schools. It outlines the things to look for in an easy-to-use list. Download our free checklist today! 

After the Move

Now that you’re in your new home what’s the best next step? How can you keep promoting this smooth transition?

Explore Your New Home

Once your family arrives in your new home, explore the community. Go to local shops, restaurants and community centers to get acquainted with both the locals and the environment.

Want to see 10 Family-Fun Weekend Activities to do in Dar es Salaam? Click here!

Get Involved

This is a step for all members of the family. As a parent, there are networks with the school you can get involved with to meet the school community and have a say in your child’s education.

It’s also important you encourage your children to get involved on campus both during school hours and after. Explore co-curricular activities with your children, and see what appeals to them. These activities can be an exceptional way for them to make some new friends, help grow their confidence and learn something new.

The benefits of joining a co-curricular are endless, click here to see what these activities instill in your children. 

Throughout this transition, remember you are not alone, there are many expat sites where you can lean on people who have done this trip before and there’s a school community who is ready to answer any questions you may have. 

This is an exciting adventure for your family and it’s important to make the most of it.