Relocating abroad – to boldly go where you’ve never been before. The experience, knowledge and qualifications to not only move to an unfamiliar country but to integrate into a new culture can be quite a challenge. But acquiring a valuable skill-set whilst re-discovering yourself together with a healthy amount of wanderlust can provide a solid foundation for a future as a successful expat. But what if you have a family?

First things first – remain patient, very patient. Change isn’t always easy – particularly if you have young children. Settling in can take time so don’t rush or be too hard on yourself. Keep everyone’s spirits high and stay busy, enthused and positive.

Be open and flexible. At times, without realizing it, we can appear set in our ways – but when in a new country it’s at times important to take a fresh approach to life. Consider your personal and family goals and ambitions and be realistic with how you might go about achieving them.

Communicate openly with your children. At times, we may underestimate their emotional development, but even the smallest of toddlers often still sense when change occurs so make sure you explain to them what’s happening and let them know that their room will eventually contain their favourite teddy bear, toys and prized possessions again.

Don’t lose touch with friends and family. The fact that you’re now overseas doesn’t mean you’ve left planet earth. Ensure you keep all channels of communication open when you arrive at your new home. Should your children miss their friends then arrange Skype chats for them on a regular basis.

Turn your house into a home. It will make your children feel safe, comfortable and loved. Maintain similar routines to those you had back home and ensure your children recognise their spaces as their own. Create a communal, inclusive living room space and display some photos of everyone’s friends and family on the walls.

Become a social butterfly. As the new foreigners in town, it can be difficult to meet new people but by getting involved in the various communities that interest you such as sport, music, school or expat associations, you will very likely find other parents with similar interests who in turn will introduce you to their circle of friends.

Be open to offers of help. Sometimes we don’t like being fussed over but when in a new and foreign land, it’s important to make the effort to ask people who’ve been there longer to offer a hand and inform you about your new surroundings.

Discover the familiar. Seek out places and things that remind you of home or seem familiar in some way. Involve your children in their favourite activities locally, or introduce them to new hobbies. Maybe you might be surprised to discover that your daughter loves ballet or has an eye for painting?

Learn from your new country’s culture. Learn a few basic phrases in your new country’s language and teach them to the children. Being polite, respectful and saying please and thank you opens many doors in any language.

PSS International removals are a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receive a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 32 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance in ensuring that our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.

Contact us now for a free estimators survey, online moving and baggage quote.