Three P's of An International Move

If you are wondering why the huge gap in posts, this is all due to my family's Big International Move. Yes, with a shipping container packed and five first class tickets in hand, the five of us journeyed across the globe to Middle Earth where we have now set up a new life. All is well so far and we are loving the complete cultural immersion. This all sounds really well and good but let's rewind about six months to where this all began. Big changes like this don't happen in a vacuum and though the adjustment to a new life has been relatively painless, getting here was a challenge unto itself.


I write this post not only to share my own experience (and tips of course) but to encourage you as I've been encouraged by the many families I have met through this journey. There is no opportunity better than to enrich our lives and those of our children through travel. Some people say mention how lucky we are to have traveled and relocate the family. Oprah says that I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity. Love that Oprah. She, Emerson and many others claim that when you prepare and are given the chance it is possible to make things happen. Why even today, there is one brave family in particular that I know of heading off into the Alps. No matter where you are relocating to or how many are in your crew, here are a few simple tips that will make the journey a bit easier.

Before & After shot of our carpet cleaning. 

Planning We tried to do this as much as we could but I am thankful my father taught me to always have a back up plan. Our move was a corporate one so we were privy to a relocation liaison. But when it comes to a big move like this, it takes a team of people. From the packing to the interim stays, I had to do legwork. There were visas, vaccinations, and hotel stays that all had to be arranged without help from a coordinator at some point but Google and GPS helped tons. Having large data use packages is useful in both countries as the internet has become so vital in our culture. You don't really want to be without it. The accuracy of navigation is spot on and will help you to navigate seamlessly through many countries throughout the world at your fingertips. This is powerful.  Use your resources and do your research for your tasks ahead. Use lists and set goals based on the time lines given and planning will be much easier.


Tip: Rent on all fronts. It is safe & offers  freedom to discover your surroundings without being tied down. Purchase renters insurance for your belongings as you trot the globe. It's smart and the premium is usually low.

Packing Might I suggest hiring movers for all relocation needs. Finding a company skilled in the art of international packing is not quite as hard as you might think. A quick google search will result in dozens of companies capable of doing the job. With an international move, your items will have to go through customs and may be subject to a bit of scrutiny with what can and cannot be brought into various countries. Also, the cost is more because delicate items may be double and triple wrapped to avoid being broken. It is worth the extra money as none of ours, thus far, ( I still have TONS of unpacking to do) were lost or damaged. Now that overseas packing smell is another matter all together. That is what three months on a ship will do to cardboard boxes.


Tip: Having a garage sale or donating unwanted items will make the move easier. Appliances that won't convert and broken toys have no business tagging along to a new country. 

Patience. And more patience. So perhaps this post should be entitled The 4 P's of an International Move. The preparation is long, the flight is long and settling in is long too. You best be ready for a lot of waiting. Breathing techniques are a good choice in keeping your patience. There may be hiccups as was the case with our health checks. Just one signature was missing and all 5 of our applications were returned which cost us 2 days. Our beef jerky from Mexico was meticulously inspected and then confiscated causing us to just case the last leg of our flight. Things like this happen and what can you do? Nothing but be patient. This may seem nearly impossible with little ones in tow but they feed off of you so remaining calm and cool is your best bet.

Empty bookshelf after being all packed up

Many ask us: "why we would relocate away from family and friends with 3 small children across the world?" We have many reasons that could be offered up but the best one is the experience for the entire family. There is nothing quite like traveling and exposing yourself to different cultures. It will truly broaden your horizons. So here are my words to you: If you have to the opportunity to do it. Just do it. With a little bit of the 3 P's it's much easier. Yes, sometimes life is a bit scary but isn't that what also makes it so much fun?

Dedicated to a wonderful woman who now has an international family move to add to her very olympic life and to all families with an adventurous spirit. 

Photos by K. Rodriguez for Real Life Salvation