How to Relocate Abroad with Your Family

Moving can be difficult for parents and children alike. In fact, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), simply relocating to a different community may be “one of the most stress-producing experiences a family faces.” When it comes to not just changing neighborhoods but moving abroad,the difficulties can quickly multiply—if you don’t use smart strategies to ease the transition to a new country for family members.

Here are some steps to take before and after your family moves to a new country to increase the chances of a successful international relocation experience for all:

1. Help them understand

The AACP notes that moving even once can be particularly tough for children and adolescents, who must cope with interrupted friendships and adjust to new school schedules and curricula while others their age are already securely bonded in peer groups. When moving to a new country, , additional factors come into play for kids, such as potential language barriers or feeling culturally “different” from other children.

Take time at the front end of your corporate relocation to familiarize your kids with their new setting. Before you move, showing kids maps, photos, or videos of the country can help give them a sense of where they are going. Upon arrival, identify potential advantages of the new location from your child’s perspective, pointing out things they might enjoy, such as a nearby park or swimming lake. Check for child-friendly community activities and get your kids involved if you’re moving before school starts.

2.  Take time to talk

While parents may be very busy moving to a new country  , it’s important to communicate clearly and frequently to help family members of all ages transition successfully to their new corporate housing . Talk to your children about what’s going to happen before it happens, and explain the best ways to keep in touch with old friends. Let them be part of the decision-making process in relation to the new home when possible, keeping their individual preferences in mind.

When it comes to helping kids weather an international move, it’s important to validate their feelings of anger, fear, and loss. Rather than trying to minimize such feelings, take time to listen and acknowledge their experience, reassuring them that such feelings are normal. Your calm, attentive presence can help your children understand that they will get through these challenges and will feel better again as they adjust to life in their new home.

3.  Seek help from a corporate relocation specialist

Even in the best of circumstances, moving to a new country can be tough for everyone in the family. Rather than try to “go it alone,” it’s smart to enlist the help of a corporate housing expert that specializes in international family relocation—particularly. A corporate housing provider, such as Furnished Quarters, can help you:

• Choose the right neighborhood in your new location to match the needs of your whole family.
• Help narrow your search by exploring “lifestyle” questions with your family, such as whether you prefer to live in a city or suburban setting, and what you and your family like to do in your free time.
• Arrange for corporate housing on during your move abroad, so that your family can “test drive” specific neighborhoods before committing to permanent housing.

Make sure to work with the right team!

By partnering with a qualified international relocation specialist, you’ll be setting the stage for a positive transition that goes as smoothly as possible. Our reservations team at Furnished Quarters can help match you with the right temporary furnished apartment that has all the amenities needed when moving to a new country with your family. Contact us today for more information.