Professional Advice on Moving & Transloading Overseas With Kids

Looking for advice from experienced professionals about moving overseas with your family? Here is a list of everything you need to get started on this journey.

I know someone who had to move with young children overseas due to the spouse’s military deployment. In addition to the typical challenges that families having moving with children, there were many other considerations this mom had to make. I know that moving for military families is very typical. And it happens many times during a military career.

Still, moving is no easy feat. In fact, I have moved at least six times in my adult life. Once was from Virginia to North Carolina, others were within North Carolina, and then back to Virginia from North Carolina. So, with each move, I have learned a few things to make my moves easier.

Discuss the Move

I read this great article from Kids Health that I think sums it all up best:

No matter what the circumstances, the most important way to prepare kids to move is to talk about it.

Try to give them as much information about the move as soon as possible. Answer questions completely and truthfully, and be receptive to both positive and negative reactions. Even if the move means an improvement in family life, kids don’t always understand that and may be focused on the frightening aspects of the change.

Involving kids in the planning as much as possible makes them feel like participants in the house-hunting process or the search for a new school. This can make the change feel less like it’s being forced on them.

Start Early

As soon as you determine that you will be moving, start packing. Move from room to room and pack any items you are not using (or will not be using) by the time you move.

Pack heavy things (like canned food, books, and electronics) in small boxes and light things (like pillows, comforters, and other linens) in large boxes.

Take Inventory

Thoroughly and accurately takes an inventory of all your belongings. Rather than you spending your time cataloging your furniture, clothing, kitchenware, knick knacks, books and other miscellany, you can hire professionals to label and track your possessions.

Label Everything

Whether you will hire professionals or do-it-yourself, label boxes and furniture (with a sticky note, of course!), to make unpacking easier.

Some ideas include master bedroom, Jack’s bedroom, Jill’s bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc. When you arrive at your new home, it will be easier for the movers or friends/family to help you unpack, if they know exactly where to put everything, instead of having to ask you everything.

Learn About the Area

Since you’re moving to a new town, it would be a great idea to teach your kids about the area, too. Moving is tough for young kids, especially if it demands a complete change of scenery. They will be used to the area they lived in before, going to the local parks, and exploring their old neighborhood.

Start exploring the town virtually and show them all the sights and scenes. Help them learn more about the new area that they’ll be spending time in once you move. Since they’re moving to a new school too, make sure you make plans to visit the new school with them too.

Consider International Logistics

With an international move, you will probably need a transloading service.

Consider if you need translated birth certificates.

Transloading is the process of transferring a shipment from one mode of transportation to another. It is most commonly employed when one mode cannot be used for the entire trip, such as when goods must be shipped internationally from one inland point to another. [Wikipedia]