When you have your dream holiday with the family, it’s not unheard of to want to pack up and relocate there. Whether it’s because it’s a better lifestyle, a safer place to raise children or more overall opportunities. So the most appropriate next step would be to figure out all of the logistics with a family having to move you all over.
It can be not only stressful – the thought of moving with children – but it definitely does have its challenges; however, we thought a little guide could help you with the planning and action and lead you in the right direction with getting all of your ducks in a row for moving.
Things You Might Not Have Thought About
Moving abroad is also familiar to you, so you might not realise off the bat what the right questions to ask and what underlying concerns you need to concern yourself with are. It’s perfectly normal, and from my experience, these are two things I think all parents should think about beforehand.
Have You Spoken To Your Kids About It?
In order for a better and smoother transition for your kids, be sure to include them in the conversation. It’s not just your life you’re changing, but also theirs. While this might be different if you have toddlers, while you still, of course, can talk to them about it, I especially think it’s important for those who have started school already to see how the conversation of a longer period of time goes.
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Find a Solution To Concerns
Your children may have concerns about what their life will be like, as change is a very scary thing for people, so you may be faced with a lot of anxiety. While some may be excited initially, it’s not uncommon for that to change closer to the moving date. Be sure to reassure them that they can stay in contact with friends and family; you will be able to visit during the holidays and so forth.
Seek Legal Advice Early On
The earlier you sort out the boring and stressful legal concerns, such as visas, buying property and everything in between, the better. These processes can be extremely stressful and take long amounts of time, so it’s best to start looking and enquiring as soon as it becomes part of the plan.
Immigration lawyers in London are some of the best and specialise in family visas, which could be great to get advice about from their website or with a member of staff. Then move on to enquiring with realtors that have teams within the country you wish to move to or have good knowledge of the area, and so forth. These are good for ensuring you aren’t making rushed decisions, but also making sure you are making the right ones for you and your family.
Make A Plan
You need a practical and realistic plan in place, and this can come after the legalities have been dealt with. The plan will include schools, finances, timing, logistics and how you will maintain your family relationships that you are leaving.
A plan will make this process feel less chaotic and let you know what has been done and what’s next and provide structure in something that can easily get out of hand. This will also be extremely beneficial to your kids so you can keep them in the conversation and tell them what’s next and reassure them that this is an exciting experience.
Advice
I would not recommend deciding to relocate during the school holidays. While it seems practical and the easiest way during the school holidays, you are heading somewhere when all of the other expats and people for your kids to meet are also abroad and doing their own thing. I would recommend moving right before the school season starts in that area. Give them a week to adjust to the new home, area, and so forth, but then they should be making friends as soon as possible to help with the adjustment.
Take Time To Dwell
While it is an exciting change for your family, you are allowed to feel sad about it. Leaving your home and your family is still sad for you and your kids. You are all allowed to have your down days about it, and don’t be afraid to show that or feel it. It’s reassuring to your kids when they know that you have the same feelings as them and similar concerns.
Final Thoughts
I think doing this over a period of time is better for everyone, not only financially, but also legally and emotionally. You and your family get the chance to say all of your goodbyes but also get to appreciate your life in your country a little more, as bittersweet as it is. Make sure you check in with immigration lawyers as soon as possible to ensure that your application for a work visa or indefinite leave to remain is sent off before you take the necessary steps.
