Photo and blog post by Jessica Arraya
Welcome to Arraya Adventures! We are your go-to resource for travel abroad, global city guides, and everything families need to make moving abroad a life-changing experience. For those dreaming of a new life in a different country or just curious about what life as an expat could look like, Arraya Adventures offers practical information, inspiration, and a supportive community of like-minded families. Having made 13 international moves in the past 20 years, we’ve navigated the challenges, surprises, and joys of relocating, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned along the way.
To kick off our family-focused guide to moving abroad, we’re sharing our tried-and-true relocation checklist. Whether you're moving for the first time or the fifth, this list will help you get organized, anticipate potential hurdles, and embrace the adventure ahead. Let's dive in and make this journey as smooth and fulfilling as possible for you and your family!
3–6 Months Before Moving: Getting Ready for the Big Change
Research Your New Home
Start exploring your new location! Learn about the culture, weather, local food, and family-friendly activities. Create a “Family Adventure Wall” with photos of things you’re excited to try together.
Set Up Your Moving Budget
Make a budget for moving expenses, travel costs, and a “family fun” fund for activities during your transition. Include both essential costs (like shipping) and a little extra for making memories along the way.
Organize Important Documents
Gather key documents, like passports, birth certificates, school records, and medical/vaccination records. Make digital copies of everything to stay organized and safe.
Declutter Together as a Family
Have a family “decluttering day” where you go through your things and decide what to keep, donate, or store. Involve the kids in the process—it can be a fun way to teach them about sharing and letting go.
Join Local Parent or Expat Groups
Find online parent groups or expat communities to get tips and support from others who have made the move. You’ll get useful advice, and it’s a great way to start building connections before you arrive.
Start Language Learning (If Needed)
If your destination speaks a different language, get a head start with family-friendly language apps or weekly “language nights” to practice together.
2–3 Months Before Moving: Preparing for the Move
Secure Housing and Schools
Finalize your living arrangements and school or daycare options for your kids. Make sure the new home is in a family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to parks, schools, and stores.
Organize Health and School Records
Request medical records, vaccinations, and school transcripts. Book final health checkups and dental visits. Make a checklist reel to help others with these steps!
Plan for Pets (If Moving with Them)
If you're bringing pets, research pet import requirements, vaccinations, and any necessary paperwork. If you can't bring them, explore rehoming options early.
Notify Banks and Service Providers
Contact your bank, insurance company, and other service providers about your move. Make sure everything is up-to-date, and set up mail forwarding or digital statements to keep life organized.
Create a Vision Board for the Family
Build excitement by creating a family vision board with pictures of things you’ll experience abroad. Involve the kids—let them pick out some destinations or foods to try!
Start Saying Goodbyes
Plan a few farewell outings or gatherings with friends and family. This will help the kids emotionally prepare for the big move and say goodbye in a meaningful way.
1 Month Before Moving: Getting Close to the Big Day
Pack Essentials for the Kids
Start packing a bag with each child’s comfort items—favorite toys, blankets, books, and snacks. These will help your little ones feel secure during travel.
Arrange Childcare for Moving Day
If possible, arrange for family or friends to look after the kids during the chaos of moving day. This will let you focus on logistics without worrying about keeping the kids entertained.
Prepare Your Family Travel Bag
Pack a bag with essential items for the whole family, such as toiletries, medications, and snacks. Include a change of clothes, some toys or activities, and travel documents like passports.
Explain the Moving Process to Your Kids
Walk through the travel schedule and what to expect on moving day. Knowing what will happen can help kids feel more in control and less anxious about the big transition.
Download Entertainment for Travel
Load up on kid-friendly apps, audiobooks, or downloaded shows and movies to keep everyone entertained during long travel days.
2 Weeks Before Moving: Finalizing the Details
Confirm All Travel and Shipping Details
Double-check all your travel bookings, moving arrangements, and shipments. Make sure everything is confirmed so you can move forward without surprises.
Pack a Moving Day Kit
Put together a kit with snacks, travel games, toys, and toiletries for easy access on moving day. A few surprises can keep everyone happy during the long day.
Plan Final Goodbyes
Organize a farewell day or two for the kids to say goodbye to friends, neighbors, and favorite spots. A little extra time to connect can help them feel more prepared.
Set Up Services in the New Home
Arrange for utilities, internet, and basic services to be activated in your new home before you arrive. A functioning home upon arrival will make your transition easier.
Moving Week: Wrapping Up and Staying Calm
Double-Check Family Essentials
Make sure all important items are packed, such as passports, medications, and a family travel bag. This is your last chance to catch any missing essentials.
Have a Relaxed Family Day Before Moving
Take a break with the family to relax and enjoy each other’s company. A calm, fun day before the chaos of moving can help everyone recharge and feel more positive.
After Arrival: Getting Settled and Feeling at Home
Unpack Essential Items First
Focus on unpacking kids’ rooms and comfort items. Having familiar toys and décor out early will make everyone feel at home faster.
Explore Your New Neighborhood Together
Go for a walk around your new area to find parks, grocery stores, and fun spots. The more familiar the place feels, the faster you’ll settle in.
Re-establish Family Routines
As soon as possible, get back to familiar routines, like meal times, play time, and bedtimes. Routines will help everyone feel grounded in the new environment.
Get Involved in Local Activities
Find community events, kids' groups, or activities to start building connections. This is a great way to meet new people and find fun things to do as a family.
And there you have it—your family’s relocation checklist to kick off a smooth move abroad! Moving as a family is a big journey, but it’s full of moments you’ll look back on and realize were worth every list, plan, and unexpected twist. From the thrill of settling into a new country to the first time your kids greet someone in the local language, each step is an exciting part of the adventure.
Next up in our blog series, we’ll dive into finding a family-friendly neighborhood and setting up your new home base so you feel settled right from day one. Whether it’s discovering the best local parks, nearby grocery options, or family-friendly cafes where you can meet other parents, our guide will help make your transition easy and welcoming.
Let’s continue this journey together!
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