Get Movin’

You have decided you are ready to take the next steps in moving abroad with your family. You have a destination in mind, perhaps even a few plane tickets in hand. Congratulations! Now the fun begins, right?

When my family sold-it-all to move from a small suburb outside of Chicago, IL to Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, I was overwhelmed. It seemed everywhere I turned, there was yet another thing I forgot about or didn’t plan for. Many nights, I found myself, sitting crisscross-applesauce in the middle of our family room, surrounded by lists and piles of laundry, contemplating whether or not this was really a good idea at all.

Help is on the Way

What I needed was a plan. A list. Someone or something to point me in the right direction and help get me out of my anxiety-induced fetal position. Below are tips that can help you prepare for your own move abroad and hopefully avoid some of the (minor) mistakes I made. These are all things I did (or wish I had done) prior to our big move. This list is derived from my The Essential Guide to Moving Abroad available in our book Freedom to Fly: What it Takes to Live a Location Independent Lifestyle. It is not all-inclusive as each family and situation is different. It is my hope that this will help you make your transition just a little bit smoother and of course, more fun!

The Essential Guide to Moving Abroad

1. Purchase a mini-notebook (or plan to use the notes setting in your phone) to jot down ideas as they pop up. You will have many ideas and you don’t want to forget anything!
2. Ensure passports are up to date and make appointments to renew if needed.
3. Set a departure date and purchase airline tickets, map out driving directions and book hotels/temporary housing if needed.
4. Tune out the naysayers and tell the little anxious voice in your head to hush. This is a big move. You’re likely going to encounter some negativity and a bit of apprehension along the way, but if it is indeed meant to be and you have the will, you will find a way!

   

5. Set appointments with primary care doctors, optometrists and dentists for everyone in the household. Be sure to ask for up to date vaccine/immunization records and a list of prescriptions.
6. Secure a reliable forwarding address for mail (ie: a responsible relative’s home, business address or a P.O. box).
7. Decide how your kiddos will be educated in your new home. Will you choose homeschool, enroll them in a local school, an American school, hire a tutor?
8. Throw a going away party exclusively for your kiddos! This can be done in the classroom, at your home or at a local play-place depending on their age and your needs/budget.

   

9. Find a bank with no-cost or low-cost foreign transaction fees.
10. List items for sale on sites such as Ebay, Craigslist or even local Facebook sales groups.
11. Set up direct payments for ongoing bills such as mortgage, student loan, HOA’s, etc.
12. If your kiddos are particularly close with a friend or two, talk with their parent and consider setting up an email account or installing a messenger app like Voxer or WhatsApp so they can easily keep in contact.
13. When selling your car, be sure to empty it out and have it detailed before bringing it to a dealership or showing it to a potential buyer. A clean car will show (and sell) better than one littered with cheerios crumbs and toys!

    

14. Shop around and compare rates and reviews of reliable shipping companies if you plan to ship items to your new home.
15. Change your address on anything which requires it.
16. While packing, keep in mind that many, many items can be purchased in your new home. Try your best not to over-pack.
17. Even if you’re downsizing considerably, allow your kiddos a special bag of ‘loveys’ or toys they get to bring to their new home. It is important for them to have a comfort item or two that will help make their (and your) transition smoother!
18. Make an effort to learn a few basic words and phrases if you’re moving to a country where your native language is not the official language.
19. Bags are often lost during plane transfers, so pack all essentials (a change of clothes, medications, etc.) in your carry-on.
20. Step into the plane (or car, or bus), buckle your seatbelt and take a deep breath to savor the moment. You are about to embark on a life-changing journey. Feel proud that you have made it this far and trust that all things are working for your good!

    

The World is Your Oyster

You are on the verge of something amazing momma. Honestly! Moving abroad with my family was the hands-down best decision of my life. My kiddos are thriving and my hubby and I have discovered a new zest for life. We are living life on our terms and couldn’t be happier. I am so glad you’re casting your net into the unknown and walking by faith. I did not have mommy’s guide to moving abroad to help us transition so I am hopeful that this list was helpful to you in planning your move abroad!

You loved this list, right?

Get the rest of it as a month-by-month checklist in our ebook, Freedom to Fly: What it Takes to Live a Location Independent Lifestyle!

Get your questions (and more) answered, receive your Essential Guide to Moving Abroad checklist, learn the 40 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving Abroad, and get our Moving to Mexico FAQ today in your copy of our wildly popular ebook.

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