Subsequent Relocation: Is it any easier?

For those of you heading towards the departure date, how do you feel?

I am now on my sixth overseas relocation (seven if you count a stint in California as a student). But I’ve got to say, except for knowing what to take with me and put in place before I go, the feeling of uncertainty remains and in fact is almost exasperated by having other experiences to relate back to.

There are certain assurances which have helped hold back the nerves. This time, when I relocate my family abroad, find a new house, start my child in a new school, I will not be working in the school.

I can in fact put our relocation as my top priority.

Whilst my husband has begun to think about working on planning for the first term, I have been thinking of ways to best settle my daughter. A further assurance has been great communication from the school: I know there is a ‘new starters’ day for my daughter, for example. On a practical sense, the school are kindly collecting us from the airport directly following our flight. In addition, we have received an outline of our entire schedule with the lead up to the new term, so I know what to expect.

On a recent trip out of the UK I observed just how much my family thrived having new experiences in new places. The trip I had not researched well (in part to my detriment as we almost missed our flight home – warning to anyone using Milan Bergamo airport!) but, all went well and it felt like an adventure. Observing my family so happy with this trip made me realise that we need change and a new chapter in our lives.

However, there I still worry about the unknown.

Will we like our new location as much as we love the country as a holiday destination?

Is it somewhere we can thrive as a family: with connections, activities and in the workplace/school?

I can not answer these questions yet and although I find this next move (in my forties) more mentally taxing than I did when I was younger, I also know that I need this new chapter to expand and grow.

My prep is almost done so there has to be a point when I am fully packed (for a comprehensive list on what to do/pack you can check out my book). In my last few days leading up to the relocation I am concentrating on being kind to myself and my family. I will embrace all that the UK has to offer, knowing it will be a while before I am back. If this means a couple of days rest before the big move, enjoying crumpets and British TV on the couch, then so be it!

If you are soon to relocate, how will you be kind to yourself?