5 steps to prevent your children from suffering when moving abroad

“Many child development experts see moving as one of the most disruptive events in a child’s life”, says Dr. Arlen Fulton, of Ohio State University.

Children use to suffer the process silently, with higher stress levels than their parents who, focused on the technical problems of the move, don't pay them enough attention.

We know you don't want to watch your son become anxious nor violent. You obviously don't wish him to feel alone or to suffer too much being "the new kid" in school. Of course you wouldn't like him to think his life is falling apart. But, how could you avoid it? After all, sometimes moving is necessary and unavoidable.

Worry no more, and follow these 5 steps to successfully moving with children.

1. Talk about it.

Listen to your children's thoughts on moving, accept their feelings upon it, and do not force them into liking the idea. Answer their questions and attend their restlessness, and above everything else talk to them with the truth. Do not keep them out of the process. The best thing to do is keep them informed from the moment you decide to move until things return to normal in your new house.

2. Put a good face!

Children, especially young ones, are sponges that not just absorb, but magnify your attitude towards things. If you are positive every time you talk about moving, they will join you in your happiness. If you are complaining, arguing, crying or worrying, they'll feel that the move is nothing less than malignant and fatal.

3. The unknown scares.

Human beings of any age fear what they do not know. If your kids do not know what's coming, it will probably terrify them. So get all possible information about the city you're moving to, the type of people they'll meet, which of their favorite restaurants they'll be able to find, or how close is the nearest park. Show them pictures and videos; let them know where they're going.

4. Their room goes first.

Nothing -remember it well (if you care about your children's emotional stability)- is more important in your move than their room. Take the things that make them feel at home, their favorite blanket or pillow, a particular toy. Unpack and organize their room before the rest to rapidly provide them with a familiar atmosphere while the rest of the house is in order.

5. Reassure them, love them and set a good example.

"Home is Where the Heart Is" is a phrase you probably have heard, and yet may not understand its application in a move. Your house can completely change, but your home is the love, support, unity and caring between family members. Make sure your children have these four things, and they will probably miss their past house but not their home. Finally, set the example meeting new friends and merging into your new community with enthusiasm.

We want you to help you with these and more tips; help us help you by visiting How to move to Mexico

Oh, and follow us on Twitter @moversmexico and Facebook  Moving to Mexico  (you'll find plenty of free advice and special offers).


by Mauricio Pozas

6 mistakes that will turn your move into a disaster

Let's start with the obvious. Moving to another country is not like going on vacations, it's much more complicated. The consequences of a planning error in a recreational journey are temporal bumps, bruises that pass; while the ones from a miscalculation in an international move are permanent injures that leave ugly scars.

We present you then with 6 mistakes that will guarantee, without any doubt, your international move will be traumatic for your family and patrimony. There's no need to say (but I'll go ahead and say it anyways) that you should avoid them.

1.  Thinking in terms of price, not cost

An understandable, but dangerous mistake is deciding to book a move by its price, without taking into account the final cost it might reach. And we're not only talking about money here, but about losing that painting your grandpa made, or your son's favorite, irreplaceable toy. These are costs you probably wouldn't be willing to pay, at any price! Now, economically speaking, it gets worse: many companies will hide in their initial quote customs fees or delivery costs, for example, and the price will duplicate. With your goods in their hands, you'll have to pay. Beware.

2.  Wanting to ship EVERYTHING

Even if it seems minor, this is a mistake that could cause you many headaches. If you accept leaving behind some stuff you don't really use anymore your international move will get lighter, both materially and emotionally. You'll save on the economical and ease things up.

3.  Not paying attention at the game's rules

In moving like in life, he who doesn't follow the rules shall lose. If you don't take a close look at the prohibited items, requirements, or paper work needed for your country of destination you'll surely regret the long delays, expensive fines and painful confiscations at customs. For a peaceful sleep, get professional advice.

4.  Planning short time ahead

In the world of international moves there's nothing worse than leaving things to the last minute. If you start researching and comparing companies two weeks before packing day, your decision will be hasty and (most probably) wrong. Between 2 and 3 months is a good time frame to start planning.

5.  Loss of contact

Lack of communication before, during and after your move can unleash chaos. If you close the e-mail account with which you communicated with your moving company, change cellphone, or by any reason stop being reachable during the process, there will be trouble. So make sure to provide at least two different ways of contact both at your move's origin and destination.

6. Not looking for an experienced international moving company

There exist a huge number of companies that don't have the resources, personnel, knowledge and experience required to move you. These people will offer a low price just to get your money. Be careful, you could lose much more than your hard earned dollars.

We want to help you avoiding these and more mistakes; help us help you by visiting How to move to Mexico

Oh, and follow us on Twitter @moversmexico and Facebook  Moving to Mexico  (you'll find plenty of free advice and special offers).

by Mauricio Pozas