Are you planning a trip overseas? Are you about to pick up your family and move across the world like Jacob? Here are my ten tips for keeping your sanity during these difficult times:
Research where you are moving - culture, customs, laws.
Hire a relocation company - worth every penny for peace of mind.
Hire someone to pack for you - the times I did this, my life was better. The times I didn't, the papercuts and broken dishes were many.
Paperwork - there is a lot of it. Get a freaking awesome folder. Fill it with everything. Make copies. Save that elsewhere.
Finances - plan how much you need. Add another 1/3.
Find Contacts - Have a friend or contact on either end to help with questions, concerns and those things you forget. Yes, there are things you will forget.
Everyone's First Boxes - Remember to have a box for every family member that is their "First Box." The moving company can arrange "first off the load" with certain boxes. Fill each person's box with all of the most important things - to them. Don't be the one who packed the teddy or the Xbox controller in a random box.
It's a Small World - Remind your kids that being in a different country doesn't mean they're cut off. Arrange calls, letters, texts, and chats with loved ones ahead of time so they feel connected.
Be Flexible - There will be delays. The dog will throw up en route to the airport. Kids will cry. There will never be enough boxes. It's ok. Be flexible.
Take care of yourself! Eat, sleep, cuddle. Remember, this is an adventure - and calm seas never made a good sailor.