Transitioning well

I’m getting ready to move again. A part of me is super excited, and a part of me is sad. Recently I started planning my goodbyes; getting ready to transition. When you can, it really helps to invest the time to transition well.

First it helps to research the new location before you move. Can you already sign up to Facebook groups for expats in that area? Check out potential groups or clubs you could join upon arrival to meet new people, such as International Women’s Clubs. Are there relocation companies that can help you find a place to live and a moving company? Reach out early so that you can get as complete a picture as possible of where you are heading, and what areas might be the most challenging.

Then I would recommend doing everything you can to help every member of your family prepare for the upcoming move too. Make sure they are well informed about the move, and feel included in some of the decisions.

We also liked to pay our final respects as a family to our favorite restaurants, sights in the area, parks, walks, etc. We made sure to spread this out and really enjoy it. Finally, we took a last look at what our old town had to offer to see if we had missed out on anything. We made sure we visited all those sights we had never seen before, checked out the local hiking trail we had missed, etc. That really helped us feel like we had taken full advantage of the great place we had been living in, and allowed us to say goodbye to all of it at the same time.

Transitioning well means making sure you leave well, say goodbye, and at the same time, get excited and prepared for the new adventure.

What tips and tricks have worked well for you when you have transitioned?