What to Expect When Moving Overseas with Kids
Moving overseas is a major life event—but when you add children into the mix, it becomes a whole different kind of adventure.
There’s the paperwork. The packing. The logistics. The emotional ups and downs. And of course, the questions:
Will they adjust?
What about school?
How do we prepare them for the change?
If you’re considering an international move with your family in 2025, you’re not alone. More and more American families are choosing to relocate abroad—drawn by opportunities for work, cultural enrichment, better quality of life, or a long-awaited lifestyle change.
But while the dream is real, so are the challenges. That’s why SDC International Shipping has become a trusted partner for families relocating worldwide. We’ve helped hundreds of parents navigate the complexities of international moves with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How to prepare your kids emotionally and logistically
- What to consider when choosing a destination
- How to pack and ship a family home overseas
- What support systems to have in place before and after the move
Whether you’re moving with toddlers, teens, or a mix of ages, this article is here to help you plan wisely, pack strategically, and settle in smoothly—together.
How to Prepare Kids Emotionally for the Move
The emotional side of moving is often the hardest—especially for kids. No matter how exciting your destination is, change can feel overwhelming when you’re leaving behind familiar routines, friends, and surroundings.
But with some thoughtful preparation, you can turn uncertainty into curiosity, and fear into adventure.
Here’s how to emotionally support your kids through the transition:
1. Talk About the Move Early—and Often
Children need time to process. Tell them about the move as soon as it’s a decision, and be honest about what’s changing and why. Explain the benefits (new friends, cool places, learning another language), but don’t minimize their concerns.
Allow space for questions like:
- Will I still be able to talk to my friends?
- Can I bring my toys/books/pets?
- What does school look like there?
Giving your child a voice early makes them feel involved, not dragged along.
2. Frame It as an Adventure
Kids thrive on imagination and discovery. Use age-appropriate maps, books, videos, or virtual tours to show them where they’re going. Highlight fun things like:
- Animals native to the region
- Local holidays or festivals
- What kids their age do for fun in your new country
This shifts the focus from what they’re losing to what they’re about to gain.
3. Maintain Familiarity Wherever Possible
Children feel safest with routines. If possible:
- Stick to regular meal and bedtimes
- Pack their favorite comfort items for the plane
- Set up their room with familiar blankets, toys, or photos right away
Even small routines—like family movie nights or Saturday pancakes—can offer big comfort during a big transition.
4. Prepare for School Transitions
For school-aged children, a new classroom in a new country can feel like starting over. Do your research on school systems, curriculum styles, and language requirements so you can set expectations early.
If they’re attending an international school, highlight how many other students are expats too—it helps to know they won’t be the only “new kid.”
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve moved families with infants, toddlers, teens, and everything in between. Our role is to reduce the logistical stress so you can focus on what matters most: helping your child feel safe, heard, and excited.
Choosing the Right Country for Your Family
Not every expat destination is created equal—especially when you’re moving with kids.
The best country for your family isn’t just the one with beautiful weather or cheap real estate. It’s the one that matches your values, meets your logistical needs, and sets your children up to thrive.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a destination:
1. Education Options
One of the biggest concerns for parents moving abroad is schooling. Do you need:
- An English-speaking international school?
- A bilingual program to help your child integrate?
- A system that follows a U.S., British, or IB curriculum?
Countries like Spain, Portugal, France, Costa Rica, and Thailand offer a range of private and international schools, but availability varies by region. Make school research a top priority—and try to connect with other expat parents before you move.
2. Healthcare & Safety
With children, access to healthcare is non-negotiable. Before deciding on a destination, consider:
- The quality and cost of pediatric care
- Availability of doctors who speak your language
- Emergency services in the area
- Whether vaccinations or special health forms are required for kids
Countries with excellent public or affordable private healthcare—like Portugal, Mexico, and France—tend to rank highest for expat families.
3. Lifestyle and Pace of Life
Are you looking for an outdoor, nature-rich lifestyle? A walkable, urban experience with museums and parks? Or something quieter and community-oriented?
Consider what kind of environment your family will thrive in. A small beach town might sound dreamy, but will your teen miss city life? A bustling capital might offer great amenities but feel overwhelming to younger children.
Think long-term—not just what looks good on Instagram.
4. Community & Support
Having a strong expat network can make or break your experience. Look for destinations with active expat family communities, support groups, and resources like:
- Facebook groups or relocation forums
- International schools with social programming
- Areas known for family-friendly infrastructure
You don’t have to figure this out alone. At SDC, we’ve moved families to all the top expat hubs—and we’ll help you understand what daily life really looks like in your destination before your move is even booked.
Packing & Shipping Tips for Families
Packing for an international move is never easy—but when you’re relocating with kids, it becomes a whole new level of challenge.
You’re not just moving furniture and clothes—you’re moving comfort items, routines, and emotional anchors. That’s why it’s so important to plan strategically and work with an experienced shipping partner who understands the needs of families.
Here’s what we recommend for a smooth, stress-free experience:
1. Involve Your Kids in the Packing Process
Let kids choose a few favorite items to bring in their suitcase and help label boxes with drawings or stickers. This gives them a sense of control and reduces anxiety.
Pro Tip: Create a “First Night Box” for each child with essentials like pajamas, favorite toys, books, snacks, and comfort items. Have it delivered first or carry it with you if flying.
2. Divide What You’ll Ship vs. Carry
- Carry-on or luggage: Important documents, medications, 1–2 weeks of clothing, electronics, transitional items
- Ship: Furniture, toys, books, kitchenware, decor, long-term essentials
Shipping delays can happen, so plan for a short buffer window where you live out of suitcases.
3. Use Professional Packing Services (It’s Worth It)
Our international packing team uses materials and methods specifically designed for long-distance and ocean freight.
We offer:
- Full-service home packing
- Custom crating for fragile or sentimental items (like toys, instruments, or heirlooms)
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Complete inventory creation for customs clearance
Bonus: professionally packed items are eligible for all-risk insurance coverage—giving you extra peace of mind.
4. Prepare a Clear Inventory List
Customs clearance is more complex with family moves, especially when items belong to children or are new. We’ll help you:
- Translate your inventory (if required by the destination country)
- Declare high-value items appropriately
- Avoid shipping prohibited items like certain food, batteries, or liquids
Every country has different rules, and our team knows how to keep your shipment compliant and moving.
5. Go Door-to-Door—Not Port-to-Port
When you’re managing a move with kids, the last thing you want is to rent a truck at a foreign port and try to unload a container by yourself.
Our full door-to-door shipping service ensures:
- Your container is picked up at your current home
- Shipped safely via ocean or air
- Cleared through customs
- Delivered to your new residence abroad—and unpacked if needed
We take care of everything so you can take care of your family.
When you move overseas with your children, you’re not just shipping stuff—you’re transporting your family’s world.
That’s why the difference between a chaotic move and a smooth one often comes down to one thing: the right partner.
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve helped families relocate to every corner of the globe—often with kids in tow, pets in carriers, and tight timelines in place. We know what it takes to pull off an international family move without sacrificing your sanity.
With SDC, Family Relocation Looks Like:
- A dedicated relocation specialist who walks you through every step
- A clear, customized plan based on your timeline, volume, and destination
- Professional packing that protects both essentials and sentimental items
- Door-to-door shipping and customs support that lets you avoid delays and drama
- Flexibility with storage if your home abroad isn’t ready right away
- Peace of mind with international insurance for your entire shipment
You arrive, your container arrives, and your new chapter begins—together, on the right foot.
Without a Trusted Guide?
You’re left:
- Juggling kids, documents, and packing lists on your own
- Facing customs issues or surprise shipping costs
- Waiting weeks for your shipment to clear because of a missing form
- Arriving in a new country without the comforts or tools your family needs
Moving abroad doesn’t have to feel like a gamble.
Ready to Make the Leap—With Confidence?
Let us help you plan the kind of international move your family deserves.
👉 Request your free international moving quote today
👉 Or call 877-339-0267 to speak with a family relocation specialist now
Because moving abroad with kids isn’t just possible—it can be incredible, when you have the right team behind you.
