Time to Move

As some may know, the Traveling Dad is moving home base from Atlanta, Georgia in the USA, to Christchurch, New Zealand.  I am taking a senior role in the infrastructure reconstruction following the significant earthquakes in that region since late 2010.  It is expected that I will actually have more time with my family, more time for blogging, and more time for family travel – instead of the significant amount of international travel that I have been doing for work over the last few years.  Today I thought I would simply offer a few thoughts about making an international move.

Loading a shipping container for the 8-10 week journey

– If it’s just you and your backpack, it’s fairly easy to pack and go (speaking from experience). An international move could be the greatest education you ever get, as it teaches you about yourself and about others.

– As a young couple without kids, it’s also relatively easy to make an international move … just make sure you’re both in agreement about making the adventure together.  Troubles will come, and flexibility is essential … but in the future you will probably remember those times as your greatest adventures. At this time in your life, you can probably sell everything you own and start again in the foreign land of your choice (it’s a lot cheaper than moving a bunch of furniture around the world).

Packing our house for an international move - best left to the professionals

– When you’re a family with children, an international move is a significant event.  This is what our family is doing at present.  Once the move is decided, there are many details to work through – too many to comprehensively cover today.  If a sea voyage is required, don’t trust the moving company that gives you a quote based on land costs (yes, we did get one).  I would also recommend taking the time to downsize, and ensure that you keep only the things that are most important such as – memorabilia, items of sentimental value, things that are “irreplaceable”, items that are expensive to replace in the new country, and items which will make your new place feel like “home”.

Please take the time to sign up for updates.  I’ve been asked by many people to write more about our various travels and activities, so hope to have more time with my new job.  Having traveled extensively, I believe I have enough material to write for a very long time.

Dad’s Recommendation:
Don’t be afraid to venture overseas – the world is much bigger than your country of origin.