Moving with Children A Guide for Families Relocating from China

Moving house before you have children is a completely different experience than relocating with a family. There are many factors to consider throughout the process. Your children are likely to worry about the same aspects of an international move as you would, especially leaving their friends, grandparents, and other family members behind.

Children thrive on routine and depend on consistency to feel safe and secure. Young people tend to be more apprehensive about change than adults because they have less life experience navigating transitions. The familiarity of their school, neighborhood, favorite restaurants, and daily routines in China provides comfort that a move can disrupt.

Fortunately, finding the right moving company is one important step you can take to make the entire process easier for your children. Allied offers helpful resources and expert guidance to support families relocating from China. As experienced international relocation specialists, our team is ready to answer any questions about your move and help ensure a smooth transition for your entire family.

Allied's Top Tips to Prepare Your Children for an International Move

1. Keep Them Informed Early

Share your decision to relocate as soon as possible, making them part of the planning process from the start. Discuss your destination country, show them where it is on a map, and make researching your new home a fun family activity. Explore together what life will be like—local foods, climate, attractions, and daily life.

Get them excited about new adventures and learning experiences while respecting their feelings. Ask what matters most to them and what they want to know about the move. They might have questions about schools, mobile access, sports leagues, or activities available in their new country. If you're relocating for work, ask your employer about resources to help families transition, such as school recommendations, expat communities, or settling-in services.

2. Involve Children in the Planning Process

If age-appropriate, encourage your children to take responsibility for sorting through their belongings. Have them decide what to pack, what to store with relatives in China, and what to donate or discard. Remind them that less means easier packing, and they'll be doing it themselves!

For creative children, decorating and labeling their own boxes can make the task more enjoyable. This sorting process is also an excellent opportunity to donate outgrown toys, clothes, and books, helping them start fresh in your new home while teaching valuable lessons about generosity.

Most importantly, ensure they have time to properly say goodbye to friends, teachers, and relatives. Help them exchange contact information like WeChat, email, phone numbers, so they can maintain these important relationships.

3. Research Activities and Education Options

If your children participate in sports, dance, music lessons, or other extracurricular activities, research what will be available in your destination country. Explore new activities they haven't tried before or have expressed interest in. The anticipation of trying something they've always wanted, whether it's ice hockey, drama club, or a new instrument can help offset the sadness of leaving teammates and friends behind.

Research international schools or local education options early, and if possible, arrange virtual tours or connect with current students to help your children visualize their new academic environment. Our parent company, Sirva offers a comprehensive education consultancy as part of the destination services.

4. Language Preparation

If you're moving to a non-native language speaking country, consider enrolling the family in language classes before departure. Learning together creates shared experience and makes practice fun. Children are remarkably adaptable and often learn languages faster than adults, they may become your family's best interpreter!

Even basic phrases will boost their confidence and help them feel more prepared for daily interactions in their new home.

5. Explore Culture and Customs Together

If your children attend an international school in China, try connecting with classmates from your destination country. Arrange playdates or video calls to discuss their experiences and ask about local customs, festivals, and daily life. This personal connection can significantly reduce anxiety about the unknown.

As a family, research different holidays, traditions, and cultural practices online. Watch videos, try cooking traditional foods, or celebrate a festival from your new country before you arrive. These activities build excitement and cultural understanding.

An Enriching Journey Ahead

This international move will forever enrich your family's life, giving your children invaluable experience living in a different culture. They'll develop adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and a broader worldview that will benefit them throughout their lives. While the transition may be challenging initially, the memories, friendships, and perspectives gained will be priceless.

Allied is here to support your family every step of the way, making your relocation from China as smooth and stress-free as possible.