How to Prepare Your Family for an International Relocation

A practical and emotional guide to preparing your loved ones for international relocation.

Relocating to another country is more than just a logistical challenge. It’s an emotional journey for every family member involved. From packing belongings and handling paperwork to adjusting to a new culture and routine, an international move affects everyone differently.

Asian Tigers Group, one of Asia’s leading international moving and relocation companies, understands that a successful move involves far more than just transporting goods. It’s about helping families transition confidently and comfortably into a new chapter of life abroad.

With over 60 years of experience across 14 Asian territories, Asian Tigers Group has supported thousands of families through major relocations. Drawing from their expertise and the insights of the 2025 ATG ChatBar AI Report, here are essential steps to prepare your family for a smooth and stress-free international move.

1. Start the Planning Process Early

Relocation success begins long before moving day. Start planning at least three to six months ahead to give your family enough time to adjust mentally and practically.

Schedule a pre-move site survey with your moving company. This in-home assessment allows professionals to evaluate your household goods, estimate shipment volume, and recommend a timeline for packing, transport, and documentation. Asian Tigers’ surveys help families clarify logistics, costs, and document needs right from the beginning. Please note, the final packed volume may vary slightly from the estimate, which could affect pricing within accepted thresholds.

Creating a family relocation checklist also helps ensure no task, such as school withdrawals, medical clearances, or pet arrangements, is overlooked.

2. Choose a Reliable International Moving Partner

Selecting the right moving company makes all the difference between a stressful experience and a seamless one. Look for a mover with:

• Proven international expertise
• FIDI and OMNI accreditation
• Transparent pricing and insurance
• Comprehensive door-to-door services

Asian Tigers Group meets all these standards, offering full-service solutions including packing, shipping, storage, customs coordination, and settling-in support. A dedicated move coordinator works with you throughout the process, offering key milestone updates such as departure, customs status, and estimated delivery. While real-time tracking is not available due to the complexity of global surface shipping, you’ll be kept informed at critical stages.

3. Involve the Whole Family

One of the most effective ways to reduce relocation stress is to involve everyone in the planning process. Children, in particular, can feel anxious about leaving familiar surroundings, friends, and schools.

In a 2024 Global Expat Survey of 1,000 expats, cultural adjustment and children’s schooling were among the top three relocation challenges (Crown, 2024).

Here are a few ways to help them prepare:

• Talk openly about the move and highlight the positives: new adventures, cultures, and opportunities.
• Research your destination together: explore local foods, customs, and attractions online.
• Encourage participation by letting children pack their favorite toys or choose their new room décor.

Asian Tigers’ relocation teams understand the emotional side of moving and often share destination resources, like country guides and The Global Move podcast, to help families prepare for cultural and lifestyle adjustments.

4. Manage Documentation and Logistics Early

International relocations require a significant amount of documentation. Missing or incorrect paperwork can cause costly delays at customs or immigration.

Key documents include:

• Passports and visas
• Work and residence permits
• Medical and vaccination records
• School transcripts and transfer certificates
• Pet health documents
• Inventory and customs forms

Asian Tigers provides country-specific customs guides to help families understand and prepare the necessary paperwork for their destination. Their team also coordinates with immigration partners to ensure compliance with all local regulations.

5. Declutter and Organize Before Packing

Moving is the perfect opportunity to evaluate what your family truly needs. Reducing shipment volume can save time, money, and stress.

Asian Tigers recommends sorting items into four categories: ship, store, donate, and discard. For items you wish to keep but cannot immediately move, the company offers short and long-term storage facilities equipped with CCTV monitoring.

This decluttering process also helps children feel involved and gives everyone a sense of control amid change.

6. Rely on Professional Packing Services

International packing isn’t like packing for a local move. Customs inspections, long transits, and environmental factors demand precision. Asian Tigers uses sustainable materials, custom-built crates for fragile items, and barcoded labels for efficient handling and inventory.

If you choose to pack some items yourself, be aware that:

• Boxes packed by the owner must be declared on the inventory
• Packed by the owner items are more likely to trigger customs inspections
• Insurance may not cover items not professionally packed

The 2025 ChatBar AI Report confirms that packing and unpacking are among the most frequently discussed relocation concerns. Professional packing reduces risk and ensures a smoother customs experience.

7. Prepare for Cultural Transition

Culture shock is one of the most underestimated challenges in relocation. Differences in language, customs, and daily routines can take time to adapt to.

According to the Migration Data Portal, 43% of permanent-type migration flows to OECD countries in 2023 were family-related, underscoring how crucial successful integration is for long-term relocation outcomes (IOM, 2024).

Asian Tigers’ destination orientation programs and settling-in services help families adjust smoothly. These include:

• Guided city tours and local orientation
• Advice on housing, healthcare, and schooling
• Cultural etiquette briefings

The company’s podcast, “The Global Move,” also features insights from expats and relocation experts on adapting to new cultures.

Preparing emotionally for change, by learning about local traditions or taking language lessons, can significantly ease the adjustment period.

8. Arrange Schooling and Childcare in Advance

For families with children, education is often a top priority. Research international or local schools early and gather information on curriculum differences, extracurricular programs, and admission requirements.

Asian Tigers’ Relocation Services include school search assistance and support with enrollment. Coordinating this ahead of your move helps minimize disruption and ensures a smoother transition for your children.

9. Take Care of Health and Well-Being

Before departure, schedule medical and dental check-ups for all family members. Keep copies of medical records, prescriptions, and vaccination history in both digital and printed forms.

For those moving with pets, Asian Tigers’ partner company Silk Relo manages all aspects of pet relocation, from vaccinations and health certificates to quarantine arrangements.

During the move, maintain healthy routines: rest, hydration, and balanced meals, to manage the physical and emotional strain of relocation.

10. Keep Communication Open and Positive

Relocation can bring moments of uncertainty and stress, so maintaining open communication within the family is crucial. Check in with each other frequently, discuss concerns, and celebrate milestones along the way.

Asian Tigers’ coordinators emphasize proactive communication as one of the main success factors in a smooth move. Asian Tigers provides milestone-based shipment updates rather than real-time tracking. Your move coordinator will share key details, such as departure, customs clearance status, and estimated delivery to make sure you remain informed throughout the journey.

Positive engagement helps everyone focus on the excitement of new beginnings rather than the stress of transition.

Bonus Tip: Embrace Sustainability

Modern relocation doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. Asian Tigers integrates sustainability into every service, from using recyclable materials to optimizing shipment routes and reducing emissions.

Their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives ensure every move contributes to a greener, more responsible future. Families can support this effort by donating unwanted items and reducing plastic use during packing.

Why Choose Asian Tigers Group

• Decades of Expertise: Over 60 years of experience in international relocation.
• Comprehensive Services: Packing, shipping, customs, immigration, and settling-in assistance.
• Award-Winning Performance: Recognized by FIDI, OMNI, and Expat Living Awards.
• Sustainability Commitment: Industry leader in eco-friendly relocation practices.
• Human-Centered Approach: Focus on families, cultural support, and communication.

Asian Tigers Group combines global standards with personalized care, ensuring every relocation is managed with efficiency, empathy, and integrity.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your family for an international relocation takes time, patience, and the right support network. With expert planning and a reliable partner like Asian Tigers Group, you can turn what might seem overwhelming into a well-organized, positive experience.

From packing and customs documentation to emotional preparation and cultural adaptation, Asian Tigers ensures every aspect of your move is handled with professionalism and care.

Visit asiantigersgroup.com to explore destination guides, relocation services, and family-focused moving solutions. Let Asian Tigers help you and your loved ones start your new adventure with confidence and peace of mind.

Further Reading

[1] Crown World Mobility. (2024). Expat Survey Report: Relocation Insights from 1,000 Global Expats. https://www.crownworldmobility.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CR-Expat-Survey-Report-September-2024-1.pdf

[2] International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2024). Family Migration. https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/family-migration-new