Moving tips from a 10-year old aficionado

For the first time ever I have invited a guest blogger to publish a post on Expat with Kids in Paris.

Her name is Arabella and she is a true Third Culture Kid. Last month she held a presentation about moving and had some very useful tips. I enjoyed her project so much, I asked her if she'd like to contribute towards my blog. Here is her perspective. Enjoy reading!

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I am ten years old and, in my short life, I have moved six times across three continents.  So, I consider myself a bit of a ‘moving expert’. Moving is exciting, but not always easy, so here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:

Before your move:
-Make little good-bye presents for all of your friends, such as bracelets or a poem.
-Organise a leaving party.
-Go through your room and decide what you don't want or need anymore, then sell or give the things that you don't need to charity.
- Have a look around your future house if possible so that you know how much space you have and you can start planning your room.
-Get a guidebook about the new area you’re moving to, and look at different places to explore.

Moving Day:
-Pack snacks for the journey
-Make sure that you have things to do, because chances are, the trip will be quite long.
-Entertain your brothers and sisters while they are packing up.
-Wash anything that needs washing.
-Generally keep a sense of humour.
-Pitch in however you can.
-Stay out of your parents' ways.
-Say your last goodbyes to your friends and family.

Settling In:
-Explore the new neighbourhood.
-Get acquainted with your new room by organising it, and arranging your things.
-Look for evidence of whether there are other children living around you, such as bicycles, and go and introduce yourself.
-Sign up for a library card.
-Don't just think about yourself - consider your pets, as well!  Take them for a walk around the area so the can find other pets and make friends - just the same as you and me.

Starting School:
-If you have moved in the summer holidays, see if you can organise a meeting and tour of the school beforehand.
-Ask your parents about any important school information, such as dress code, bus stops (if applicable), hot lunch, etc.

... and Above All, Keep a Cool Head!

And never assume that movers do the same thing in every country.

Here our sofa is being hauled up 13 floors, over the balcony in Brazil!!