Top 5 Things We’re Doing NOW to Prep for the Move

We’re officially in prep mode, which means our lives are currently a chaotic mix of spreadsheets, packing lists, and questioning every single item we own. Moving abroad, even temporarily, is no joke, and while we still have a couple of months before we officially make the leap, there are some major things we’re tackling right now to make this transition as smooth as possible (for us and our tiny travel companion).

Here’s what’s at the top of our to-do list:

1. Purging Like Our Sanity Depends on It

Spoiler: It does.

We have accumulated so much stuff over the years, and let’s be real–we do not need to bring half of it overseas (we literally can’t, we’re packing our lives up in six suitcases). Downsizing is essential, and it’s a great way to make some extra cash before the big move.

The Plan:

✅ Sell high-value items on Facebook Marketplace and Pango Books (I’ve got some good ones, you should totally check them out).

✅ Sell second-hand clothes at Once Upon A Child and Plato’s Closet. Then, donate the rest to local charities (because goodwill karma might help the visa process).

✅ Store sentimental items, and much-loved furniture pieces, at a family member’s house (with their permission, obviously).

💡 Affiliate Picks: Space-saving vacuum bags are lifesavers to keep the essentials compact and organized. The one’s linked are my personal go-to’s. To ensure that you don’t overpack your luggage, a luggage scale is a necessary addition to make sure you’re not stuck offloading clothes in the middle of the airport.

2. Visas, Paperwork, & Bureaucracy (a.k.a. The Hunger Games)

Welcome to the world of visas, where paperwork multiplies overnight. Depending on where you’re moving, the visa process might be a breeze–or require selling your soul.

Every country has its own version of red tape, and we’re currently deep in the process of collecting documents, filling out forms, and probably developing a permanent eye twitch from reading official government websites. If you’re planning to move abroad, start early–because this part takes time and patience (and probably a few extra cups of coffee).

Many employers will be very helpful with the process, much like mine is. Stay tuned for an in-depth post about everything visa related!

3. Budgeting–Because Moving Abroad Costs More Than You Think (but maybe not as much…)

Let’s talk money. Flights, shipping (if you’re opting in for this), housing deposits–it all adds up FAST. We’re building a buffer and are overestimating everything (and still, surprise expenses will pop up). We’re also looking into banking options and the best way to transfer money without losing half of it to fees.

💰 Wise has been positively recommended by many expats who live and travel abroad. I can’t give my personal opinion on it quite yet, but we are leaning towards using this platform.

Once we move and get settled, a post breaking down our budget and expenses will be shared! Our goal is to be as transparent as we can with this journey to hopefully help others in our shoes.

4. Prepping Our Toddler for the Big Change

Moving is an adjustment for adults, but for a toddler? It’s a whole different ball game.

We’re reading books about airplanes, showing pictures of our new home, and practicing words in the local language (instead of nǐ hǎo, she just says “hǎo“). Will she fully grasp what’s happening? Probably not–she’s not even 2. But at least we’re trying.

Aelin’s Travel Essentials:

📚 Books about moving & flying: “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day,” “We Are Going on an Airplane,” and “Construction Site: Take Flight!”

🧳 Carry-on and backpack combo: we use this set from Amazon and love it!

🛏️ Toddler airplane bed

🧸 Her backpack will be full of all these fun surprises (plus more, stay tuned for a dedicated post):

5. Making the Most of Our Time Left in Ohio

As excited as we are for this new adventure, we know we’ll miss home. So before we go, we’re soaking up every last bit of Ohio life–visiting our favorite spots, spending quality time with family and friends, and eating our weight in local food we won’t have easy access to anymore (Skyline Chili, we’re looking at you).

Zach, Aelin, and Uncle Cam walking around Wright State University.

Things We Plan to Do to Make Goodbyes Easier:

📔 Create a memory journal with photos & notes.

📞 Set up recurring FaceTime (or WeChat) dates with family before leaving.

🌏 Remind ourselves why we’re doing this–it’s an adventure!

There’s still a LOT left on our to-do list, but tackling these key areas now is helping us feel slightly more in control (emphasis on slightly). If you’ve moved abroad before, what was the best thing you did you prep? Drop your tips in the comments–we need all the help we can get!

While you’re at it, follow us on social media to stay up to date on all things Expat Eley’s!

@expateleys on TikTok and Instagram (these accounts are still early in the works and don’t have much content yet).

The Expat Eley's