Moving internationally with young children adds layers of complexity — and concern — to an already demanding process. Children’s needs shape every decision: which city to choose, which neighbourhood, which school, what to bring, when to make the move. Get it right and an international move can be one of the most enriching experiences of a child’s life. This guide helps you plan every aspect.
Choosing the Right Destination for Families
Not every destination that works for a single professional works equally well for a family with young children. Key factors to consider:
International schools: The presence of quality English-language international schools significantly reduces the stress of relocation for children of school age. Cities with strong international school provision include:
- Amsterdam, The Hague (Netherlands) — excellent international school network
- Berlin, Munich, Hamburg (Germany) — strong international school options
- Paris (France) — the largest network of international and English-language schools in Europe
- Warsaw, Kraków (Poland) — growing international school provision
- Zurich, Geneva (Switzerland) — world-class international schools
Green space and outdoor life: Young children need outdoor space. Cities with good parks, playgrounds and access to nature are significantly easier for families. Amsterdam, Munich, Berlin and Warsaw all score well here.
Healthcare: Understand how the local healthcare system works for children before you move — GP registration, paediatric services, vaccination schedules and emergency care.
Community: A local expat parent community makes the transition dramatically easier. Cities with large international communities typically have well-established parent networks, playgroups and support structures.
School Options Abroad
International schools teach in English (or another language) and often follow the International Baccalaureate (IB), British or American curriculum. They are familiar, smooth the transition and allow children to maintain academic continuity. The downside: fees are high (typically €8,000–€25,000 per year per child) and they can slow language acquisition.
Local state schools are free and immersive. Children learn the local language quickly — often within 6–12 months. Research shows children adapt remarkably well when young (under 8). The challenge: initial difficulty, potential anxiety and the need for good school-level support.
Local private schools often offer a middle ground: local curriculum with smaller classes, English-speaking teachers available and a more supportive environment for new arrivals.
Which to choose? For children under 5, local state school is generally recommended — language acquisition is fast and peer integration is natural. For children aged 5–10, either option works well with good parental support. For children aged 10+, particularly those taking GCSEs or similar exams soon, an international school may offer better continuity.
Preparing Your Children for the Move
Tell them early — but not too early. Young children have a limited concept of time; telling a 4-year-old 6 months in advance creates prolonged anxiety. 2–3 months is usually about right.
Make it exciting, not scary. Frame the move around adventures, new foods, learning a new language, making new friends. Avoid language that implies loss — “leaving friends” becomes “making new friends too.”
Involve them in age-appropriate decisions. Let children choose something about their new room, pick a new toy or book about their destination country, or help pack a special box of their own belongings.
Visit before you move if possible. A short trip to your new city — exploring the neighbourhood, visiting the school, seeing local playgrounds — demystifies the destination and gives children concrete positive memories to attach to it.
Maintain routines during the move. Moving day and the immediate aftermath are disorienting. Keep bedtimes, mealtimes and familiar routines as consistent as possible during the transition period.
What to Bring — and What to Leave Behind
Bring:
- All favourite toys, books and comfort items — do not try to replace these to save shipping costs
- Children’s medical records, vaccination certificates and dental records
- School reports and reference letters from the current school
- Familiar bedding, duvet and pillow if possible — smell and familiarity comfort children in an unfamiliar environment
Consider leaving:
- Large outdoor toys (trampolines, climbing frames) — expensive to ship, often available to buy locally
- Outgrown or about-to-be-outgrown items — replace at the destination
- Bulky nursery furniture for children over 3 — a bed is a bed
Documents You Need for Children
- Valid passports for each child
- Birth certificates (originals or certified copies)
- Vaccination records
- School records and transfer letter from current school
- Medical records (request from UK GP before leaving)
- Any legal documents relating to parental responsibility or custody (if applicable)
Important for solo-parent travel: If one parent is moving with children and the other parent remains in the UK, you may need a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent for some border crossings. Check requirements for your destination country.
Settling In: The First Weeks
Register for school as early as possible. Starting school quickly is the best way to help children build friendships and a routine in the new country. Many children settle into school faster than their parents expect.
Connect with other expat families. Internations, local Facebook expat groups, school parent associations and playgroups are all good starting points. Shared experience is enormously helpful in the first weeks.
Be patient with language. Children absorb new languages with remarkable speed, but there is typically a “silent period” of 2–6 months during which they understand more than they can produce. This is normal. Do not push; encourage.
Look for signs of more serious distress. Some regression (bedwetting, clinginess, sleep disruption) is normal in a transition. If behavioural changes persist beyond 6–8 weeks or significantly worsen, speak to the school and possibly a child psychologist who specialises in international transitions.
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Easy Move provides family-friendly international removals to Germany, Netherlands, France and all major European destinations. We understand that for families, belongings are not just items — they are the objects that make a new house feel like home.
For more guidance on family relocation, see our moving abroad with family guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Moving Abroad with Young Children
What age is easiest for children to move abroad?
Under 5 is generally the smoothest — younger children adapt to new environments quickly, language acquisition is fast and natural, and they form friendships easily. School-age children (5–10) typically adapt well too. The most challenging transitions tend to be for teenagers (12–16), who are more deeply embedded in peer groups and less flexible about change.
How do I help my child learn the local language?
Enrol in local school or a local nursery/daycare — immersion is by far the most effective method for young children. Outside school, local sports clubs, music classes and playgroups provide natural language immersion. Avoid over-relying on the English-speaking expat community, which can delay language acquisition.
Do I need to bring my child’s car seat?
Yes, if you have a car. Car seat regulations vary between countries but most European countries follow EU standards. UK car seats are generally compatible with EU regulations. Bring your child’s current seat — replacing it is an unnecessary cost and your child is already familiar with it.
What happens to my child’s NHS medical record when we leave the UK?
Request a summary of your child’s medical record from your UK GP before leaving. After deregistering from the NHS, you cannot access medical records easily from abroad. Store both a physical and digital copy safely.
How do I find a good school in our new city?
Start with your removal destination city + “international school” search, consult the International Schools Database (ISB) or the Council of International Schools (CIS) directory, and ask in local expat Facebook groups. Many international schools have waiting lists, so research and apply early — ideally 6–12 months before your move.
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