By: Mary Wimmer

Moving may be part of the diplomatic lifestyle – but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Every relocation brings a mix of excitement and stress, from mountains of belongings to unpredictable shipping timelines. Fortunately, you don’t have to face it alone. The Canadian Diplomatic Family Network (CDFN) recently hosted a Members’ monthly Café with Annika Erickson-Kidd, certified home stager, downsizing expert at Comfy House, and fellow diplomatic spouse, who shared practical strategies to help families prepare and adapt.

Drawing from Annika’s advice and the lived experience of CDFN members, here are some common moving challenges and how to manage them more confidently.

Decluttering Without Becoming Overwhelm

Facing years of accumulated belongings can be paralyzing. The key is to approach it as a process, not a sprint.

• Know Your Motivation: Less stuff means fewer boxes to pack, potential savings on shipping (via the Flexible Relocation Expense Fund), and a chance to start fresh.
• Start Small: Don’t try to tackle the whole house. Choose a single drawer or shelf and see it through to completion. Small wins build momentum.
• Use a Practical Filter: Ask, “If I needed this today, would I buy this exact one again?” If not, it’s likely time to let it go.
• Declutter Before Organizing: Focus on sorting – keep, store, donate, sell, or toss. Save organizing for your new home.
• Start with Low-Emotion Items: Begin with duplicates, broken things, or items you don’t like before moving on to sentimental pieces.
• Respect Space Limits: Think of boxes, shelves, and rooms as containers. If they’re full, something needs to go. This helps remove emotional decision-making.

“The container’s limit makes the decision for you.” says Annika Erickson-Kidd.

Preparing for Packing Day

Trusting movers with your belongings can be nerve-racking, but preparation and communication go a long way.

• Be Present, Not Hovering: Stay nearby to answer questions and guide the crew but give them space to work. Keeping kids and pets out of the way helps, too. A small gesture like offering lunch or tips can foster goodwill.
• Understand What Can’t Be Packed: Movers often won’t take liquids, paint, batteries, or moldy boxes. Always confirm with your moving company and remove batteries ahead of time, especially lithium ones.
• Protect What Matters: Keep original boxes for electronics. They offer better protection and often contain key info like serial numbers. Photograph your setup before disassembling devices. Pack fragile or valuable items yourself if allowed by your insurance.
• Set Aside Essentials: Mark off a room or clearly labeled area where movers are not allowed to pack. This should include passports, tickets, medications, chargers, toiletries, keys, clothes, and anything else you’ll need during transit.

Managing Shipping Uncertainty

International shipping timelines can feel like a game of chance. It helps to plan as though your things may arrive late or even much later than expected.

• Assume Delays: Shipments often take longer than promised. Mentally prepare for this possibility.
• Pack Generously for Travel: Families increasingly rely on their checked luggage for the essentials they’ll need in the first weeks or months. Don’t skimp here.
• Be Selective About Air Shipments: If you’re offered air freight, weigh its reliability against simply bringing more in your suitcases. Sometimes air and sea shipments arrive together anyway.
• Carry-On Musts: Keep medications, essential documents, a change of clothes, chargers, and key electronics with you always.

Planning for Arrival

Settling into a new country takes groundwork, some of which can be done before you leave your current post.

• Start Research Early: Keep track of your daily routine for a few weeks, then keep a list of what services you’ll need to continue to make yourself at home when you get to post. Think about schools, doctors, dentists, banks, gyms, dry cleaners, salons, gas stations, and grocery stores in advance. A few months of lead time can make a big difference.
• Reach Out Ahead: Ask your MCO to connect you with a fellow spouse already at post, ideally someone in a similar life stage who’s been there for a while.
• Shop Strategically: Identify what products or brands are expensive or unavailable at your destination, and plan to bring them. Learn the rules for tax-free shipping abroad, and check whether movers can pick up store orders. If you’re shipping liquids, seal them tightly in leak-proof containers.

Moving Between Posts

Relocating directly from one international post to another comes with its own set of challenges, particularly around long-term storage.

• Accessing Stored Items: You can retrieve or add things to long-term storage mid-assignment, but the process takes planning and justification. You’ll need to know exactly what you’re asking for.
• Confirm Your Allowances: Shipping regulations and weight limits may vary when transferring between posts. Check the current FSDs.
• Watch for Shopping Opportunities: Occasionally, you might pass through a location where you can restock items between posts, especially useful when moving between harder-to-source destinations.

Letting Go Responsibly

Decluttering leaves you with items you no longer want or need. It’s worth taking a few extra steps to dispose of them thoughtfully.

• Donate Locally: Before departure, connect with local organizations that accept household goods, clothing, and furniture. In Ottawa, groups like Helping with Furniture and Dress for Success are great options.
• Ask Around: At post, domestic staff often know families or groups that could use gently used items. Expat clubs frequently host donation drives or buy/sell groups.
• Recycle What You Can: Make use of municipal programs for electronics, hazardous waste, and other specialty items.

No move is ever entirely stress-free, but approaching the process with a clear plan, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and leaning on the wisdom of the diplomatic community can make it far more manageable.
For professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Annika Ericsson Kidd at Comfy House Home Staging & Downsizing.

Good luck with your next adventure – and remember, the CDFN is here to support you along the way.

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