Surviving the trans-Atlantic move

[Kanga]

We are 6 weeks and counting down fast to our move to Trento. Tension is building to a big ugly head at home and we're all just need to CHILL! We have a trip in April 7-13 to find a house, look at work, schools, etc. Then three weeks after that to ship or sell our stuff, not to mention our house, say bye to friends and family, wrap up work and school.... I think my blood pressure just rose writing that. Then there's the whole deal with how are we going to live until our stuff gets there, we need to at least buy beds...

Do any of you who have pulled this off have some tips? What really made a big difference in making the moving process easier on everyone?

Thanks so much,
Kanga

[KaraBoo]

We moved from Denver area to Prague over 7 years ago. At the time, our daughter was 13 months old. We sold almost every single thing we owned. We kept a few books (I mean A FEW LOL), baby toys and supplies, clothes and our cat.

My husband went in January to meet his new bosses and scope neighborhoods. We found our house online and moved to Prague in mid Feb. It was insane crazy but we were so happy we didn't really stress much until the night before the flight, finally decompressing in the hotel room (we had no mattresses or anything so had to get a hotel room).

What would I change? My changes are related to Prague life but in general, I'd spent a lot of time looking at neighborhoods and areas before committing to a house. I would have given myself a break when culture shock set in and not tried to rush it. I would have taken better care of my emotional and physical state and not only devote myself to my husband and baby.

But really, we survived. We're ok :) It's mad and stressful and beautiful all at the same time. And I'm glad we did it. Even now, when we really don't want to live here any longer. I have no real regrets.

ETA: I forgot to say congratulations on starting a new life! You're going to do fine :) You'll see. You'll find strength you never thought you had. Good luck!