Hello

We are moving to the UK from Florida next month. I am actually a dual citizen, but my wife is moving on a spousal visa. We will be moving to Bedfordshire to start, as I got a job as a teacher. We have 2 little boys 4 and 6 yrs old and are very excited to be moving. It has been a long time since I have been there, and I can't wait to catch up on some footy and seeing my family. My wife is excited as well, but I know it's going to be a big change for her. Does anyone have any advice on making it a smooth transition for her and the boys?

Thanks everyone!

Bobby

Hello and Welcome!
An exciting time for all! Best advice I can give is to have your wife join the forum . Also though getting her comfortable driving and getting out to know the area is the key. Possibly look at some mum groups in the area. Overall just be there, expect a few tears and frustrations over simple things like grocery shopping and doing laundry. I am sure in the end it will be a great experience for you all though! What are you going to be teaching?

Where in Florida are you moving from?

I think it's harder to move to the UK from US than people think.  I think good advice is to look forward, not back (though there will be hard days).  Don't translate the cost of everything into dollars.  Get involved in as many mommy groups as she can to meet people.  Hug her American washer and dryer before she leaves.  Bring creature comforts from home.

Welcome! MY plan is to get involved in as much as I can to become part of the community. Don't sit inside. Participate.

I've only just moved over myself in February on a Fiance visa, so I don't really know anything about the work side.

For me, it's been finding new foods that I love (HobNobs, Tangfastics, Mint Cornettos, new potatoes, Piri Piri sauce) and finding suitable replacements for things. I didn't bring much over, other than clothes, so I had to find all new hair and body products. Getting to know a grocery store is really helpful as well, the layout of the stores is VERY different than back in the states. I've enjoyed wandering around Sainsbury's and Morrisons with my new husband. It's similar as in all the fresh produce is in one area and the frozen in another, but all the packaged goods are put together in a different way then it's done in the States. Not to mention there isn't as much frozen food. That really weirds me out.

And if there is anything cooking wise, product wise, that she just can't live without...Bring as much as you can with you! You can get a lot of US products here, they are really expensive though. Right now, I want a corndog. That would be awesome.

OH! and if you have a Netflix account, once you are here in the UK you can only access the UK Netflix. A way to get around that, at least on a computer, is to download a Chrome Add-On called Hola! I use it to watch all the shows that aren't available over here.

And as a lady, getting used to the sizing difference is a bit rough. Being a size 12/14 over here is a huge blow to my ego. *sigh*

Does anyone have any advice on making it a smooth transition for her and the boys?

Welcome to UKY, Bobby!  Just be kind to each other during the transition, and understand that everyone takes their own time to get used to changes.  Some adapt more quickly, while others take a bit more time-- this is normal! 

For me, once it started to sink in that this move was actually real, and potentially permanent is when I had a bit of a panic moment!  I still run into some minor things every now and again, but having local friends definitely helps!  So I'd encourage all of you to get involved in your local communities, join groups, volunteer, go for pub quiz night every week-- whatever suits your family's lifestyle.  Be open and honest about your feelings, and be there for one another.  Best of luck!!!

And as a lady, getting used to the sizing difference is a bit rough. Being a size 12/14 over here is a huge blow to my ego. *sigh*

Give it a few years, and when you go shopping back in the US, you'll feel GREAT!!

Welcome Bobby and family!

I don't have children myself so take this advice with a grain of salt but perhaps begin psyching them up for the move in advance.  Show them pictures of where they're going and all the things that you're going to do so that they will look forward to it when the time comes.  An international move is exciting no matter what your age!

When it comes to US vs UK sizing, I have the most issue finding shoes that fit.  I am a solid 8 1/2 in the US but have such difficulty finding half sizes in the UK!

When it comes to US vs UK sizing, I have the most issue finding shoes that fit.  I am a solid 8 1/2 in the US but have such difficulty finding half sizes in the UK!

Me too Beatlemania, I'm like a 6.5-7 in the States and the 4 is a bit tight and the 5's fall off my feet.