Hi Folks,

We are leaving very very soon and I am trying to think about what we will need to put in our pre-shipment boxes that will go straight to our temporary appartment.

I believe we will have everything include like a crib, etc. So what I have to think about it's to bring toys, clothes, books, meds, etc.

But is there any parents here who have the experience of living in a temporary appartment with young kids who could share some good tips?

Did you find it difficult? Is there something you wish you had with you but didn't think of being important when you packed?

Nil

I am sure someone here have an experience to share!

It depends where you are going. If US, no sweat since you can instantly buy everything.

I think she is going somewhere eastern. You should definitely put meds and maybe some dry food just in case its difficult to find immediately things the kid likes. And dont forget phone chargers

My friend made sure she had the her daughters bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows, etc) so that even though she was sleeping in a different bed, she was still in a (somewhat) familiar environment. Her child was 5 so she slept in a single bed. Don't know if my tip helps you.

The only thing I really missed was our second seat attachment for our Phil & Teds stroller...

Otherwise, a few toys for the kids and of course the netbook for me were necessary items! And their favorite sippy cups/bottles

I think we had the infant swing sent by air shipment as we had a 3 month old at the time, as well as a pack and play to sleep in

When we came to Switzerland we stayed in temp accom for 2 months with a 2yo and 4yo. There were things that helped us and things we didn't need.

+ laptop with movies and tv shows (saves carting dvds, relying on other tvs)
+ arriving on a day the shops are open (for immediate food item necessities)
+ kids slept in same room (started a couple of months before move) their comfort was with each other not in 'things' (plus some disposable mattress protectors)
+ investigate house for safety issues (a ladder to a mezzanine may be good for a 10yo, not a 2yo) and make some new rules, keep standard family rules (identify your naughty corner)
+ keep evening/bedtime routine the same
+ take standard medicines with you, including plasters

- we were woefully unprepared for the weather and took some clothes we did not need. We arrived on new years eve in the snow with nothing waterproof and having just spent xmas in the tropics. I had the relocation agent come with me to buy shoes for the kids (thankgod she knew what to look for)
- it took almost a month to get internet access in the house
- our apartment was nowhere near the shops and we only had a rental car for one week, which meant either no car or a hasty car purchase (do not attempt to buy a car in January in the snow. Car yards were piles of whiteness and it was subzero in the wrong shoes)
- the child car seats were Ok for oz, but not for europe

+ we treated it like a holiday and did special family outings on the weekends

Laptop, charger, with movies for kids on it, travel and medical ebooks, skype headphones, Nappies, nappy sacks, and medical stuff. Tourist guide book (paper) for the area, Electric kettle, tea bags, dried milk for emergencies. It is easy to take too much stuff. You can plan/print out routes from the flat to key locations (train station, shopping centre, hospital) up front with google maps before you go. Oh, a 12v to 240v AC convertor for laptop and phone chargers on the move.

Really Nil best of luck with the move. Barcelona is a city that has everything and stores and supermarkets are opened till 10 (ok some till 8) but I am sure you will find everything.

Just your Amex card. Barcelona is a 24 hour city and you can get anything, any time. Just relax, this is going to be much easier than Switzerland.

Along with all the important things you will be carrying, don't forget to carry their favorite toy (doudou? ) and a list of all the emergency numbers like doctors, nearest hospital, phone number of their ped in Switzerland (just in case), etc.

Good luck with your move.

Thanks guys!

Not easy for me to not be in total control of what is going on and what is going to happen....



I don't have much of concern with a toddler but with a newborn, it is a lot to think about. And my head still in a foggy mode.

Hey Nil, temporary accommodation is just that.....temporary. I know you are a very resourceful person and will do fine. My trick for staying organised is to make lists. We are also moving and I am in "list mode". Also, the more you know about the temp apartment the better prepared you can be so perhaps you can have someone who is local give you a detailed inventory so you really take only what is essential. Best of luck with the move.

Nil, if you need some tips and tricks on Spain, let me know. I have quite a bit of experience being an expat with a baby/toddler/child in Spain :-)

Beba is e.g. called Nidina in Spain.

Good luck with the move and look what I have found...it's not like you are moving to a jungle, best is to ask local expats and locals who hang on the plethora of forums there.


http://www.spainexpat.com/
http://www.expatforum.com/expats/spa...-living-spain/
http://www.thespainforum.com/
http://www.expatica.com/es/main.html
http://www.expatsinspain.co.uk/
http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=75
http://www.expatintelligence.com/expat-spain.shtml

Awesome!

I am thrilled to go but I never been there! So don't know what to expect!

Im starting to believe IQ has a correlation with username...

The moors were kicked out of Spain some time ago, dont expect a happy welcome.

Barcelona is fabulous. I think you'll enjoy it. I've been there a few times, and I've always found it to be friendly - despite the fact that my Catalan is non-existant. The food is yummy, too, the views, etc etc etc.

I've been there in the summer a couple of times and I was really impressed at the sight of families strolling together late in the evening (with little kids) - part of it I know is the culture of eating dinner late, but it seemed very family oriented. I hope it will be a good experience for you. There are some scary parts, of course - but then every large city has those.

My understanding is that Catalan shares a lot with French, so you might pick up the local language quickly.

I wish I could offer advice about temporary apartment.

Wow you are going to barcelona All you have to learn to Clap your hands . You come home late at night ,you clap your hand und a guy comes and open you house door

Beside being insulting, what is your point?

Source here