I just could not put the title for this post into words without it being a paragraph. We have been in full gear with getting ready to PCS back to the States from Japan in couple months.
As I have been preparing the house for the movers to come and pack everything to be shipped to the States, I have been going through things that can be given away, sold, or trashed. Along the way, we have been telling toddler girl about moving back to the States. She is very excited about it. She and I have picked some small toys that she can keep and bring on the plane with her. I even ordered a few special things for her, since she will be without the majority of her things for TWO months!!
Like I said, she is excited, but the problem is she thinks we will go to States a couple weeks and then come back to Japan. In August we went back to the States on emergency leave for two weeks and then flew back to Japan. She thinks that is what we are going to do again. We moved to Japan a few months after she turned one. Japan is really all that she knows. This is home to her.
Today, she said, “I think I want to leave this toy and that toy in my room for when we come back”. I sat her down and tell her that no, you don’t have to leave anything. You can take everything with you. A few special things on the plane, but the movers will pack everything for you and send it to the house for when you get there.
Today was our pre-inspection for pack out. The moving company came to do a walk- through to see how much stuff we have to ship. And then in about two weeks, they will be back to pack in boxes, then into big wooden crates that will be shipped to the States. We are packing out somewhat early, because here in Japan we can get loaner furniture to use until we leave. The loaner furniture includes sofa, bed, dressers, etc. But once we are in the States, we would be without all our household goods if we waited to pack out near our actual date to leave Japan.
She seems to understand, that we are not coming back to live in Japan. At least, not any time soon. I also told her, that some of her friends that are here would also be moving to the same State we will be moving to. She was happy to hear that and ready to plan get-togethers with them. But today we worked in her room to put her clothes into those huge Ziploc vacuum bags. It became real to her that we will be moving. She actually had a little melt down. We put the work on the back burner for the rest of the day. It has been movies and playing games. Plus, we had a typhoon today, so what better way to spend the day inside!
We will keep working on making this move easy for her. But also letting her be involved in helping with the move.
Here is a look back at our first few days of arriving in Japan in 2010.
On the flight from Hawaii to Japan.
Arriving at Narita Airport in Tokyo
Driving around! Headlights on in the tunnel please.
Exploring Enoshima Island.
Exploring Enoshima Island.
Have you had to move with a toddler? Share your experience.
What were the things that help make the move easy?
What is the longest distance you have moved with or without a toddler?
About the Author
Jay Creed
Content Creator + Editor
Jay is the Content Creator + Editor here at Life of Creed. She shares her adventures in homeschooling, traveling, beauty, mental health, fashion, product + music reviews, DIY, and more. She is also a blog coach + mompreneur consultant over at Jay Creed.
We moved to AZ from CA with our 4 year old and it was fun. He thought it was an adventure. Now traveling like you overseas – not sure if I would even be a good girl doing that!! ha/ha
I hope everything goes well with the move. It will take a while for your daughter to adjust.
PCSing with kids half way around the world is no joke! Our travels were trecherous. Luckily Jameson was only one so we couldn’t really prepare him or help him understand what was about to happen. After the move though, we made a lot of sacrifices to offer him a predictable routine as soon as we arrived. We wanted to explore, but instead focused on helping him feel settled for the first few weeks. We also tried to keep his room as much the same as it was in the states. Same stuff set up the same way. It seemed to also help. Thanks for sharing! This will be great advice for us when we leave Japan!
Lauren, coming to Japan was a lot easier. Toddler girl was one and like you we couldn’t prepare her. It was all fun and exploring for a her. But now, she has so many emotions and Japan really is all she knows. It’s home to her. Lately, we have not had a much of a routine, so I will be glad to get back to a steady routine for her.
Wow! I couldn’t imagine moving intercontinentally! We are “PCSing” right now, I put quotes because my husband is retiring and they are just moving us to the final destination and I am struggling!
Oh wow! I can’t imagine this type of move with a little one! I’m just looking into moving a little farther down the street and I’m already stressed about it! You sound like a pro.
Awwwww I remember a similar situation moving from NJ to GA with our kids…..but they were so little they adjusted super quick so Im sure she will be fine
Best of luck, girl! I cannot imagine how rough moving overseas with a little one might be — the transition alone sounds hard. But I know she’ll love this new adventure!
I confess, I didn’t know what PCS meant and had to look it up! Thanks to your spouse and you for your military service and sacrifice. I also can’t imagine moving with little ones, and helping them transition from one place to another. I hope all goes well for you!