I’ve agreed to emigrate but Now I’m terrified!! Help me!

[Mrsdoubtfire1234]

I met my dh when we were both 21 and I was travelling around America, I found him in New York and brought him back to England with me 3 months later and we have been together ever since. Now 10 years later I have agreed to move back to the USA with him. We will be moving to Florida and he has a really good job offer, obviously I will miss my friends and family loads but he gave up his life for me so I’m not complaining about that. We have 3 dc 8,4,3 and I know they will love it out there but sunndely I had a panic this morning and have been crying all day not because I don’t want to go but I am so overwhelmed. My husband is great but works 12 hour days 7 days a week so has nothing to do with paying bills, bank accounts or anything like that. I have no idea of how to pack up 5 people and 2 dogs and get us and all of our stuff to the other side of the world. And I have all these irrational fears about not knowing how to pay a cheque into the bank, where to find a doctor, setting up our bank accounts our tv, internet etc and just generally no knowing how the country works. Please someone give me so sort of reassurance.

Wow, how exciting. I’m sure the kids would love it

Can you search for an expat forum? I’m sure they would advise on all the practicalities

Bank account - he will have a social security number which helps. Ask his Work for a letter detailing his position and salary as that will also help. Then pick your bank (Bank of America is fine if you just want to sort something initially and then figure out a better deal later).

Cheques (checks as they are in America) you can take to the bank and pay in as usual. They also offer drive thru banking so no need to actually get out of the car.

Bills. Depending on salary/his tax records you may need to pay for some services in advance. Some won’t allow direct debit and you’ll have to actually remember to pay monthly.

TV. We didn’t bother and just use prime/Netflix. Most internet providers do an all in package that includes tv. Ask a neighbor or two about who does reliable internet in your area.

Doctor. Sign up to zoc doc. It will list doctors in the area who take your insurance. Again neighbors will probably be happy to make recommendations

Are you funding the move or is the job? Can you afford to outsource the work of packing the house, etc?

Dogs. They’re companies who will do it for you but this is the one bit I wanted to manage myself. Any airline who carries them will talk you through the process.