Relocating family to barracks in Germany

[MrsStevo]

I'm after some advice please folks. My DH has just (yesterday!) accepted a job working for SSAFA so we will be leaving life in the UK behind for a while and shipping out to Germany. Not sure which barracks - possibly Gutersloh, Hohne or Detmold.

We have two DDs (identical twins who will be around 2yrs 6mths when we move) and a cat who we may or may not bring with us.

TBH - we never expected that DH would get the job and have been wrapped up in an enormous house selling / house buying fandango in the uk so we haven't done much research into the reality of life on base in Germany.

Can anyone offer any advice on what life will be like out there with 2 small people in tow? Or any tips on how to go about the whole moving-to-another-country thing??

TIA!

Hi MrsStevo. Sorry I don't know much about how much help and support is provided for SSAFA moving to Germany but I imagine you will have the same removals as Army families - which means the company will do all of the packing for you. They will unpack too, if you ask them to, but this just leads to a very chaotic house so I'd suggest you unpack at your own pace!

As far as life in Germany goes, I think you are going at the right time in terms of your children's ages. Although you will miss family babysitters, there is usually a good, strong network of mums with pre-schoolers. In my experience there are more stay at home mums as it is more difficult to find work but if you are planning to be at home with your twins this is ideal for you.

Lots of people take their cats - we took our dog. A bit of hassle with vets and paperwork but nothing insurmountable. Probably best to suss out the accommodation you will be in and then decide if it is suitable for your cat.

I'm sure someone will come along with more detailed info for you soon.

Hope you have a fabulous time! x

We are in Germany at the minute, at one of the bases you could end up at! What would you like to know? Germany is great for families, in my opinion, so try not to worry too much. Do feel free to message me, or just fire as many questions as you have this way.

I loved Germany and I lived in a camp not far from Hohne which shut down in the last 18 months. I think it is great for kids in BFG. Personally I am very jealous.

Your children are the best age to make the most of army living - we have just moved out if army housin as our children have got to school age - and I have to say I really miss 'patch' living - really sociable, great fun with kids, good support networks - I could go on. Enjoy!

Thanks for your replies! All sounds very promising!! We are being posted to Detmold apparently. Not sure how I feel about it as it seems quite small with not a lot going on there. Anyone else at Detmold and has children that could fill me in on what it is like there? And how close is it to Paderborn and Sennelager by car? There seems to be a bit more going on there.

Thanks-i-a for your help!