The Foreign Service Companion: Moving Your Household Without Losing Your Mind

Every day, somewhere in the world, Foreign Service community members are in the midst of moving. Some have moved a dozen times or more, and lived to tell about it! They tell their tales in this book, a collection of advice and stories to serve as your “companion” along the way. Topics covered include: • leaving the U.S. for an overseas post • returning “home” to the Washington, D.C., area • moving to other posts in the U.S. • sorting and downsizing belongings before packout • digitizing and backing up important household records • creating a home inventory • helping children of various ages deal with a move • safely shipping pets • packing for an ordered evacuation from an overseas post • planning for an unaccompanied tour • shopping for consumables for a hardship post • special considerations for foreign-born spouses • taking care of ourselves during a transfer • and much more! Personal stories, essays and entertaining anecdotes add to this collection, which was written, edited, and produced by and for the Foreign Service community. Whether you are a veteran of many Foreign Service moves or a brand-new officer or family member preparing for your first packout, there is surely something in this book that you can use--or at that will at least give you a laugh when you most need one!