As research for our Arrival Lounge – a guide for moving and living in Singapore, we chatted to Aussie expat Kate Townsend as she embarked, with her husband Danny and daughters Claudia and Grace, on her fourth international move – this time from Singapore to New York. As with everything she touches, she makes it look simple and stylish, not the messy military style operation we know it to be. Her insider tips will inspire you and serve you well.
You’ve been around girl! How many different places have you lived?
Our first posting was to Singapore in 2006 through 2009, then on to London for four years, back to Singapore and now to New York. It’s really not that many cities, it just feels like it since we were only in Singapore for 18 months this time. It is surprising how quickly you can adapt to moving, our girls are young and they are so quick to adjust so we are really lucky. If that wasn’t the case it would be so much harder, but for now we are really enjoying the ride.
So by now are you an expert expat?
I wouldn’t say an expert, but have to say I do have a “relocation” folder on my desktop full of lists and spreadsheets that have had a workout over the last few years. With all the moves, the challenges come mostly because things are unfolding at the other end and there are still ‘unknowns’ while you’re trying to plan. We are probably now more circumspect when it comes to these challenges and if that makes a more deft expat then maybe we are!
Can you share your top tips for being organised and staying sane throughout?
I’m a list girl so I have endless lists. I think the best advice I can give is to break down the enormity of the task with lists and timelines, in a calm and systematic way that works for you. There are lots of apps now with friendly user interfaces offering a central hub for multiple users to manage tasks and timing – Evernote is a good one, and so’s Any.DO. To be action oriented is also helpful. Facing the move can be paralysing and if you get too caught up in planning and don’t get stuck in, your deadline will swallow you up! Quarantining what you will need through the process in terms of your clothes, important documents and general collateral is important as a move generally means you are without many of your things for long periods of time. This is actually a good starting point.
And what about the process?
Well the first thing that comes to mind when relocating is finding a relocation company to move your possessions. To be honest I love a recommendation, from relocation services, to the best areas to live in a new city, I always just ask people for their suggestions. Researching schools, lifestyle activities, and general amenities are key ahead of a move. Ensuring you have the important things covered that can seriously impact your life are the priorities – have the kids’ schools locked in, which then dictates the general area you will live in. Work out where the hospitals or GPs and other amenities are in relation to your home. These are all things you need to do before you arrive. The things that provide a feeling of security for your family are paramount. The rest are just semantics and can be dealt with as and when they arise.
What do you do to help the girls transition?
We are really lucky, our girls are so quick to adapt. I know things would be more of a struggle if they weren’t. They are young so they get really excited about making new friends, starting new schools and exploring new places. We have always travelled so they both naturally have adventurous spirits, which we are so grateful for. Our girls have never lived in Australia so they really don’t know any different – we have always included them where we can on the planning and decision making (to an extent!) so they feel a part of the plan.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a couple of your houses and they never look temporary, what are 3 styling tips to help make a house into a home?
It can be quite difficult to set up a home not knowing how long you will be there for. We have purchased neutral but contemporary pieces that we know will fit in the next home without too much thought. I generally change cushions and throws to suit the current season or the type of home we have relocated to, but our big furniture items remain the same. We also feel strongly about how we approach our home – it is the one constant in our family life and you spend a lot of time there so we don’t compromise.
You’ve lived in Singapore twice now, what would you say about the place to people who are relocating here?
Singapore is a fabulous city to live in. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the incredible lifestyle you can access. We have made a fantastic group of friends and will always cherish our time there. It is a great place to raise young children – it is safe, clean and fun. However, it is becoming increasingly expensive and before relocating, be sure to genuinely understand the true cost of living.
What’s the single most important piece of advice for any serial relocator?
Keep an open mind and have an adventurous spirit. Each city is so different to the last so embrace the change. There are good and bad things about every city in the world, but feel privileged that you have had the opportunity to broaden your horizons and never look back.
What are you looking forward to most about life in New York?
Our girls love the theatre and got a real taste for it at an early age when we were living in London. They have already written a list of productions they want to see and not to forget their list for their shopping trip to “American Girl”. Danny and I on the other hand could just walk the streets all day long. There’s nothing like NYC!
Thanks Kate – give New York a big kiss from us!
Relocating to Singapore? Visit our Arrival Lounge to help you find your feet.