the Toolkits
Your essential relocation companion
Are you thinking about, planning or experiencing an international relocation? Whether you are moving for the first time, one more time, or the last time, there is something here for you in these toolkits. You will find information, ideas and tips, with a special emphasis on the experience of the accompanying family members.
“Our homes are defined by memories, events, people, and places that span the globe.”
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Good endings facilitate new beginnings; saying goodbyes and planning ahead are both crucial aspects of leaving well.
You and Transition
An understanding of the phases of adaptation, hidden losses, and culture shock will help you better navigate your transition.
Families and Transition
Each member of the family has their own personal experience of relocation, and they can respond very differently.
Making the Most of your Assignment
Being intentional about your adjustment can help you thrive and make the most of an assignment
Re-entry Shock
Returning to the place you left brings new challenges, particularly if you have left the duty station suddenly.
About Tools to Move
Tools To Move (TTM) is an initiative and product of the World Bank Group Family Network (WBGFN), which we refer to as Family Network. It is part of our ongoing work of being a helping hand to WBG families, and of our dynamic dialogue with our members on their relocation experiences.
We hope that you will find something in the toolkits for you, whether you are WBG staff, a consultant or a family member. There is a special focus on the experience of the accompanying partner. While the majority of accompanying partners are still women, the number of male accompanying partners is growing. In addition, WBG families are increasingly diverse, with a wider range of relocation experience.
Relocation Stories
Relocating with Teenagers
June 8, 2020
Scott and his spouse, who are Australian, relocated to Bangkok in 2018 with two teenagers. Their son is sixteen and their daughter is thirteen. Prior
Transition Tips
November 8, 2022
What choice did they really have? The parents understood it was hard for the kids, but this was their chance of a lifetime to get ahead, to make a difference in the world as well as their careers.
Impact of High Mobility on Our Children,
September 15, 2022
Once we make the decision to have a globally mobile career, the lives of our children are inevitably changed. They become third culture kids. (A
What users say
Great! Where were the Tools to Move Toolkits when we started 30 years ago We would have needed them even more in those days.
The Toolkits are very much needed!
The psychological information and practical hints
for relocation are very helpful.
There are so many people in distress upon relocating.
...spread the word that they are not alone in feeling upset!
I enjoyed learning from the Toolkits...
The content strikes me as eminently user-friendly...
What I loved the most...
is to know that many spouses feel the same.
I have read all the Toolkits and
they are excellent—A great help in moving on!
The Toolkits are wonderfully planned and
contain very valuable information.
These toolkits are indeed very informative and helpful.
The toolkits make me realize once again how lucky and privileged I am for being part of the Family Network, who has got us covered.
The toolkits are incredibly practical, relevant, valuable resources.
The tools and the text are great, and I really appreciated the bibliography about third culture kids.