The Baltic nations - Lithuania, Estonia or Latvia – have very small expat communities so to make a success of living there as a foreigner you would have little choice but to integrate into the local culture. If you’re thinking of moving to the Baltics, it’s likely you’re familiar with your new home and life, but if you’re taking children and pets, are they prepared for the move.

To research you move thoroughly, a good starting point would be the British embassy in your destination country. For Lithuania, visit http://ukinlithuania.fco.gov.uk/en, for Latvia visit http://ukinlatvia.fco.gov.uk/en and for Estonia visit http://ukinestonia.fco.gov.uk/en.

Things to consider when moving with children include, unless they are very young, the chances are they will feel unsettled at the thought of moving away from the home they know. They will be leaving behind their friends, their school and their social activities, as well as relatives who may up until now have been pivotal to their daily lives.

While children are a lot quicker at picking up languages than adults, the prospect of having to navigate their way in a new school and social circle in an entirely new language will be daunting. There can be no substitute for constant encouragement, so although they will probably be babbling away like natives before a year is out, remember that those first months can be a very scary and isolated time for them. Think carefully if your child has particular educational needs. Could changing to a new educational system, in a new language, be detrimental to their formative years?
 
As regards pets, dogs especially tend to be happy as long as they are with their human family, but it is important, especially when thinking about transporting an older pet, that the move will work for them as well. Ensuring that you are close to suitable dog-walking terrain or a safe area for your cat to roam, as well as a good vet are all important things to take into consideration too.