01/05/2024
When you move abroad, don’t just relocate.Move.
So often I’m asked what my biggest tips for moving abroad are.
And to be honest - too many that’s exactly why I have an Instagram, Blog and now Podcast to share them with you. 😅
But one on my mind lately, and apologies for messy wording but essentially: if you are moving abroad, don’t bring your whole life with you, you need to let some things go and start new.
I mean this in so many levels:
🧳Materially: cmon. Your new place is not going to be that big. You do not need to bring EVERYTHING. Especially not great-aunts silverware you haven’t touched in decades nor the clothes you are still just waiting til they fit.
❤️Emotionally: many of us move abroad for a reason. Make sure those reasons aren’t following you. This may be as easy as cutting ties, but more often it means you need to do some work, some healing. Find someone to talk to, pick up a journal and work through what’s holding you.
👍 Culturally/Routinely: Your life in your new home will NOT be the same. People are different from you, habits are different, gyms, coffee, driving, social gatherings, it’s all different. While I do believe in staying true to who you are, try new things in your new home. Accept things are different and try to first run with it.
👯♀️Friends: no, I’m NOT saying cut out the old. They will be such a great support. But as your life changes, make some room for new ones as well who understand the world you are living in (that might be other foreigners, locals, whoever!) Messaging and FaceTiming friends back home can be great, but calling a friend to go out for a coffee in person can ease you into the new life.
🌿celebrate your life in Italy, but remember it’s still just your life.
The grass is greener where you water it and that is so so so true when you move.
Unless you change, you move, instead of just relocate, your life is going to be the same. So try something new, and get ready for a whole new life abroad.
