Buying groceries in London is more than a necessary chore. It’s an act that defines your very place in society. Or at least that’s the impression I got when researching London grocery stores after moving here from the US.

Buying groceries in London is more than a necessary chore. It’s an act that defines your very place in society. Or at least that’s the impression I got when researching London grocery stores after moving here from the US.

If you had asked me two years ago about the advantages of living abroad, I would have said something about traveling more and trying new foods. But after a few years of expat life, I’ve discovered that there are more meaningful reasons to live abroad than eating and sightseeing. Though I do my fair share of those activities as well…

The biggest mistake you can make when relocating overseas is not using a moving abroad checklist. Juggling visa applications, apartment searches, and farewell parties will leave you feeling utterly drained. And in those chaotic, stressful months leading up to the big day, you’ll barely remember to eat, let alone cancel your Hulu subscription that only gets used twice a year.

Moving abroad is a major life event for anyone who is brave enough–and lucky enough–to take the leap. While being an expat is exciting, fun, and eventful, it can also be challenging. From making friends to figuring out where to buy groceries, the difficulties of living in a foreign country can feel insurmountable at times.

One of the most difficult struggles for first-time expats is settling into a new country. While sorting out visas and packing for an overseas move may feel like overwhelming challenges at the time, they pale in comparison to the many hurdles of adapting to a new culture.

Every week, I field emails and DMs from people who need help relocating to London from overseas. And it’s no surprise, because the process is complex, expensive, and downright confusing at times. Luckily, there’s one sure-fire way to save your sanity: hiring a relocation agent.

If I’ve learned anything from three long-distance moves, it’s that we underestimate how much stuff we own. And if you’re relocating abroad, it’s not practical (or financially possible) to bring all your worldly possessions. Figuring out what to leave and what to pack is a daunting process without a moving abroad packing checklist.


It’s no secret that the average cost of living in London is one of the highest in the world. Before we moved here from the US, I did a ton of research on monthly expenses in London. Knowing what to budget for was so helpful, especially when it came to finding a London apartment that wouldn’t cost 70% of our salaries!
My first year living in London was a whirlwind. It’s incredible how much I’ve learned in 12 short months, like how to eat with a fork in my left hand. And though I did a TON of advanced research before we arrived, there are some lessons I learned only after moving to London.

In April 2018, my husband, dog, and I moved to London from the US. Starting a new life abroad had been a long time dream of ours. And while we did plenty of research and self-reflection before the move, there were a few surprises waiting for us across the pond.
