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.
Lately, it seems like everyone is searching for minimalist lifestyle tips to transform their homes and habits. Luckily, there’s no secret formula or set of rules to begin living a minimalist lifestyle. With a few simple strategies, you can start reaping the benefits of a life with less stuff and more meaning.
Making friends as an adult is hard. But making friends abroad is even harder. Aside from the potential language barrier, you’re also a cultural outsider. And if you’re naturally shy, this feeling of not belonging can steer you down a path of Netflix binges instead of friendship building.
So you want to move to London: congratulations! Moving to London from the US was one of the best decisions of my life. But it didn’t come without its challenges. That’s why I’ve compiled a detailed moving to London checklist to help you navigate the process.
In 2018, my husband and I relocated to London from the US with little more than our clothes, some small electronics, and a few personal items. Before the move, we were living in a fully furnished, 1,900 square foot house. Selling everything and starting over sounds romantic at first, but when you’re standing in the kitchen wondering how to sell a can opener, reality sets in quickly.
Britain is a nation of dog lovers. Even in a metropolis like London, it’s not uncommon to see Labradors frolicking in the park or Yorkshire terriers trying to keep up during a morning jog. And yet, renting in London with a dog is difficult.
How many bank accounts and credit cards do you have? When you become an expat, that number could easily double. And depending on your new country, you could be juggling two or three different currencies as well!
Our quest to find a flat in London was nothing like an episode of House Hunters International. Unfortunately, it was a lot more involved than spending an afternoon looking at attractive properties and choosing our favorite of the three.
Photo albums. Board games. A wedding dress. It’s remarkable how much stuff we accumulate over time. But if you learn how to declutter before moving abroad, you can purge the excess and make a few bucks in the process.
