Ever thought about just packing everything up and leaving?
If, like me, you’ve thought about moving away and living somewhere abroad to start fresh more than just once in your life — and also like me, I’m sure you’ve had doubts and fears about how hard that can be — or even just simply Googled what you need to do and felt overwhelmed by the process of it all. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to be overwhelmed or feel like it’s too hard. It’s very achievable. Admittedly, it’s also terrifying at times, but here are all the things you need to keep in mind if you’re looking to move away from home.
Just for a quick bit of background: I’m from Canberra. A few years ago, I moved to Sydney, woefully underprepared, and ended up moving back home after less than a year. I spent a few years researching and preparing properly to try again, and this time I went to a place much more my vibe. I now live in Melbourne and am far happier than I was in Sydney.
Have a Set Plan
The most vital thing you can do to make the move easier is to give yourself a proper plan of action — not just a generic “London by 2026”. Sit down and work out what you’d take with you, where exactly you want to live, what you want to do for work and what jobs are available, how much money you’ll need, what moving expenses you’ll have to cover, and how much time you’ll need to get ready. Then give yourself two to three extra months and aim to save more money than your original plan stated. Unexpected expenses will absolutely arise. A proper and well-thought-out plan will immediately make this process significantly easier.
Visit Where You Want to Move
If you’ve not actually visited where you want to live, then you absolutely need to before you move. I’d been to Sydney a handful of times, but only really the CBD. Not long after I arrived the first time, I realised that even though Sydney had what I wanted to further my career, it was, however, absolutely not the place for me. Do not move somewhere if you aren’t sure it’s going to be your scene.
Thoroughly Research Areas Before Accepting a Property
This goes hand in hand with the point above. Don’t just visit the new city or town — visit the suburb you’re thinking of living in too. Don’t settle for the first property you’re approved for just because it came up. Make sure it’s safe, the right environment for you, and research its history and reputation. The first suburb I was approved for here in Melbourne was in Footscray — and no disrespect to those who live there — but it has a high crime rate and the property was less than I expected. I waited a little longer and was able to secure a better property in a safer and nicer neighbourhood.
Have an Idea of Work Before You Go
It doesn’t hurt at all to look around the area and city for work months before you go. Keep an eye on websites and pages relevant to your industry well in advance. This may actually influence where you end up looking to live. If living closer to work is important to you, then consider lining up a job before settling on a home. Put some feelers out before the move — you don’t want to be unemployed for too long in a new city (and if you can avoid it entirely, I highly recommend doing so).
Take a Nest Egg
Work out how much the move is going to cost, allow for a period where you may be unemployed if you don’t line up work before you go, and then try to save 33% more than that. You’ve just moved to a new city and want that exciting feeling — nothing will crush that faster than financial pressure. Go prepared for the unexpected and keep yourself safe. Plus you will absolutely spend so much money at the start on trying new restaurants in the area and holy hell it’s so much fun.
Force Yourself to Socialise
Once you arrive, it’s important to push yourself to be social. It’ll be very easy to be a homebody if you don’t know many people in your new city. Ask your new team at work out for drinks, join a social sport, find a running club or even a book club. You’ll often feel the urge to stay home in bed — a new city can be exhausting — but for the first year, you’re going to need to say “yes” to almost everything to build a good social network. Being in a new city can be lonely, and you need to get ahead of that quickly before it wears you down. That said — hey, if you’re in Melbourne, just moved, and looking for a friend, hit me up! (I like long walks on the beach.)
Give Yourself Room to be Terrified
It will absolutely be scary. You’ll feel homesick at some stage, and that “holy crap, what am I doing, I live so far away from everything” feeling will undoubtedly hit. Mine hit the first night in bed after the move was done — I lay there staring at the ceiling, counting the kilometres between me and my family, having a full “oh crap” crisis. It’s totally normal. This is a huge life change — I’d be shocked if you weren’t scared.
This will, at times, be overwhelming. But I am a firm believer that everyone should, at one point or another, live away from where they grew up. It’s monumentally fulfilling to do so — even if only for a time. It’s worth doing and absolutely not a waste of money. You get one life, and it’s worth trying new things, doing something bold, and chasing what brings you satisfaction.
You’ve got this.
