Expats come from all walks of life, and from many different countries.
But here in the UK, Europe is a popular destination for British people and their families to relocate and embark on the life of being an expat and living abroad.
“You may have decided to move to another country in order to experience a new culture or to change your current way of life.
Perhaps work, study or family commitments have influenced your decision. Whatever the motives for your move, it’s likely that while living in a new country can be full of excitement and positive experiences, there will be growing pains and difficulties along the way.”
Why move to Europe?
Europe is an epicentre for expats, with 2.7 million foreigners moving to the EU in 2019 alone.
There are several reasons for this that include job opportunities, good salaries, higher standard of living. Not to mention diverse cultures and history, lively cities, beautiful countryside, and great food!
Also, for many, ancestral links continue to attract people of all ages to travel, study, work, live and relocate to Europe.
Who relocates to start a new life abroad?
Some people are keen to permanently settle in one place, while others commute annually back to the UK too.
From digital nomad travellers, students, and remote workers who decide to settle, to individuals and families who choose a new life in another country, and retired people seeking a place in the sun – as well as those who relocate for work. All of these relocations need great research, planning, required paperwork to move goods across borders and the channel, and the all logistics of moving.
Choosing a dependable, established and reliable removals company is key.
Some of the things to consider when choosing a new country to settle in
This is an extensive list! But it covers things like healthcare, money matters, the ability to open bank accounts, property rental or buying.
Staying connected to old friends while making new friends in your new adopted country forms part of the emotional links that unite your old and new worlds.
Which country is right for you?
When you plan your move, it’s important to remember that some countries may be better suited to you and your family than others. So, a good suggestion is to first research, research, research! Find out the European countries that are the best for expats, and also for your particular set of needs, aims, and family.
What are the best European countries to live in right now?
According to The Expat Insider 2022 Report: Portugal is the best destination for expats in Europe. And Portugal comes 4th in the overall rankings for the best global expat destination, particularly for its sunshine and good social life.
Nine out of ten expats surveyed said they enjoy the climate and weather, and that people are friendly and open. In contrast, they also mentioned that it is harder to deal with the local bureaucracy. And that the job market and career opportunities are not as strong as other destinations. However, 85% of expats said they are happy with their life in Portugal.
Portugal is one of the favoured destinations that we’ve moved our customers to, and we can do the same for you.
Spain offers expats the best quality of life
Although coming in 5th in the overall rankings of the same report, Spain was voted top expat global destination for quality of life out of 11 thousand participating expats. Access to healthcare options seem to be favoured. Like Portugal, career opportunities and levels of pay weren’t rated highly.
However, many expats from the UK relocate to Spain as part of their retirement plans. And the good food and great weather more than make up for it!
France, Belgium, Italy and Germany are also among the popular European destinations for expats.
According to a seasoned British expat, there are 8 tips for settling into a new country successfully
- Be open minded
- Improve your language skills
- Make new friends
- Don’t forget your old friends
- Know what you’re getting into
- Plan ahead
- Seek out help when and if needed
- Expect the Unexpected!
Getting there – the relocation begins!
Part of the planning process includes choosing the right expert pair of hands when it comes to deciding on your removal company.
We have been moving our customers for nearly fifty years, including many, many moves across the channel between the UK and Europe.
And these days, with the requirements of Brexit, we know how to navigate all the necessary paperwork to make your relocation and move to Europe stress-free.
One-step door-to-door move for peace of mind
When it comes to moving, we pick up your valued goods at your doorstep – whether you are moving from the UK to Europe, or returning to the UK.
Your goods stay with us every step of the way.
They do not leave our trucks until they are offloaded on the other side at your new doorstep. There is no third party local company involved. No changeover. Your entrusted items stay in the very same truck from start to finish.
For extra services that might be needed, we can also pack surplus goods directly into our containers and store them in our 24/7-secure large storage facility in the UK.
You are not alone in your new move!
We guide and plan with you every step of the way when it comes to transporting your treasured items.
And while things certainly will be different and new, there are local expat groups, internet forums, friends and colleagues who can all be an excellent source of advice to help you get settled in your new life abroad.
Home Moves. Office Moves. Business Moves.
We provide Local, National and International Removals, Packing, and Storage services to Domestic and Commercial customers.
You find a place, and we’ll take you there!
