Moving to Europe: 5 Things I Would Do Differently After Living in 5 European Countries

Living abroad changes the way you see the world.

Between my husband and me, we’ve lived in Spain, Germany, Belgium, France, and Switzerland. These weren’t short visits. We built real lives there - working, navigating bureaucracy, learning languages, forming friendships, and even welcoming one of our children while living in Europe.

So when people ask me, “If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?” my answer isn’t about visas, paperwork, or even choosing the perfect city.

It’s about preparation.

Moving abroad is rarely just about deciding to go. It’s about understanding what daily life will actually look like once you arrive - and setting yourself up for a smoother transition.

Here are a few things I would focus on much more intentionally if we were preparing to move to Europe again.

1. Spend More Time Choosing the Right Location

Many people begin their move-abroad journey by choosing a country.

But in reality, your experience abroad is shaped far more by your city or neighborhood than the country itself.

The lifestyle in Barcelona is very different from life in a small town in northern Spain. The pace of life in Brussels feels different from Antwerp. Even within the same country, culture and daily rhythms can vary dramatically.

If I were doing it again, I would spend more time considering things like:

• Walkability

• Public transportation

• Access to parks and green space

• Community atmosphere

• Cost of living in specific neighborhoods

Where you live determines what your everyday life actually feels like.

2. Understand That Convenience Looks Different

One of the biggest adjustments for many Americans moving to Europe is that daily life often requires a little more intention.

In many places:

• Stores may close earlier.

• Shops may close on Sundays.

• Grocery shopping may happen more frequently with smaller purchases.

• Apartments may not have the same storage space you’re used to.

At first, these differences can feel inconvenient.

But over time, many people realize these rhythms encourage a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

Preparing mentally for that shift can make the transition much easier.

3. Build Community Earlier Than You Think

Moving abroad can feel exciting and adventurous - but it can also feel lonely at first.

One thing I would do differently is prioritize community-building much earlier.

That might mean:

• Joining local groups

• Attending language exchanges

• Participating in neighborhood events

• Connecting with other international families

• Finding hobbies that involve other people

Community doesn’t always happen automatically. Sometimes you have to create it intentionally.

4. And If You’re Moving with Kids…Language Matters More Than You Think

Here’s something many families don’t fully anticipate when moving abroad.

What matters most for children adjusting to a new country isn’t always the school system or the activities available.

It’s whether they can connect with other kids.

And that connection often comes down to language.

Children can absolutely learn new languages quickly. But even a little exposure before the move can make a big difference.

Understanding basic phrases helps them:

• Join playground conversations

• Participate in classroom activities

• Build friendships sooner

• Feel more confident in their new environment

It doesn’t have to be perfect.

But familiarity makes the first few months much easier.

5. Give the Experience Time to Unfold

Moving abroad is not a vacation - it’s building a life.

There will be moments when everything feels exciting and new.

There will also be moments when things feel frustrating or unfamiliar.

Both are part of the process.

The key is giving yourself and your family time to adjust and allowing the experience to unfold naturally.

Living in Europe shaped our lives in ways we couldn’t have predicted.

It expanded how we see the world, introduced us to incredible people, and gave our family experiences we will always carry with us.

And if we were preparing to do it all over again, the biggest lesson would simply be this:

Preparation isn’t about controlling every detail.

It’s about setting yourself up so you can fully experience the life waiting for you once you arrive.

If you’re exploring the possibility of living abroad and want guidance on choosing the right country, navigating visas, and preparing for the realities of life overseas, you can explore more resources through Best Life Abroad.

Because creating the life you want - anywhere - is possible.

Grab my FREE quick-start guide:

✨ The Do This Now: Checklist! Your roadmap to the simple actions you can take TODAY to make your future move smoother and easier.

📥 Download it here: https://www.yourbestlifeabroad.com/freechecklist