Packing to Move to Europe

The trip is finally starting to take shape day by day and becoming more of a reality than a fantasy. It’s officially on the calendar now, a big bright bold reminder that this adventure is happening. I’m talking about it with family and friends more casually now, almost like it’s no big deal. “Oh, just heading off to France for a solo journey!” It’s no longer a far-off pipe dream but a tangible plan. I’m now at the packing paradox part of my journey, and packing to move to Europe.

But when I am alone with my thoughts, I can’t help but think “OMG, only 66 days left!” I’m about to embark on a solo trip to a foreign country – by myself! Can you imagine? It’s a little bit terrifying, a little bit thrilling and a whole lot of “holy cow, what have I gotten myself into?!”

But hey, life’s too short not to take bold leaps. Bring on the French pastries, the Mediterranean sun, and probably some awkward language mishaps! I’m ready!

YOLO

I’ve always been a die hard believer in the phrase YOLO- You Only Live Once. Seriously, what’s life if you’re not out there chasing new experiences, trying wild things, and diving headfirst into adventures. Traveling has always been at the top of my list, and I’ve always tried to squeeze every drop of excitement out of each trip. But this? This is going to be my most YOLO moment yet. It’s the kind of all encompassing life-changing, “I can’t believe I am doing this” experience that makes all other YOLO moments look like a casual stroll in the park. 

I mean, this solo adventure to a foreign country we’re talking about! I’m about to leap into the unknown. So buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride filled with laughs, new discoveries and hopefully some delicious french food. Let the YOLOing begin!

The quote, “Do not be afraid of your fears. They are not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know something is worth it” – C. Joybell really sums up my whole philosophy on life. I find that if something makes you a little bit nervous it helps you stretch and experience new things. Fear isn’t the enemy- it’s that annoying whisper in your ear that tells you “Hey this is going to be worth it.

The To-Do List: Packing to Move to Europe

I’ve been checking off a mountain of to-dos to get ready for this big adventure and I’m finding it’s a lot more than packing a suitcase. Some of the key details I have been working on lately include:

Zoom meetings with Relocation Agencies

Thanks to my incredibly helpful daughter (shout out to her great advice). I’ve set up two Zoom meetings with different relocation agencies. These agencies are lifesavers if I decide to stay in France longer term. They handle practically everything. Ranging from helping me find a place to live (whether an apartment or house), reviewing leases, sorting out house/apt insurance, connecting utilities, setting up phone lines and WiFi, opening a bank account. They even help navigate a French driver’s license. They also connect you with a tax advisor. As an expat, I’ll still need to pay U.S. taxes on any retirement or Social Security payments I receive. The two agencies I’m working with are Smart Relocation and comeliveinfrance.com. Both companies I highly recommend if you’re also dreaming of making a move abroad. 

The Dog Prep

My dogs, Lily and Lucy, each have two scheduled appointments to make sure they’re USDA-compliant for international travel. The first appointment has to happen at least 21 days before the flight with a USDA vet. At the appointment both dogs will get international microchips and a one-year rabies shot. Then within 10 days of flying they’ll have a second appointment where the USDA certified vet fills out a Health Certificate. This form will then get sent to APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Service Endorsement Office, where they’ll stamp and date it and send it back to me via FedEX. The airline needs all this paperwork before I board and customs in France will also want to see it when we land.

Packing to Move to Europe

Then there’s packing ….. Which is a whole other beast. I’ll be living in Menton, which is a gorgeous, sunny southern climate for a month and a half, so light and breezy clothes are a must. But for the second half of the trip I’ll be in Annecy, a city in the Alps with winter temps. So now I’ve got to pack for both climates- southern warmth and alpine chill – and make sure I’ve got exactly what I need for both

So while I’m busy navigating the logistics of relocating, flying with two dogs and packing to move to Europe. I’m so ready for this next chapter. 

Thanks for being here,

-Soraya

Want to learn more about flying internationally with dogs? Check out my post Moving To Europe With Dogs