What It’s Like Moving to Different Countries (AKA: How I’ve Become a Master at Starting Over)

What It’s Like Moving to Different Countries

Some people love stability. They plant roots, settle down, and build a life in one place.

Me? I’ve lived in five different countries—Bulgaria, Denmark, Sweden, Spain (for five years!), and now the UK—with my two kids and a dog in tow. So at this point, I’m basically an expert in packing up our lives, throwing us into a new culture, and figuring out how to survive without looking like total tourists.

The truth is, I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere. Not really. And as someone who never quite fit in where I was born, I did my best to get out of Bulgaria as soon as I could. I was nineteen when I first moved to another country with no intention of going back. Before that my only experience abroad "alone" (it was a school project so technically not alone but without parents) was a month spent in Germany when I was 12.

Sooo.... Staying in one place, doing the same things, living the same life day after day? Yeah, not for me. So, I left. And then I kept leaving. And honestly? I love it.

Because as much as moving can be chaotic, exhausting, and occasionally ridiculous (like the time I had to argue with a Spanish landlord using Google Translate because I didn’t know the word for "leak" while my dog barked and wanted to bite her), I thrive on new beginnings. Some people find comfort in routine—I find it in the unknown. Maybe that’s a bit of a psychopath trait, but there’s something exciting about starting fresh, learning a new culture, and figuring out a whole new way of life.

Step 1: The “This Is Going to Be Amazing!” Phase

This is the part where I convince myself that moving is the greatest idea ever. A fresh start! A new adventure! Think of all the culture we’ll absorb!

I romanticize everything.

Reality check: The kids are constantly asking "Which way? When are we going to be there? Can we see that place I read about online?" and I have no idea where we are and what is happening. The dog is deeply confused about the new surroundings. And within a week, I’m standing in a supermarket, staring at a shelf of unfamiliar food items, realizing I have no idea what I’m doing.

Step 2: The Language Struggle (AKA: What Did I Just Say?!)

I’d love to say I’m one of those people who just picks up languages effortlessly, but let’s be real—learning a new language fluently can't happen in a few months.

• Denmark & Sweden: Scandinavian efficiency? Great. Scandinavian languages? A puzzle my brain refuses to solve. I can pick out familiar words, but the moment someone speaks at full speed, I just nod politely while my brain internally crashes.

• Spain: I thought I was getting good at Spanish—until a local rattled off a sentence, and I realized I understood exactly two words. To be honest Valenciano isn't exactly Spanish so... maybe that was it.

• UK: Finally, a country where I speak the language! Easy, right? Wrong. The British have more slang than I ever expected. First time someone said, “You alright?” l almost took it as an offense. The dog, however, understood “fancy a walk?” immediately, so at least one of us was adapting.

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Step 3: The Cultural Adjustment (AKA: Why Does Everything Work Differently?)

Every country has its own way of doing things, and no matter how much research I do beforehand (honestly I'm not much of a researcher, it bores me), I always end up confused about something.

• Denmark & Sweden: Everything is clean, organized, and efficient. But why does it get dark at 3 PM in winter? And why does everyone leave work at 4 PM?

• Spain: Ah, Spain. Where time is a suggestion, siestas are sacred, and dinner at 10 PM is normal. The dog was thrilled—he got extra naps. The kids? Excited. And me, the night owl, I felt likethis schedule was made for me.

• UK: Tea. So many clouds. So much rain. I didn't know I could miss.... seeing colors.... Also, I thought I knew how to queue properly, but I was wrong. The British have turned it into an art form.

Step 4: Moving a Family = Organized Chaos

Moving alone is an adventure. Moving with kids and a dog? That’s a logistical nightmare disguised as an adventure.

Every move involves:

✔ Keeping track of paperwork, luggage, and .... everything

✔ Finding pet-friendly housing (Why does every landlord in the UK hate dogs?).

✔ Wondering how we still have so much stuff, even though I swear I decluttered before the last move.

✔ Pretending I have everything under control when, in reality, it’s organized chaos at best.

And yet, somehow, we always pull it off.

The Ultimate Goal: California, But Until Then…

As much as I love the thrill of moving, the goal has always been to finally settle. One day, I’ll land in a place that feels like home, and at this point, that place is California.

But am I ready to pack up my life again just yet? Not quite. The UK has been good to us (minus the weather), but let’s be honest—I can only tolerate so many gray skies before I start dreaming of sunshine. So, if history repeats itself, I’ll probably end up in Portugal next.

Because the pattern is clear: I stay in a place until I get tired of it, then I pack my bags and chase the next adventure. And right now? Portugal is very high on my wishlist. Sun, beaches, relaxed lifestyle—sounds like a pretty good plan.

At least until California finally calls my name.....

Final Thoughts: Home is a Moving Target

After living in so many places, I’ve realized that home isn’t just one place—it’s a collection of experiences, memories, and little pieces of every country I’ve lived in.

Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and the UK have all shaped me in different ways. Each move taught me something new—how to adapt, how to let go, how to start over. And while constantly moving has its challenges (like never knowing which electrical plugs I need), I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

And the kids? They’ve grown up knowing the world is bigger than one city, one country, one way of life. They’ve learned to be adaptable, open-minded, and resilient. They have friends from all over the world and learned to accept and celebrate differences. I'm so proud of them. They are and will always be my best decision, my biggest inspiration, and my stars.

As for the dog? Well, as long as she gets his walks, she’s happy.

So, will we move again? Absolutely.

Because as much as I dream of settling in California, I know myself too well. The thrill of the new is always calling. And until I find the one place that truly makes me want to stay forever… I’ll keep chasing it.

(But seriously, UK weather? You’re making this decision way too easy.)

What It’s Like Moving to Different Countries