The decision is taken: you are leaving Italy. Now the preparation period starts and it isn’t a trivial job. A well-planned relocation can ensure that you don’t forget anything important and ease your adaptation in your new country, but where to start? From sorting out taxes, health coverage and permits to searching for a school, house or even a furniture storage solution, there are plenty of things to do and the earlier you work on them, the better. The home search is one of the first things expats should focus on as a lot of decisions depend on it –i.e. which school should you choose for your children- and obviously, it isn’t a minor choice. Selecting the right home will contribute to your well-being and it can make a difference on how well you adjust to your new country. Throughout the years, we have identified some important areas to focus on: 1. Location At the time of deciding the neighborhood (or town) where you would like to live, ask yourself the following questions: -Is it convenient to commute to work? - Can my children easily go to school and to other extra-curricular activities? - Is there public transport nearby or a school bus route? - Are there shops and other amenities within a reasonable distance? - Is it a quiet and family-friend area? 2. Affordability Many people choose their future homes before they leave Italy. This is not necessarily an inconvenient, but you should take some finance issues into consideration. For example, your available income in the new country will depend on many factors, ranging from local taxes to your lifestyle. Are you familiar with the local taxes? Have you compared the cost of living in your new country with the cost of living in Italy? Which activities are you planning to do in your leisure time? Considering all these before starting the home search will help you set a realistic budget for your future home. 3. Availability You have chosen the ideal area for you… but what if there are no flats available or no homes within your budget? Sometimes it might just take several weeks to find the right place, sometimes more. Depending on your destination city, the demand and offer of homes can vary significantly, therefore it’s worth to consider to alternative neighbors and don’t restrict your search to only one. 4. Pets If you have pets, include them in the “choosing home” process. If you are looking for an apartment, is it big enough? Is it well protected so there is no risk of escaping? Are there convenient green areas and parks nearby for the daily walks? Some landlords might be reluctant to allow pets, therefore, it’s important to ask during the visits if pets are allowed and if so, if there are any particular rules to consider.