What It Was Really Like Moving Our Family from the UK to the US
When we decided to move our family from the UK to the US, we thought we were ready. We’d done our research, watched all the YouTube videos about “life in America,” and figured — how hard could it really be? Well, harder than we expected.
Don’t get me wrong — it’s been one of the best things we’ve ever done. But moving your entire family (including our dog!) across the Atlantic isn’t just a big logistical move; it’s a huge emotional one. Looking back, we learned a lot — not just about the process, but about ourselves.
The Emotional Side of Leaving Home
Leaving the UK was tougher than we imagined. It’s not just about saying goodbye to family and friends — it’s leaving behind all the tiny details that make life feel familiar: your local high street, the way the seasons shift, even the sound of rain on the windows.
We expected homesickness to come in waves, but it sneaks up on you in quiet moments. What helped us most was staying connected — weekly FaceTime calls, visits when possible, and keeping our little British traditions alive. Even here, thousands of miles away, we still make a Sunday roast.
The Red Tape Reality
Then came the bureaucracy. Visas, tax paperwork, banking, healthcare — each step seemed to come with another form and another deadline. There were days it felt like we’d never see the end of it.
Eventually, we learned to stop trying to manage everything ourselves. Once we found professionals who actually understood UK-to-US relocation, the stress began to lift. Having the right guidance made all the difference — and saved us from plenty of sleepless nights.
Helping the Kids Find Their Feet
If you’re moving with children, you’ll know that their happiness becomes your biggest concern. The US school system is completely different — new terminology, new routines, new expectations. Our kids had their wobbles at first, but once they settled into their new classrooms and started making friends, things turned around quickly.
Finding the right school and community took time, but it was worth every bit of effort. South East Florida is full of welcoming, diverse neighbourhoods, and once we found “our people,” it began to feel like home.
The Lifestyle Shift
Then there’s the adjustment to daily life — from driving on the right, to navigating healthcare, to getting used to tipping at every turn. And of course, the weather. You think you’re ready for Florida heat until you step outside in July. Air conditioning becomes a way of life.
But once you get used to it, you realise the perks far outweigh the challenges. We traded grey skies for year-round sunshine, beach days in winter, and a slower, more outdoorsy pace of life. It’s a lifestyle that feels good for the soul.
Looking Back
Moving from the UK to South East Florida has been one of the most challenging — and rewarding — experiences of our lives. It pushed us to adapt, to grow, and to embrace a new way of living. We’ve discovered that home isn’t defined by where you’re from, but by where you choose to build your life next.
That belief inspired us to create Jacobs Relocation — a service designed to guide other families through the same journey we took. From navigating visas and schools to finding the right home and community, we’re here to make the transition seamless, supportive, and genuinely exciting.
Because moving abroad isn’t just about logistics — it’s about helping families feel confident, connected, and truly at home in their new chapter.