Moving to Milan

As you can probably understand from the title, this post will be about my move to Milan. There are so many thoughts I want to share, so I need to be sharp-witted and not ramble on forever.

This is also the reason I've been a bit MIA this week, because we still don't have internet in our flat, but let's start from the beginning. To make it easier to follow I'll divide this in a few "chapters".

Have a pink-tastic day!

Kisses.

An idea 

When I finished high-school and was researching universities, I briefly considered Milan because of my love for fashion. However after attending a German Kindergarten and school, it made more sense to attend a Uni in Germany or Austria. We all know I opted for Austria, where I studied Cultural and Social Anthropology in Vienna.

After finishing Uni it was time to start looking for a job and deciding in which direction I want to go, which is when an idea came to mind. What if I move from Vienna? My boyfriend is Italian, so it made sense to explore the possibility of moving to Milan. We started talking about our options, what it would mean mentally and financially, and what possibilities there might be for us here. This was about 7-9 months ago. 

Let the search begin

Research, research and more research people. When you're looking for an apartment in a foreign country or even new city, you need to research the neighbourhoods and prices, not to mention transport connections. It's important to have a plan about your possible costs like rent, electricity, water, gas, internet, furniture, food prices, etc. . This wasn't too hard for us, because he already came from the Lecco region, so we kind of knew what we were getting ourselves into. 

We used to come to Milan at least two times a year, but as you have noticed these past months I was here more than in Vienna or Romania. This was mainly for apartment hunting and moving our things. Finding the perfect apartment can take a few good months. Be careful, don't visit shady apartments and do not deal with shady people. If they ask for a ridiculous amount of money via internet without showing you the apartment or without signing a contract, don't just walk away, run. From my experience, if it's too good to be true (gorgeous, big yet cheap), it's probably not.

Before even starting the apartment search, set a budget, consider if you want it furnished or would be open to purchasing your own furniture, think how many rooms you need and which area is most suited to you. When we saw our flat, we knew it was meant to be, but stopped to think it rationally before signing a contract. We liked what we already saw, but most importantly saw the potential it had of becoming ours (decor). The only "problem" was we had to wait for it. Since it was what suited our needs the most, it was worth it. 

This was the perfect opportunity to spend some time home with my parents, to recharge with positivity and set a plan for what will come.

The move

Now is the best time to donate all the crap you've been hoarding. I donate twice a year and still had so many unnecessary things which I kept out of sentimental value. Now, now, I'm not saying to throw everything, that wouldn't be too bright because you'll have to repurchase it. I'm also not suggesting you live with a capsule wardrobe, but if you didn't wear it in the last year it probably has to go. There are people needing clothing, so why not donate your clothes to someone who needs and appreciates them, instead of pilling everything in your wardrobe? I understand keeping shoes, because those cute special occasion shoes aren't at fault for the lack of galas and princess parties in our life. For the rest, you'll feel better and not even notice, because you already didn't wear these pieces. Also, there couldn't be a better opportunity to throw away old make-up. 

Once you get the keys to your awesome new flat, gather all the patience you can find, because it's time to clean like you've never cleaned before. This is the time when you'll tend to get frustrated with each other, if you're moving with your significant other, but don't rush it and take your time, do not fight over stupid things. You will feel so good when it's all squeaky clean.  

Now is the time to visit Ikea or whatever shop you prefer, for anything you might need from decor to furniture pieces. For decor I also recommend visiting local shops. We still have to search for some decor pieces, but it's almost finished.

Next chapter

We've made it so far, now is the time to explore the area and discover this gorgeous city from a new perspective, not a tourist anymore. But life isn't all about having fun, it's time to work and gather experience. Be careful how you budget your savings, you never know how long it can take to find a new job!

We don't know how long we'll be here and what life will serve us, but we took a chance in pursuit of our dreams and hopefully it will be worth it.

Do you want to see any apartment tour/ decor ideas/ make-up collection videos + posts? or do you have any other suggestions ?

PS: I'm not a moving expert, I've only moved to two different countries and this is what I've learned thorough trial and error. You will probably never prevent all of the small "disasters", but you can try. Even if sh*t happens it's ok, you live and you learn. Everything has a solution, so don't cry over spilt milk.