An Expat Talks about Moving to Ringwood, UK

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Ringwood

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Three things I wish that I had brought with me: 1. photos of my kids as babies, they've needed those for school projects, 2. cream of wheat, 3....I can't think of a third item.

Three things I wish that I had left at home: 1. our camping equipment - rains too much here, 2. many of the videos that I thought the kids would watch, but they don't, 3. our clock radios

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Don't rent a furnished place, you'll limit your options significantly. Choose somewhere that isn't too far from the motorway if you want to tour Britain and the surrounding area. Check charity shops (thrift stores,) for furniture - it's not the same kind of furniture you would find in U.S. thrift stores. Remember to pay your tv tax when you move in. Most homes have a phone number that comes with them. Make sure the schools in your area are accepting children, many are overcrowded and won't take your kids. Check your distance from the hospital if that's important to you - there aren't that many hospitals.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

Detached house. I would say that is typical, there aren't a lot of expats around where I live.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

There was so little available when we moved here, we took the first furnished house in a decent neighborhood that we saw. In hindsight, we shouldn't have worried about the house being furnished, local charity shops have TONS of cheap, antique furniture that is wonderful - it would have been much less expensive for us.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

A lot higher. We have to pay council tax (which is like property tax) in addition to rent and the council tax isn't tax deductible. This house, plus council tax, cost about $2,000/month - the house is only 1,200 square feet. That's pretty typical for a house this large -- many homes are in the 800 square foot range.