Before deciding if moving to Italy is realy for us, we are planning to rent for a few months in the target area (either vicinity of Como or north shore of Lago di Garda). While we have seen something like that as a recommendated prep action, we have our doubts: can you really learn much about daily life in Italy by renting a house there for a few months?
We spent the total of about 2 months in Italy over the years (various places from Taormina and Naples to Cortina and Riva di Garda). We are dual (EU/US) citizens.