An Expat Talks about Moving to Colchester, UK

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

Colchester

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

Wish I'd brought...

1. My towels & sheets - hard to start over again!

2. My cutlery & dishes - for the same above

3. More of my personal stuff than I did.

Wish I'd left...

1. Things I thought were going to be meaningful to me, but ended up just being flotsam & jetsum!

2. Electrical items. Even the little ones were a waste of time.

3. Clothes I thought'd I'd diet into. Didn't happen and they just took up space!

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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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?

You can look for rental/purchase properties online and that will give you a good idea of the cost of living. Also, if you can see any outside pictures, look at the background! This area is very nice because you have a fairly large town with a fairly low crime rate, and the outer villages are countrified and charming. Plus it is on the coast, if you like the sea and one of the sunniest parts of the UK. Now, don't all rush over here at one time!!! Lol.

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

We live in a Victorian terraced house that has been restored. Like most of England, though, it is one of the basic house styles: Very old and crooked, Victorian Terraced, 1930s-40s, 1960s and today's new houses that are made to look like they are converted warehouses!

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

We actually live just outside of Colchester in Brightlingsea. We went with new friends to visit this adorable waterside town and just loved it! This is one place that has really kept its charm. People still say hello to each other, and we are only an hour from London, so we have the best of both, IMO.

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

The housing costs are higher here, but we also earn better money. It is my experience that the ratio of the cost of living vs. income is proportionate in first world countries. I'm sure this can not be said everywhere, unfortunately, but it's true of England. So...it costs more to live in London BUT you make more money there too.