Expat Advice: Moving to Torino, Italy
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Torino
Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.
What I brought:
1. Good Seasonings Salad Dressing Packets. The fresh produce is fantastic, but salad dressing is either oil, vinegar with salt & pepper, or creamy brands from France. The seasoning packets are fantastic when made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar!
2. Small cookie sheets & baking dishes: ovens are smaller.
3. A good camera to document our adventure from the beginning.
Leave Behind:
More Clothing. Relocating from the Northeast, our clothes were too heavy (even Northern Italy is mild compared with Boston--both winters are summers). Also, Italians tend to be more formal and more fashionable in their attire.
Short-Ban Radio. Never used it.
Bikes. They were stolen.
International Moving Quotes
What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
Keeping looking for the "right" place. Be willing to compromise on the small things. Make your home a nice place to go to when you feel overwhelmed--make sure it has your personality and is comfortable.
Don't get the TV hooked-up for 6 months. Get out and find out about the neighborhood, social groups and learn Italian!
What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?
We live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath room apartment with 10 foot ceilings, a parking garage, elevator and doorman. It is fairly typical. Other choices to living in the city are the small hills above the city where a duplex is the norm (called Villas), or occasionally a single-family home is available.
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
We used a Relocation Agent I asked the company to hire. We looked at 15-16 apartments, most of which were terrible. Landlords rent the 4-walls and not much else. Painting, repairs, lighting and installing a kitchen is up to the tenant (Ikea is the most economical for kitchens). We have only 1 car, so it was important to be on/near a public transportation line (excellent, by the way) and close in to the city.
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
Definitely lower than Boston.
More Expat Advice about Moving to Italy
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