Last year, former Essex dance teacher and mother Hollie Gemmell decided to up sticks and move her family from wintry England to the sun-soaked state of Florida.
Hollie, 33 and her husband David, as well as their son, moved to Clearwater on Christmas Eve after David secured a work transfer to America.
Hollie’s husband managed to secure a three-year visa through the lighting company he works for. American visa applications can be extremely rigorous, with applicants often waiting years for approval.
She said: “We’ve got three years in the US – after that, I guess it’s up to them if they want to keep us. The sponsorship angle works both ways – the company and the government both need to agree to keep you in the country.”
Although it’s early in their move for the Gemmell family, their son is already making waves – literally.
Hollie said: “Regardless of the weather, the swimming pool remains the main excitement of my son’s move.
“The other day he just kept jumping in and must’ve alarmed some neighbours. But we just keep explaining to people – it’s not that cold at all, we’re British.”
When it comes to adjusting to live in America, the Gemmells have it pretty easy – although something does keep them busy in their evenings.
Hollie admitted she and Daniel currently spend their evenings on YouTube, brushing up on the American rules of the road.
She said: “We can legally drive in the states for a year with a UK and international driving licence.
“But there’re loads of differences between driving in the states and the UK.
“Some of their signs are a lot more self-explanatory – like in big bold letters saying, ‘do not pass’, and a million stop signs every five minutes.”
The Gemmell’s move overseas is not an isolated trend.
A recent poll by IFA Magazine revealed that 38% of under 34-year-olds have thought about leaving the UK in the next five years, with 39% also citing the cost of living as a significant factor in whether they stay in the UK.
Simon Hood, relocation expert and executive director of shipping firm John Mason International, said: “Since the pandemic, we have seen a greater wave of young people enquiring about relocations.
“Anecdotally, topics like the cost-of-living crisis and better employment options abroad do keep coming up as key factors for relocation abroad.”
If you’re considering the switch then Hollie’s top piece of advice for relocation is to stay organised, she said: “My top tip is creating a shared online folder, that’s what me and my husband did. Whenever you’re asked for medical files, ID, marriage certificates, birth certificates – you’ll have it one place.
“Back when I was completing my degree, my dance college printed t-shirts and mine said ‘Miss Organised’ on the back – my advice is you really need to get organised, and if you’re not an organised person definitely ask for some help.”
