12 Things Americans Do When They Move Away From Home That Brits Find Surprisingly Serious

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When Americans move away from home, they often take big steps that might surprise their British counterparts. From traveling vast distances to adapt to new local sports teams, their approach can seem quite serious. Let’s explore what makes these moves so distinct and dive into some of these fascinating differences.

1. Move hundreds or even thousands of miles away

Imagine this: one day you decide to move, not just to the next town, but across the entire country. That’s pretty common in the States. Americans often move hundreds or even thousands of miles away from their hometowns, unlike in Britain where moves are generally shorter. This often means leaving behind everything familiar: your favorite café, your longtime barber, and even your weather preferences! It’s almost like starting anew, building your social circles from scratch and exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods on weekends.

2. Ship an entire household across several states

Moving isn’t just about changing your address; it’s about taking your life with you, literally. In America, it’s not uncommon to see large moving trucks packed to the brim, shipping everything from beds to bicycles across multiple states. This can be a huge undertaking that requires significant organization and planning. For Brits, who typically might move within the same city or county, the scale of American moves can seem incredibly serious and a bit overwhelming.

3. Treat a new state almost like starting a new life

Switching states in the U.S. can often feel like you’re starting a completely new chapter of your life. Each state has its own culture, laws, and sometimes even weather patterns. It’s not just about moving your belongings; it’s about adjusting your whole lifestyle. You might find yourself swapping your raincoat for a sunhat, or trading in your city-slicker heels for country boots. It’s a big change that requires flexibility and an open mind.

4. Drive for days to reach the new home

Some American families spend days on the road to get to their new homes, turning the move into a cross-country road trip. This isn’t just a drive down the road but a marathon journey that takes you through various states, each with its own landscapes and roadside attractions. It’s a stark contrast to British moves, which typically might only last a few hours.

5. Fly home to visit family rather than drive

Once Americans move out, coming back home for a visit often means catching a flight rather than a quick drive. This can make family gatherings a bit less frequent and much more of a scheduled event. In contrast, in Britain, where distances are shorter, a trip home might just be a train ride away.

6. Learn completely different local laws

Moving to a new state can sometimes feel like moving to a different country because of the different laws. From rules about driving to tax regulations, Americans often have to learn a whole new set of laws when they move. This is something Brits rarely experience, as laws don’t change much within the regions of the UK.

7. Adjust to a new climate

Imagine moving from the snowy hills of Vermont to the sunny beaches of California. Adjusting to a new climate is a common part of moving in the U.S. This might mean buying new clothing or even changing your daily routines to suit the weather. For Brits, who live in a relatively mild climate, this concept can seem quite extreme.

8. Change healthcare providers and insurance networks

Healthcare in America is complex and changing your address can often mean you need to find new doctors and perhaps even change your insurance provider. This can be a daunting task, especially if you are dealing with ongoing health issues. In Britain, where healthcare is more centralized, such changes are less frequent and less fraught.

9. Start supporting new local sports teams

Getting into the local spirit often means cheering for the home team. After moving, many Americans adopt new sports allegiances, which can be a fun way to connect with your new community. This sort of shift in loyalty might seem peculiar to Brits, where long-standing support for one’s team is often passed down through generations.

10. Learn a completely different city layout

New city, new map! Americans moving to a different city need to learn their way around all over again. This means new traffic patterns, public transport systems, and even finding where the best coffee spots are. It’s like being a tourist in your own city, at least until you get your bearings.

11. Accept that family visits may require flights

When you live a flight away from family, seeing loved ones becomes something you have to plan and save for, unlike in Britain where families often live close enough for spontaneous visits. This can change the dynamics of family relationships and how often you see each other.

12. Live several time zones away from their parents

Living in a different time zone from your family means you might be going to bed just as they’re starting their day. This can make keeping in touch more challenging and requires more effort to stay connected. This isn’t usually an issue in the UK, where the time zone remains the same country-wide.