Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting. Stephanie, an expat from the United States, recently relocated to Düsseldorf, Germany, and shared her journey with us. From her initial challenges in finding accommodation to her experiences in adapting to a new culture, Stephanie’s story offers valuable insights and tips for fellow expats. Discover how Homelike played a key role in her smooth transition and learn about her adventures in her new home.
Finding the Right Accommodation: Homelike to the Rescue
One of the biggest challenges when relocating is securing a comfortable and affordable place to stay. Stephanie considered various options, such as Airbnb and VRBO, but ultimately chose Homelike for its value, quality, and flexibility. Homelike’s month-to-month accommodations provided her with the perfect solution, offering a cozy space with all the essentials she needed.
Stephanie particularly appreciated Homelike’s inclusion of all bills and utilities, making her transition even smoother. As someone not fluent in German, she was grateful for this convenience. Moreover, the company’s pet-friendly policy allowed her and her partner to bring their two dogs along with ease.
Navigating the German Lifestyle
Stephanie quickly fell in love with the quality of life in Germany, praising the country’s cleanliness, excellent transportation system, and delicious bread. The healthcare system was a major factor in her reduced stress levels compared to life in the US.
However, she did face some challenges, such as the unique aspects of renting in Germany, where apartments often lack kitchens and even floors. This was a big surprise for her, but she learned that Germans typically stay in one place for an extended period, investing in their own kitchens and eventually selling them to the next renter.
Stephanie particularly appreciated Homelike’s inclusion of all bills and utilities, making her transition even smoother. As someone not fluent in German, she was grateful for this convenience. Moreover, the company’s pet-friendly policy allowed her and her partner to bring their two dogs along with ease.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Fellow Expats
Looking back at her journey, Stephanie shared some key lessons and advice for fellow expats:
- Accept help: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance, especially when navigating utilities, phone services, and other local processes.
- Stay positive and treat every day as an adventure: This mindset will help with homesickness and self-doubt.
- Learn the language: Stephanie emphasized the importance of learning German to better integrate into the local culture.
Stephanie’s experience highlights the importance of finding the right accommodation solution and embracing the expat adventure with an open mind. Homelike played an integral role in her successful transition, providing her with a comfortable and stress-free environment during her initial months in Germany.
If you’re an expat looking for a similar experience, consider Homelike for your accommodation needs, and remember to stay positive, ask for help, and embrace the adventure of living in a new country.
You can follow Stephanie’s expat journey on Instagram via @dusseldogs.
