Hey there, it’s Samantha!
In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into something that surprises a lot of people: why summer is actually one of the worst times to start your move to Italy—and what you should be doing instead.
I know, I know… sunshine, Aperol spritzes, the dream of strolling into your new Italian life with sunglasses and gelato in hand—it all sounds perfect. But trust me, summer is not the time to pack your bags and expect things to fall into place. It’s the time to prep, not pounce.
Let’s talk Ferragosto. It’s that magical (and maddening) stretch in August when Italy basically hits pause. Offices shut down, real estate agents disappear, and even the most basic bureaucratic tasks suddenly become impossible. In the episode, I share the story of a lovely Canadian family who learned this the hard way—they tried to move in August and ran straight into a wall of closed doors (literally and figuratively). It was chaos.
So, what should you do instead?
Summer is your secret weapon for getting organized. I walk you through three essential things to focus on right now:
- Gather your documents
- Decide which visa path is right for you
- Set a realistic budget (because spoiler: Italy is dreamy, but it still comes with bills)
I also break down the 7 Key Decisions you’ll need to make to move to Italy successfully—things like where to live, whether to rent or buy, how to support yourself, and more. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is going to help you slow down and get strategic.
You’ll also hear me answer some great listener questions—about the timing of visa applications, whether summer scouting trips are worth it (they are!), and how to gear up for a September start when everything in Italy comes back to life.
If you’re dreaming of Italy, now’s the time to start planning—not panicking.
🎁 And don’t forget to grab your free guide:
The Seven Key Decisions to Plan Your Move to Italy
This checklist is your roadmap to turning “someday” into a real, doable plan.
So pour yourself a cold spritz, take a breath, and let’s get planning.
Ciao for now!
— Samantha
Resources:
Download the 7 Key Decisions Free Guidebook
Listen to Episode Save Money On Your Move to Italy
Numbeo Cost of Living Tool
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