Hordes of Brits relocate to dreamy destinations abroad every year, hoping to escape the rain and grey skies that are often seen in the UK.
January in particular seems to be a popular month for moving away, with many reflecting on their goals for the new year.
Removal company 1st Move International have experienced a 70 per cent surge in the first two weeks of January for the past four years, compared to the final two weeks of December.
As festivities wind down and reality hits, many Brits seem to seek to find a new life overseas during this time.
Managing director Mike Harvey shared his take on the trend, commenting on how ‘real plans’ kick often into action in January.
‘Every January we see a real surge in enquiries, and it’s not just about chasing sunshine,’ he said.
‘After the festive period, a lot of people start reflecting on the past year, feeling the winter blues, or thinking about their finances after Christmas.’
According to Mike, many Brits are searching for a new lifestyle, a lower cost of living and even career opportunities.
Removal company 1st Move International have experienced a 70 per cent surge in the first two weeks of January for the past four years, compared to the final two weeks of December (stock)
As for where Brits are heading to, America came first, with many seeking different opportunities, landscapes and all without having to learn a new language
He added: ‘The destinations people enquire about really show this mix, the US, Australia, and the UAE have been our top three since 2022, with Brits clearly looking for a balance of work prospects, lifestyle, and long-term stability.
‘For a lot of people, January is the moment when a vague idea of moving abroad suddenly becomes a real plan.’
As for where Brits are heading to, the moving company revealed the top destinations Brits enquired about relocating to in 2025.
USA came first, with many seeking different opportunities, landscapes and all without having to learn a new language.
Australia ranked second, drawing in Brits with its great weather, lush beaches and a relaxed lifestyle.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates placed third in the relocation rankings.
It was followed by Canada, South Africa, Cyprus, New Zealand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Malta rounding off the top ten.
However, the grass might not always be greener elsewhere.
Australia ranked second, drawing in Brits with its great weather, lush beaches and relaxed lifestyle
The top destinations Brits enquired about moving to in 2025 USAAustraliaUnited Arab EmiratesCanadaSouth AfricaCyprusNew ZealandSingaporeSaudi ArabiaMalta
A British girl called Emily relocated with her family to Florida last year and opened up about her experience in a TikTok video on her account, @brits.inthesunshinestate.
The first aspect about life in the States that Emily isn’t a fan of is the ‘public bathroom stalls’.
‘The doors have a gap probably like that either side, you can see straight through them and if you are sat in the toilet or if you are over by washing your hands, you can see the reflection in the mirror, you can see people moving, you can see people’s clothes,’ she explained. ‘I don’t like it, I don’t like the lack of privacy.’
Few people seem to use WhatsApp in America, from Emily’s experience, and text instead which she described as ‘old school’.
Another issue the Brit has noticed since moving is how ‘wild’ drivers in Florida apparently are.
‘They are aggressive, in time I will get used to it but for now it’s still a little bit crazy,’ she added.
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