Note: this post is just about the material stuff, I will write another one about love ones...
The decision to move to Italy was one thing; preparing for it has been another adventure entirely. As the departure date draws closer, our days are filled with lists, logistics, and a good dose of nostalgia.
The first big step? Letting go. We’ve been selling nearly everything—furniture, keepsakes, and the everyday items that made up the backdrop of our lives in the U.S. That includes saying goodbye to our two businesses and both cars. Each sale feels like a step closer to Italy but also a bittersweet goodbye to a chapter we cherished deeply.
There are some things, however, that we’re not ready to part with. We’ve carefully selected a pallet of items we want to bring with us—keepsakes, heirlooms, and tools that will help us start anew. This pallet will wait patiently in a storage unit until we find our home in Italy, ready to join us once we’re settled.
Pallet ready to be picked up! David is not in the picture but was there!
Then, there’s the matter of our fur family—two big, lovable dogs and our adventurous cat. Preparing them for this journey has been a mission of its own. We’ve navigated health checks, vaccinations, paperwork, and crate building and training to ensure they’re ready for the long trip across the ocean. Ensuring their comfort and safety is one of our top priorities, and their companionship will make our new home feel whole from day one. One of the final hurdles was obtaining the USDA endorsement for Fermín’s animals. It came through on the very morning of our trip. We were able to get it early, thanks to having the UPS driver’s cellphone number—a small but meaningful victory that kept everything on track.
It’s a whirlwind of preparation, but every step brings us closer to the life we’re dreaming of. The big jump isn’t just about crossing an ocean; it’s about leaping into the unknown with faith, hope, and excitement for what’s to come.
As we tie up loose ends and say our goodbyes, we’re keeping our eyes on the horizon. This journey isn’t just about moving to Italy; it’s about embracing change, cherishing what matters most, and building a life we can’t wait to live.
Thank you for following along as we get ready for the big jump. There’s so much more to come, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.
Stay tuned for our next post: The Trip!
With love,
Sandra, Fabian, Fermín