We sold everything and moved to Australia
That’s exactly what we did in 2023, and today, I’m sharing the full story—why we did it, what it took, and how its changed our lives.
The decision to move overseas
For us, this wasn’t just a move—it was a life change into a completely new chapter together. Both our leases were up and we had planned to find a place together, it was the perfect opportunity to decide how we wanted our lives to look.
Our decision was based around the time the floods were happening in Auckland, the weather was getting increasingly worse and we both get affected when the weather is gloomy, and we aren’t feeling the sunshine on our skin.
We wanted sunnier weather, a slower lifestyle, and to start building a life together.
I had lived in Australia before and found there were a lot more opportunities, along with that warmer weather we were chasing. I’d felt at home in Aussie and in the back of my mind always knew I would be moving back. I am glad my fiance was on the same page, moving back felt right.
We decided in June and were on a plane by August. It felt fast, but when the timing is right, you just know.
What it felt like to sell everything
Selling everything we owned was both freeing and overwhelming. We listed items online, gaveaway and donated a lot.The hardest things for me to get rid of were my plants, I had cultivated them from small cuttings and it was sad to see them go, but they went to good homes. I even got a picture of my large monstera in its new home.
The turning point for me was when Morne sold his jetski—it hit me that we were really doing this and he was 100% on board.
We didn’t get rid of everything. Some sentimental items, essentials, and items that would have cost more to replace and made their way onto a container ship.
We knew we wouldn't get those items for a while, and didn’t want to buy things we knew were coming so packed a few things we knew we’d need right away… like our laptops.
Looking back, I wish we’d downsized more. Living minimally is something I’m still working on and want to explore more on this channel.
Arriving with just a few suitcases felt surreal. I thought we’d packed light, but I realized even then, we could have carried less.
Our first night was an adventure in itself—we knew the house we moved into was furnished but when we arrived (quite late at night), there were no blankets or pillows.
We used outdoor cushions and a light throw blanket i’d used to wrap the laptops in. It felt like a macgyver moment, coming from New Zealand we thought it wouldnt be warm enough but became such a memorable moment!
The next morning, waking up to that ocean view and sunrise, a warm orange light shining through the windows…
I knew we’d made the right decision. It was the perfect welcome to our new life.
The turning point for me was when Morne sold his jetski—it hit me that we were really doing this and he was 100% on board.
We didn’t get rid of everything. Some sentimental items, essentials, and items that would have cost more to replace and made their way onto a container ship.
We knew we wouldn't get those items for a while, and didn’t want to buy things we knew were coming so packed a few things we knew we’d need right away… like our laptops.
Looking back, I wish we’d downsized more. Living minimally is something I’m still working on and want to explore more on this channel.
Moving to Australia
Arriving with just a few suitcases felt surreal. I thought we’d packed light, but I realized even then, we could have carried less.
Our first night was an adventure in itself—we knew the house we moved into was furnished but when we arrived (quite late at night), there were no blankets or pillows.
We used outdoor cushions and a light throw blanket i’d used to wrap the laptops in. It felt like a macgyver moment, coming from New Zealand we thought it wouldnt be warm enough but became such a memorable moment!
The next morning, waking up to that ocean view and sunrise, a warm orange light shining through the windows…
I knew we’d made the right decision. It was the perfect welcome to our new life.
Exploring The Whitsundays
Our first couple of days were spent running around doing grocery shops and buying pillows, but we made sure to spend our morning taking a walk down to the beach… it honestly felt like stepping into a postcard. The beaches were quiet, the wildlife was incredible, and it felt like we’d found our own tropical paradise.We saw whales, turtles, stingrays, and the most colorful birds right on our balcony. Every day felt like a holiday and it was definitely a challenge focusing on work with the beach a few footsteps away.
Reflections and what I learnt
This move taught me so much about myself and what really matters. I’ve learned that home is about the people you’re with, not just a place.Living with less has been an adjustment, but it’s also been freeing. It’s something I’m excited to share more about.
I miss my friends back home, but I’m also learning to nurture the new connections we’re making here.
Advice if you're considering a big life change
If you’re thinking about starting fresh, my biggest advice is to plan for flexibility. Things won’t always go as expected, and that’s okay.Starting over doesn’t mean running away—it can mean running toward something better.
If our story resonates with you, know that it’s okay to take a leap for yourself and your family. Life is about growth, and sometimes that means starting fresh.
Let me know in the comments—have you ever thought about making a big life change? What’s holding you back? I’d love to know.
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