Rethinking Our Portugal Move

[@larissaloren23]

Put them in school there. Best gift you can give them, learning a new language as they are very young

[@MiddleAgedMinx]

Totally agree! best gift you can give them!! A second language x

[@eiraday1339]

We had our first baby in the middle of a cyclone in Mauritius, we didn't know anyone at all! It was fine! We had our second son in Singapore - of course all good! Both of them had to do National Service in Singapore, but they survived - all will be OK! They are both now - number 1 - just finished law school in the UK and number 2 is in Durham doing law degree, he will be fine, I suppose! I think you should expose your boys to Algarve life and they will love it so much! It will be a great adventure, you guys need to do this!!!

[@eiraday1339]

You will regret it if you don't. There's nothing scary about it - just go ahead!

[@eiraday1339]

I met my husband at work in a law firm in the UK - we both hated it - we literally just said "where are we going to go which lets us go diving? We did it! We now own a dive boat in Indonesia, it's called DEWI NUSANTARA - look it up, we did it! So can you!

[@evahalkova2859]

Hi guys, not to sound mean or not wishing you well. I am just surprised you didn't do your research on how the real estate works in Portugal, especially since you have been talking about buying your new home there for quite some time now. Personally I think renting a house for like six months during not so appealing time of the year there would give you more of an idea what it's like to live in Portugal full time. I know you feel like you need to make a massive change and that you are fed up with the UK, but please be careful and make good rational decisions. Lots of love and support for the following weeks 🫂🙏

[@justinelynch5816]

Definitely put the boys in school. I moved with my family from England to southern Spain when I was 10 ( I am now in my 50s). School over there although an adjustment at first was the best thing. I very quickly picked up the language & made friends. It was great. My Spanish school days were the best !!!

[@DeborahScotts153]

This is the best gift you can give your children, you’re modelling to them that they should never settle, but to follow their dreams. They’re also building resilience when navigating these changes, which will resource them for their future lives etc. you’re definitely investing positively in your childrens’ futures 😊

[@TheHutchinsons]

We left the UK over 12 months ago now to travel with our 3 children. We sold our home and pretty much everything we owned! We homeschool/World school them along the way and it’s been the best thing we have ever done! We won’t be returning to the UK anytime soon… go for it, you won’t look back!

[@nich2.0]

Watching your videos brings me so much wholesome joy. Im so happy and excited for a family I don’t know but know at the same time. Watching your story is beautiful ❤ I shedded tears when Stef went for the morning swim and said it was Beautiful. That is whats missing in life. The beauty of it. In all its ups and downs. I love how Authentic you are as a family. Not like some youtube familys who are all about the aesthetic. Excited for your move to Portugal and beyond. Please don’t stop making content (only if its possible) Cant wait for the next chapter in your story. ❤

[@debbiedoesyoutube8166]

Your blackout cards have been fab for me and my adopted son - real bonding games nights, ending with laughs! Wishing you all a successful move 🥰

[@ItsAClairesLife]

Having moved overseas when I was 12 and my sister was 8, for us, it was the best thing that happened. It broadened our perspectives and adaptability. Learning a new culture was hard, but getting into school and making friends was the most normalising experience for us and our parents. Good luck, whatever you choose

[@jalobe91]

20 years ago my parents moved our family to the Algarve. I was 10 when we moved there and 13 when we came back. Having to leave Portugal was the hardest part, so don‘t worry too much about the kids, they’ll love it. I highly recommend putting them in Portuguese School in the beginning to learn the language. They can transfer to the International School later on. I went to the German School and never fully learnt Portuguese, which I regret. It’s too easy to get sucked up into the expat community there as the Portuguese keep to themselves. So excited to follow your journey ❤

[@emiliesmith9545]

Putting kids into schools in portugal will make the move seem less isolating and will give a good indicator whether it works or not, otherwise it’ll seem like an enormous amount of pressure of both of you as parents and might full more like an extended holiday rather than the reality of moving abroad. It will be much harder for everyone to immerse themselves in the culture and language if you’re not immersing yourself from the get go

[@elizabethandrus3848]

Dear Michalaks, My brother and I grew up in a foreign country, and to this day we will relive every moment we can recall because it was such an ADVENTURE. I am so thankful for the experience but also for returning to America as we entered our teens. Good luck!

[@lovelifementoring5399]

The questioning of the mind as it does not like being out of control. The unknown is always there, we only think we know when it’s familiar. All experience is so expansive and never wrong, us being terrified of messing up our kids lives will lead to them doing the same with their lives and their kids. We only hand down our emotions according to our perception I feel. What is it we fear? Great video as always ❤

[@clairedennis6697]

Awww Steph was so emotional in this video, you can see the weight of this decision on his face. In my opinion the boys are so young and will pick up the language in no time , and a second language is such a gift.

[@thewellbeingatelier]

We moved to the south of France with our young family at the end of 2016. We had a similar experience with buying our house and got the notaire to put in the clause that if our house fell through we'd get our money back, it does highlight how ridiculous the UK house selling process is. We're very happy with our life here, though not always easy our children have more of a childhood than we could have offered if we'd stayed in Britain.

[@ordepasselavas]

Hi guys! Great video as always! FYI: the so called CPCV (let's call it in English, pre-sales agreement, that goes together with the 10 to 20% deposit) may be done with any clauses that you and the other party may which to include in order to protect their interests. It would have to be conditional clauses, such as that you would get your deposit back in case the property failed an inspection, or there was any legal issues with the properties (fiscal debt, illegal structures, etc...). Meaning that you would still be able to secure the property, but always thinking beforehand about what you wish to protect yourself and your deposit investment from, so that you may be able to back out from the deal if one of those conditions takes place... my biggest advise is to get a proper lawyer that will accompany you during the purchase process from the CPCV to the "escritura" (deed), and that will check every little thing that might become an issue. Good luck and wish you all the best, and I hope you manage to move to Portugal.

[@1323shona]

Have you thought about putting the Blackout cards in stores? I don't know how feasible it is for you but I think they're perfect for places like Waterstones or department stores on those little knick-knack tables next to board games and birthday cards etc.

[@neilstevens9796]

It's not always that lucrative. I sell 30x40cm prints in John Lewis and Habitat and get 50p a sale. If I sell them myself I get £25.

[@klimentina]

I am so happy my parents put me in regular school right away when we moved countries so that I could learn the language. It was rough the first 2-3 months but looking back it’s the best decision they made.

[@Oakdenalan]

Glad that your headspace is better towards the end and you have a provisional place to move, but i still think spending at least a month in Portugal during peak winter would be a good test to do. If you manage to sell all your stuff and your sale takes a while, maybe use any dead time in between to visit Portugal while its less sunny and double confirm you're about to commit there

[@nataliaalvarez2666]

You are all wonderful ❤️ wishing you all the best in this journey.

[@Pickettland]

I was sad to see Rufus trying to pull his hair out. I’m so sorry he’s still struggling with that. I’ll be hoping things work out for you all!

[@inesbelhaj.messaoud8706]

The music you used in this video is so good! Also, always a great and profound perception of life in your videos..Thank you and keep going!

[@jenl2131]

You guys are amazing! Can’t wait to see the next video with hopefully (fingers crossed!) some updates of getting the new place!

[@sun_rose123]

I'm feeling you. I'm doing the same thing right now. Not moving country yet, but taking a different path work wise 🙏

[@ChelseaLampinen]

Thank you for giving me the least burnt one 🤣 We are currently selling and packing everything up too. We were originally moving to Portugal from Michigan in the states as well but are now moving to The Hague in the Netherlands. We have 3 kids and our biggest thing was the fear about messing up our kids and my middle is 11 with some learning delays and the schooling in Portugal and language concerned me the most. Because of that we chose the Netherlands after doing research. Your boys are much more on board than most kids so I think that in itself is incredible! They always say the first year will be the hardest, so prepare to lean into eachother the most that first year, at least you’ll have sunshine🧡

[@B..103]

I totally understand the worrying about the children. The responsibility is huge❤

[@runam3187]

Changing countries is never easy, but it makes us grow. If your idea is to live in a more natural and simple way, you are in the right place. Put your children in official school, the quality of teaching is good and they will soon be your Portuguese language teachers. Be patient with the less good things and appreciate the kindness of the people, the safety, the quality of the food, the wines, the climate. Explore the country and enjoy the simple life. Welcome and be happy.

[@AgnesFoxvlogs]

cannot wait for this new chapter!! been here since the early days like so many of us :)

[@WildTeenOne]

lovely video! btw how are you gonna bring the dogs to Portugal? thanks

[@beaucrawley1191]

Blackout cards are brilliant ❤ I will be buying for my friends and family for Xmas for sure! Will you continue vlogging when you move? ❤x

[@TheMichalaks]

@@beaucrawley1191 of course x

[@callofthedeepofficial]

Fingers crossed with hopes and prayers that you get the house in Portugal 💚✨

[@AnnaMcLaughlin-cs9ri]

Rooting for you guys that it’ll all fall into place!! 🌎😊

[@Kavita_826]

It's so interesting watching your new adventure all come together. I'm making a big international move from the UK to Borneo (East Malaysia) with 4 kids, two cats and a husband. We are downsizing from a very old big house to a 4 bed typical Malaysian home. We leave in November flights are booked, the stressful part is arranging the cats move 🤯 our kids are going to International school, would that be an option for you guys? I'm assuming local school will be fluent in Portuguese, but it is doable. Good luck with it all ❤❤❤❤

[@aimframe]

Looking do much forward to seeing you in a year from now. When all things likely fall in their place, kids be able to adapt and you will have tons of experience.

[@sarawilde7493]

I love you guys so much! I've been following you both since the very beginning. You're doing the right thing. Find your home, where ever feels like home. Actually I'm in one of your videos for a quick .01 seconds from 2015 when you had your audience send in photos to quickly add them to your video. So lovely to see your beautiful family doing well. -Eva 😊🤍

[@miragaiamaia8966]

just ordered me blackoutcards, it will be great to train english with my friends. i live up north of Portugal, Minho area. if we meet by chance, i hope we can sing the caprisun song! ;) this move is stressing you guys, i can see Roo pulling his hair again and Gray getting annoyed... one week for them feels like a month, if they find it boring... i understand you want to be near the ocean and that in Algarve there's a greater concentration of ex-pats, but please, consider some place a little more towards the interior, it's not as expensive. i wish you could keep the van... was hoping that once you settled, i would see portuguese places from your perspective, those silky videos i miss so much. how are the dogs? miss them too. sending good vibes to you!

[@rachelfowler9937]

its all going to work out. Leaving the UK is the best we ever did.

[@tashabeattie]

I moved overseas at 3 years old. I have lived in Europe, the Middle East & South East Asia. My parents decision to create a better life for themselves, and me in turn, has become my greatest blessing. Everyone says it, but the world is truly your oyster when you are exposed to languages, cultures, even the mundane visa processes etc. The friendships I made through international school have lasted decades - as expats we share a unique experience. Technology makes maintaining these transient friendships long-lasting, too. You are making the right decision for your children.

[@larissaloren23]

No matter what you choose it will be a wonderful experience 😊

[@lauraemma4402]

Loved this vlog it felt more everyday kinda things of what you’ve got up to and where youve explored - so relaxing ❤ also you can’t mess your kids education up whatever you decide will be the right decision 😊 I’d love to take my boys to Portugal one day the freedom looks incredible.

[@pinabsteh9034]

Good luck with everything 🫶☺️

[@colombeh]

Why are you willing to buy so quickly and not renting to see if the place if fine for you?

[@AK-xxxx]

I thought the same

[@avaduquette3910]

Yea I feel like buying before living in the country is quite the jump!

[@rachelfraker1339]

Congratulations! It seems things are going as planned. And you’re putting your children first. A chance to start fresh might bring a lot of positive changes. With good things happening there will always be adversity. Hang in there! I’ve loved your content for many years. And I never comment.

[@bethanyschool]

Love this adventure your all on! One request........can you make the videos longer please🙂

[@phillmeredith]

Would it be an option to temporarily rent a more affordable home in the UK so that it gives you breathing space before you fully commit. I tend to find the fear and panic isn’t the direction I’m headed but speed in which I’m headed there without all the information I need.

[@MrMiquel52]

PLEASE look at renting somewhere for six months , you can then relax and look at the properties /homes, you can learn more about Portugal and its areas, time is so so important, this is a great thing to move to Europe, especially for your kids, The Spanish ,portuguese and the Italians show us true family value and a very healthy life style, forget the uk for now, I have learnt so much from my Spanish way of life I have lived here for 25 years, your boggest advantage will for your children, family values are the number 1 thing , the kids learn languages winthin 6/7months, put them in a local school and not an international school, your work load should be easier in warmer climate. Good luck , dont worry you will make some mistakes but thats because you are the same as everyone else, be positive, and enjoy your wonderful new life.I could type for hours about this, maybe I should. please drop me a line if you want a chat.

[@PT-t1m]

Look into Capital gains tax for Portugal. In Spain you can’t sell your house in the UK in the same tax year that you become a resident or you’ll pay capital gains tax. Or something like that anyway! Look into it so you aren’t caught out!

[@casscan90]

We moved to France in 2020 and don’t have kids, but we did move during Covid, border closures, 3 days before Brexit and a cancer diagnosis so I’m here to say it is frightening, anxiety inducing and full of unknowns, BUT there’s also your dream life waiting on the other end which is so so worth it. I would say have a backup. Imagine the worst scenario could happen and what will you do in that case. We found deepdown we knew the worst case was never going to happen, but at least we knew what we’d do if it did. Helped us feel a bit more secure. Also we’ve met so many people who have moved their kids from ages 4-16 and they’ve all gone to French schools (we live in very rural France). They’ve all made friends, are now fluent in the language and very happy 🙂

[@Keden-zm2of]

Will the pups be moving to Portugal too? 😊

[@livinginthealgarveportugal3357]

Hope everything works out for you guys 🇵🇹🌞

[@jorgebaiaomiguel]

Schools in Portugal have a really good programme, it is different to the UK but it prepares you on all areas to an excellent level. University is also a lot cheaper than the UK and the boys will be able to choose to do a masters anywhere in the EU. Most towns have farmers markets 1 or 2 days a week. Once you know locals you can find people with farms that can deliver fresh seasonal veg, this is more common in villages.

[@stephanielorraine6]

What happened to the dogs? Sorry, probably missed this part in a past video

[@elleeeeeen]

I feel if you put them in school there it may open up all your worlds- meeting other familes, being involved in the school community, sports, clubs etc :)

[@Sophie-yj9fn]

my drawing is on the wall in that pizza restaurant in Ericeira!!!

[@angesosamx]

lol as a BRITISH EXPAT … CALL IT FOR WHAT IT IS … IMMIGRANT …

[@thingsbykinga]

It is quite a normal process around Europe to ask for the deposit and if buyer pulls out they lose it and if seller pulls out then pays back (usually) double to buyer. And if buyer pulls out because seller was not honest in advertising, again, seller pays (usually) double to buyer. Very different in the UK, I was really shocked when buying that basically estate agents and sellers can say whatever lies they want and change their minds hours prior completion giving no reason with no consequences when buyer already paid thousands for solicitors and surveys… 😢

[@brandqueen101]

Ahh I used to watch you guys and uts been a few years since.. I moved to Portugal 5 years ago and after living in a few areas I would suggest you guys checking our East Algarve.. Olhão, Tavira, Loule, Albufera are great central areas and also have all the convenience of UK shops. Also Lagos is a very artsy nice chilled area, more laid back and hippie kind of vibe whereas East algarve is more posh? Or normal... anyways goodluck and welcome to paradise you won't regret it ❤

[@melsparkles]

I’m here (The Algarve) looking for property too. I live in Australia. My plan, if when I leave I am still keen is to come back for 2-3 months and rent in the area that I resonate with. So far haven’t found it. Off to Nazare next.

[@TheWorsnops]

Hi from a family living in Spain and we would never leave.

[@frivoloustofrugal]

I’m confused by the deposit thing. You don’t put that down until the promissory stage and your lawyer has done initial checks

[@SophieJHill]

What is the process like for moving your dogs out there?

[@AndreaFelizM]

I don’t have much to say but that I ordered Blackout Cards for our family, and I’m hoping for the best for you all. ❤

[@martaduarte3364]

Have you looked around Santa Cruz? Close to but quiter than Ericeira and there is an International School not far away in Torres Vedras.

[@wishlock5695]

Why do you guys have to sell the camper van ?

[@eiraday1339]

Move to central Algarve, near Loule / Almancil and send your kids to the British International School, they will also learn fluent Portuguese. We have been expats in 3 different places since leaving the UK in 1998 (Mauritius, Singapore, Indonesia) and we would never consider going back to the UK. Our children are grown up now but I think they wish we had come here to go to school rather than Singapore! (we do too as it would be way cheaper!)

[@ladybird1237]

You are deffo doing the right thing we were going to go to Australia when my girls were young they didn’t want to go . Now I wish we had just done it as this country has nothing for our kids or my granddaughter. Really mad me laugh does nanny make petrol bombs just because she’s Irish . Made me laugh out loud .nearly woke my husband up . . Really loving the vlogs so real

[@n.1969]

I don't wanna sound like a prick but all the people commenting do it, and sharing their experiences... I just think that times have massively changed and getting into another school and this big change would definitely not be easy. BUT, sometimes is better to do something and try rather than asking yourself later what if I did, we did it... it's not an easy decision to make, so you decide what would be the best for you and your family. Best wishes 🫶🏻

[@rebwhit4305]

Hair looking good, Stef.

[@jaxxson123]

Love the video, any chance you can link the rental place?

[@emily_alam]

Like the new hair steph 👍🏻

[@Mel-ol1vq]

Put them in school there, they will learn Portuguese. But I would recommend renting before buying, until you know the place well. All of the buying fees will be money down the drain if you decide to sell in the first 5 years (which is likely!)

[@lady.charlie.d]

Hi, I think you should move to a place where there are others British people, if not Portugal then maybe Gilbratar...

[@Kaluna3]

Hannah love your love for farmers markets but not all products are home made or have healthy ingredients so u really need to know who you’re buying from

[@angelacimmino2890]

Hey guys! We live in the Algarve, feel free to reach out if you need more information on school system, etc. Best of luck :)

[@angesosamx]

Where are the doggies ?????? 🤔

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

Heard from a Portugese friend living in Canada that Portugal is moving toward mandatory cvid vx again... Anyone confrm that?

[@raquelrodrigues9592]

Hello!! I am from Portugal and haven't heard this.. also during 2020/2021 it was never mandatory, but it was strongly recommended by the government.. and if you weren't vx you couldn't go to restaurants and stuff. However, I know so many people that didn't take any vx. So, in summary, I don't think that is something to worry.

[@clairelindsay3066]

🤞🏻

[@mascanho]

Its the most corrupt country in western Europe and the opportunities there are very small. You need to know someone or else you're stuck. If you come from the UK and as many people you think NHS is bad, then PT health system will shock you.

[@miragaiamaia8966]

hmmm, no, not exactly what you say.

[@nikireynolds5200]

Medical system is great there - had personal experience in March central Portugal - very high standards

[@mascanho]

@@nikireynolds5200 I am native. do you have an assigned GP? Have you been to the urgencies of any state hospital? Are you aware that most maternity wards shut down and people need to travel 60+ miles do get an appointment? I am from the south of Portugal. That is the current scenario. In fact, if you open any Portuguese news outlets you will soon see that the Portuguese health system, which recently celebrated its creation many decades ago has never been as strained and as chaotic as in 2024. Consider yourself very lucky if your experience was good. You are then the smallest percentile.

[@Mel-ol1vq]

Your audience seems to have shifted to people that have moved abroad.

[@jacquieyeung5811]

I can do rustic but I can’t do post apocalyptic nuclear wasteland 😂😂😂

[@darquisekrysciak8732]

🥰🇨🇦

[@Sophie-yj9fn]

the legs at 10:54 though

[@kcmorris4875]

Someone needs to tell the Portuguese farmer market stalls they should be using paper bags, way too much plastic.

[@jackiebrown2856]

Xx💕💕

[@myth4751]

What about Gibraltar?

[@Natalia-tw8jf]

I am sure there are a handful of english speaking schools out there. I think this is a gentler option for the kids as they will interact with portuguese kids anyways but will not feel the pressure of having to be alone in an environment where they cannot speak the language 🩵 ❤