IN THIS LESSON

Reboot your system for life in a new place.

Don’t pack your old life into a new city. A smart move is different: audit what you're bringing, cut what you've outgrown, and redesign how you work before you arrive. New timezone, new rhythm, new defaults. Arrive with intention, not just a forwarding address.

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  • ©️ Sunny Future (Polymaths BV). June 2026.

    “Conscious Uncoupling”


    Whether you’re moving to Paris for love or opening a professional chapter in London, pack with clarity and order. This woo woo checklist will ground you.

    Your “Exit Strategy”. Closure matters. Ask yourself: What/who do I want to say goodbye to? What conversations do I need to have before leaving? What unfinished business should I let go of?

    What Are You Bringing? Pack what anchors you. Let go of the rest. We’re not talking clutter, just the stuff you’ve outgrown or pressures that weigh you down.


    Redefine Home

    Allow for a mix of emotions: guilt, doubt, loyalty, pressure, nostalgia.

    “Lisl Foss is a psychologist, deeply involved in shaping future leaders across Africa. Here, she shares her personal journey after a move from South Africa to Mauritius. She reflects on the emotional upheaval and identity shifts. Her message: don’t compare your new life to the one you left behind.”

    Our takeaways:

    • You can love people and still choose to start somewhere new

    • You don’t owe everyone access to your decision

    • Moving is a chance to build on your terms: do it!

    Money Stuff

    You’ll face a new financial reality, even in comfort. You’ll manage finances in unfamiliar systems, new currencies, local language, with unexpected risks and costs associated with your choices. Not knowing how long you’ll stay will muddle long-term decisions.

    European taxes are hair-raising, even with tax regimes for qualifying inbound professionals - each with complex trade offs between local and foreign income, capital gains tax, and wealth tax:

    • France: Régime d’impatriation (partial tax exemption)

    • Portugal: D7 / NHR-style regimes (historically attractive, now evolving)

    • Netherlands: tax-free “ruling” for qualifying expats

    • UK: new FIG reforms replacing historical system (non dom)

    “As ever in Europe, watch for frequent U-turns. ALWAYS seek professional advice on tax and finances.” - Sunny Future


    Sort Out Your Mess

    “Life truly begins only after you have put your house in order.” – Marie Kondo

    Your move is cramped by clutter. Go through a forensic process to build a clean slate, and don’t turn your parents’ garage into a storage unit. We patented a method™️, Marie Kondo meets Queer Eye.


    Our Playbooks (Sprinters only)

    • check our pre-departure tracker for an overview of things to consider

    • read our expat Money Strategies playbook

    • ask for our Sort Your Life Out playbook.

  • EXIT CHECKLIST

    Make TWO long lists (wine allowed):

    • To the right: What you want to carry with you - rituals, mindset, people.

    • And what you’ll leave behind - bad habits, pressure, expectations, exes.

    REDEFINE HOME

    • What does home away from home mean to you? Be open.

    • How will you manage legacy relationships and responsibilities (family & friends etc)?

    MONEY STUFF

    • Draw a full statement of assets - everything - and stress test the implications of your new life, line by line: loans, savings, taxes, accrued pension, future capital gains etc...

    SORT OUT YOUR MESS

    • Physical Reset: clear your physical space with method. Big piles in the middle of the room that will bring up memories.

    • We’re here to help with practical tips and support.

    • Access our resources, playbooks, and AI learnings.

    • Our coaches can help build your exit checklist. Ask for introductions if you have money-related questions. We have access to accountants and tax experts across Europe.

    • Leverage the Sunny Future network.