Moving to Australia from the U.S.: What It’s Really Like (Family, Visas & Starting Over with Emma Shoemaker)

What does it really take to pack up your life and move across the world… with two young kids?In this episode, I sit down with Emma Shoemaker, who moved her family from Florida to Australia after more than a decade in the U.S., to talk about what that transition actually looks like, from selling almost everything they owned to navigating visas, logistics, and a whole lot of uncertainty. We get into the emotional side of the move (spoiler: it’s a rollercoaster), plus the very real logistics, like deciding what to ship, how long it takes (months!), and why they chose to take a six-week detour through Europe along the way.Emma shares what it was like to:Sell nearly everything and start freshBuy a home sight unseen in AustraliaNavigate complicated visa and paperwork processesHelp her kids adjust to a new country, school system, and cultureWe also talk about the cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia, from lifestyle and community to language (yes, even English feels different), and what “home” really means after living in multiple places.And if you’ve ever dreamed about moving abroad, Emma shares some incredibly practical advice, including why doing an extended stay before committing can make all the difference.This is equal parts inspiration and real talk, and a reminder that while moving abroad isn’t easy… it might just be worth it.👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.Chapters 00:00 The Journey Back to Australia03:06 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moving05:53 Selling Everything: The Facebook Marketplace Experience09:01 Adventures in Europe Before the Move12:10 Cultural Adjustments: Embracing New Norms15:00 Navigating the Housing Market from Afar17:53 The Renovation Journey Begins20:55 Advice for Families Moving AbroadSupport the show