Brittany Balinski, 35, her husband, 44, and their four children relocated from a three-bedroom semi-detached house in north Warwickshire to a six-bedroom, three-storey home in Gdansk, Poland, in July 2026. The move has dramatically reduced their living expenses: a family meal out that would have cost £80-£100 in the UK now sets them back just £45-£60, and feeding six at IKEA amounts to only £12.60—half the UK price.
Why They Left the UK
Brittany noticed her husband's quality of life declining after years of working night shifts as an HGV driver. After speaking with friends who had moved abroad, she realized her remote job and business could support the family anywhere. Her husband is a Polish national, and all four children hold dual citizenship, allowing Brittany to obtain a D visa—valid for one year, with the option to apply for residency later.
Selling Up and Moving
The couple sold their North Warwickshire house for £275,000 in just 24 hours in January 2026. They rented a friend's home for £2,700 over the final 11 weeks in the UK to avoid disrupting the children's school year. Their new rental in Gdansk costs £1,400 per month—a significant increase from their former £850 mortgage, but offset by lower bills and other expenses. Brittany estimates monthly bills in Poland will be around £350, compared to £500 in the UK (council tax £200, water £100, gas/electric £200).
The move cost under £3,000: a £500 van hired to transport large furniture, £1,500 for a courier for other boxes, and £700 for Brittany's flight with the three youngest children. Her husband drove to Poland with their eldest child and the family dog.
Life in Gdansk
Brittany describes their new home as overlooking a forest, with no road noise and only birdsong. "I've never felt more comfortable," she said. "I've really made the right decision by my children." The family can reach the beach in a 20-minute drive. While Polish wages are lower and cars expensive, diesel is 35-40p per litre cheaper than in the Midlands. Food costs have dropped from £230 per week to £170.
Adapting to a New Country
Brittany is taking a Polish language course three times a week at a local college and admits feeling "frightened" about driving a left-hand drive vehicle on the right side of the road. She notes that bureaucracy differs: in Poland, landlords must personally accompany new tenants to the utilities office to transfer contracts.
She says the move is deeply personal, not political: "It has nothing to do with anything going on in the world politically or culturally... This move works for us and is doable purely because my husband is a Polish national." The response on social media has been "overwhelmingly positive."
Cost Comparison
- UK: Mortgage £850; council tax £200; water £100; gas/electric £200; food £230/week; family meal out £80-£100; vet consultation/prescription £80; litre of milk £1.20; butter (100g) £0.80.
- Poland: Rent £1,400; bills estimated £350; food £170/week; family meal out £45-£60; vet consultation/prescription £30; litre of milk £0.68; butter (100g) £0.50.
Brittany concluded: "There is no long-term plan... but it's already feeling like we've definitely made the right decision."
