A family from the Midlands has made a life-changing move to Poland, stepping into a home more than twice the size of their former UK residence and enjoying the benefits of a more affordable lifestyle. Brittany Balinski, 35, her husband, 44, and their four children left their three-bedroom semi-detached house in north Warwickshire and settled into a spacious six-bedroom, three-storey property in Gdansk in July 2026.
Inspired by friends who had prospered after emigrating and motivated by concerns over her husband’s wellbeing-he had endured years of night shifts as an HGV driver leading to a decline in his quality of life-Brittany saw an opportunity to improve their family’s circumstances. Working remotely and running an online business, she realised the family could live anywhere without compromising their income.
With her husband being Polish and all four children holding dual citizenship, Brittany obtained a D visa granting a one-year stay in Poland with the possibility of applying for permanent residency. The family sold their home in Warwickshire for £275,000 within 24 hours and chose to rent a friend’s property for the final 11 weeks before their departure, ensuring minimal disruption to their children’s schooling.
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Now, the family pays just £1,400 per month for rent on their larger home, a substantial saving compared to their previous £850 mortgage. Brittany expresses satisfaction that their new house suits the needs of their growing family far better than their former residence.
The children, aged nine, eight, six, and nearly four, were eager about the move, immediately expressing enthusiasm when their mother mentioned living in Poland. A preliminary trip to Gdansk in December 2025 confirmed the city as a comfortable, safe place with schools the children liked.
Relocating required logistics, including hiring a £500 van to transport belongings, a cost of £1,500 for a courier service, and flights totalling around £700. Overall, they managed the move for under £3,000.
Although Polish salaries tend to be lower than those in the UK and some expenses, such as cars, can be costly, Brittany notes savings in other areas like fuel prices, which are significantly cheaper. She cites an example of feeding the whole family at an IKEA restaurant for just £12.60, versus around £24 back home.
Adjusting to life in Poland involves some ‘old school’ practices, such as landlords personally updating rental agreements with local offices. Brittany is also attending Polish language classes to improve communication and build confidence in driving on the right-hand side.
The family enjoys their new rural surroundings, appreciating the peace and quiet away from noise, and the scenic views overlooking a nearby forest. They can easily reach the beach within a 20-minute drive, making every day feel like a holiday.
“Our previous garden was tiny,” she reflects, “so it’s wonderful to have space to connect with nature.”
Despite some negative political commentary on social media, Brittany remains focused on personal reasons for the move, emphasising the unique opportunity presented by her husband’s nationality. She acknowledges that moving to Poland so seamlessly may not be possible for all families but feels confident they have made the right choice for their children and themselves.
Their story highlights the growing trend of UK families considering relocation abroad for a better quality of life, particularly where strong family ties and manageable costs of living make the transition feasible.
“Even though we’re renting and the property is signed on for a year, I feel already more settled and at home here than I ever did in my own house. Purely because I’ve never felt more comfortable and have really made the right decision for my children, I suppose.”