Oftentimes when you’re studying abroad or first moving abroad it’s hard to keep to a budget because everything may be so different from where you come from.
Let me just tell you I’ve been there, living in Germany as a student and in France as a new professional even going to a grocery store can cause a bit of anxiety.
Start off right, with the right clothing staples!
Let’s be honest, most people living abroad might have a suitcase or two when they arrive. If this isn’t you, you may be the lucky few to have relocated and had a company pay to move your things or supplement a relocation financially! Don’t even get me talking about what it’s like after you’ve lived abroad!
Make sure you’ve packed what you need to be abroad. I always make sure to have clothing basics when I go abroad that often work together, think capsule wardrobe, and then buy additional things while I’m abroad (check out my post on my international reading list for one of the best resources I’ve found on how to pack) and will soon post my best recommendations for what clothing people should pack. Now in this upcoming post that so many ask me about I promise to not only share my story of planning my study abroad life in Germany and packing mostly black🖤during my study abroad, but also what I’d bring now looking back on having lived abroad 3 different times and dozens of mini trips back and forth. Trust me, everyone asks!
Reuse food.
Yep, you read that correctly. Did you know that some foods you buy you can reuse again and again? I’m really not a green thumb and I love doing this!
One of my favorites is the Spring Onion as you can easily reuse it, its easy and also a fast grower!
My spring onion tip: Always make sure to buy them with roots. When I get them, I clean them, put them in a class jar and fill halfway with water. I just cut off the top with a knife or scissor when I need them! Make sure the water stays clear, you might have to refill it every so often. Some like to keep them in the kitchen, but I like to keep mine in the fridge and my plant honestly seems pretty happy!
If you have a green thumb (I really don’t) here is a reference for other products you can experiment with! The TRUTH About Regrowing Veggies From Kitchen Scraps – YouTube
Fun fact: Did you know that taking care of plants may actually help you with your transition in your new country as well? Double win!
Give Clothing a Second Life
Doesn’t matter if you call them second-hand, thrift stores, resale shops, etc. but if you are looking for something and may not have a large budget I would definitely look here first. If you’re in a new country it’s also so fun to get new things from your new environment as well- who said souvenirs had to be what other’s expect.
I like clothing, there I said it. I’ve always been a huge fan of second-hand shopping as a fashionista- you can always find interesting pieces, get tuned in on new brands, and you also know that you’re helping the planet by giving clothes a new life. I still have some interesting finds from living in Paris, and I also have some fun international brands by looking around where I grew up. Just check out my trench coat guide for inspo and where to search. You can also find furniture this way!
Always check the quality of items before you buy and please wash before wearing. I like to be cautious about shoes because they are harder to clean, and no one wants foot mold (ew) but I also just bought some fabulous leather striped espadrilles from an online second-hand app. Not really into searching on your own? Check out my closet and get items here.
My best tip for finding great items, go to higher-end areas for even more fabulous and unique finds at amazing prices and ask around in your life abroad community!
The US
The United States has many places for finding clothes second hand and here are my favorite brands.
Goodwill
It’s everywhere in the US as far as I know. Make sure to take some time going through items. To be faster go toward your favorite colors to wear and if you’re like me, ignore sizing as things always tend to get misplaced. Items here can be at really low prices but can have a varying spectrum.
Crossroads Trading
I’ve seen this around the US but seem to see them everywhere when I’m on the West Coast. Here I always find many items. When I’m near LA I like looking more for unique items and doing a price-to-brand price comparison. Bring a phone and check out what you’re buying, that’s how you justify spending $40 on a $1,010 dollar dress!
ThredUp
This is something I recommend to anyone looking for Women’s or Children’s clothing and am annoyed it does not yet have Men’s items. It’s an online store and app. I love saving things overtime and going back to see if I really love it. I like that you can customize to your size and also make sure you’re picking out favorite colors, brands, or items.
France
If you’re in Paris go to the Le Marais area this is where you’ll find second hands stores everywhere!
Kilo stores
I’ve seen these all over France and even around Europe. You’ll find tons of clothes in bins and can find things at really low prices, but you really need to dig!
Be Open to Trying New Things
Stay tuned for my next post, and my upcoming webinar- What They Don’t Tell You About Living Abroad!
When there are sales and good prices, jump on them! Only then will you find my favorite under €6 wine in France (21+ in the US), or the best night cream under $4 from Aldi – it has a higher price everywhere else.
When you stay curious and open to new experiences the opportunities increase, it’s something I’ve taught clients who are looking to go or adapt abroad and back. I’ll probably sprinkle some of these into other posts in the future as these are products that have stuck with me and I’ll recommend them to anyone.
Make sure if you need help abroad you reach out in my easy help sessions. Let’s transform your life!
