An increasing number of UK millennials are considering leaving the UK and moving overseas, according to a new study.*

The survey found that 59% of UK millennials had plans in place or were seriously considering a move overseas in the near future.

The study, conducted by Crown Relocations – a global relocation and moving services company –  showed that while other age groups believe that such a move would be permanent, the majority of UK millennials questioned (46%) did not. Many expect to live in more than one foreign country in their lifetime.

Improving quality of life, cited by 37%, is millennials number one reason for leaving the UK. To follow their dreams (25%) and improve their well-being (25%) also topped the list. Conversely, only 12% thought that a move would help their career progression highlighting a need for employers to deliver better global job opportunities, where possible.

Europe is UK millennials’ destination of choice, followed by Australia and New Zealand. Overall a third believe Europe to be the cheapest place to live, 44% believe it to be the easiest to move to and a quarter named it as the friendliest.

When it came to security, 32% of UK millennials cite Europe as being the safest place to live. This is in sharp contrast to the US, where only 13% of UK millennials believe America to be the safest destination. US gun crime is regularly in the press and with deaths from shootings at the highest levels since 1996**, over half of UK millennials wouldn’t relocate to the US because of gun crime.

UK millennials are very comfortable with the idea of relocating overseas. 49% of those questioned claim they would have no problem settling into a new country. Other age groups, such as retirees were more cautious; citing concerns such as not knowing where to go once in a foreign country. However, UK millennials appear to take a more pragmatic approach; with the majority believing a simple ‘how to’ guide, app or website, as well as access to locals for guidance, would be enough to settle in their new country.

This level-headed approach is also reflected by what UK millennials look for after moving – with information regarding hospitals and emergency services considered more important than the location of the nearest bar and restaurant. The biggest concern for UK millennials was finding employment (38%), followed by saying goodbye to family/friends (36%), learning the language (35%) and issues surrounding visas (34%).

Andy Buckle from Crown Relocations, comments, “We often consider millennials to have their head in the clouds having been raised with the mantra to ‘follow their dreams’ – and this is certainly reflected in our research. However, they may well be growing up as their approach to relocating abroad is much more pragmatic – with more concerned about finding their local hospital and doctors’ surgeries, than where the nearest bars are. These very practical concerns, including finding a job and sorting visas, highlights a need for support and help before and after they land.”

And they’re pragmatic when it comes to what they’ll take with them – with the majority taking all of their clothes, beating sentimental photos and even pets to the top of the list.