For some people, packing is a fun experience that serves as a reminder of the upcoming travel, be it a vacation or a move overseas. Still, the majority hates to deal with such a time-consuming process, mostly because they have no clue about what to pack when moving abroad.
Relocating abroad is an exciting but also overwhelming process, which can incite fear, happiness, and anxiety all at the same time. One way to surpass all those mixed feelings is to have everything ready on time. If packing is taken care of and you just need to plan the fun things to do once you arrive – everything will be a lot easier and much more enjoyable.
Since there are too many difficult tasks to complete before the moving day comes, the sooner you start, the easier it will be. Packing doesn’t have to be one of those tasks if you follow our detailed guidelines. Get ready to enjoy your international relocation.
What You Need to Consider for an International Relocation
Relocating overseas can lead to so many new opportunities – a new career, getting to know different cultures and cuisines, etc. However, to make the move go as smoothly as possible, you need to plan properly and get the information you need on time. That way, you will have a stress-free transition to a country outside the States.
Relocating overseas differs to a great extent from a cross-country relocation. First of all, you have to decide whether you will organize an international move by air or by sea. This is important because each has different limitations when it comes to the amount of stuff you can carry with you.
Before you put everything into the boxes, you have to ensure some essentials are with you – documents and medicine. Make sure you have the necessary paperwork that will allow you to enter the country that will become your new home. If you are relocating with your kids, you also have to take into account their birth certificates, passports, and probably some additional documents. Therefore, before you start looking for boxes and other important packing supplies to protect your shoes and clothing items, cover the legal part of international relocation. Here are some additional questions you should think about:
- How long do you plan to stay overseas?
- What can help you feel at home?
- What is the climate like in the new country?
Decide What to Pack When Moving Abroad – Items of Primary Concern
Different people have different needs, but some rules apply to all of us, especially if they involve the legal side of the relocation. Check what you need to pack before you get down to the process.
Pack the Essential Documents First
It is worth remembering that documents are a vital part of your relocation overseas. Some of the most important ones include passports, visas, birth certificates, diplomas, driving license, different records, health insurance, and anything else you think you cannot go without. Don’t just take the originals, make sure you have the copies as well. Take those with you and leave some to the closest friends in case you need something while you are away.
You Need This – Medicines
Research your new country and make sure you have a supply of any regular medication. There is a high chance that you won’t be able to find them abroad since they might be sold under a different name there. If there are some you take on a daily basis, make sure you have them with you when you board the plane, and that you have enough of them for the first few weeks.
Clothing Items
Is it worth relocating piles of clothes across the world? Double-check the weather conditions and make sure you take only the items that will serve you for the current season. Dragging all your clothes might end up too expensive. The best you can do is take pieces of clothing and shoes for the first few months, and after you find a store that fits your style, it’s time to do some shopping.
Keep it Minimalistic – Furniture and Electronics
The electronics you have to take with you should include laptops, phones, tablets, iPad, and anything else you use on a daily basis. But make sure you take the batteries out since they can leak and cause damage during transport. Don’t forget to bring their plug adaptors and charges. The rest of your electronics is not really worth the risk. Removing the cable and protecting each one of them will take so much of your time and ramp up the shipping costs for sure.
As for the furniture, relocating it abroad can be a real challenge. If you are keen to move pieces of furniture, you have to be sure you have proper supplies and enough funds to cover such a project. In case you are relocating to a furnished home, there is no reason to drag all those furniture pieces with you. Before you start the move, check the home you are moving into and compare the prices of new furniture and the costs of shipping your old furniture pieces. This will help you decide.
Other Important Articles
You also have to consider other possession which might be less important than the ones mentioned above. Anyway, you have to decide what to do with these pieces:
- Toiletries– it’s not worth the distance. You can buy everything once you arrive.
- Sentimental items – Take the most important goods which are an important part of your life.
- Books– Don’t stuff too many boxes with them. Take your favorite reads, and leave the rest with your close friends or in a storage unit.
Downsize and Request Free Relocation Quotes
Downsizing can be the answer to many of your questions. Do you really have to take all those possessions with you? That will be irrational, impractical, and above all, fairly expensive. If you have arranged an overseas vehicle shipping, you already have to set aside a lot of money. Don’t make things complicated by shipping stuff that you no longer need. In the end, you won’t be able to use many of those possessions, and you will pay for expensive international shipping, all for nothing.
It is vital to assess your actual needs, and the type of residence you are going to live in. If you are relocating with a professional international moving company, request a free moving quote. This will help you determine the costs, prioritize the items and leave the unnecessary stuff behind. In case you are not sure, reach representatives of the chosen company and share your doubts and concerns. Relocating items to another country involves many risks and restrictions, even if the packing process is done immaculately. If you are still unsure what can you move, you can request an in-home assessment of your items. Before the movers arrive, make sure you have some old things thrown away.
Give Away Things You Won’t Need
In case you don’t want to throw away goods, why not donate or give them away? Your friends and family members will welcome all those items. If you want to earn extra money, you can organize a garage sale and have a live auction. It’s up to you to decide what is the best option.
