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How to Pack for an International  Move

It’s very exciting to move abroad, but the idea of packing can be very stressful. Many people don’t give enough thought to how big their move will be, and sometimes it’s just not worth it to bring everything with you. It can be hard to know what and how to pack. That’s why we’re here to help. Here are our best tips for packing for a move overseas.

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Downsize

Most likely, you have gained a lot over the years. Moving abroad is a great reason to get rid of things you haven’t used in a while, whether it’s furniture, clothes, kitchenware, or little things you’ve never even noticed. The first step is to figure out what you need. Then you should ask yourself, “Have I used this in the last year?” If the answer is no, it might be best to sell or donate the item. Apps like eBay and Depop that let you sell things are great ways to get rid of some stuff and make a little money. Not only will you have less to pack, but you might also save a little money on your move.

Research

Research is very important when moving, especially if you’re going somewhere far away or even abroad. When choosing what to bring, it’s important to think about your new life and what it will be like. Make sure to find out about the weather, the cost of living, how easy it is to get there, etc. This is also a good time to find out what your country’s rules are, since some things might not be allowed in.

Create a Checklist

A clear checklist is important to make sure you remember everything, and it’s also a good way to keep track of what you’ve done. If you write everything down, you might find that you don’t need as much as you thought. Make two columns, one with the item’s description and the other with a small box. Just check off the things you have packed or want your moving company to wrap.

Keep reading: International Moving Checklist

Keep it light

When making your list, it’s important to keep it as short as possible and only include the most important things. You’ll be able to buy a lot of things in your new country, and it might be easier to do so. It might be worth it, for example, to buy your toiletries there.

Packing Your Clothes

Your moving company will probably take care of the bigger things, but smaller things like clothes will need to be put into bags or suitcases. Most people choose to fold their clothes, but it is much better to roll them. The more space you have, the tighter you can roll your clothes. You might even decide to use packing cubes or airtight bags to keep certain things together in a small, compact space.

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Label Everything

People often make a big mistake when they forget to label boxes and bags. Putting a small label or sticker on each of your bags will help you stay more organised by making it easy to see what you’ve already packed and what you still need to do. This will also make it much easier to unpack, which will speed up the process of getting settled.

Packing Your Bag

When it’s time to pack your bags, you should make sure everything is spread out evenly so that your things can be moved easily. Whether you use suitcases or duffle bags, the weight of your packed items should be about the same. We would also suggest putting the heavier pieces at the bottom so that the more fragile ones don’t get broken.

Pack your carry-on bag

Whether you are flying, taking a boat, or driving to your destination, it is important to pack a carry-on bag. First, your bag should meet the requirements for carry-on luggage, if that’s what you need to do. This is where you should keep important papers, toiletries, and medicines. You can also store your electronics and cables for charging them here.

What to Pack for an Overseas Move

Here is a list of the things you will need to take with you when you move abroad. This can help you make a packing list.

Documents

# Passport

# Visa and accompanying documentation

# Health insurance records

# Accommodation paperwork

Electronics

# Mobile phone

# Tablet

# Laptop

# Headphones

# Camera

# Speaker

# Charging cables

# Country-specific adapter

Toiletries

# Medication

# Suncream

# Toothpaste

# Toothbrush

# Skincare

# Haircare

# Makeup

# Perfume

# Aftershave

Clothes

# Tops

# T shirts

# Trousers

# Sweatshirts

# Jumpers

# Formal attire

# Jackets

# Coats

# Workwear

# Swimwear

# Gym wear

# Underwear

# Socks

# Nightwear

# Shoes

Don’t forget that you can buy most of these things in your new country.

Get your moving abroad checklist now and print it out.

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