Packing tips for expats moving overseas

Moving to a different country is probably one of the most exciting things in life. It’s an experience like no other. Being able to start a new, life or enhance the one you have, somewhere else is an opportunity not many can brag about. Since you are lucky enough to go on this adventure, let’s make sure you prepare yourself properly. Transparent International NYC is here to give some very useful packing tips for expats moving overseas, so take notes.

Learn where you are going

Before doing any packing or planning, what you must do is, get familiar with the place you’re moving to. Especially when moving overseas. Chances are that you are moving into a whole new culture and atmosphere and it’s very important to be prepared for that. Some Americans might think that moving to Europe, for example, is a piece of cake and that the two are very similar. But, if you are, for example, moving to Norway from USA , you will notice many differences.  To avoid big culture shock or feeling like an outsider, it’s very important to watch movies, read some news, and watch YouTube videos about the country you’re moving to overseas.

Essentials first

Before starting the “official” packing, which means packing your furniture, clothes, and accessories, there is the “pre-packing”. This means that some items must be packed and put to the side first before you forget them. Here is a list of some essential items that you cannot move abroad without and that you need to make sure are packed before anything else:

• Your important documents (passport, birth certificate, international driver’s license, visa documentation, etc)
• Medical Equipment and Medicine (prescription and other medication, contacts, glasses, vitamins, etc)
• Electronics (camera, iPad, laptop, chargers, adapters, etc)
• Items that are important for personal reasons (diary, photos, gifts from family and friends, special perfume, etc)

You can add to this list, but these are some basics that everyone hates forgetting or losing inside boxes. Everyone usually knows where these important items are in the house, that’s why global international movers recommend that you pack them first and move on with the “big” packing.

Useful packing tips for expats moving overseas

Now that you’ve packed the essentials, let’s see what the best way to pack for your overseas move is. This can be stressful and you might feel like you don’t know where to start. You can help yourself by using some of the packing tips for expats moving overseas that we will provide, and you’ll do just fine. Before we go into some tips about what you should pack, let’s see what you shouldn’t.

Things not to pack for your overseas move

When moving locally or within the country (or even continent) it’s ok to pack your whole house. But, when moving overseas, that is not the case. You don’t need to bring every little thing with you. International removals can help you in this stage of packing. So, let’s see what are some things that you don’t need when packing for your overseas move.

• Things that you “might” need – If you have to think twice about needing something, you probably don’t need it. If it’s an item that is not essential, leave it behind. You can easily find most items in your new country. If there are items that you haven’t even used in your current location, you will not use them elsewhere.
• Kitchen items – There is no need to bring pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment overseas. These are items that are affordable around the world. Other than some special kitchen equipment that you want to take with you, leave the rest behind.
• Home electronics – Items such as microwaves, television, fridge, etc. These are huge and there is a chance they will not work overseas in case the outlets are different. It’s better to purchase new ones when you move overseas.
• Plants – This one might be a bit hard because some people are very attached to their plants. However, everyone understands that moving plants overseas is not the best idea. First of all, the transport and then the climate, they might not even like it there. It’s always a good idea to give them to someone who will take care of them and get new ones overseas.
  

Get rid of clothes that you barely wear or don’t need overseas

Another important packing tip for expats moving overseas is to get rid of unnecessary clothes. If there are pieces of clothing, shoes, bags, or hats that you don’t like or wear, don’t pack them. Why takes space for something that you’ll wear once or never. Better donate them or sell them online. And just like we mentioned before, if you have to think twice, you probably don’t need it. So, if you’re looking at a piece of clothing and thinking “I don’t know, maybe one day I’ll wear it” just leave it.

Packing tips for expats moving overseas say that it’s ok not to let go of some items

Of course, most lists of packing tips for expats moving overseas recommend that anything that can be replaced stays behind. However, we do understand that there are some items that you simply cannot just give away or leave. For most people, these are their instruments. Some are smaller and lighter and therefore easier to move overseas, but some are large and take a bit more time and space. International piano movers advise that you hire professionals when moving your instruments overseas. You don’t want to come to your new home and find a damaged instrument. You never know if it’s fixable or if the parts needed are available overseas.

Now that you have some more packing tips for expats moving overseas, we hope that this move goes smoothly. Remember, as long as you have a plan and a “to-do list” that you will incorporate with the tips we gave you, you’ll do this in a heartbeat. Organize your time and space and get ready for this amazing