Moving Abroad? List of Things Take and What to Leave Behind

If you are planning for overseas relocations, there can be many moving cartons to tick on your checklist while relocating. Along with flights, visas and personal matters, packing is the task that is forgotten or remains unplanned. You need to align your packing strategy, which will assist you in easing some of the stress that comes with last-minute tasks. Also, if you are aware of what to pack or not, you will not doubt speeding up the entire moving process.

Goods to Pack

Use this guide for inspiration when making your packing plan. It can be tough to decide what to pack and what to leave behind.

Essential Document

One could argue that the most crucial items to bring are your vital paperwork and documents. These might encompass visas, flight confirmations, tickets, banking information, driver's licenses, personal details, and pertinent educational certificates. We advise keeping a digital copy of these documents accessible on your phone or laptop, as well as having a physical copy of the documents that may be required immediately upon reaching your destination, such as visas.

Because these documents contain personal information, it's wise to store them in your carry-on luggage for added security.

Currency

If your another home uses a diverse currency to where you are arriving from, you should get some cash that you can have to hand when you reach. You can opt for debit or credit cards in major cities now, going to town on your card in a new country could be flagged as suspicious by your bank. If this situation arises, your card might get frozen, in which case, you’ll desire to keep the petty cash handy for the supplies until the issue is resolved.

Essential Medical Box

Pack an ample supply of any medications you take regularly in your carry-on to last you at least the first couple of weeks in your new location. Be sure to bring the relevant prescriptions in case they are needed by border control, although keep in mind that most countries' pharmacies will require a local prescription to dispense medications.

You don't need to worry about purchasing standard over-the-counter medicines before your move, as you can buy them once you arrive at your new destination.

Toiletries

Similar to your medication, you will most likely need your typical toiletries from the day of your arrival. It is wise to have these prepared to pack to facilitate your initial set but don’t go overboard. Toiletries can increase the weight of your luggage and might spill or break in the airplane’s cargo area, so be moderate in packing them. Keep in mind that you can probably buy most of these items in your new location or order them online, so just pack the essentials.

IT/Tech Equipment

Laptops, phones and various other electronic devices are expensive to buy and replace so we recommend packing these tech items to take to your new premises with you. You should also get some adapters so you will be able to use them as soon as you desire.

When it comes to other electronics, only take things, which will work at your destination. Hair tools, for example, word based on voltages and the power supplies by outlets vary in some countries. For instance, a hair dryer purchased in Australia may not receive sufficient power to function from American outlets. On the other hand, a hair dryer purchased in America and used in Australia may be supplied with more power than it can handle, which can lead to damage and electrical risks.

Appropriate Clothing

When you’re sorting through your wardrobe and deciding what clothes to pack, think about what will be practical in your new location. If you're moving to a cold climate, pack warm clothes, or pack lightweight clothes for a warmer climate. It's also a good idea to consider any potential cultural changes, in which case you may want to pack more culturally appropriate or conservative clothing. If you find that you're running out of room in your luggage, packing cubes can be a great solution for staying organized and saving space.

Try not to focus too much on buying new clothes before you leave, as you'll likely have plenty of time to shop and adjust to your new surroundings once you arrive.

Emotional and Sentimental Items

Relocating overseas can be a big adjustment and it is normal for it to take a while to settle in. Something that many ex-pats find makes this easier is taking some sentimental items with them and belongings that they can add to their new place to help make it feel like home. This could be décor, packable art pieces or your favourite blanket from home. If it will help you get comfortable in your new place, it might be worth sacrificing some clothes in your suitcase to make space. Sentimental items that are fragile or likely to be damaged in transit are probably best left at home, both for their sake and yours.

Take Expert Assistance

Be it your first international relocation or not, Agarwal Packers and Movers Pty. Ltd has teams all over who can take off your moving burden. Right from Australia to other major cities, and smaller cities across the globe, our professional moving company in Australia can lend a hand wherever you are. Contact APML today to chat more about the comprehensive services we offer