Ultimate Checklist: 5 Best Packing Tips for Moving Abroad

You’ve been waiting to take a trip like this for a long time, and now you finally have the chance. The thought of seeing those people and places from the pictures in the flesh is too inspiring for words. All you can think about is the excitement of being in a new country that you’ve always dreamed of.

 

But, now you may be wondering what to pack when moving abroad. The less exciting and tedious endeavor of creating an international packing list may have crossed your mind a few times but was quickly replaced by the exciting prospect of going to a new country.

 

Knowing what to pack when moving abroad is a necessity when visiting or relocating outside of your home country. Unlike a quick trip to a local city, an overseas packing list should include items that you may not find in your home country. We are here to take the stress out of packing for a long-term excursion out of the country with packing tips for moving in a hurry.

Moving abroad packing list

1. Important travel documents

No matter where you are traveling to, it’s always crucial to have important travel documentation with you, especially when leaving the country. It’s best to keep an original as well as a copy in a safe space, in case either one is damaged during the trip.

If you are flying, be sure to keep these documents in a carry on bag for easy access. If any of these items are forgotten, you could face financial penalties or detainment:

Moving abroad packing list

1. Important travel documents

 

No matter where you are traveling to, it’s always crucial to have important travel documentation with you, especially when leaving the country. It’s best to keep an original as well as a copy in a safe space, in case either one is damaged during the trip.

 

If you are flying, be sure to keep these documents in a carry on bag for easy access. If any of these items are forgotten, you could face financial penalties or detainment:

 

– Passport / Visa
– Birth certificate
– ID
– Tax information
– Marriage license
– Immunization / medical records
– Pet health records
– Credit cards
– Travel insurance

 

2. What to wear when you get there?

 

You want to be ready for the weather you are headed to. For example, if you are going to the US, the weather on the west coast is vastly different than that of the east coast. Packing essential items like socks and undergarments are a given, but remembering to pack flip flops for beach trips may not be.

 

If you are headed to an area that experiences the occasional rain showers, it may be best to bring a rainbreaker rather than a tank top. Don’t forget to bring dress clothes if you anticipate attending more formal events. Regardless, it’s always best to research the place you are visiting so you know what weather to expect.

 

Taking several tops with a variety of sleeve lengths should help with any unexpected weather changes:

 

– Passport / Visa
– Birth certificate
– ID
– Tax information
– Marriage license
– Immunization / medical records
– Pet health records
– Credit cards
– Travel insurance

 

3. Don’t forget toiletries

 

Most toiletry items can be found in the country you are traveling to. However, there are some items that will be harder to find, while others can be found at large department stores.

 

These are a few items you should take with you to a new country:

 

Toothbrush / toothpaste
Contact lens / solution
Sewing kit
Tweezers
Sunscreen
Razors/cream
Deodorant

 

4. Mind your health

 

If you have a medication you typically take, it is a good idea to bring as much as you can. Finding a doctor that could prescribe the medicine you normally take may be more challenging and expensive than you think. You will need to have plenty of time to find a doctor in the new country that is familiar with your condition and could provide you with a prescription in a timely manner.

 

– Prescription medicine
– Ibuprofen
– Allergy medicine
– Band-aids
– Dramamine
– Charcoal tablets for food poisoning

 

5. Always stay connected

 

Is there anywhere you can go without your cell phone? We didn’t think so. That’s why we suggest one of the best packing tips for moving is to bring along all the important electronics that you’ll need to function in the new country.

 

While some are more obvious, like a cell phone and charger, others may not come to mind until you’ve left:

 

– Headphones
– Laptop / tablet
– Adapter
– External hard drive

 

You may want to bring miscellaneous items like a flashlight, glasses, translator, earplugs, waterproof bag, and special family heirlooms.

 

We know that packing can be overwhelming and that’s why we’ve compiled this quick snapshot of the best packing tips for moving outside the country. But, if you start early, you’ll have a better chance of remembering everything you’ll need so you can purchase any missing items.

 

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