How to Pack for an Easy International Move

How to Pack for an Easy International Move. What to bring, what to leave behind.

Article by Deborah Dahab - Official ex-pat and culture transition coach to KipperTree.

Moving to another country can be a very daunting project. And packing for the move can be equally as daunting. This may be a simple project, but it’s not an easy one. 

Remember that during this transition, you’re in the process of both letting go of your past life and looking forward to your new life. Because of the implications of this huge life event, all your possessions will take on a greater meaning. Your things aren’t just stuff. They represent you. The harder it is to let go of something, usually means that this thing is significant and holds emotional value for you. 

As you sort through all your household and personal things, keep this idea in the forefront of your mind: 

You’re belongings fall into two categories, emotional and practical.

The practical…

Clothing is a good example of practical items because what you pack depends on the climate you’re moving to. If you now live in a place that is super cold and you ski but your new location is hot and tropical, it will probably make more sense to leave behind your ski gear and woollen sweaters. 

And once you’ve decided not to take the ski gear and winter clothes, the second decision will be to figure out if you’ll sell, donate, or put these things in storage. 

Other practical items that you’ll need to decide about might include kitchen appliances that may be hard to find in your new country or books that would be hard or impossible to replace. Technology such as laptops, tablets, and printers, also may not be easily found in your new country, so it will be important for you to do some research on the subject. Also, find out the voltage compatibility of your electronics in your new location. Some appliances may not work well or not at all, which will be a deciding factor whether they go or stay. This is the practical side of packing. 

The emotional…

Now, for the emotional stuff, which is usually where the problems with packing begin. 

There are always certain clothes, books, artwork, decorations, curtains, pillows, or something that you’re sure can’t be left behind. I’ve seen and heard all of the reasons, whether it’s your children’s toy sets and bedroom posters, or paintings that you’ve had on your living room walls for years. Or, there may be a vase or a table that was passed down to you from a family member.

Maybe you’re struggling because there isn’t a clear reason why you’re clinging to a certain item. What is vital for you to know is that your belongings have a practical and an emotional necessity. Understanding the difference between the two is key for this packing project. Be mindful of the fact that the more you hold on to, the less space there will be in your new home for new things. Likewise creating space mentally will also allow for new experiences as well.

The simple but not easy question you need to ask yourself is, “Do I really need this item for my new life?” Thinking about what is practical for everyday living and what items are emotionally valuable are two important factors in determining what to pack.

You can have both…

Practical and emotionally valuable don’t have to be exclusive. Some people have belongings that were passed down to them by family members and are a part of your heritage. These types of objects are essential when creating your new home. 

Just be sure that what you choose to bring is truly meaningful for you. Understanding this will help you avoid packing every piece of artwork or throw and pillow you own. A friend may have given you a set of serving bowls for your first apartment. If you haven’t used them in years, and they are in a corner collecting dust, it’s ok to let them go. You’re not leaving behind the person’s friendship.

And before you decide to rent a storage unit for the items you aren’t taking but can’t bear to sell or donate, research the expense. Give these items a score from 1- 10 on how likely you would use these items again. If the items score a 7 to 10, meaning you’ll definitely use these things again in the future, then consider storage options. 

By packing in this mindful way, you’re keeping yourself open to new things and new experiences in your move abroad. 

Learn more about moving abroad in a mindful and productive way with my Master Your Move program.

In this program, you be in a small group atmosphere with like-minded pre-movers. There are online modules, group calls, 1:1 sessions, and a private Facebook group.

I look forward to working with you!