As humans, we tend to be in a constant search for ways to better the quality of our life. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling the world, or changing careers, we’re always looking to make changes that will work in our best interest.
There are many people who dream of dropping everything and moving to another country for a fresh start or to support their career advancement. In any case, moving abroad it’s a big decision that requires some serious consideration and planning, especially when it comes to what you’ll take with you. We’re here to help you with some packing tips and tricks for moving abroad that will get you started on the right track.
1. Know the Facts
Before you start thinking about what you need to pack for your big move, there are some facts to take into consideration. You need to think about the duration of this move, whether it’s a permanent one or a short one ranging from six months to a year. This will go a long way in what you take or leave behind. Another thing to put in mind is the size of your new home, if it’s smaller then you can’t take all your current belongings. You should also know the type of weather in your new city to pack suitable clothes. Things like whether it’s risky to ship a certain item or shipping costs should also be on your mind.
2. Lose Common Items
A common mistake made by those who are moving abroad is packing common items that can be found anywhere. Things like shampoo, soap, and similar items should not be taking space in your luggage unless you are picky about using certain brands that won’t be available at your destination. Otherwise, you’ll find everything you might need in your new city without having to carry it overseas. On the other hand, you should consider packing things that you may not find abroad in sufficient amounts to last you a certain period of time.
3. Get Some Help
Moving abroad is no easy matter and shipping costs could drain your wallet if you’re not careful about what you pack. If you are traveling to New Zealand, for instance, it would make sense to enlist the services of professionals who are based there. When it comes to removals to NZ, hiring a reliable removal service can make the whole process much easier as well as cost-effective. It definitely beats winging it on your own and making mistakes that cost you more than hiring a removal service. You’ll also be getting perks like a door to door service, various shipping options, and foolproof packaging to keep your belongings safe.
4. Pack Smart
When you’re packing to move abroad, your things are in for a long journey, so there are some smart hacks you can use to make sure it goes smoothly. For example, if there are some fragile items you’re worried about, you can wrap them inside your clothes. To save space, rolling your clothes tightly will do the trick as well as keep them from creasing. Make sure you fill up all the empty spaces in your luggage and spreading the weight by packing heavy items in the bottom and not overfill boxes so they don’t break.
5. Don’t Overlook Essentials
There are some practical items that you just can’t leave behind while packing to move abroad. Your electronics are an obvious thing to pack, but you can’t use them without packing travel adapters, that most people forget about, and end up not being able to charge their devices. Some small appliances that could be worth taking should also go into your list as well as cookware, especially if you can’t get it elsewhere. The most important things to pack are all your legal documents from your entry documents, birth certificate, insurance policies, tax documents, wills, and your marriage license (if applicable).
6. It’s OK to Get Sentimental
Let’s face it, it’s not realistic that you stay practical all the time while packing to move away. At the end of the day, you’re leaving behind everything you know to start somewhere completely new and unknown to you, so it’s perfectly normal that your packing process gets a bit sentimental. 
There’s nothing wrong with packing or shipping items from your current house that make you feel more comfortable and will give you a piece of your old home after moving. Don’t forget to pack your family photographs, souvenirs, and favorite books to make your new house feel more like who you are.
With these packing tips and tricks in mind, you’re now all set to embark on this new chapter of your life as you move abroad. Just make sure you inquire about your flight’s baggage allowance and do your research to find a reputable moving company to do the heavy lifting for you. Last but not least, try to remain organized and focused throughout the process so as not to forget anything or stress yourself out unnecessarily.
