25 Essential Packing Tips for Moving Abroad

Summary

In this video, Sepi from SheHitRefresh.com shares 25 essential packing tips for women moving abroad, especially for those over 30. From downsizing and decluttering to researching customs regulations, the tips cover practical advice for minimizing stress and packing efficiently. Sepi emphasizes the importance of researching the destination country, packing light, organizing with packing cubes, and wearing heavy items on the plane. She also highlights that many items can be bought abroad and advises checking local climates, electrical outlets, and baggage policies. Sepi's experience moving from Texas to Spain at 35 serves as inspiration for others embarking on a similar journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Downsize before you pack: Declutter your home by selling, donating, or storing items you don’t need. It's a great opportunity to lighten your load and make some extra cash.
• 😀 Do thorough research: Understand the cost of living, climate, and local amenities of your new destination to help guide your packing decisions.
• 😀 Make a checklist: Create a packing list to avoid overpacking and ensure you only take essential items with you.
• 😀 Lay out your clothes: Organize your clothes by assessing their practicality, frequency of use, and style in your new country before packing them.
• 😀 Keep your packing light: Minimize what you take by focusing on essentials to make your travel experience easier and more manageable.
• 😀 Invest in a good backpack: A sturdy backpack is essential for travel and future trips abroad. Don’t underestimate its importance.
• 😀 Roll your clothes: Rolling clothes saves space, keeps them wrinkle-free, and allows you to pack more efficiently.
• 😀 Use space bags: Space bags help you fit more into your suitcase by compressing air and reducing the bulk of your clothes.
• 😀 Pack by outfits: Organize your clothing into outfits to stay organized and minimize time spent searching for specific items.
• 😀 Keep essentials in your carry-on: Always carry important documents, medications, toiletries, and electronics in your personal item or carry-on, in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed.

Q & A

What is the first step to take when preparing for a move abroad?

The first step is to downsize, declutter, and get rid of items that are not essential for your move. This includes furniture, bedding, and kitchen items, which can be bought once you arrive in your new country.

Why is it important to research your destination country before moving abroad?

Researching your destination is crucial because living abroad differs from vacationing. You need to understand the cost of living, weather, accommodation, best neighborhoods, and accessibility to prepare adequately for your new life.

What should you include in your packing checklist?

Your checklist should include both practical essentials, such as clothing and toiletries, and sentimental items you want to keep. It will help you avoid overpacking and ensure you don't forget anything important.

What is a recommended strategy for organizing your clothing when packing?

It's advised to lay out all the clothes you want to pack and ask yourself questions like how often you've worn them, whether they're practical, and if they're preferred over similar items. This helps you decide what to pack and what to leave behind.

How can rolling clothes help when packing?

Rolling your clothes helps save space and keeps your suitcase organized. The tighter you roll your clothes, the more room you'll have for other items.

Why should you use space bags when packing?

Space bags, particularly ones that don’t require a vacuum, are great for compressing your clothes and saving space in your luggage. They allow you to fit more in by removing excess air from the bags.

What is the benefit of packing by outfits?

Packing by outfits ensures you stay organized and makes it easier to find specific clothing. It also helps you avoid packing unnecessary items, as you’ll be more intentional about what you need.

What should you keep in your carry-on when moving abroad?

Essentials like travel documents, medications, toiletries, and electronics should be packed in your carry-on. This ensures that if your checked luggage is delayed or lost, you have the important items you need.

Why is it important to research customs regulations before moving?

Customs regulations differ by country, and some items, including electronics, may be restricted or prohibited. Researching these regulations helps you avoid having your items confiscated at customs.

How can you avoid overweight baggage fees?

You can avoid overweight baggage fees by wearing your heaviest clothing items, such as coats or boots, during your flight. This reduces the weight of your checked luggage, helping you stay within the baggage limit.