Relocating overseas is an extremely challenging process full of an awkward plane ride, endless packing, and heavy suitcases. Ensuring you have all your items with you for an international relocation is not easy.
Moving all your items can be expensive and time-consuming, considering that you can spend that money and time elsewhere. Chances are you will spend more money to move most of your goods internationally than buying new ones upon arrival in the new country.
But how will you know that? Here are some tips that can assist you in determining what to pack and the items to leave behind.
Clothes-Carry Some and Leave Most
You should go through your clothes and separate those you need from the ones you can do without. You can simply sell or donate the clothes you never wear.
Selling them is a great option of raising some extra cash for your move or for buying new clothes after the move. Consider the climate of the new country and avoid carrying clothes that will not be ideal for the weather.
Packing clothes for an international move should never involve carrying many suitcases full of clothes that you will not wear.
Furniture, Electronics, and Other Such Items-Leave Most of Them
Electrical appliances, office supplies, and books among other items that you can buy in your new country are too heavy and bulky to transport.
They will cost you a lot to move across borders. If you also have a book collection that you don’t want to lose, you can simply store them in a climate controlled self storage unit.
If not, then just donate or sell them. You will still find them again when you want to reread them while in your new country.
Electrical appliances such as electric razors, dryers and others may be bought in your new country. This way, you will avoid buying new voltage adapters or plugs since you new country might have different standards on voltage levels.
Using electrical appliances that are not suitable for a specific voltage level in a new country may damage them leading to damages.
However, if you carry items such as light computers and laptops, ensure you check with a local computer technician in your new country to advise you on the correct surge protectors or adapters to use.
You should never think of moving with furniture for your international relocation. Furniture is too expensive to move.
Unless it is a custom piece or a family heirloom, consider the cost of relocating it versus the cost of buying a new piece after moving. Unless the piece is really worth it, consider selling all your furniture before moving.
Paperwork-Store Rather Than Relocate It
Moving across borders to a new country is challenging enough. Rather than making the move more challenging, technology allows you to scan your important paperwork and even store it in an online cloud and access it from just anywhere.
Hence, there will be no need of shipping many boxes full of paperwork. However, you can store the paperwork in a storage unit with climate control if you don’t trust technology.
You can also leave the paperwork with a trusted friend or relative in a box. The box should be protective and should not be put in garages and basements since paper work can attract mold.
Cleaning Supplies and Toiletries-Only Carry the Essentials
Only carry toiletries that you will want to have once you arrive. Only carry travel-size conditioners and shampoos to cut down on the overall weight and cost.
If you have any worries about specific products upon landing, you may order them for delivery to your new home. However, cleaning supplies are often inexpensive. Just get a fresh stock after arriving.
If the new country lacks the type you treasure, you can get creative with products like vinegar and soda as you think about your new home.
Bikes, Cars, and Other Vehicles – It Will Be Up To You
Vehicles are a hassle to relocate outside country borders. There is a likely hood of being charged different types of taxes depending on the regulations in the new country.
Most cars will also require some work after being shipped such as aligning tires and other repairs after a bumpy trip. Bikes may be disassembled and boxed for shipping, making them easier to move.
However, you should ensure the bike is in good condition after arrival by taking it to a bike shop expert for servicing.
Other vehicles such as scooters and motorcycles lie in the middle. They are not very challenging to ship but might be costly. If you love your vehicle so much, consider making arrangements to get it shipped.
Otherwise, just sell them to a friend or family member, or arrange for storage while you are away. Always remember that long-term storage of a motor vehicle may be expensive.
