From Chaos to Calm: Pack Like a Pro for Your Overseas Move

However, the process of packing can often feel overwhelming. Given the intricacies of logistics and transit involved in an overseas move, packing can easily get complicated. With our comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that every detail is taken care of for a stress-free move.

Expat Relocation Packing Essentials

Packing for a global move isn’t an insurmountable task. With meticulous and timely planning, you can stay organised. The key is knowing what to pack, and we’ve covered just that so you have the essentials when you need them.

Important Documents

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage licence
• Travel document/visa
• College/university transcript
• Vaccination records
• Medical records
• Copies of all prescriptions
• Documentation for moving pets
• Travel Insurance
• Credit cards
• International driver’s licence (if you have one)

Medicines 

• Prescriptions
• Allergy relief
• Vitamin supplements
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Motion sickness tablets
• Earplugs and an eye mask

Tech Gear 

• Laptop
• Mobile
• External power source like a portable charger
• Chargers for all electronics
• Adapter plugs
• Headphones
• Camera
• External hard drive

Clothing 

• Breathable tops
• Swimwear
• Windbreaker
• Sportswear
• Pyjamas 
• Trench coat
• Underwear
• Socks
• Climate-appropriate clothing

Toiletries 

• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss kit
• Sunscreen
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Lip balm
• Skin care lotions
• Makeup and applicators
• Sanitary products

What to Ship Overseas

Not everything you need overseas will fit into your suitcase. Since shipping times vary across the globe, you should avoid putting anything you might need on arrival into a shipment, these should go in your carry-on luggage instead. 

Here are some potential items you might want, and which can be shipped abroad:

• Clothes (festive outfits, bulky coats, uniforms, etc.)
• Cooking appliances
• Items for hobbies such as sports gear
• Furniture
• Antiques
• Wine Collection
• Holiday Decor
• CD/record/ book collection

What to Store When Moving Abroad

Whether you want to relocate overseas gradually or would like to move back to the UK one day, there are plenty of reasons why storage might be the right answer for some of your possessions. A storage facility can provide long-term protection for your items while abroad. 

Here are some potential items that might benefit from storage solutions:

• Ornaments
• Artwork
• Photo albums
• Keepsakes
• Non-essential paperwork
• Out-of-season clothing (for example, winter clothing if you are moving to a warmer country)

What to Give Away When Moving Abroad

Relocating overseas is a fantastic opportunity to declutter and donate some of the items you own. This is a good time to take stock of things you haven’t used in a while, and therefore, might not need.  You might be able to buy replacements in your new country which might be more cost-effective than shipping.

Here are some potential items to donate that can help you downsize your house when moving:

• Electrical appliances
• Unopened toiletries and dry food
• Hazardous travel items such as cleaning products
• Flat pack furniture
• Bed linen

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, filled with new experiences and opportunities. A concise packing list can ensure a smoother transition and start your new life on the right foot. And when it comes to packing, Bishop’s Move is here to help every step of the way, whether you need export packing or luggage services.