How to pack to move abroad + FREE PDF checklist for 2024

Your ultimate guide to make moving abroad a breeze.

Moving to a different country? Unsure how to pack and prepare efficiently? I’ve got you!

This is your COMPLETE guide for how to pack to move abroad, including a full packing list, some tips & tricks to make the process easier, AND a downloadable PDF with a checklist of all the things to do before leaving.

I’ve moved house 38 times and lived in 4 different countries, so I know the process like the back of my hand. Let me guide you through it! 🦾

1. Your ULTIMATE packing list for moving abroad

• Clothes for all seasons → dependent on your destination and how long you’ll be gone for (be realistic here and bring versatile clothes you can wear for different occasions)
• Cross-body money pouch or bag → this one is my favorite, plus it’s vegan leather!
• Kindle → I love books but they’re cumbersome, this kindle is the best!
• Important documents → passport, visa docs, birth certificates, insurance, international drivers license, medical records + photocopies
• Medicine → stock up on prescriptions but don’t go crazy with pills just in case airport security stop you for hoarding meds 🤪
• Tech → laptop, hard drive, portable chargers
• Toiletries → plus, stock up on tampons if you’re traveling the Middle East, they might be tough to come by
• First aid kit → might seem unnecessary but can literally be a lifesaver!
• Something sentimental → a blanket, journal, photos, just take MAX a couple of small things and don’t go overboard. Sentimental items can get lost!
• Sturdy backpack → this is my favorite backpack in the world, it’s come with me all over the world and never lets up!
• Pet documentation → may not apply to you, but pet passport + vaccine docs are essential if it does!
• Itinerary + emergency contact list → give your itinerary to family/friends so they know where you’re headed, and have a copy of emergency contacts in your backpack just in case. Always good to be prepared!

Did you know that living abroad helps you become more resourceful? You might be shocked how your self-confidence will soar, especially if you’re naturally an introvert! For some solo travel tips for introverts, check out my comprehensive guide!

• Adapters → my favorite adapters are these universal adapter kits because they cover SO many destinations for a great price!
• Towels → I highly recommend a microfiber towel like this one, it’s super easy to roll up and hardly takes any space. Plus, drying time is minimal!
• Credit cards + emergency cash → tell your bank where you’ll be to avoid issues and always have a stash of cash for emergencies. Just don’t take too much cash!
• Steel razor → don’t bother with those crappy razors anymore. Instead, invest in a steel razor you can use over and over! It’s better for the environment, ditch the plastic friends 🌿
• Shampoo bars → they last for AGES and are so much better for the environment. Get them here!

2. Tips & tricks for moving abroad

Here’s a list of tips to make your life easier when moving abroad. 

It’s not just about packing when moving overseas, it’s about preparing – so let me be your guide!

Downsize your life

Getting your life down to the BASICS is essential if you’re planning a move abroad and starting the packing process.

That means doing a huge purge of belongings, diverting your paper mail (or reverting to digital mail), and investing in storage solutions if you intend to return home at some point.

That old pair of jeans you love that no longer fit you? Yep, it’s time to get rid of them. Old underwear with holes in them and a top you haven’t worn for years? PURGE!!

Taking your life down to the essentials will make an international move much easier, and you’ll have fewer bags to lug around.

NOTE: Pay attention to the excess baggage fees on your airline and have an easy carry on bag that isn’t difficult to lug around. 

Research your destination

Doing your research BEFORE you go is important, don’t just wing it and expect your destination to be similar to your hometown. 

Here’s an overview of all the things you need to be aware of:

• Weather patterns (essential for knowing what to pack)
• Culture & social norms (every destination is different, so be aware of all things cultural so you can try to fit in and respect local communities)
• Healthcare (is it free? Do you need local insurance?)
• Housing (I recommend booking temporary accommodation before you go and looking for a more permanent spot when you arrive. It gives you extra protection from scams and lets you get to grips with the best neighborhood for you!)

I also recommend buying some comprehensive travel guides for your destination. It’s good to have it handy while you’re getting used to your new home!

PRO TIP: If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution when it comes to dress codes. If you’re heading somewhere the culture is totally different and women tend to cover up more, for example, don’t bother packing those short shorts. It’s easier to fit in with the locals if you’re not dressed like a foreigner!

Don’t overpack – less is more!

Remember what we said about purging your belongings? Be brutal, friends!!

You can also optimize your packing strategy to fit more into a smaller space. Make a packing checklist and check your airline’s baggage policy!

Here are a few strategic packing tips that saved me tons of time every time I moved to a new country:

• Packing cubes – these packing cubes have saved my life so many times. It helps to organize your belongings by type and even helps to save you time unpacking. Easy!
• The rolling technique – roll your clothes into little sausages to allow you to fit more into your bag. It also helps to prevent creasing, creates even weight distribution, and can protect fragile items!
• Vacuum packing/space bags – if you’re bad at purging all your clothes, vacuum packing will help you fit even more into your suitcase. However, be mindful that this means your bag will weigh more! Get the best ones here. 
• Save space for new purchases – always have a little bit of empty space in your bag. You never know what you might pick up in your new home!
• Make a clothing list – this just helps you visualize how much you actually have, and if you really need certain items.

Have a game plan

Even if you’re not an avid planner and prefer to wing it, there are certain aspects of moving abroad that will need to be planned in advance.

A game plan means knowing where you’re going to live (at least temporarily), having a plan for how you’re going to finance yourself, and planning for emergencies. 

You can do this however you like. Whenever I move between countries I make a little spreadsheet on Google Sheets to keep track of present and future planning. 

Insurance, insurance, insurance

Insurance is ESSENTIAL if you want a smooth ride. 

That means health insurance, basic nomad travel insurance if you’ll be moving around, transport insurance, and potentially personal insurance if you’re taking valuables with you.

SafetyWing is my favorite. I move around so much as a digital nomad so I’m always in-between places – they give me so much peace of mind and cover me for all my essentials. Plus, the price is excellent!

Plan ahead for your taxes

Organizing your taxes can be a stressful process, especially if you’re freelancing abroad. The video above should help you out if you’re a US citizen!

Wherever you’re from, always check your government’s official website for tax guidelines.

Some governments have international agreements that ensure you don’t pay dual tax, so do the research to find out if you’re exempt. 

Whether or not you need to pay taxes in your new country is also visa-dependent, so read up about the visa you’ve applied for to ensure you cover all your bases. 

NOTE: Be aware of all significant dates like tax return deadlines!

Consider getting a local bank account

When I moved to Italy, I still had my British account, which charged me a small fee every time I used my card.

The fees were miniscule, but still, it was eating away at my funds. So I got an account with Intesa San Paolo and they were brilliant. No more card charges and I could get cash out whenever I wanted.

If you don’t want to anchor yourself to a country, consider using a non-traditional bank like Starling. Some people prefer Monzo, but I think Starling is FAR better, and their customer service is unbeatable. Plus, there are zero hidden fees and the exchange rates are fab. 

Learn the language!

You don’t need to be fluent in a country’s language to move there, but having the basics down will make your life 10000% easier.

Trust me, I moved to Lebanon knowing the basics and it saved my skin so many times. If I didn’t have a basic understanding of the local dialect I think I would have found life so much more difficult. 

Being able to talk to locals is great if you want to make friends there! Language is the gateway to culture, so the more you can understand, the quicker you’ll feel at home.

I recommend Mondly. They have a whopping 41 languages on their app and you can download content for when you’re on-the-go. When I moved to Italy I used Mondly to get acquainted with Italian, and it was super helpful!

Retain emergency cash for flights home

Moving abroad is an exciting time, but you must be realistic with your plans, and that includes finances. 

Having emergency cash earmarked for flights is important. This is essential in case a family member in your home country gets sick, or the political situation in the country deteriorates.

When I moved to Lebanon, I needed to have this just to allow flexibility. Those just-in-case scenarios sometimes happen, and you need to be prepared for it. Being able to afford that emergency flight can (literally) be a lifesaver!

Join local Facebook groups

Wherever you’re going, you’ll need to embrace the local culture and get acquainted with the community.

There are so many reasons to make friends with the locals in your new country. I highly recommend joining some local groups to create a new support system for yourself!

PRO TIP: Even if you hate hiking (I am one of these people 🤪) I recommend joining a hiking group. They tend to meet frequently and it’s easy to form bonds with people while doing an activity rather than just going for drinks. 

Your FREE downloadable PDF checklist for moving abroad!

I know moving is tough and can feel like an insurmountable task.

Feel free to download and use this checklist, it’s super comprehensive but also pretty simple and split into categories to help you stay organized.

FAQs about how to pack to move abroad

✈️ What should I pack when relocating for a year?

If you’re only going abroad for one year, you should pack clothes for all seasons, including winter gear! Only pack the practical items, as a year isn’t that long and you’ll probably buy things out there. You can rent out a storage space for all the things you don’t want to take. 

🧳 What’s the most efficient packing method to move overseas?

The most efficient packing method is definitely vacuum packing and packing cubes! It makes your checked luggage more organized and has made moving for me SO much simpler. 

🛃 When should I start packing for moving abroad?

You should start packing for moving abroad at least a month before you leave. That way, you can pack gradually without too much pressure, and if you’re missing anything, you have time to get it. 

🤑 How much money should you save before moving abroad?

That really depends where you’re moving! I recommend ensuring you have enough to sustain you for at least six months without a job, and money earmarked for an emergency flight. Before bringing tons of cash, bear in mind customs regulations for how much you need to declare.

🛋️ Is it worth shipping furniture overseas?

Unless you’re relocating abroad and staying there for at least a couple of years, it’s not worth shipping furniture overseas. If you don’t want to sell/donate your furniture, consider investing in a storage space or rent out your apartment while you’re gone!

⛵ What is the best age to move overseas?

The best age to move overseas is your mid-20s to 30s! I’ve been moving around throughout my 20s and into my 30s, and I’ve found that once you hit 28 your confidence allows you to do much more and really appreciate where you travel. It’s also good to move as a student!

💻 What are some things to bring when going abroad for work? 

You’ll need a laptop, especially if you’re going to work remotely. One thing I definitely recommend is a portable second screen! I can’t do my work without it when I’m traveling, and it connects right to my Macbook without the need for a plug. Get yours here!

Conclusion

Now you all know exactly how to pack to move abroad, how to pack a suitcase properly, and you can download my free checklist above!

I hope this was helpful for you guys, but if you have any more questions, just leave me a comment and I’ll respond!

Good luck with the move, amigos!

Ciao for now,

Lizzie