The Ultimate Moving Abroad Packing List (and Checklist!)

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting and stressful. One of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new country is packing all your belongings into a limited number of suitcases. You want to make sure that you pack everything you need, but you don’t want to end up with too much luggage.

In this post, we’ll give you the ultimate packing checklist for moving abroad. We’ll cover everything from clothes to toiletries to important documents. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what you need to pack for your move.

What to pack when moving abroad

So what exactly should you consider packing when you’re looking to make a move abroad? It is a big step after all and you want to make sure you’ve got everything you need with you on the other side. We’ve put together several essential items that you don’t want to forget when you’re packing to move abroad.

In no particular order, these are the things we suggest double-checking the most to see if you have everything you need.

Clothes

Generally, most of us don’t have to be reminded that we need to bring clothes on a move. I mean of course you’ll need to pack clothes for your move. But, it’s not as simple as just throwing all your clothes into a suitcase.

You’ll need to consider the climate of your new country and pack accordingly. Say, for example, you’re moving to a country with a warm climate, you’ll want to pack lighter clothing made of natural fabrics that will help you stay cool. If you’re moving to a colder climate, you’ll need to pack heavier clothing such as sweaters and jackets.

Another important reminder is to make sure you pack a mix of both casual and dressier clothing, so you’ll be prepared for any occasion. With a limited amount of space to use for packing, we highly recommend sorting through your clothes and getting rid of clothes you don’t need anymore. Essentials and items you use only.

Also, you should absolutely 100% try not to buy any new clothes before the entire process of moving abroad. It’s just a bunch of extra last-minute items to worry about in the packing process. 

If you’re unable to part with a large chunk of your clothes (I understand this feeling), you might want to consider investing in compression bags. These vacuum bags will help you squeeze as many clothes as possible into your luggage. You’re welcome. 😉

Here’s a helpful list of items you might want to bring with you for your move:

• Comfortable shoes for walking/running
• Dress shoes
• Dress clothes
• Flip flops
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Tank tops
• Sundresses/skirts
• Jeans
• Sweaters/cardigans
• Button-down shirts
• Light jacket or raincoat
• Heavy coat
• Bathing suit
• Sunglasses or other glasses
• Backpacks and purses

Important Documents

While it might seem obvious to remember to bring your passport or visa when moving abroad, there are several other essential documents you need to bring that you might forget. When you’re moving to a new country, there are actually a lot of important documents that you’ll need to bring with you.

This includes essentials like your passport, visa, birth certificate, and marriage certificate. You might need some of the original documents for some of these important items while some can be copies. Make sure to keep all of these documents in a safe and easily accessible place. Make sure to keep all of these documents in a safe and easily accessible place.

We highly recommend carrying these documents in a Document Organizer like this to stay organized and also to keep your documents protected. Here’s the must-have list of travel documents for moving abroad:

• Passport
• Visa
• Birth certificate
• Social Security Documents
• Medical or Health Documents
• Marriage certificate
• Bank account statements
• Tax returns
• Debit Cards and Credit Cards

Sentimental Items

When you’re moving to a new country, you’ll likely need to leave behind many of your cherished possessions. But, there are some sentimental items that you may want to take with you on your journey.

These could be things like photo albums, keepsakes, and paintings or pictures that have personal meaning to you. Choose the most important of these items to pack and make sure to keep them safe during your move. Some of these personal items include:

• Photo albums
• Keepsakes
• Painting or pictures
• Family Heirlooms

Household items

In addition to clothes and documents, you’ll also need to pack some household items when you move abroad. This could include things like bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, and cleaning supplies.

If you’re moving into a furnished apartment, you may not need to pack many or most of these items. But, if you’re moving into an unfurnished space, you’ll need to make sure you have everything you need to set up your new home.

Naturally, you could go and buy these items when you get to your location but note that this is an added expense. Decide for yourself if it’s worth the extra money to start over.

• Bedding
• Towels
• Kitchen utensils
• Cleaning supplies
• Water bottles

Toiletries and Medicines

Another category you might not remember to consider is toiletries or medications. When going abroad, it’s so important to pack all of your essential toiletries and medications.

Essentials for you might include items like shampoo, soaps, creams, or over-the-counter medicines. If you’re moving to a new country, it’s a good idea to research the availability of these items in your new location. You may need to bring larger quantities of some items with you or stock up before you leave.

I went to South Africa once and tried to get ibuprofen at the store only to discover it’s only sold at the pharmacy unlike in America. I never even considered this beforehand.

• Makeup
• Hair products
• Skincare products
• General Toiletries
• Medications
• Contacts and solution
• Razors and shaving cream
• Ibuprofen or Tylenol
• Dramamine

Electronics and Entertainment

If you’re moving to a new country, you’ll need to make sure your electronics are compatible with the local voltage. You may also need to pack adapters and converters to be able to use your devices in your new location. It’s a good idea to check the voltage requirements of your devices before you pack them.

Some general items you’ll want to make sure you bring include:

• Computers
• Cameras
• Cell phones
• Chargers
• Travel Adapter and voltage converter options
• Sim Card
• Kindle

Favorites Foods and Drinks

Last but not least, don’t forget to pack your favorite foods and drinks if you can make the room. This might include snacks, coffee, tea, or anything else that you enjoy. Moving to a new country can be stressful and an immediate culture shock, so it’s important to have some of your favorite things with you.

Examples for you to pack for your move abroad might include:

• Snacks
• Coffee
• Tea
• Condiments
• Baking supplies

Best Luggage for Moving Abroad

Now that you know what to pack for your move, it’s time to choose the best luggage for the job. There are so many options on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing luggage for moving abroad.

First, you’ll need to decide how much stuff you need to bring with you. If you’re only bringing a few items, a small carry-on luggage suitcase or duffel bag will suffice. But, if you’re moving with a family or bringing many items, you’ll need larger luggage such as suitcases or trunks.

Second, you’ll need to choose luggage that is durable and easy to transport. Not only that but luggage that is lightweight and durable to stay together for the move. This is especially important if you’re sending stuff by plane.

Third, you’ll need to make sure your luggage is secure. Choose luggage with locks or straps to keep your belongings safe during your move. You can also purchase a set of luggage locks to use on suitcases you already have and plan to use. The peace of mind knowing they’re extra secure is worth it.

Here are a few examples of the type of luggage you might want to consider for your moving abroad packing list:

DELSEY Paris Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels

Kenneth Cole Reaction Lightweight Hardshell Spinner Luggage

How to pack for an international move

When you’re packing for an international move, it’s important to be organized and efficient. Start by making a list of everything you need to pack. Then, group items together by category.

For example, you can pack all your clothes together, all your toiletries together, and all your electronics together. This will make it easier to find whatever you need when you arrive at your new home.

Another key step for your international relocation packing is to use bubble wrap if you need it for any of the fragile items you might have. Seriously just do it. It will be so much more stressful if your stuff breaks while it’s being shipped (no matter how you’re shipping it).

Next, choose the right luggage for your move. If you’re only bringing a few items, a small suitcase or duffel bag will suffice. But, if you’re moving with a lot of stuff, you’ll need larger luggage such as suitcases or trunks. We covered this in the previous section if you want to go back and reference that.

Finally, make sure to label everything clearly so you can find what you need when you arrive at your new home. One of my biggest pet peeves with moving of any kind is not being able to find what it is you need when you first arrive at your new destination. It’s so frustrating! Label your stuff and cut out this pain point.

To recap:

• Make a list of items to bring
• Pack by category
• Choose the right luggage
• Label your belongings well

Related: Best tips for flying alone for the first time

Final Thoughts – Packing List for Moving Abroad

So if you find yourself at a time when you’re moving abroad and you need a good solid list to get you started, here’s a great list that you can download, print, and take with you. It’ll help you uncover all of the absolute must-haves and must-pack items for your international move.

When moving to a new country, it’s important to be prepared for anything. That means packing all of your essential toiletries and medications, as well as your favorite snacks and drinks. It’s also important to choose the right luggage for your move and pack everything efficiently. Finally, make sure to label everything clearly so you can find what you need when you arrive at your new home.

It can be pretty daunting as you’re embracing this new adventure, but you can make your life a lot easier by double-checking what you pack against a good solid packing list for moving abroad.

So there you have it. A comprehensive list of what to bring and also how to pack for your move abroad.

Did we forget anything? What should you pack when moving abroad?