So, your tickets are booked, your rental property is secured, and your outbound flight is right around the corner. The nerves and excited jitters are finally starting to settle in as you make the adventurous decision to move abroad, long-term. Now, all that’s left to do is pack your belongings. There are many things to consider when it comes to packing in general, but even more so for a trip that may not have a return ticket attached to it. Here we share some of the best lessons and tips, so listen up before packing those bags!
If you’re moving far away from home soon, make sure to follow these packing tips and tricks…
Choosing the Right Luggage is Everything
Hands down one of the most critical aspects of packing is also the most obvious – the type of equipment you choose to pack with. For a long-term trip, you’ll want to go with a high-quality piece of luggage that is both durable and spacious. Perhaps you prefer to invest in a suitcase set that boasts matching colors and aesthetic qualities. However, remember that interior features are normally more important than the external look. If you’re not the suitcase type and would rather carry everything close to you on your back, research good backpacks for a more portable packing situation.
Consider Your Must-Have Everyday Items
One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing is overpacking. Especially when it comes to relocating to another country, it’s often believed that there will be a serious lack of necessary items and products abroad. However, the truth is that most places will surprise you with their supply of goods that may be similar, or close enough, to those available in your hometown.
Just remember not to leave behind those must-have items that you will use every day. For example, if you wear contact lenses, be sure to pack extra pairs in case your personal provider is not available in the city or country you are traveling to. However, in the event that you do leave your spare lens kit at home and remember when you are already seated on the plane, it’s not the end of the world! There is always the option to order contacts online without prescription verification, so you can stock up no matter where you are located. You should also bring other things like personal medical items or hygienic products that you use on the daily just in case.
- Stick to your Favorites, Leave the Rest Behind
A good practical thing to do while packing is to lay out all your clothes and accessories and ask yourself the question: ‘Out of all of these things, which do I really love?’ Consider those pieces that you will genuinely miss while abroad, and if they don’t make the cut, leave them behind. For example, if you haven’t worn a sweater in over two winter cycles, there’s a good chance you won’t even remember not packing it once your plane hits the tarmac.
If you are one of these people whose ‘must-have’ list of items is quite long, it’s a good idea to utilize space saver vacuum bags when possible. These allow for your clothes to be shrunk down into paper thin sizes, so that they fit into the remaining spaces of your suitcase or backpack more easily. Also, make sure your essential beauty items are stored in an appropriately sized beauty bag. Things like conditioner and shampoo can be put into small plastic bottles for the purpose of the trip, and then more can be bought once you arrive. After all, there’s no use in wasting space that could be used for something else.
Remember, when packing clothes, vacuum bags can make all the difference in terms of space!
- Bring Along Small Keepsakes from Home
I know what you may be thinking – keepsakes?! What about maximizing space and packing light? Well, when we say things from home, we don’t mean heavy décor items or hefty kitchen utensils. Here, we are talking about things like photos or small items from your old apartment or house that will make your future dwelling feel much more like home. These are often items that take up limited space and come in handy for tackling homesickness.