Must-Have Items to Pack When Moving Abroad
I moved to Berlin, Germany from Washington, D.C. in 2018. Since then, I have lived in the UK and currently call Amsterdam home! I encourage anyone who feels that call to move abroad to do so and wanted to share with you some of the items that made my move across the Atlantic go as smoothly as possible! I know it can feel incredibly daunting to pare down your belongings and decide what to bring with you. So, here are my must-have items to pack when moving abroad:
Packing
Compression packing system
This was the biggest game changer of all. I bought two sets of compression packing systems. The first was this 3-piece compression set made up of one large, medium, and small cube. I also bought a 6-piece compression packing set from the same brand made up up one large, medium, small, extra small, slim, and laundry bag (which I later used to pack shoes in). You roll up your clothes and place them into the packing cubes and use the second zipper to compress the size of the bag down, taking up less space in your suitcase. I was in awe of how easy this was and how many different articles of clothing could fit into even the smallest of cubes. I now use these every time I travel to optimise my space. The quality is great and I will get a lot of use out of these.
Space Saver Storage Bags
Similar to the clear plastic storage bags you may have stored out-of-season clothing in, these storage bags are great for travel as they don’t require any sort of vacuum/suction. You pack your items in there and roll the bags to push the air out. I found this system was not as easy to use as the compression packing system mentioned above. It definitely took some muscle to get the air out as the bags aren’t very malleable once clothing has been packed inside. However, I used these to pack all of my sweaters, bulkier items and wow, they really do save a lot of space and never filled with air! In fact, I decided to keep my sweaters stored inside these bags in my closet even after my move until summer is over. A great space saver indeed!
Luggage scale
I can’t imagine moving to a new continent without a luggage scale. I read through at least 25 reviews and ultimately decided on this luggage scale which works beautifully. Because the only items I brought with me to Germany were what ever could fit inside two suitcases and a carry-on, I was extremely limited on space/weight. Many international airlines have strict rules when it comes to size/weight for both carry-ons and checked baggage so this really helped me pack only what would be within the weight limit once I arrived to the airport.
Quality luggage
I had been using my 3-piece Samsonite set for over 8 years for all of my travels and it has held up very well. (You can find a similar Samsonite set here.) However, I wanted something a little more streamlined with a hardshell and a carry-on/hand luggage size that was guaranteed to fit on international airlines. So, I decided to buy a set from the company Away and I have fallen in love with their products. You can take a peek here and also get $20 off your first Away order through my link.
I love these suitcases not only because the carry-ons have an ejectable battery to charge up all of your electronics on the go, but because of their modern, minimalistic and thoughtful design. There is also an interior compression system in each suitcase which is extremely convenient and helpful. I’ve been using my Away suitcases for over five years of extensive travelling and the quality is impeccable.
Waterproof jacket
Living in countries such as the UK and the Netherlands, a waterproof jacket is necessary, so, depending on where you’ll be living, you may very likely need one too. This is one of my favourite raincoats. In fact, I’ve invested in a lot of gear from this brand due to how dependable and waterproof it all is.
Power adapter/universal adapter
A must when traveling to Europe! Having a few USB-C plug adaptors like this one are perfect. Then, I also bought this universal adapter that I can bring with me when I’m traveling to various parts of the world.
Tote bag
This waterproof tote bag is one of the best investments I made (as well the luggage I bought.) I wanted something that was high quality, durable, sleek, simple, would hold a lot, had a zipper and was waterproof of course. This bag meets all of those qualifications and goes with me everywhere. I realised just how important it is to have a waterproof bag once moving abroad and getting around without a car. I often find myself popping into the supermarket on the way home or collecting parcels and the extra space in a tote bag always comes in handy.
Wallet
Yes, I also now have a waterproof wallet. I initially left the US with this rather large wallet. But after a few months abroad, I realised I didn’t want to lug around my larger handbags or the extra weight of a large wallet. I downsized to this waterproof card holder and have never looked back!
Comfy shoes: Long flights are all about comfort (see compression socks below) and knowing how much I’d be walking through airports and taking public transportation once I arrived in Berlin, I knew I needed comfortable shoes. I decided to wear my favorite gym shoes and good thing I did because not only did I have to stand in the ticketing line for two-and-a-half hours but I also had to walk all over Frankfurt airport to collect and then re-check my luggage once I got to my connecting airport (and had missed my connecting flight due to the delay). I’ve had these shoes for about 8 months now and they are the comfiest shoes I have ever worn. I’ve since found an even more comfortable pair of shoes for walking around European cities in.
Compression leggings: I wore my favorite, second-skin compression leggings on my journey to Germany. I’ve tried many different compression leggings and these were the perfect fit for a long flight. Not too tight but also won’t stretch out over time. They helped with the circulation in my legs (paired with the compression socks below).
Compression socks: I’ve suffered with numbness and pain in my legs and toes after long flights and many a U.S. Road Trip (read more about my road trips here) and after a long talk with my doctor, we decided that compression socks were a necessity for me when flying to Europe. I ordered these compression socks and wore them for the majority of my flight. I put them on just after the first meal was served and kept them on until about 30 minutes before landing. I’m happy to report that I had no pain, no numbness, and no swelling! For reference, I am a US size 6 and ordered a small. They hit just below my knees. These can also be worn for running and working out!
TSA approved clear bag: This TSA approved silicone quart-size pouch made life so much easier when going through security. Aside from the three bottles and two jars that are included, I was also able to toss in some toothpaste, chapstick and my absolute favorite liquid foundation. I ended up filling up the small jars with two of my favorite skincare products (this is my all-time favorite moisturizer, which I discovered once I moved to Germany) in order to eliminate their heavy original containers and cut down on weight.
Protective case for MacBook Pro: I purchased this water repellent laptop sleeve for my laptop for bump and shock absorption and to keep it safe from scratches. I love that it’s lightweight and not bulky so that I can easily transport my MacBook Pro around with me.
Melatonin: Fight jet lag with these melatonin tablets. As always, consult with your doctor before taking these and to decide on the correct dosage. Generally, our melatonin levels raise about two hours prior to bedtime. But due to the time changes and general disturbances of travel, our body is all out of whack. To ease jet lag, you can try taking melatonin two hours before your bedtime at your destination a few days before you leave. I also took one tablet just after the first meal service and also for the first few days upon arriving in Berlin.
Wireless Headphones: I don’t know what I would do without these. I use them both at the gym (they stay put during long runs and sprints) and also while I’m traveling or walking around Berlin.
Pet-Related Travel Necessities
If you’re moving abroad with a pet like I did, here are the supplies I recommend traveling with. Stella (my cat) rode on the plane with me in-cabin. If you’re looking for more helpful advice on traveling by plane with a pet, you can watch my thorough YouTube video here or you can check out my post on traveling with a cat.
BPA-Free Collapsible Water/Food Bowls
Cat Litter Pads: Cut to fit your pet’s carrier and you can also see if your pet will use these during a layover.
Pet Carrier: Just be sure the measurements will work for the airline you’re flying with.
These are the items I used during my move abroad that absolutely saved time, space, and even some money (especially when it comes to transporting things overseas.) I hope this helped give you some ideas on what to purchase for your own move or even just to travel to Europe as most of these items can be used for both situations.
I hope to see you over on Instagram @ChelseaDinen to follow my adventures abroad!
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