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Moving overseas is a significant step. You’ll be leaving behind your home and many of your friends and family as you enter the next chapter of your life. On top of this, packing can be difficult: it’s hard to know what you should take with you. Below, we explore how you can solve this problem and pack effectively when moving overseas.
Practical
You should split your possessions into three categories: practical, legal and sentimental. On the practical side of things, you need the essential items that you use in your daily life. Naturally, your clothes and shoes should be at the top of your agenda. If you’re moving to a new climate, then you should take care to purchase the right clothes to help you live comfortably. Meanwhile, if you have any prescribed medication, you should ensure you pack it while researching how you can access it abroad. Finally, you’ll need your key electronics: adapters, battery packs, your laptop and any chargers are vital.
Legal
You’ll need your legal documents too. For a start, your visa and entry documents are essential for entering your new country and proving you have the right to live there. On top of this, you should pack birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance policies, property documents and tax documents to cover yourself while abroad. If in doubt, you should err on the side of caution and bring any paperwork that might be useful.
Sentimental
Finally, you’ll need to put some possessions into the sentimental category. By packing items that mean a lot to you, it should help you fend off homesickness and allow you to keep your fond memories of home. Photo albums, jewellery, heirlooms and souvenirs are all items that you should consider packing to help you with this. You can even chat to your family to see what sentimental items they’d recommend taking with you on your journey.
Downsize
A lot of your packing will depend on if you’re willing to downsize though. Many people feel comfortable packing light and buying new possessions once they’ve arrived in their new home. However, this can be costly and can also make your early days stressful. If you don’t want to travel light, you should consider shipping from the USA to the UK via a shipping company that can transport your belongings – this can help alleviate some of the stress and allow you to bring larger items such as furniture.
Moving abroad can be an exciting but stressful time. However, by planning your packing carefully and by following the guide above, you can eliminate some of your worries and focus purely on settling in at your new destination.
