Packing for an overseas move is more than just a logistical challenge—it’s an opportunity to channel your inner Marie Kondo and assess what really “sparks joy” for you and your family members. It might even be a time to harness your creativity and reimagine your living space altogether. For families, it’s also about balancing the practicalities of international relocation while ensuring kids have the items they need to feel a sense of safety and familiarity. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a guide to help you decide what to bring, leave, and ship, with tips for handling customs, local quirks, and adjusting to new spaces.
What to Bring: Prioritize Essentials
The key to packing for a move abroad is focusing on items that will help you settle in quickly and comfortably, while minimizing cost.
- Clothing: Pack for the climate and culture of your destination. For Melbourne, where the weather can shift dramatically in a day, think layers and versatile pieces. Consider whether uniforms are part of your kids’ school culture (you may not need as many casual clothes for them).
- Electronics: Before you pack, check whether your electronic devices are compatible with the voltage in your new country. Australia, for instance, uses 220 – 240V, which might fry devices made for 120V systems unless you have a voltage converter (RIP blowdryer). Adapters for plugs are also a must.
- Documents: Keep vital paperwork like passports, visas, birth certificates, and medical records in a secure, easily accessible folder. It’s also smart to have digital copies saved in the cloud.
- Kids’ Comfort Items: Bring a few familiar toys, books, or stuffies to help your children feel at home in their new environment. What might not seem important to us could be a huge deal to your child, so try to bring them into the process when you; showing them you value their perspectives and needs.
- First-Week Essentials: Think survival kit— basic toiletries and medications, a small toolkit (or even just a screwdriver) and items like scissors and chargers that will work in your new country. I would also recommend buying power adapters while you’re still in the US, as they can be harder and more expensive to track down once you’re overseas. This ‘survival kit’ will be the VIP when you’re trying to unpack with kids underfoot.
What to Leave Behind: Embrace Your Inner Minimalist
Moving overseas is the perfect opportunity to pare down and let go of items that don’t serve you anymore.
- Bulky Furniture and Appliances: These are often expensive to ship and might not fit well in your new home. Many countries, including Australia, tend to favor smaller living spaces, so prioritize compact, multipurpose items.
- Gardening Gear and Outdoor Equipment: Customs regulations in countries like Australia are strict about items that could carry dirt, seeds, or other biological material. Clean items thoroughly or leave them behind.
- Seasonal Items: Pack for the current season and plan to purchase what you need later. For example, heavy coats can wait if you’re arriving in summer.
- Beds and Mattresses: Bed sizes can vary internationally. U.S. king or queen mattresses may not fit standard bed frames or linens in your new country, so it might be easier to buy locally.
- Books. The heavier an item is, the more expensive it is to ship. So unless they’re sentimental, now is a great time to pare down your collection and sell or pass along your favorites to a new, lucky reader.
What to Ship: Worth the Investment
For items you can’t bring in your luggage but can’t part with either, shipping is the answer. Before deciding what to ship, it’s important to factor in the proposed length of your stay. Are you testing the waters for a couple of years, or planning to move indefinitely? If shorter term, consider a small storage unit in the US or asking a friend or family member to store a couple of boxes in their garage. This can minimize damage that can occur when shipping.
- Sentimental Items: Family heirlooms, artwork, photos, or personal keepsakes can make your new house feel like home.
- Specialized Tools or Equipment: If you have hobbies that require specific gear, weigh the cost of replacing them abroad against shipping them (but again, double-check voltage requirements to be sure they’ll work).
- High-Quality Furniture: While most furniture isn’t worth the hassle, a few high-value or sentimental pieces may make the cut if they fit your new home’s dimensions.
When shipping, take an inventory of items, document their condition with photos, and purchase insurance. Use vacuum-sealed bags for soft goods like clothing and linens to save space.
Customs Considerations: Know the Rules
Each country has its own set of rules about what can and can’t be brought in. For example, Australia’s strict biosecurity laws prohibit items like untreated wood, garden tools with dirt, and certain foods. Be sure to check the customs guidelines of your destination to avoid fines or delays. In our case, we had a logistics company handling these details — if it’s in your budget or you’re relocating for work, I’d highly recommend some support to muddle through that process.
What to Buy Locally: Adapt to Your New Environment
Some things are simply easier to purchase after you arrive. This includes basics like cookware, bedding, and furniture. Shopping locally can also help you adjust to your new culture and find items that fit your home and lifestyle. Op shops (second-hand stores) in Melbourne, for example, are a fantastic way to pick up affordable household goods.
It’s worth doing some research about what is included in rental properties wherever you’re moving, as well. Often times appliances like refrigerators and washing machines are not included, which you’ll want to factor in when mapping our your budgeting requirements.
Tips for Packing Success
- Label and Organize: Use clear labels and color-coded bins for each family member to make unpacking easier.
- Think About Space: Smaller homes in many countries mean you’ll need to be intentional about what you bring. It’s often easier to figure out where to buy a new (or new-to-you) piece than it is to figure out where to donate items that won’t fit your space.
- Uniforms and Supplies: Check if your kids’ schools require uniforms—this could mean you need fewer clothes overall.
- Declutter: If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably not worth shipping.
Conclusion
Packing for an overseas move isn’t just about logistics—it’s a chance to streamline your life and focus on what truly matters. By embracing minimalism, planning thoughtfully, and researching the quirks of your new country, you’ll set your family up for a smoother transition.
What packing strategies have worked for you? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear your insights!
Mom to Mum 