Moving abroad for work? Exciting times ahead! But as thrilling as it is to start fresh in a new country, I know firsthand that it's no walk in the park. It's not just about stuffing your suitcase and catching a flight. The real challenge lies in planning and packing smartly, ensuring that the transition is smooth, organized, and clutter-free. After all, you don't want to realize you're missing something essential when you're thousands of miles away from home.
When I first relocated abroad for work from Croatia to Poland in 2017, there was so much to consider—documents, essential tech, clothes, and countless other things. Somehow, in that move, I managed to leave behind my bag containing all my underwear and personal documents. But since then, I've moved abroad twice more, and I'm proud to say I've gotten much better at packing for the move! Now, I know that a bit of pre-planning and having the right things on hand can make all the difference.
Whether you're a meticulous planner or a last-minute packer, it's crucial to know the must-haves for this big move. So, what exactly should you take when moving abroad for work? Let's dive into the essentials outlined in this simple packing checklist for expats that'll keep you ready for this exciting chapter.
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5 Things You Absolutely Must Take When Moving Abroad for Work
Packing for a job abroad isn’t just about what fits in your luggage. It’s about gearing up for a fresh start in a different place. Forgetting essential items could create lots of unnecessary stress and inconvenience. (Trust me, I know!) So, it’s crucial to have a moving abroad packing checklist to ensure a smooth transition.
Here, I'll go through the most important things to pack when moving abroad for work—a mix of essentials that will keep you prepared for your new adventure.
1. Important Documents
Nothing halts a new adventure faster than missing essential documents. These are your tickets to work and live in another country. You can't afford to leave home without them. Remember, it’s not just about having your passport handy, but all critical paperwork:
Passport and work visas: These are your gateway to legally entering and staying in the country. If you can only bring one thing with you, make sure it's this. Ideally, always keep them within reach. (They shouldn't go into your check-in luggage, they should always be with you.)
Employment contracts: Already have a signed work contract? Perfect! Bring it with you. It will make renting a flat and opening a bank account in another country 10x easier.
Pro tip: Always have both digital and physical copies of your essential personal documents. You never know when technology might fail or where paper trails might save the day.
2. Medicines
Health is wealth, especially when you're settling into a new environment. Being prepared with the right medicines is the smartest thing you can do. Make sure to bring:
Prescription medicines: Ensure you have enough supply of any prescription medicines. Refill them before you go, and don't forget to pack a doctor's prescription just in case you need to buy them locally.
Probiotics: If you're adapting to different cuisines, you'll need extra help for your gut health, so make sure to bring probiotics with you.
3. Personal Essentials
Adapting to a new climate and daily life means you’ll need to pack a set of personal items:
Clothing suited for the climate: Research your destination's weather and pack accordingly. Is it tropical there? Pack light. Moving to a colder place? Bundle up. Just make sure not to bring lots of clothes you wear once in a blue moon.
Toiletries: Bring travel-size essentials like toothpaste, shampoos, and any specialty grooming products you prefer using. Don't overpack. The chances are you can easily stock up on this once you land in your new country.
First-aid kit: A small but mighty addition. You never know when you might need a bandage or a pain reliever.
4. Technology and Gadgets
The year is 2024—staying connected and functioning seamlessly at work largely depends on the right technology. Here's what you need to bring with you.
Mobile phone: Obvious but crucial. (It's also the least likely item to be forgotten.)
Laptops and chargers: Make space for your hardware. Make sure it's up to scratch and accessories are in place.
Adapters: Power outlets vary around the world—consider getting a universal adapter to avoid surprises.
Pro tip: In case you lose everything or the technology fails, keep your most important contact numbers and email addresses written on a piece of paper. It might save you from a major headache and ensure you can quickly get in touch with essential contacts or support services.
5. Financial Necessities
Don't risk being stranded without access to funds. Planning financially ensures you have one less worry when living abroad. Here’s what to remember:
Credit and debit cards: Bring only essential credit and debit cards you plan to continue using abroad. Also, inform your bank of your move to avoid cards being blocked due to flagged foreign activity.
Cash: Always have some cash in the local currency for initial expenses.
Bank account documents: Opening a bank account in a new country often requires specific documents—be sure you’re covered.
3 Things Not to Take When Moving Abroad
Before you start packing a little too enthusiastically, let's also talk about what not to take. It's tempting to want to bring every piece of your life with you. I totally get that. But some things are better left behind.
Let's dive into a few things you should think twice about before cramming them into your suitcase or shipping boxes.
1. Excessive Clothing
When it comes to clothes, less is often more. It's easy to overestimate how much clothing you'll need and forget about how fashion can differ around the world. Think about the local culture and climate of your new home. Will you really need those heavy winter coats in a tropical country? Or those sundresses in a chilly climate? Consider the following:
How often have you worn it? If it hasn't seen the light of day in six months, it might not earn a spot in your luggage.
Can you buy it there? Often, buying clothes suited to the local weather and style is more practical.
Does it fit in? A versatile wardrobe that aligns with the local customs will serve you better.
2. Heavy Furniture
Shipping heavy furniture abroad is expensive and cumbersome. Unless you can't live without that vintage armoire you inherited from grandma, consider leaving bulky items behind. Here's why:
Cost-effective: The shipping costs for large furniture often surpass the item's actual value.
Hassle-free: Assembling and disassembling could become a real headache, especially when measuring door frames becomes part of the job!
New beginnings: It can be a refreshing change to style a new place differently. New country, new you, right?
3. "Someday" and "What if" Clutter
We all have those things we keep around because "someday" they might come in handy or "what if" we might need them. A rule of thumb? If you haven't used it in the past six to nine months, it's probably just clutter.
Consider the following:
Sentimental value: Does it have genuine sentimental value? If not, let it go.
Practicality: Will you really knit something with those dozen half-used skeins of yarn, or is it another item for your clutter list?
Pro tip: Digitize all your must-have papers and books. It's amazing how light a digital library is—it adds precisely 0,00 kg to your luggage.
Remember, moving abroad for work is a chance to start fresh and embrace new experiences. So, pack wisely and you'll have more room for what truly matters.
5 Practical Packing Tips for a Smooth Move
Having moved abroad three times, I know just how important it is to be organized and efficient. I’ve put together a few solid packing tips that will help make your move as smooth as possible.
Tip #1: Create a packing list before checking your closet.
One of the best tips I can share is to create your packing list before you even open your closet or start rummaging through drawers.
Why? Because when you start by physically looking at all your belongings, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to bring everything. Instead, take a moment to sit down with a pen and paper or your notes app and jot down the essentials that first come to mind.
By doing this, you’re focusing on what you actually need rather than what’s simply within reach. This method helps ensure that the important items—like your work documents, favorite gadgets, or that versatile jacket you can’t live without—make it onto your list. You’re less likely to forget crucial items and more likely to avoid overpacking things you don’t really need.
For example, when I start my packing process, I think about what I’ll need in my first few weeks abroad: work clothes, comfortable shoes, basic toiletries, and any personal items that help me feel at home. These go on the list first. After I have my essentials down, then I’ll review what I already own and cross-check with my list, adding anything I might have missed. This approach has saved me from both underpacking and overpacking, keeping my moves so much more organized and clutter-free.
Tip #2: Use quality packing materials.
Next up, let’s talk about quality packing materials. Trust me, grabbing a bunch of leftover boxes from a grocery store might sound savvy, but it’s not worth the risk.
Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and good packing tape. These materials will protect your belongings from the shifting, tossing, and turning they’ll face during transit. Think of it like wrapping your favorite coffee mug in a cozy blanket—you want it safe and snug.
Tip #3: Plan ahead and pack accordingly.
One of the most important aspects of packing for a move abroad is being strategic with what goes where. Over the years, I’ve developed a system that ensures I’m prepared for any situation, especially during the first crucial days in a new country. Here’s how I do it:
Backpack: I keep all my essential documents and tech in a backpack that never leaves my side. This includes my passport, visa, work permits, phone, laptop, chargers, and anything else I absolutely cannot lose. Having these essentials in one secure spot gives me peace of mind, especially during transit when things can easily get misplaced.
Carry-on luggage: I make sure that my carry-on contains everything I’ll need for the first week in a new location. I pack toiletries, underwear, and a few outfits for my first days at work so that even if my checked luggage gets delayed or lost, I’m not left scrambling.
Checked luggage and shipping boxes: Finally, everything else—the items I can technically live without for a bit—goes into checked luggage or shipping boxes. Think of these as your “nice to have” items rather than essentials.
I’ve found that this method keeps my stress levels down, as I know I have everything I need with me, and if something doesn’t arrive on time, it won’t be the end of the world.
Tip #4: Keep track of everything.
Another game-changer for me has been keeping meticulous records of where each item is packed. Whether it’s in a suitcase, a carry-on, or one of the many shipping boxes, I note down exactly what’s where. This simple step can make a world of difference when you need to locate something specific.
For example, when I moved from Sweden to the UK, I had 13 boxes to my name. Despite the large number, within the first two months, I only needed to open one. Why? Because I had all my essentials with me, and I knew exactly which box held the inflatable bed I needed. No frantic searching, no stress—just a smooth transition into my new home.
I recommend creating a list that details the contents of each piece of luggage or box. You can keep it in a notebook or, even better, on your phone or cloud storage for easy access. When you’re settling in and you suddenly need that one specific item, you’ll be glad you took the time to organize everything. Plus, it saves you from the chaos of unpacking everything at once—focus only on what you need, when you need it.
Tip #5: Consider weight limits.
Finally, be sure to consider weight limits when packing. Airlines and shipping companies have strict weight regulations, and exceeding these can lead to unexpected fees. So, before you pack, check what your airline or shipping service allows.
A simple bathroom scale can save you both money and hassle. Imagine finding out at the airport that bringing on board those extra shoes cost you 10x what you paid for them in a store.
Moving Abroad Packing Checklist for Expats
Okay, now that you've got all the tips and tricks, follow this packing checklist for moving abroad to make sure you've got everything you need:
Passport
Work visa and other visa documents
Employment contract
Prescription medicines
Probiotics
Clothing suited for the climate
Essential, travel-size toiletries
Basic first-aid kit
Mobile phone
Laptop
Chargers
Adapters
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Bank account documents
Key Takeaway
Packing for work abroad is less about fitting everything in a suitcase and more about equipping yourself for a new life. Essentials like power adapters, important documents, and local currency are just the start. Personal comfort items and a positive mindset are also crucial. So, plan carefully, pack wisely, and get set for an incredible experience.
Would you add something to this list? Share your own list of must-takes in the comments below—I’d love to hear what works for you!
Matilda & Ana
Hi there! We're Matilda and Ana — the founders of MoreThanCareers, expats, international corporate recruiters, and HR professionals with 18+ years of combined HR experience. Since 2018, our career-building techniques, tools, and resources have helped over 500 coaching clients and 8,000 individuals worldwide land new, more fulfilling, higher-paying, and career-changing jobs.
Now it's your turn. And MoreThanCareers is here to help!