How To Pack For a Move Abroad (Without Losing The Things You Love)

Packing for a big move abroad can feel like solving a puzzle where none of the pieces fit. When you're moving to a new country, it’s tempting to bring your entire life with you. But here's the deal—packing smart for an international move isn’t just about taking less stuff; it’s about making intentional choices so you can focus on what truly matters (and avoid paying for extra baggage at the airport).

If you’ve read my blog post on How to Effectively Prepare for a Move Abroad, you know that decluttering is key. Now, let’s take it a step further and talk about how to pack for a move abroad. I want to help you avoid the stress of deciding what to take while ensuring you don’t lose the things that make your new place feel like home. Let’s dive in: 

How to Pack for a Move Abroad (Without Losing the Things You Love)

1. Clothing: Start with the “Keep, Donate, Toss” method

Before you even think about what’s going in your suitcase, do a ruthless purge. The goal is to pack intentionally for a move abroad, so less is more. Start by sorting your clothing (plus shoes and accessories) into three categories: keep, donate, or toss. 

Ask yourself some hard-hitting questions as you go: 

• Have I worn this in the past year? 

• Do I really need 10 pairs of jeans? 

• Will this sweater ever be comfortable? 

• Is yellow really my color? 

• Will I actually wear these shoes or do I just like the idea of them?

Be ruthless, because the less you take, the easier your move will be. Plus, you’re about to embark on an exciting new chapter; you don’t want to bring all that baggage. (See what I did there?!)

2. Household items: Take what’s hard to replace (and leave what’s easy to buy)

When you’re packing for a move abroad, it can be tough to figure out which household items to bring and which to leave behind. The rule of thumb? If you can easily replace it at your destination, it’s better to leave it behind. Moving appliances, towels, or extra sets of dishes can be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Most everyday household items can be bought once you’re settled, often at a lower cost than shipping them. Don’t even get me started on the whole energy conversion hassle if you are moving across the Atlantic. 

But here’s where it gets tricky: some household items might not be practical, but they hold value for you. Moving abroad is a chance to start fresh, but we also get that moving abroad with your grandmother’s antique tea cup collection might not be so practical. See #4.

3. Sentimental value: Don’t feel guilty about bringing the things that mean something to you

When you’re getting ready to pack for a move abroad, you’ll hear a lot about detaching from material possessions. And yes, for most things, this is a great idea! But we’re still human, and some items carry sentimental value that goes beyond logic or practicality.

That stuffed animal you’ve had since childhood? Or the photo album from your last family reunion? These things might not be useful, but they’re emotionally important. So, bring them. The key here is moderation—don’t bring the entire attic’s worth of childhood mementos. Do allow yourself to bring a few things that make you feel connected to your past that are, hopefully, not fragile. These items can help your new place feel like home when you’re still finding your village.

4. Sentimental, but not essential: Store it, don’t pack it

Not everything with sentimental value needs to make the move, especially if you're tight on space. If you have larger sentimental items (think: your childhood rocking chair, family heirlooms, or a collection of vinyl records), consider leaving them with family or placing them in a storage unit. You don’t need to take every single memory with you on this new journey, but you also don’t have to let go of them entirely.

This is where storage units (or a trusted relative’s garage) can be your best friend. That way, your sentimental belongings are safe and waiting for you if and when you want to access them, but they won’t weigh down your current move. Once you’re more settled into your new home, and if you feel like this new city or country could be a long-term place for you, then you can think about shipping these items to you. But they’re not needed in the beginning. 

5. Simplify your healthcare paperwork with Joona

Moving to another country can be stressful enough without worrying about your medical records and paperwork. Whether it’s vaccinations, prescriptions, or past health reports, managing all those documents can feel overwhelming—especially when different countries have different healthcare systems. This is where Joona comes in.

Joona helps you digitize and organize your healthcare information in one place. Instead of sifting through papers and worrying about what you forgot to bring, you can store everything—from blood tests to vaccination records—in the app. Joona ensures your important health data is at your fingertips, making your healthcare transition abroad simpler and stress-free.

Imagine arriving at a doctor’s appointment in your new city, and with a few taps, you can pull up your medical history—all digitized, secure, and ready to go. It’s a small step that can make a big difference when settling into your new life abroad. Plus, it saves you from hauling folders of documents across the world.

6. Digitize the memories you can

One of the best ways to minimize your load when packing for a move abroad is by digitizing items that can be transformed into electronic form. We’ve already talked about how you should scan important documents and paperwork (and save them digitally with Joona, if you want to be extra prepared!). But what about personal items?

Photos, for example, can take up a lot of space—both in albums and in frames. If you’re moving abroad, consider scanning your favorite pictures so you can keep them with you digitally while saving physical copies for when you’re more settled. You can always reprint them once you’re abroad, or create a new photo wall in your new home. Same goes for any documents you feel emotionally attached to but don’t necessarily need to keep in hard copy.

7. Let go of guilt around things you’re “supposed” to bring

There’s often pressure when moving to bring certain items just because they’re expensive or you feel guilty for not using them. Maybe you bought a fancy chair that has mostly just collected dust because, frankly, it’s nice to look at but not so comfortable or you got something as a gift and you are ashamed to get rid of it. When you pack for a move abroad you need to free yourself from that guilt. Just because you have something doesn’t mean it’s worth lugging around the world if it doesn’t serve you anymore.

If the item doesn’t add value to your life—or if you’re bringing it only because of guilt—it’s okay to let it go. Sell it, donate it, or give it to someone who will appreciate it. Moving abroad is an opportunity to blame the transport company for those paperweights that are just not your style. Be free!

Final Thoughts

Packing for a move abroad is all about making thoughtful decisions so you bring only the things that matter, while cutting down on the excess that clutters your physical and mental space. As you prepare for your move, think about what will make you feel at home, what’s truly irreplaceable, and what you can let go of.

Remember, it’s okay to hold onto items you’ve invested in, whether financially or emotionally. After all, packing for a move abroad is about living with intention—and sometimes that intention includes a favorite book collection or that cozy sweater you’ve had forever. But in order to make space for these sentimental items, something’s gotta give. Declutter and digitize when you can.

And if you haven’t yet, make sure to check out How to Effectively Prepare for a Move Abroad to ensure you’re completely ready for this next big adventure: from culture shock to making new friends.

Bon voyage!

How to Effectively Prepare for a Move Abroad

Moving abroad is exciting, but let's be honest—it’s also a little overwhelming. From paperwork to packing, it can feel like you're juggling a million things at once. I’ve been there, so I’m here to help you make your move smoother, and maybe even a little less stressful. So, here’s your practical guide to effectively prepare for a move abroad, without losing your stuff.

How to Effectively Prepare for a Move Abroad

1. Declutter like Marie Kondo

The first rule of moving abroad: you don’t need everything. As tempting as it is to pack every “just-in-case” item, resist the urge. The more stuff you take, the more you’ll have to deal with later. Shipping costs can add up fast, and do you really want to lug around five pairs of boots when you’re moving to a tropical climate?

To prepare for a move abroad, start with a ruthless declutter session. If you haven’t used something in six months, it probably doesn’t need to make the journey with you. Donate, sell, or give things away to friends and family. Not only will it lighten your load, but it’s also a refreshing way to start a new chapter.

2. Research the paperwork and visa process early (like, now)

Each country has its own bureaucratic maze of visa requirements, permits, and forms. Some of these processes can take months, so it’s worth starting your research well in advance of your move. Whether you’re applying for a work visa, student visa, or something else entirely, make sure you know what documents you’ll need (there will be many).

Also, be ready for a little frustration—some countries love red tape. To prepare for a move abroad, keep a folder (or a digital equivalent) of all important documents like your passport, visa applications and any correspondence with officials. This will save you from scrambling when you need to reference them later.

3. Digitize your health records—seriously, it’ll save you

Moving abroad means figuring out healthcare in a whole new system. Depending on where you're headed, you may need to bring records of past vaccinations, health checkups, and other medical information. If you’re like me and don’t like carrying around binders of documents, digitizing your health information is an absolute game-changer.

Enter Joona. This app is your one-stop shop for storing and managing your medical history. Joona lets you log all your blood tests, doctor’s reports, vaccinations, and more in one place—digitally. No more panicking at the airport when you realize you forgot that one form from your doctor’s office. It’s all organized, accessible and ready when you need it. Plus, it keeps everything out of sight for when you don’t. Joona is your most effective way to prepare for a move abroad (one or many!). 

4. Learn the local language—or at least the basics

Sure, you might be moving to a place where English is spoken widely, but learning a few key phrases in the local language will go a long way. You don’t have to be fluent, but knowing how to say "hello," "thank you," "sorry," and "where’s the bathroom?" will make a big difference in your day-to-day interactions.

Plus, locals appreciate it when you make the effort to learn their language, even if your accent is terrible. It shows respect and can open up opportunities for deeper connections. Download an app like Duolingo or Babbel, or better yet, find a local language tutor to help you get started. This last one is also a great way to make new friends!

5. Sort out your banking and finances ahead of time

Setting up banking in a foreign country can be a bit of a headache. You might not be able to open a bank account until you’ve settled in, and international transfer fees can be costly if you're relying on your home country’s account for too long.

Look into opening an international bank account or a multi-currency account before you move. You can also explore apps like Wise (formerly TransferWise) for transferring money with lower fees. Don’t forget to notify your home bank about your move, so your account doesn’t get flagged for “suspicious activity” while you’re abroad.

6. Join expat communities online

One of the best ways to make your move abroad easier is to tap into the expat community. Chances are, there are Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or local meetups dedicated to people in your exact situation. These communities are gold mines for tips on everything from finding the best grocery stores to understanding local customs. Plus, it’s always comforting to connect with people who’ve been through the same experience.

Joining these groups early can help you navigate your move and ease the culture shock. Who knows, you might even make some friends before you land.

7. Prepare for culture shock (it’s real!)

Even if you’re moving to a country you’ve visited before, living there is a whole different ball game. When you prepare for a move abroad, don’t forget to prepare for culture shock. Culture shock is real, and it can hit you when you least expect it. You might find that little things—like how people drive, how shops operate, or even how early they eat dinner—can throw you off. 

Be patient with yourself as you adjust to your new surroundings. Some days might be tough, but keep an open mind and remember that you moved abroad for an adventure. Embrace the differences and soon they’ll start to feel like part of your new routine.

Final Thoughts

Moving abroad is a big leap, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning and mindset, you can make your transition as smooth as possible. Declutter, get your paperwork in order, digitize your health records with Joona, and embrace the unknown. In no time, you’ll be settled into your new life abroad, wondering why you didn’t do this sooner.

Good luck—and remember, the adventure is just beginning!