Packing Tips: How To Decide What To Take With You When Moving

There is nothing quite like moving to a new country to break out of your comfort zone and live the foreign adventure of your dreams. In fact, almost one million Australians have taken the leap to becoming expats.

While moving is exciting, it can also be one of the most stressful processes you will experience. You will probably have to contend with a new language, culture, and a whole new way of life.

The first step, however, is planning the relocation of your possessions. Deciding what to take can be an agonizing decision.

Here are some useful packing tips to help you decide what to leave behind.

Decide What You Need

The first step to organizing your thoughts and packing plan is to narrow down what you will need.

If you are moving for work purposes, will your company pay for shipping furniture overseas? Some international organizations may let you choose between a cash relocation bonus or paying for your shipping.

Some countries offer a better quality of life. For example, if you currently live in a small, expensive apartment in a big city, you will have a small amount of furniture. In your new home, you may be able to afford a much larger house.

In this case, you need to decide whether your current possessions will fit or if you will need to buy new items anyway. Some electronic devices may not function in a country with different voltage and electrical outlets.

However, buying a refrigerator or stove in some countries can be much more expensive. Do your research to understand the pros and cons of taking your current furniture.

Of course, if you have family heirlooms or items that are very special to you, you may want to keep them with you.

Remember, it is possible to move your family pets with you. Don’t leave them behind on your new adventure.

Packing Tips to Declutter Your Home

Once you have decided what you want to take, you need to declutter your home. Even if you want to ship everything, there is no doubt you have excess possessions you can get rid of to slim down your move.

The famous KonMari method is a great way to decide what you want to keep and leave behind. You can start with different categories. Go through your clothing and be honest about what you still wear and what you can let go of.

Moving is a great opportunity to force yourself to make drastic decisions about what is weighing you down. Books, papers, and kitchen items are other great places where you can declutter.

If you are shipping your items, you can allow yourself more leeway. However, if you are only taking luggage, you will have to make tougher decisions. Look at your books and ask yourself when last you read them and how likely you are to read them again.

If you cannot bear to part with them, look at putting them in storage.

Packing Up Your Home

Once you have decided what you will leave behind, there are various ways to get rid of it. You can donate clothing and books to charitable organizations.

If you want to make some money to help in your move, you could hold a garage sale. You can also advertise goods online or in a neighborhood group.

The best moving companies will offer a professional packing service that will take care of packing up your home. They will know how to pack to protect your goods and maximize space.

Fly off to Your New Destination

Moving overseas is a thrilling experience, and multiple solutions exist to take your possessions with you. With these packing tips, you can declutter and plan for your new life abroad.

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