How many suitcases do I need to move overseas?
Published by Chris Townsend
For an international move, a minimum of two suitcases is generally recommended – one carry-on and one checked bag. This setup mirrors typical travel packing, accommodating essential items in the carry-on and larger belongings in the checked luggage, tailored to the journey's duration and destination requirements.
Moving overseas typically necessitates careful luggage planning. A basic guideline suggests at least two suitcases: one for carry-on and another as a checked bag. This approach is similar to standard travel practices, where the carry-on holds essentials and immediate needs, while the checked luggage contains the bulk of personal belongings, considering the destination's climate, lifestyle, and personal necessities.
Understanding Your Destination’s Climate
It is crucial to research the climate and weather of your new country before moving there. What you pack and leave behind during relocation should depend on the environment. Moving to a tropical country may not require bulky winter clothes and heavy quilts, but chilly regions require insulated clothing, heating equipment, and warm bedding.
Know your new location's climate to prepare for changes, adjustments, and health risks. Severe temperature changes can worsen health. In cold weather, arthritis symptoms may worsen. Moving to high-humidity areas may also affect respiratory patients. It's essential to get comprehensive climate information to ensure a smooth transition.
Choosing the Right Luggage for Different Items
Understanding the stakes is crucial when choosing luggage for different items. Your belongings' weight, safety, and space are all important. The right luggage keeps your items organized and safe from travel mishaps. Hard-shell cases are best for fragile items, and soft-shell luggage is for clothes and other items that can be squeezed.
Were you traveling with specific items? Consider specialty luggage. Artwork, musical instruments, and sports equipment have special luggage. These specialty pieces arrive safely at your new home thanks to their features. Remember to balance durability, capacity, and portability. When choosing luggage, value for your needs is often more important than price.
Packing Essentials for Long-Term Moves
Moving overseas for a long-term duration requires careful and strategic packing to navigate through several factors such as climate, culture, and personal necessities. It's about more than stuffing as much as possible into your suitcase. Instead, it's about prioritizing essentials that are hard to find or especially expensive in your new home country. This can include over-the-counter medications, specific skincare products, favorite books, or essential tech gadgets.
Hand in hand with the rule of relevance is the rule of moderation in packing. Although it might be tempting to carry everything you own, it can lead to cumbersome luggage and excessive shipping costs. Personal documents are of utmost importance; these include passports, driving licenses, birth certificates, and medical records. Depending on your destination, you may also need to have specific types of attire or gear. Remember to reserve a reasonable space for items that speak to your interests or hobbies, be it a yoga mat, an easel, or Trekking shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
It mainly depends on the duration of your stay, your lifestyle, and the constraints of your new dwelling. You should also consider the weight and size limitations of the airline. It's advisable to create a list of essential items and pack accordingly.
You should research your destination's average temperatures, precipitation levels, and overall climate during your stay. This will help you pack suitable clothes and accessories. For example, if you're moving to a colder region, you'll need more warm clothing and vice versa.
The nature and quantity of your items will determine the type of luggage you need. Small and fragile items may require hard-shell suitcases for protection, while clothing and soft items can go into duffel bags or soft-shell suitcases. Choosing durable, lightweight, and easy-to-handle luggage is essential.
For long-term moves, prioritize essential items such as clothing, personal care items, documents, electronics, and a few personal mementos. Packaging versatile clothing items that can be worn in different weather conditions or social settings is also essential.
While it might be tempting to bring everything, it can be more practical and cost-effective. Consider the space in your new home, shipping costs, and the availability of certain items in your new location. It's often more reasonable to sell, donate, or store large furniture and appliances and purchase them again in your new location.
