Moving abroad can be a headache. This post has an expat packing list made by an actual expat (who’s moved 4 times in 5 years!) so there’s no need to sweat; I’ve got you covered!
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Hi, and welcome! My name is Nat, and I moved abroad five years ago, from the USA to China.
During my time as an expat, it’s been hard to find ACTUALLY helpful resources online, so I started this blog!
Today, I’m going to share my Expat Packing List with you, as well as some resources that will help you make sure you’re 100% ready to roll!
The list I’m sharing below was originally shared in this post (titled Packing List for Moving Abroad, more tips can be found there, too!)
Without further ado, here’s my packing list!
My Expat Packing List
DOCUMENTS:
- Passport (visa was glued inside)
- Copies of birth certificate, social security card, and diploma
CLOTHES & SHOES:
- Jeans (3 pairs)
- Dress pants (1 pair)
- Professional tops (10)
- Casual tops (10)
- Dresses (10)
- Underwear & bras- (a TON because China doesn’t have the kind I like!)
- A light coat (I moved in summer and got a winter coat later!)
- 3 pairs of dress shoes
- 1 pair of exercise sneakers
- 1 pair of casual sneakers
- 2 pairs of sandals
- 10 pairs of socks
- My comfort sweatshirt
- A cocktail hour type formal dress for a big work or social event
HYGIENE & MEDICINE:
- Hair curl cream
- Makeup
- Hairbrush & curl comb
- Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Imodium, Pepto Bismol
- Prescription medications I was taking at the time (I took a year’s supply)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletry items just to get myself started
- Menstrual products (Research your country to make sure they have what you need!)
DAILY USE & HOME ITEMS:
- 2 mugs from home
- Family photos printed out
- A few stuffed animals (I’m a child, I know)
- My favorite tea
- A few holiday decorations
- A few shelf knick knacks from home
- My computer & charger (bring an adapter or buy a new charger in your expat country)
- My phone and charger (bring an adapter or buy a new charger in your expat country)
- A harddrive for computer backups
- 5 books (some of my favorites and a few new ones…they also make for good re-gifts when you’re done!)
- Headphones
- Some bracelets, magnets, and a few coffee books which I gave as gifts to my colleagues/boss at Christmas (I know that’s thinking WAY in advance but that’s just how I am!!)
By following this expat packing list, you’re sure to arrive well-prepared. Some items may vary, depending on your personal needs, but for the most-part, everything you’ll need is listed above!
My Packing Must-Haves as an Expat!
I just bought this backpack, and I am in LOVE with it!! It literally has everything you could want in a travel bag, and even comes with its own packing cubes.
Buying in China, this backpack cost me $30. The price isn’t the same on Amazon, but it’s still really fair in my opinion! Plus it comes in TONS of colors! (I usually stick to neutrals, though, since they’re more discreet).
I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you!
While this backpack comes with packing cubes, it can be nice to have packing cubes in your check-in luggage, as well, to make packing more efficient!
Plus, packing cubes keep your fragile/valuable items all in one place. I cannot recommend packing cubes enough! They are one of those things that seems “unnecessary”, but end up having a HUGE effect on packing!
I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you!
I’ve actually written an entire post on gifts to give someone who’s moving abroad…and you honestly may want to check it out for yourself!
Many of the gifts in that post are travel-related items which I’ve actually bought myself over the years (I have friends, I promise!) so they’ll definitely be of use to you, too!
My Expat Packing Hacks
In addition to my expat packing list, I wanted to share some quick tips from my experience:
- Remember that MOST things are replaceable!
- Most housing items (bedding, kitchen stuff, etc) can be bought in your new country!
- Do some research before packing. Some items may be hard to get in your new country!
I share MANY more tips in this post which is all about my packing advice!
Summary
Packing to move abroad isn’t as overwhelming as we make it. Just remember to bring those most important items, the irreplaceable ones, and everything will be just fine.
Is there anything you’d add to this expat packing list? I’d love to hear in the comments!
You May Also Like:
What To Do Before Moving Abroad: The Ultimate Checklist
Expat Woman Survival Guide: My 10 Tips For Life Abroad
Gift For Someone Moving Abroad: Ideas They’ll LOVE You For!
What To Pack When Moving Abroad: REALISTIC Advice!