WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU WHEN MOVING ABROAD: Learn From My Mistakes When I Moved To Portugal

What should you take with you when moving to a new country? That’s a very personal decision.

In this video, I will describe the mistakes people (including me) make when deciding how to pack for a move abroad, share with you the things you need to consider, and suggest things that you will likely want to leave behind

What’s the item you're most confused about whether to bring with you abroad? Let me know in the comments below!

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DISCLAIMER: I am not an immigration attorney or professional. I am simply sharing my experiences as someone who immigrated to Portugal to help illustrate the process.

[JuliaRochelleAbroad]

What's the one item you can't live without?

[rickchandler]

I'm not bringing anything really. We're selling everything we own and will buy there. We want to reset our lives and focus less on stuff and more on experiences.

[RymVri]

I'm moving to Ireland. I spent 3 months living there and came back for a month to pack up/sell my stuff, so I made a list of the things I really missed. My favorite coffee mug was definitely on the list! The only appliance I'm bringing is my sewing machine, because it costs less to ship it than to replace it, and I have a voltage converter. I'm bringing my favorite pieces of clothing, but not things like t-shirts and basics that I can easily get there. Only the things I invested money into or made and are unique. I really appreciate the link to the shipping company, because this has been the most stressful part of this whole move. Finding a good shipping company and going through that process has been so confusing, since I only have a few boxes and no furniture.

[JenShea]

It’s fun looking at new arrivals posting photos in Americans and Friends Moving to PT group... some have upwards of 20 suitcases. Smart! I’d rather pay the $100-$150/bag and have it all arrive when I do.

[mirane]

Didn’t know there were international moving companies! That’s such a relief to hear! So basic but I’ve never heard of it before so thank you so much for that and the rest of the tips! ❤

[dianalopez-lefler]

Wow so glad I watched this before our family moved to Mexico - I had planned to take the kids dvds but turns out Mexico is region 4 and we wouldn’t be able to play them anyways! Thanks so much!!

[bellesclassroomaudiobooks]

When I lived alone for the first time I noticed some little things missing like my favourite bedding or my stuffed animals 😅 definitely remembering those next time 😊

[katiekrackers]

I guess I'm lucky. We're moving for my husband's job so they are paying to ship our stuff from Hong Kong (where I live) to Portugal and have hired a relocation company. What a relief cause that sounds like a major hassle to do ourselves!
As an Australian, I am worried about getting Vegemite, haha, so I guess one suitcase will be filled with jars!

[robertsmith]

One can buy a power supply with American 120 volt 60 hertz output. Standard European electrical current is 220 volt 50 hertz.

[emilyoldenkamp]

This was one of the best videos I’ve found about packing for moving abroad. Thank you!

[Virginiaandthecarolinas]

I'm a 23 year old guy and my dream is to move aboard like the countries I wanna move to is New Zealand Latvia Slovenia and some Greek island called ikaria I hope I can accomplish those dreams

[suzannederringer]

I'm planning to move my Music Scores and Books, and CDs and DVDs...Clothes and Bedding...Kitchen Stuff. I love to cook and want to keep most of my Pots and Utensils and Baking Equipment. I've made an Interim Move to Washington DC and already donated many Books and a lot of Kitchen Stuff and all Furniture.
I have talked to at least one other Shipper based in NYC and think they will be better than UPAKWESHIP because they will handle ALL the Paperwork and Fees - AND deliver into your new Home, placing everything in the Rooms you designate. Over $3, 000 (their estimate) but better service.
I have a small portable DVD Player which I will take and use for my existing DVDs which aren't many.
The big thing is getting my 4 Cats to Portugal. It can be done, it's just pricey. But they're all the Family I have.
Agree about Dishes and Electric Appliances. Portugal makes lovely Dishes - I have some here! While I don't want to give up my Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Pots, I'm good with getting new Dishes!

[sonicase]

video games are definitely not universally compatible although some are, .. it would be a very specific list so you would have to make sure which ones are and which ones aren't for whichever system.

[bellesclassroomaudiobooks]

I only have 100€ furniture. When I am moving to New Zealand in a few years, I will leave the old furniture and buy new one. I am also not replacing things now because I know I probably will be moving overseas 😊 and for the rest of the stuff I am decluttering a lot already to have enough time. And the rest I am planning on shipping in boxes (less can get destroyed or get lost at ones) 😅

[cleberdavidvideo]

I'm watching one video in your channel per day, thanks. DVDs? Wow! Currently I need just streaming like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon....

[dredoesthings]

this video was so helpful and concise!!! can’t thank you enough :)

[americarocks]

Julia. Thank you for concise info. I am very curious what is the situation with regard to mandatory covid vaccination in Portugal. Is this being considered, what the current requirements for the corporate employees are, vaccine passports, masks, etc. Also, what brand vaccines are currently available in Portugal. Thank you in advance.

[stacyramirez]

Clothing? Is it expensive in Portugal?
Are there second hand stores?
Sheets? Pillows? I love cotton and feather Pillows are these available?
Thanks for the video

[sfaznpinoy]

did you bring pictured frames OR did you take out the pictures that have sentimental value to you and reframed them in PT? trying to decide if this will be better for transporting.

[simarjitkaur]

i'm planning to take clothes, shoes, and that's it...even some of those will be left