Erika & Mark

Moving abroad really makes you face how much stuff you’ve accumulated — and how little of it you actually need. We thought we were being selective…and still overpacked.

Part of the adventure of living abroad is learning to adapt — trying new brands, new foods, figuring out how to receive a package (still not easy), and spending way too much time at the mall hunting down a shampoo that won’t destroy your hair in the local water. In the past 8 months, we’ve probably gone to the mall more than in the last 5 years. We’ve cracked the code on Amazon Spain, shipping lockers, and which pharmacy stocks the good face wash.

This list won’t cover everything, but it’s a solid start — what we’re glad we brought, what we wish we hadn’t, and a few things we just had to figure out along the way.

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🧾 Essential Documents

The boring-but-critical stuff. You might only need these a few times, but when you do, you’ll be so glad you packed them. Bring the originals and scan everything to a digital folder before you go.

Pack it:

• Valid passport (if you’re close to renewal, do it before you go — renewing abroad is a pain)
• Visa or residence permit paperwork (double-check what needs to be apostilled and notarized)
• Birth & marriage certificates
• Medical records + vaccination history
• U.S. driver’s license (for Portugal, we didn’t need to exchange ours — just made sure they were renewed)
• Power of attorney (something we didn’t do, and definitely wish we had)
• Work contracts, diplomas, school records (if you’re working or studying abroad)

Skip it:
Anything you can easily download later — utility bills, bank statements, etc.

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💻 Electronics & Tech

Most electronics are easy to bring and adapt with a plug converter. That said, voltage and regional issues are real, and some items just don’t make the cut.

Pack it:

• Laptop & tablet
• Unlocked smartphone (make sure it’s fully unlocked before you leave your carrier)
• A few EU plug adapters (we ended up buying a new EU plugs for our laptop and cell phone once we got here)
• Kindle or e-reader — we’re finding bookstores here have a very limited English selection

Skip it:

• Small appliances (hairdryers, blenders, etc.) — even with converters, they often burn out
• Big electronics (TVs, monitors) — the voltage + shipping isn’t worth it

✅ What survived for us: My curling iron and electric toothbrush have held up great. Just check the voltage label before you pack it.

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🧳 Clothing & Gear

This is where most people overdo it — including us. You’ll adjust to the local climate and dress code quickly, so there’s no need to bring every “just in case” outfit you own.

Pack it:

• Clothes for the season you’re arriving in
• Comfortable walking shoes — trust us, the cobblestones are brutal (I’m a Hoka girl now)
• A couple of dressy outfits for events or work
• Rain jacket or good outerwear (I brought a North Face shell and rain boots — both came in handy)
• Specialty sizes or brands that are hard to find locally

Skip it:

• A full 4-season wardrobe — closets are smaller and you’ll buy what you need once you’re settled
• High heels and “cute but painful” shoes — mine haven’t left the closet in over a year

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🍴 Home & Kitchen

If you love to cook, bring a few favorites. But you really don’t need to ship your entire kitchen — especially because voltage differences make many appliances useless.

Pack it:

• Measuring cups (trust us, converting everything to metric is a pain)
• Favorite kitchen tools (we didn’t do this, but others have sworn by bringing their favorite pan, knife set, etc.)
• A few sealed spices or hard-to-find favorites — we’ve found most spices are easy to source here, but some of my Japanese go-to’s have been hard to find (e.g. furikake, genmaicha tea).

Skip it:

• Furniture or decor — you’ll want to style your new space to fit your life here
• Bedding — U.S. sizes don’t match European beds (a “queen” here ≠ queen at home)
• Appliances — please don’t try to bring your Vitamix

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💊 Medications & Toiletries

Pharmacies here are generally excellent — friendly and helpful. But not all U.S. products are easy to find or even available. Some prescriptions are treated as controlled substances in Europe.

Pack it:

• A 90-day supply of prescription meds (in original packaging). We carried all of these one with us for safekeeping.
• A written prescription if you can get one — some local pharmacies will fill them
• OTC meds you rely on — NyQuil, Sudafed, etc. can be hard to find
• Skincare, makeup, and hair products if you’re particular. I prioritized essential makeup items.
• I brought about a year’s worth of contacts and a backup pair of glasses

Skip it:

• Full-size liquids — as much as I would have loved to bring my favorite shampoo/conditioner, it just didn’t make sense.

🎯 Pro tip: I have eczema and dry eyes and learned that Portugal doesn’t have some of the advanced medications I use. If you have any special medical conditions, it’s worth doing some research here beforehand. And another reason to bring what you need to get through the first few months.

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🐾 If You’re Bringing Pets

Bringing Matcha (our pittie mix) was a non-negotiable — even if it meant more paperwork. It is doable, but you’ll want to start the process well in advance.

Pack it:

• Rabies + microchip paperwork
• Required international health certificate
• Airline-approved pet carrier
• Food for a few days
• A comfort item or two (we brought her favorite blanket and toy)

Skip it:

• A giant bag of pet food or bulk supplies — just buy those when you arrive

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🎁 Sentimental & High-Value Items

If it’s fragile, irreplaceable, or means a lot to you — carry it with you or don’t bring it. We brought only a few meaningful items with us.

Pack it:

• Jewelry or heirlooms (in your carry-on!)
• Designer handbags, belts
• Cameras
• A few framed photos or personal keepsakes

Skip it:

• Big antiques or valuable collections — the risk (and cost) isn’t worth it

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🧳 Let’s Talk Bags

Luggage takes a beating when you move abroad. We’ve already lost wheels, zippers, and had a giant hole ripped in one suitcase in the past year of flights — so don’t skimp here.

Tips:

• Invest in a well-built suitcase with strong wheels and zippers. The cobblestones in Europe take their toll…
• Use vacuum-seal bags to compress clothes
• These heavy-duty moving bags were a lifesaver for us. A lot of checked bags are 10 lbs on their own…these are lightweight and durable enough for the trip.

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✈️ A Note on Shipping

We didn’t ship a container — just flew with 6 checked bags, 4 carry-ons, and Matcha in her kennel. It was chaotic, but manageable. And honestly, we’re glad we didn’t deal with the cost or stress of shipping.

If you do go the shipping route, give yourself a long runway. Customs paperwork, delays, hidden fees — it’s a whole process. Be prepared and really ask yourself: Do I need all this stuff?

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You won’t get it all right — and that’s okay. Moving abroad is one part packing list, two parts trial and error. You’ll discover new favorites, let go of some old comforts, and find your rhythm. It’s all part of the journey.

💬 Did we miss anything?
Everyone’s move looks a little different, and we know there’s no one-size-fits-all list. If you’ve made an international move, what’s something you’re glad you brought — or totally wish you hadn’t? Let us know — we’re always adding to the list.