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Moving Overseas: What To Bring, Store and Give Away

Updated: Aug 28

Moving overseas is a truly exciting new chapter of a person’s life. However, whether you are faced with a quick turnaround time or have several months to prepare for your international move, deciding what to do with your possessions can be tricky.

 

In this blog post, we will give suggestions on which items you should consider bringing, storing, giving away to friends and family, or donating to charity to ensure you only travel with the essential items you need.


Time Length


Before beginning the decluttering and packing process, you should consider how long you expect to live abroad. If you are planning a permanent relocation abroad, you’ll probably need to bring the majority of your possessions with you. Conversely, if you are planning to live overseas for a mere few months, it’s advisable to bring fewer items and hire larger items as needed.


Bring


When moving overseas, remember to bring essential documents like passports, visas, work permits, birth and marriage certificates, medical and dental records, financial documents, and educational records. These are crucial for healthcare and employment. Deciding which clothes to bring depends on the climate of your new country, so pack according to the typical weather there.

 

Bring basic toiletries for immediate use, packing enough of your favourite toiletries to last until you find similar products. Don’t forget personal items such as laptops, chargers, cameras, adapter plugs, and small valuables like jewellery and sentimental items.


Put in Storage


Items to put in storage in your home country include large furniture, like beds, sofas, dining tables, and appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. If you’re moving to a different climate, it’s best to store out-of-season items like winter gear or seasonal sporting equipment.

 

Non-essential documents, older tax records, and non-urgent personal files can be kept in storage for safekeeping. Store keepsakes and collectables, along with large decorative pieces like artwork that you won’t need immediately, to simplify the international move.


Give Away or Donate


Consider donating clothes that you haven’t worn regularly in the past 12 months to avoid an unnecessarily full suitcase. Furniture or appliances that are damaged or outdated could be donated to charity if they are suitable for reselling or given away to a member of family or friends.

 

Book collections take up a great deal of space. Think about donating any books you won’t get around to reading or any books you aren’t likely to read again. If you have children, donate any toys and games that the children have outgrown to give them a new home with a different family.


International Removals and Storage


Are you planning on moving overseas? At Burton and Smith, we will handle every detail of your international move, from short or long-term storage solutions to transportation and insurance. Our trusted team ensures safe transit, clear timelines, and compliance with all regulations.

 

With 45 years of experience, accredited by the Trading Standards Institute, we offer a free consultation and quote for a seamless move. For more information about our international removals and storage, get in touch with our trusted team today.



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