Tips for Packing when Moving to another Country
11:42:00 PM
So here’s the reason why I’m not able to keep my blog
updated. We moved to another country. We are now living in Japan. We
haven’t settled yet and currently living in a hotel. I thought I would share with
you some tips I’ve learned along way on how to pack your things when moving to
another country. I do my research online but I haven’t found that much resources
so I hope this post will contribute. So let’s begin.
A little background, I am moving together with my husband
and my son. That means I’m packing for three people and that complicates it
more. I made a serious planning prior to packing. Here’s the things I’ve
learned.
CONSIDER SHIPPING
If you are moving to another country or going on a long trip,
consider shipping your stuffs to the destination. You might save more rather
than availing additional luggage limit on the plane (but please do your
research first) and you will save yourself from the hassle of carrying all your
stuffs around the airport (this I am sure!). This is also good idea if you do not
have a place to live yet just like in our case. Our stuffs were kept at the shipper’s
storage and they will ship those when we already find an apartment. What items
do I ship? Mostly my baby’s big toys, linen and beddings, books and furniture.
I wasn’t able to bring my appliances because the voltage in Japan is different
from Philippines. So bonus tip: check the
voltage of your country destination before packing your appliances.
CHECK THE AIRPORT LUGGAGE RULES
You have to know first how much you can carry with you in
the plane. Luggage allowances varies from airlines to airlines so be sure to
check your airline’s rules beforehand. Also, note that luggage allowance is not
just about the weight of your luggage but the dimension as well, the length, width and height of your luggage so be aware of that. Also, if you have a connecting flight, check the luggage rules on the
connecting airlines so you’re sure to bring with you your entire luggage to
your destination.
BRING ONLY WHAT YOU CAN CARRY
Although we are allowed to carry as much as 4 medium luggage
and 2 small size luggage, we do not maximize the limits. As mentioned, our baby
is traveling with us; we are expecting to carry him around the airport and
during transport so it’s not humanly possible for us to handle that much of
luggage. So assess what we can carry with you.
DON’T BRING ANYTHING YOU CAN BUY THERE
We are aware that the prices in Japan is more expensive and
that some of our toiletries, skincare will not be available there. At first, we
are tempted to stock up in preparation and bring that with us. The thought of
hoarding my favorite shampoo, conditioner, lotion, moisturizer etcetera and etcetera
came to my mind. But then I realized that doing so will consume a precious luggage space. After all, we are living there for quite a long time so I
must start accustoming myself to the local products. Same goes for baby’s diaper,
baby’s milk (my baby’s pediatrician suggested that we find a new milk there)
and anything consumable. I just brought few toiletries, diaper and babies milk
enough for a couple of days.
DON’T BUY ANYTHING IN PREPARATION
This tip, I learned from Coco from Light by Coco in one of
her youtube videos. At first, I thought of buying a winter coat and winter
boots. But then I realized that this
things are bulky and will consume luggage space. Also, I’m not sure if the items
that I will buy will really be suitable for that country. So don’t buy anything
in preparation. Buy it there when the need arise. Coco also mentioned to carry
half stuffs of what you thought you need and double amount of money you thought
you’ll need. So after I selected the clothes and things that I’ll bring, I
check it again and remove almost half of it.
So those are my tips. I’m thinking of sharing
what I pack in our suitcase and other stuffs in our journey so make sure to
come back for the next blog posts. See you again!
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