A comprehensive guide to planning the logistical side of an international move, what to pack, store or leave behind. This article will help you prepare your move and explain how to avoid unnecessary stress, costs and delays.
Most adults have, at some point, moved house. A high proportion of people who have moved house have employed a removals company to help with the logistical side, which may include some or all of packing, storage, removals and unpacking.
Anybody who is moving their entire life abroad will be aware that while the logistics might appear similar, moving abroad brings with it different logistical challenges.
Deciding what to take, sell, or store can feel overwhelming when combined with paperwork, property transitions and the emotional toll of leaving familiar surroundings.
While it's tempting to decide to pack everything as a “just in case” strategy, a structured approach to moving, guided by timeframes and practical decision-making, can dramatically reduce the stress of the process.
We’ve written this article to help you break it down and create a moving plan.
Before any boxes are packed, take time to understand your new living environment:
If you’re renting, know if your space is furnished or unfurnished. Also key is knowing what storage you have access to, although this applies to any property you plan to live in.
If you’re buying, you may be planning for a longer stay and want to bring more permanent belongings, but space and accessibility still matter.
In all cases, ensuring you are fully aware how much storage you have as this will help you be selective about shipping furniture and/or sentimental items.
Bear in mind that you do not have to move everything in one hit, and storage options are available with many shipping companies. While this will increase longer term costs, it will mean remove the stress of difficult, potentially emotional decisions.
With any property, always ask for a floor plan, video walkthrough, or dimensions. Homes abroad are built to different specifications, so do not take your learned knowledge as reliable when considering a home abroad.
Build a detailed list of everything you own. Categorise into:
Definitely take: Daily essentials, must-haves, and emotionally significant items.
Toss/donate/sell: Things you haven’t used in over six months, duplicates, or region-specific appliances.
Store: Sentimental, high-value or impractical-for-now items you may want later.
The less you move, the less you spend on moving.
Begin donating, recycling, or selling what you don’t plan to ship or store. The more honest you are about what you really use, the easier this stage becomes.
As you’re drawing up a physical inventory, take photos of items you are unsure about and review these on a regular basis. Ask yourself: do you need the physical object, or is it the memory you are associated with?
Also ask: am I saving this for me, or just in case someone else wants it? It’s not your responsibility to attempt to predict the emotional needs of other people in the future.
Explore options for:
Ask about insurance, customs clearance, whether they offer storage, do they offer door-to-door support?
If your new property has awkward access or local restrictions, flag this early because if there’s no lift where you’re moving and you’re living on the 8th floor, your removals company will need to know.
Finally, and probably most importantly, start getting quotes to compare costs. Remember, cost should not be your main deciding factor here.
For more information about choosing an international moving company, we have written a detailed checklist which should help you draw up a shortlist of companies.
With 8 weeks to go, you should have a pretty clear vision of what’s moving abroad with you so it’s time to start confirming logistics.
Book early, especially in peak moving seasons. Confirm timelines, packing responsibilities, and insurance coverage.
You’re going to need: strong boxes, wardrobe cartons, vacuum bags, bubble wrap, tape dispensers, and markers. Before you buy, check with your removals company what they recommend, prefer or even can provide for you.
This is less essential if you’re using a packing service, but if you have specific (non-essential) items you want to group together, now’s the time to do this…
Label your boxes clearly, by destination room and contents. Use colour-coded tape or numbering systems. Begin with seasonal items, spare linens, decorations and archived files.
If your long-haul shipment is delayed, consider shipping a small air freight parcel with extra clothes or cookware, just in case there are issues when you arrive.
Self-storage: Offers regular access and flexibility if you’re unsure how long you’ll be gone. However, arranging delivery (if required in the future) will be more difficult.
Professional storage/warehousing: Ideal for long-term, secure storage of valuable or large items.
Storage with removals company: Some removals companies will offer storage options. While this may be expensive, if you decide to ship things in future, this will be made much simpler.
Each has its own paperwork and transport rules. Don’t leave this until the last two weeks.
Double-check if your chosen items still make sense. Review what's going into storage or being sold one last time.
In the chaos of moving day, having an “open-first” essentials kit can make your arrival so much less stressful.
An “open-first” essentials kit is literally what you unpack and open first and could include:
Label it clearly and keep it with you in hand luggage, do not put it in the moving truck, try to avoid putting it in “hold” where it could get lost.
When deciding, also consider:
Tossing items can feel wasteful, but remember that moving offers a fresh start.
We also now have apps, such as Olio and Vinted, where people will happily take items off your hands within minutes. Even if you don’t want something, other people are likely to.
Choose insured, climate-controlled storage for sensitive or long-term items, and ensure everything is securely packed and protected against any unexpected incidents (eg. flood and fire wherever possible).
Your essentials box will get you through the first days, but it’s important to keep momentum.
Unpack by priority, not by room. Kitchen and clothing first, then comfort, and try to unpack everything so you’re not living out of boxes which potentially leads to chaos and difficulty settling.
Replace items locally: In many countries, buying ‘basics’ like kettles or bedding is cheaper and easier than shipping.
Set up new systems: Internet, phones, banking, local apps, school enrolments, utilities.
Don’t be surprised if you feel homesick or a little lost in your first few days and weeks, this is perfectly normal, but it isn’t necessarily bad. It will take time to adjust and those uncomfortable feelings will pass if you let them and allow yourself time to settle.
Focus on essentials like daily-use clothing, personal documents, electronics, and sentimental items. Avoid overpacking by reviewing what you use regularly and what suits your new climate and lifestyle.
Renting allows more flexibility and often reduces what you need to ship, especially if the property is furnished. Buying gives you more control over your space and long-term storage needs, but may increase upfront logistics and costs.
Yes, especially for items you may want later, such as family heirlooms, important paperwork, or large furniture that doesn’t suit your destination property. Choose secure, insured storage options for long-term peace of mind.
Avoid large or voltage-incompatible appliances, bulky furniture that may not fit, expired products, or anything not used in the past six months. These often increase shipping costs without adding value to your new life abroad.
Air freight is fastest but most expensive; sea freight is affordable for large volumes but slower. Road freight is a good option within regions like Europe. Your choice depends on cost, timeline, and volume.
Moving your life and belongings abroad isn’t just about what goes in a box. It’s about how well you prepare, logistically, emotionally and practically.
Your future home might not have the same space, systems, or lifestyle you’re used to. By focusing on what you really need, you avoid unnecessary stress, save money, and create space for new experiences.
Try to avoid taking your old life with you. Take what helps you settle, store what you may need later, and leave behind what no longer serves you.
