So, you’re making the move – whether it’s a new country, a new continent, or just a new time zone, there’s one question everyone asks before relocating: “What do I actually take with me?”
Packing up your life isn’t just about cardboard boxes and bubble wrap. It’s a chance to hit the reset button, Marie Kondo your wardrobe, and say goodbye (nicely) to the “maybe I’ll use this one day” pile.
In this blog, we’re breaking it down into three simple buckets to help you feel in control and ready for your new adventure:
🚢 What to ship
📦 What to store
💰 What to sell, donate, or let go of
Let’s get you prepared for your international relocation:
What to Ship: The Non-Negotiables ✈️
First up – what absolutely has to come with you?
Your shipping list should include anything you need to live your life comfortably from the moment you land in your new home. Think of it as your “life essentials + comfort items” bundle.
Here’s a handy checklist to help you out:
✔️ Must-have documents
Passports, visas, medical records, tax files, school transcripts, and job contracts. Always keep these with you and never ship them.
✔️ Everyday clothing
Bring your day-to-day wardrobe, but be climate smart. Moving to Singapore? You won’t need that Canada Goose jacket. Relocating to Sweden? Pack those thermals 🧤.
✔️ Electronics & devices
Laptops, tablets, phones, chargers, adapters, and any work-from-home gear you rely on. Just make sure they’re compatible with the power voltage in your new country ⚡.
✔️ Sentimental treasures
Photos, keepsakes, the weird ceramic turtle your sibling or child made back in school – whatever sparks joy and helps your new house feel like home 🐢💛
✔️ Kitchen & home basics (optional)
If your relocation package covers international shipping, it might be worth bringing things like your trusty blender, coffee machine, or that old pan you swear by. But if your destination is fully furnished or you’re starting fresh, this might be a category to skip or slim down.
Bonus tip: Crown’s team can help assess your shipping volume, so you don’t end up paying to move 10 boxes of “just in case” stuff. You’re not alone in this.
What to Store: The “Later, Not Now” Items 📦
Just because you’re not taking something with you, doesn’t mean you’re ready to say goodbye. That’s where storage comes in – ideal for anything you’ll want to access later down the line.
Perfect for:
🧥👙 Seasonal clothes
Think ski gear, beachwear, or wedding outfits. Unless you’ve got a winter wedding planned in Dubai (you do you), this stuff can wait.
📚 Books, collectibles, & hobbies
Your collection of 90s comic books or your five-years-in-the-making vinyl stash doesn’t need to travel across the globe right now.
🛋️ Furniture you love, but can’t take
Maybe your flat abroad is fully furnished, but your vintage armchair is too special to sell. Storage keeps it safe until you’re ready to reunite 🪑.
🍼 Baby stuff or heirlooms
Things like cribs, kids’ toys, or grandma’s china set don’t belong in a container ship if you don’t need them on arrival – but they’re definitely worth keeping.
⌛ Paperwork with time limits
Things like tax returns (which you’re legally meant to keep for a few years) or archived documents are perfect storage candidates.
Bonus tip: Crown offers secure storage options for long and short term, so you don’t have to worry about dust, damp, or dodgy garages.
What to Sell, Donate, or Let Go Of: The Clean Slate 🧹
A relocation is your golden opportunity to declutter like you mean it. You don’t need to carry the weight (literally or emotionally) of every item you’ve ever owned.
Here’s how to part ways with stuff, minus the guilt:
📦 Sell
Furniture, clothes, tech, or appliances in good condition can earn you some extra cash. Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, Depop, Gumtree – pick your platform.
❤️ Donate
Local charities will gladly take quality items – especially clothes, toys, and homeware. It’s a win-win: you lighten the load and help someone else.
♻️ Recycle or bin
Some things are just…not coming with you. Old chargers, broken kitchenware, expired makeup – thank them for their service and let them go (responsibly).
Letting go tip: If you haven’t worn it, used it, or remembered you owned it in over a year…it probably doesn’t need to start a new life with you.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Stress Less 🎒
Making decisions about what to pack, store, or ship can feel overwhelming – but it’s also exciting. You’re curating the next chapter of your life. Think of it less like “moving stuff” and more like “choosing what makes the cut for your new beginning.”
Crown Relocations is here to make the process smoother, whether you need expert packing help, secure storage, or shipping solutions tailored to your new location 🌍.
Need help deciding? Our consultants can walk you through every step, from home surveys to customs clearance – so you can focus on the fun parts, like planning how you’ll decorate your new space or learning to say “hello” in your new country’s language 👋🏻.
Ready to make your move?
Let’s do this together. Get in touch with our friendly team today to start the conversation!
