Due to increasing sea freight costs, you now need a substantial budget for an international move (around 200 euros per cubic meter, depending on the destination). For both economic and environmental reasons, it's smart to only take what you really need. Choosing what to bring can be tough, especially when deciding between items that have sentimental value and those that are necessary. Here are some tips to help you decide and organize what to take with you.
Check customs restrictions first
Skip shipping houseplants and perishable foods since they take up space and might not pass customs. Different countries have their own rules for importing personal items. It's important to check with your destination's moving company or customs website for details. Commonly restricted items include food, chemicals, plants, certain drugs, weapons, ammunition, and some electronics. Also, be careful with items like antiques and artworks, which may have special import rules. For instance, consider using up your alcohol collection at your goodbye party, or giving them away, as alcoholic drinks often face taxes and need specific customs paperwork.
Consider the characteristics of your new home
You might not yet know the specifics of your new accommodation. However, you can expect less space if you are moving from the Parisian suburbs to Tokyo. Needless to say, your furniture might not fit well in the crowded and expensive rental markets of large cities. It's also important to find out whether your future home comes furnished or if that's an option available to you. If so, try to get a detailed list of the furniture provided. It would be unfortunate to transport your own furniture unnecessarily.
Climate, cost, and lifestyle considerations
Moving to Southeast Asia? You probably won't need your collection of sweaters and coats. On the other hand, if you're moving to a colder climate, consider the cost of buying clothes and equipment on-site versus bringing them from home. This depends on the cost of living in your new location. Renewing your wardrobe in Switzerland, for example, might not be cost-effective. Also, it could be beneficial to bring certain appliances and equipment that are not available or very expensive in your new country, like electronic devices such as TV screens, music systems, blenders, or other household appliances. Check the voltage and plug types used in the country. Adapters are easy to find if needed.
Your new lifestyle will also help you determine which items are necessary: do you need to bring your bicycles, or are they available for rent or shared use in many major cities? Is biking even feasible in the city's layout? If you live in Germany and enjoy barbecuing every weekend, consider whether it's sensible to bring your barbecue to Beijing, where you might smoke out your neighbors and face restrictions.
Anticipate your cultural, emotional, and personal needs
Are you dreaming of a more minimalist and less materialistic lifestyle? Yet, not all your decorative items should be discarded. They often carry emotional significance (gifts from specific individuals or reminders of your home country). Everything might seem foreign in your new environment, so don't hesitate to bring some items that have special meaning for you and that could help with your adjustment and well-being in your new home.
This also applies to books, which, while bulky, can play a crucial role in your daily balance, especially if it's challenging to find them in your desired language where you're moving. For those comfortable with e-books, consider this practical option for decluttering. The same goes for your collection of music CDs or DVDs. If possible, digitize them before you move.
Conduct an organized inventory and sorting
Often, we find items in the back of a drawer that we forgot existed! Thus, they are unlikely to be useful in the future. Some follow a simple rule: anything not used in the last six months is probably unnecessary. If you regret throwing things away, consider donating, recycling, or organizing private sales ahead of your move. An inventory not only helps you sort items but also better organizes your move. Remember that every kilogram counts, both logistically and financially. A well-structured inventory will help you assess your volume, make corrections, or negotiate better with moving companies.
Online calculators can help estimate the volume of goods you need to move. Another handy tip: divide the area of your current home by two. If your home is 100 square meters, expect to move about 50 cubic meters. Adjust by 10% depending on the number and contents of your furniture.
Learn about storage options
If you really regret parting with some items, renting a storage space in your home country might be a solution, especially if you're not planning long-term immigration. Costs will vary based on the storage area, location, and services (like climate control, 24-hour access). In big cities, expect to pay on average 100 to 200 euros per month for storing 5 to 10 square meters.
Some employers may cover all or part of your moving expenses. Others might offer to cover certain storage costs if your international move does not exceed a certain volume. Explore these different options. If you receive no financial support at all, try to evaluate the cost of replacing certain items (like furniture and electrical appliances) versus the cost of storing or transporting them.
