The expat dilemma of what to take and what to leave

One of the trickiest aspects of relocating overseas is what to bring with you and what to leave behind.

If you’re heading overseas to take up a new, challenging job, start up your own business or become an expat retiree in the land of your dreams, moving your possessions is normally a nightmare and never, ever straightforward. Deciding what to take with you, what to give away to friends and family and what to consign to the charity shop can be heartbreaking as well as liberating. Two motivations are at play – the need to save money on shipping and the equally important need to preserve items which made your home feel comfortable and welcoming.

It’s not hard to decide what to leave behind, especially if the climate in your chosen destination is drastically different from that in your home country. If you’re heading to the Middle East from the UK, leaving behind your heavy overcoats, snow boots and thick cashmere sweaters is a no-brainer, but packing that one favourite item of warm clothing is permissible due to the the possibility of travelling somewhere where you might need it.. Books, unless they’re rare and valuable, can easily be replaced online, and electrical goods are best left behind as they may not suit overseas electricity.

A general rule is to bring everything which can’t be replaced and which you’ll miss like crazy if it’s not there when you need it. This applies to personal treasures, pictures, antiques, small items of furniture, décor and suchlike, especially if you’re moving to a country where you couldn’t possibly replace them with any effect. Making a somewhat familiar home is an important way to begin to feel comfortable in an unfamiliar culture, and will stave off any pangs of homesickness you’re feeling when you first arrive. Relocating as an expat, even if you’re intending to stay long-term or forever, isn’t about forgetting your former life in your country of birth.