Moving overseas is a mix of excitement and big decisions. The idea of starting fresh in a new country is thrilling, but then comes the tricky part – figuring out what to pack, what to ship, and what’s better off staying behind in storage. Do you take Grandma’s antique dining table all the way to Singapore? Will the kids’ favourite toys survive a trip to Dubai? And what on earth do you do with a cupboard full of winter coats if you’re heading to tropical Bangkok?
These choices are just the start of your relocation journey. What you decide to bring with you (and what you don’t) can make a huge difference to your family’s comfort, your budget, and how smoothly you settle in. Getting it right means weighing up your own circumstances, your destination’s rules, and the options available to you.
At Crown Relocations, we’ve helped thousands of families make these very decisions across more than 65 countries. With the right planning and support, you’ll avoid unnecessary costs, bring the things that matter most, and feel at home sooner in your new country.
Understanding your relocation needs
Every move is different, and your own situation shapes what you’ll pack, ship, or store. A six-month posting usually means travelling light and leaving most things in storage, while a longer assignment or permanent move is when it makes sense to ship more of your household items to really settle in.
Family life also plays a big part. Kids may need school supplies or sports gear, while teens often find it harder to leave belongings behind. Partners with hobbies or work commitments might need tools or equipment.
Where you’ll be living makes a difference too. A fully furnished apartment means you won’t need much furniture, while an unfurnished house might require a full setup. And don’t forget climate, there’s no point shipping heavy coats to a tropical city.
Lastly, your company’s relocation package sets the boundaries. Knowing what’s covered, whether it’s shipping limits, storage options, or even pet relocation, helps you make the smartest choices.
What to pack in your luggage (Essentials for the first weeks)
Your suitcases should cover the basics for the first couple of weeks until your shipment arrives. Think of it as your survival kit for settling in.
Keep all important documents on you – passports, visas, work permits, medical records, and anything else you’ll need for registrations or emergencies. Have digital copies too, just in case.
Pack clothes for work, weekends, and the local climate. Don’t go overboard with kids’ clothes – just what fits them now. Comfy shoes are a must for exploring your new neighbourhood.
Tech gear is non-negotiable: laptops, phones, chargers, and adaptors. Double-check power compatibility for your destination.
Add comfort items for the family, such as kids’ toys, books, and blankets make a big difference in helping them settle. Bring small personal items that help you feel at home too.
Lastly, sort your health needs. Bring enough prescription meds to cover delays, plus basic first aid and any go-to remedies.
What to ship overseas (Items for long-term comfort)
Shipping is for the things that make a house feel like home.
Furniture depends on where you’re moving. An unfurnished house may need a full shipment, while a furnished apartment might only need a few key pieces. Always check durability and electrical compatibility for appliances and gadgets.
Kitchen gear can be worth it, especially if you love cooking or have dietary needs. Just make sure it’ll work at your destination before filling a crate with appliances.
Personal touches like art, family photos, and heirlooms bring warmth and familiarity – worth the shipping for their sentimental value.
Think about lifestyle too. Sporting gear, musical instruments, or hobby equipment can be pricey or hard to replace overseas, so it’s often better to bring them along.
And don’t forget the seasons. Moving to London? Pack those coats. Heading to Singapore? Leave them behind.
What to place in storage (Items you’ll want later, but not abroad)
Storage is perfect for the things you don’t need overseas but aren’t ready to part with.
Big furniture, like dining tables or bedroom suites, often costs more to ship than to store. It’s the same with cars, usually easier to sell or store than navigate overseas regulations and costs.
Collectibles, wine cellars, antiques, or delicate heirlooms are safer in climate-controlled storage than risking damage in transit.
Seasonal gear – heavy coats, ski gear, or summer camping kits, may not suit your new climate but could be handy down the track.
Finally, think about the return trip. Decorations, extra kitchenware, or sentimental kids’ items are easier to keep safe in storage until you’re back.
What to sell, donate, or let go of
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.
Making choices about what to pack, store, or ship can feel daunting, but it’s also part of the excitement of starting fresh overseas. Instead of thinking about it as simply “moving things,” see it as selecting what truly matters for the next stage of your life abroad.
At Crown Relocations Australia, we make the process simpler with expert packing services, secure storage options, and tailored international shipping solutions to suit your destination.
If you’re unsure where to begin, our relocation consultants can guide you through every step – from in-home surveys to customs clearance – so you can focus on the enjoyable parts of your move, like planning your new home or getting to know your new community.
