Moving abroad is a big task but it doesn’t have to be hard. If you haven’t done so already it is essential that you read my Moving Abroad Checklist first and then come back here. If you’ve been following me for a while you know I’ve lived abroad for the last six years in Thailand, Kuwait, Egypt, Mauritania, the Dominican Republic, and now Bahrain. One of my biggest tips for people moving abroad is to PACK LIGHT! More than likely your new destination will have most of the items you need.
But that does not mean that you shouldn’t bring anything you feel is essential.
If it’s easier you can shop directly with my Amazon Storefront but I think you will want to know why I included some of the items I did. This list is just in time for AMAZON PRIME DAY.
*I am a participant in the Amazon Affiliates Program, so basically I earn a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links on this post – at no extra cost to you! Clicking the pictures will take you directly to the product!*
General Travel Essentials
Large Checked Suitcases
I worked for an airline for years and can tell you good suitcases are really important. Do not be fooled into getting the hardcover ones. Once the suitcase cracks it will need to be replaced. These soft-sided bags will be usable for years to come. Tips For Choosing The Perfect Suitcase: Soft-sided, at least 4 wheels, expandable, lightweight, 28 inches, multiple inside pockets, bright unpopular colors. Throw an Apple AirTag inside so you know precisely where your bags are. ALL of my bags were lost on my move to Thailand and Egypt so an AirTag would have been great back then.
Carry-On Bags
Check with your airline to see the permissible size and weight of a carry-on. Between 19-21 inches is usually acceptable for most airlines’ size requirements and is roomy enough to fit all your essentials for this move.
Things to Put In Your Carry-On Bag
There are a million lists out there of what to put into your carry-on bag BUT this is specifically for moving Abroad. I always pack a set of bed sheets (Qween Size), a towel, and a couple of my favorite snacks (Beef Jerky is a good source of protein) from home. Trust me, after traveling all those hours the only thing you are going to have energy for is to eat, take a shower, and sleep. In many countries, international flights land late at night. The last thing you want to worry about is finding late-night food and if there are clean sheets and towels in your new home. Bring what you will need on the flight (Not in your checked bag because those get lost) so you can go straight to sleep and worry about everything else in the morning.
Passport Holder
I have the Black Amazon Basics RFID Travel Passport Wallet Organizer, which is my fave. I have purchased 2 of them over the last 10 years. A travel wallet is a great way to keep multiple passports, cards, IDs, money, and various documents organized. Another great feature is that it is not too bulky so it can fit just about anywhere. 
Storage
No matter where you move you will have to bring sensitive documents. Bring a folder to keep your papers and documents safe and sound. Packing cubes are a great assistant to keep your suitcase organized. Zip lock bags are also essential to have for packing purposes. In order to save space I repackage items into large Ziplock bags so I don’t bring bulky boxes. Also helpful for storing liquids and seasonings so they don’t spill all over your bag. It also makes the job of security who checks your bag easier because they can easily see into the bag.
Clothing & Shoes
Now that you’ve done your research from the moving abroad checklist you know how locals in your new destination dress. Find clothes to match your destination for culture and climate. If you are moving to a place where the local population is generally not shaped like you make sure to bring EVERYTHING, from underwear to shoes, as shopping on services like Amazon may be limited.
Safety and Security
Door Safety
Bringing door safety alarms with you when you move abroad is essential for enhancing your personal security and peace of mind. These alarms act as a first line of defense against unauthorized entry, providing an added layer of protection to your new living space. Whether you’re living alone or with others, door safety alarms can alert you to potential intrusions and deter unwanted visitors. Having these alarms readily available allows you to create a safer environment and maintain a sense of security in your new home abroad.
First Aid Kit & Emergency Medicine
As someone who is accident-prone and somehow always ends up in the hospital, it is essential for me to bring a first aid kit and emergency medicines with me when I move abroad. Accidents and minor injuries can happen anywhere, and having a well-stocked first aid kit allows you to treat wounds promptly and address common illnesses.
Personal Safety
These items, such as personal alarms, pepper spray, or self-defense tools, can provide a sense of security and help you feel more confident when navigating new environments. They serve as a proactive measure to protect yourself in potentially risky situations and empower you to take control of your personal safety in your new life abroad. Before purchasing them find out which items are legal to have in your new country. Flashlights also come in handy as power outages are quite frequent.
Beauty, Body & Hygiene 
Contraceptives
In some countries, contraceptives are illegal or can only be sold to married couples and therefore will be difficult to find. Bring them with you so you don’t have any unintended accidents.
Hair Products & Tools
Trust me when I say your future self will thank you! Bring products and tools (shampoo & conditioner, gel, blow dryer, flat iron, a shower head with a filter, etc) you KNOW will work on your hair. Every country’s water is different and a common problem (maybe not spoken about enough) with expats is hair loss. The differences in the water and products in the country can easily turn your luscious hair into a stringy mess. After some time, you may experiment with local products and find something you like but I wouldn’t risk it immediately. Bring enough to get you through the first month or so.
Hair Options for Black Women
If you are a Black Woman moving abroad to a non-Black country it may take you a while to find someone who can do your hair. It may also be difficult to find supplies to do your hair with. I bring braiding hair, tracks, and wigs with me so I am prepared for all situations and IF I can find someone to do my hair I am already prepared. Hopefully, you know how to do your own hair but if not, I am in contact with braiders in Thailand, Kuwait, Egypt, Mauritania, and The Dominican Republic. Feel free to reach out to me.
Period Essentials
Switching to a period cup and period underwear was one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving abroad. Tampons can take up a lot of space and are extremely difficult to find in many countries. You may be able to find local brands of pads and panty liners but you can avoid accidents by bringing what you know works for you.
Skin & Body Products
Bleach is prevalent in products throughout Asia and Africa. Lotions, soaps, face masks & creams, even deodorant, you name it. Skin-lightening products can be in just about everything. Protect your skin by bringing products you know you can trust. After a while of being in your location, you may be able to find products you can use. I would bring at least a month’s worth. If your skin tone is different than that of the local population BRING YOUR MAKEUP as well.
Toiletries
This includes any other toiletries that were not previously mentioned. For example, toothbrush & toothpaste, floss, perfume, Qtips, etc. Sunblock and bug sprays are also a good investment because they’re usually marketed to tourists and are much more expensive abroad.
Essential Electronics
Extra Chargers & Cords
Be prepared for all situations. I have been caught twice with no backup chargers and nowhere to purchase them. Those beloved Apple Stores are not located in every country. Trust me finding a replacement is no fun. Buy backup chargers and cords for your phones, tablets, laptops and any other electronic you know you don’t want to go a single day without.
Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
The nose level might be different than what you are accustomed to in your country. You can block out sound and comfort yourself with these headphone options.
Plug Adapters & Converters
Bringing plug adapters with you when you move abroad is essential for a smooth transition to your new home. The country you are moving to may have a different electrical outlet standard than your home country. Having the right adapters ensures you can easily plug in and use your electronic devices right away. Also, be sure to check the voltage as you may need a converter. Check the plug requirements of your next destination. I always travel with a power strip as well because power surges are frequent and it’s unlikely to know where your outlets will be in your new home.
Portable Speaker
I’ve had the OontZ Ultra Bluetooth Speaker for a few years and love it for playing music in the house. It is also convenient to take to the beach or use in the shower because it is waterproof.
Power Bank/ Portable Charger
Power outages are very frequent abroad. I keep one power bank in my purse and one at the house so I can charge my devices when there is no power or I am spending the day outside away from an outlet.
Streaming Devices
Watching TV abroad can sometimes be a pain. It is sometimes difficult to find shows in your language and the ones that do often do not come on at times that would be acceptable in your new time zone. I use my Amazon Firestick for everything from Netflix to TikTok. Apple TV and Roku are also top-rated streaming devices.
Essential Kitchen Items
Cooking Seasoning
One way to make sure the food doesn’t make you homesick is by bringing your essential seasons with you. I refuse to go to any country without my Adobo, McCormick Steak Seasoning, and Everything Bagel Seasoning. More generic seasonings are probably available in local stores but my food wouldn’t taste like my food without these very specific seasonings. I have found that the mixed/blended seasonings (ex: Lemon Pepper, Pumpkin Pie, Italian, Taco, and Cajun) that are available in America are hard to find or expensive in other countries. Stock Up!
Baking Items
Very specific baking items are also sometimes challenging to find. Having a well-equipped kitchen can make all the difference, especially for baking enthusiasts. By bringing these essential baking items with you, you can enjoy the comforts of home and continue to create delicious treats no matter where your journey takes you.
Fun & Hobbies
Games
I bring Uno, regular playing cards, and Taboo in my bag everywhere I go. Games serve as good icebreakers and help connect people from different cultures. They can bridge language barriers and foster friendships in a new environment. Games can also provide entertainment and help you adjust to your new surroundings and combat feelings of homesickness. Bring your family’s favorite games with you and you can host a game night with all your new friends.
Hobbies
I started painting during the start of the pandemic in 2020 because my therapist said I needed to get a hobby. Now I bring paint supplies with me to every destination. I have since switched from traditional canvas to canvas boards to save space in my suitcase. I HIGHLY suggest you journal especially at the beginning of your move. There will be so many emotions and differences you will only notice when you first get to your destination. It’s also fun to read back what your first impressions of your new country are. What’s your hobby going to be? Playing guitar, arts & crafts, chess, video games, puzzles, journaling, or reading?
Miscellaneous Essential Items
Comfort Items From Home
Bring a few personal items that provide comfort and remind you of home, such as photos, a favorite book, or a small memento. Don’t bring too many non-replaceable items so you don’t lose or break them. I personally bring photos of my family, pottery from my mom, and my refrigerator magnet collection.
Essential Teaching Supplies
If you are moving abroad as a teacher ask your school to send you pictures of your classroom and what type of supplies they might be lacking. I have found that schools abroad are much better supplied than classrooms in America where the teacher is expected to purchase everything they need themselves. Most schools have their own store or supply room on campus. Something consistent I have noticed in each country is the lack of quality markers, pens, and Witeout Correction Fluid.
Random Knick-Knacks
When you move abroad and leave behind most of your things you realize just how much stuff you have. Take an inventory of your home and the things you use the most. BRING THOSE THINGS. Good items to have but aren’t 100% essential (to me) include, a small sewing kit, a lint roller, a Swiss Army Knife, waterproof phone cases, adhesive hooks, small decor like lights for my house, mosquito racket, and anything else you can think of that won’t take up too much space.
Here are some tips for packing and unpacking all those items
Remember to research and consider any restrictions or regulations regarding certain items when moving to your new destination. It’s always a good idea to consult official sources or contact the embassy or consulate for guidance on what you can and cannot bring with you.
Download & Share a PDF copy of this Packing Checklist for Moving Abroad
If you feel your questions are more in-depth you can schedule a consultation with me and I can help you with whatever step you are on in your journey.
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This informative article on essential moving items from Amazon is a lifesaver for anyone planning a move. The carefully curated list simplifies the often overwhelming task of packing and ensures a smoother transition. A must-read for practical tips and convenient solutions to make the moving process hassle-free.
Beckham
http://www.movefla.com
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All these jewels & links make it so easy! Amazing break down, thank you! Qween Vic always a solid source of information!
Thank you D 🥰 I’m glad you enjoyed
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Loved this! Especially the hair care! Being a black woman abroad with hair is risky!
The riskiest move! 😂