What did you bring when you moved to the US?

[awaywego 28]

I think what you bring on an international move depends partly on what items are most important to you. We approached packing for our move from the US to Germany (other direction, I know) as an exercise in determining the things that are the most important, as well as in determining what would be the most troublesome/expensive to replace.

Before we moved, we spent a huge amount of time going through everything we owned:

Do we need this?

Do we use it regularly?

Can we replace it for less than it costs to ship?

Does it have sentimental value?

(Extra question, since you're moving in with someone: Does he not already have one as good or better than this?)

If no, off to Craigslist, charity, or trash it went. If we thought we'd need it ASAP, it went into a suitcase to take with. If we thought it could wait, it went into storage at the parents' house.

We brought with us clothing and shoes (expensive to replace), supply of face cream (not sold here), some kitchen items (we like to cook), a couple games (activity enjoyed together), and a few sentimental items. First trip to the States was more shoes (more expensive here) and more kitchen stuff.

World Market has foods from various countries, including chocolate and other candies, for those looking. (We also bring chocolate when we visit the States.)

Edited February 8, 2016 by awaywego

[TabeaK 517]

Yeah there's a lot more stuff than you think, huh?! I think the amount to bring also depends on age and how you lived in your home country and the kind of things bought for your home.

Agreed. My last international move was while being a student. I was fine with just a suitcase. Now, I am older and have more stuff that I invested in and am attached to. So it was important to bring all the things I felt are needed for settling in.