Moving to NZ - What to Pack | US expat family

[@southernfriedkiwi6340]

I would add, that if you are moving to NZ permanently from the U.S, get a shipping container and fill it with better quality furniture, mattresses, and clothes(plus shoes). Personally, I would add a refrigerator as well. You can get them made for 240v in the U.S, or just hook up a transformer in the cupboard space. They are not expensive.

[@Samdebmic]

All good points! 👍

[@ciroalb3]

this is an important topic and will differ for each person or family, and you may have a different perspective in a year or so. In general, things tend to be 3x as expensive in NZ, but the trade off is the scenery and quiet way of life. Casual clothes are easy to get there, good quality formal clothes, very hard, so it's better you brought them. Certainly true about Nikes. the boys appetite for toys will change quickly, so those aren't so important

[@VtorHunter]

Great point on the websites! That is super helpful and a good idea.

[@mattieclan8957]

In Christchurch, there are outlet stores like Dress Smart which are branded clothing but are sold at huge discounts to clear off when approaching next season. I presume Auckland, wellington would have one as well.

[@Samdebmic]

Great point on Dress smart! We’ve been to the Christchurch and Auckland locations and are fans. They are very different from outlets in the US though, which sometimes can be big enough to have their own shuttle systems!

[@mattieclan8957]

You are so right. We visited the USA and everything is more than double the size in NZ from food to clothes buildings and the list goes on🤣.

[@RaceCarFriends]

Awesome video, I'm curious how would you rate the internet speed there compared to the US?

[@Samdebmic]

Good question. I would say our experience is that internet is a little bit slower here, but we’re still able to stream shows, video chat, work remotely, etc. It probably depends on the particular internet provider and where in NZ you live. You might have heard internet is unbearably slow here (we heard that before we moved and were worried we wouldn’t be able to work), but we haven’t found that to be the case in Taupō.

[@RaceCarFriends]

@@Samdebmic Cool thanks for the info I really appreciate it.

[@Kobe24NZ]

I'm from Auckland. What you wear to work in Taupo will be similar to Auckland. You won't see many people wearing ties or suit.

[@Samdebmic]

That’s good to know - thanks!

[@pixelgraphica]

Have you moved to NZ permanently or are you under contract temporarily?

[@TheAbbottAbode]

I'm a J. Crew and Banana Republic fan and expat in NZ too! I got so many things from J. Crew Factory and BR I'm set as far as work clothes go! NZ sizes are different too, so I'm trying to figure out what size works all the time. I'm in a much smaller town than Taupo and honestly haven't bought much stuff from NZ (except some household stuff and appliances) after 3 years here, and we moved just with a couple suitcases too. We don't really go to Auckland all that much so there's less temptation to shop.

[@Samdebmic]

I totally feel ya on trying to figure out sizes! And when these Australian sizing in the mix, I get even more confused haha. Smart to stock up on clothes before you came… I got rid of so much and imagined buying a new wardrobe here - my mistake!! Sounds like you are enjoying the expat life here if it’s been 3 years 🙂

[@TheAbbottAbode]

@@Samdebmic I got to go back pre-pandemic and do a big shopping trip (in 2 suitcases) after being in NZ for one year. That helped a lot. I think Australia would have more size and options. Also, try H&M for work clothes. There's one in Hamilton and Tauranga - not online though. Nothing beats a good sale on top of clearance from the outlet in the US though.

[@russellfehrensen9876]

We just landed a job in Auckland. We're from California. Can we get in contact. Please help...

[@Samdebmic]

Congrats on the job! What an exciting move! I hope this video was helpful - feel free to let us know if there are any other topics that could be useful to cover.