WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU WHEN MOVING ABROAD: Learn From My Mistakes When I Moved To Portugal

What should you take with you when moving to a new country? That’s a very personal decision.
In this video, I will describe the mistakes people (including me) make when deciding how to pack for a move abroad, share with you the things you need to consider, and suggest things that you will likely want to leave behind
What’s the item you're most confused about whether to bring with you abroad? Let me know in the comments below!
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DISCLAIMER: I am not an immigration attorney or professional. I am simply sharing my experiences as someone who immigrated to Portugal to help illustrate the process.

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

What's the one item you can't live without?

[@amarok1959]

My ninja blender😂 I move in 3 weeks to Costa Rica, trying to pack light. Portugal is my next stop

[@magdaxsto]

My cat... but I can't bring him to Berlin 🥲

[@OdinsSage]

@magdaxsto why not? I plan to take all 4 of my cats when I move abroad.

[@marciebaker9816]

My horse!!!

[@rickchandler2570]

I'm not bringing anything really. We're selling everything we own and will buy there. We want to reset our lives and focus less on stuff and more on experiences.

[@RymVri108]

I'm moving to Ireland. I spent 3 months living there and came back for a month to pack up/sell my stuff, so I made a list of the things I really missed. My favorite coffee mug was definitely on the list! The only appliance I'm bringing is my sewing machine, because it costs less to ship it than to replace it, and I have a voltage converter. I'm bringing my favorite pieces of clothing, but not things like t-shirts and basics that I can easily get there. Only the things I invested money into or made and are unique. I really appreciate the link to the shipping company, because this has been the most stressful part of this whole move. Finding a good shipping company and going through that process has been so confusing, since I only have a few boxes and no furniture.

[@sofiabruiz17]

Oo Im moving to Ireland too. And Im so worried about my pc and my sewing machine being damaged.

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Sounds like you have a list. It’s crucial to think about those items that really mean something to you like a favorite mug. It seems small but it helps the new home feel like home.

[@JenShea]

It’s fun looking at new arrivals posting photos in Americans and Friends Moving to PT group... some have upwards of 20 suitcases. Smart! I’d rather pay the $100-$150/bag and have it all arrive when I do.

[@mirane4803]

Didn’t know there were international moving companies! That’s such a relief to hear! So basic but I’ve never heard of it before so thank you so much for that and the rest of the tips! ❤

[@dianalopez-lefler9787]

Wow so glad I watched this before our family moved to Mexico - I had planned to take the kids dvds but turns out Mexico is region 4 and we wouldn’t be able to play them anyways! Thanks so much!!

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Glad to help!

[@emilyoldenkamp7956]

This was one of the best videos I’ve found about packing for moving abroad. Thank you!

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

You’re absolutely welcome!

[@robertsmith5744]

One can buy a power supply with American 120 volt 60 hertz output. Standard European electrical current is 220 volt 50 hertz.

[@bellesclassroomaudiobooks]

When I lived alone for the first time I noticed some little things missing like my favourite bedding or my stuffed animals 😅 definitely remembering those next time 😊

[@suzannederringer1607]

I'm planning to move my Music Scores and Books, and CDs and DVDs...Clothes and Bedding...Kitchen Stuff. I love to cook and want to keep most of my Pots and Utensils and Baking Equipment. I've made an Interim Move to Washington DC and already donated many Books and a lot of Kitchen Stuff and all Furniture. I have talked to at least one other Shipper based in NYC and think they will be better than UPAKWESHIP because they will handle ALL the Paperwork and Fees - AND deliver into your new Home, placing everything in the Rooms you designate. Over $3,000 (their estimate) but better service. I have a small portable DVD Player which I will take and use for my existing DVDs which aren't many. The big thing is getting my 4 Cats to Portugal. It can be done, it's just pricey. But they're all the Family I have. Agree about Dishes and Electric Appliances. Portugal makes lovely Dishes - I have some here! While I don't want to give up my Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Pots, I'm good with getting new Dishes!

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Hi Suzanne, I'm glad to hear you found a shipper that will work well for you! Yes, I imagine 4 cats is a lot to handle for the move. When it's really important for you, it's worth it :)

[@katiekrackers4210]

I guess I'm lucky. We're moving for my husband's job so they are paying to ship our stuff from Hong Kong (where I live) to Portugal and have hired a relocation company. What a relief cause that sounds like a major hassle to do ourselves! As an Australian, I am worried about getting Vegemite, haha, so I guess one suitcase will be filled with jars!

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Hi Katie, yes you are lucky! Enjoy it. I have friends in the same situation and was super jealous. I have some things I miss from home that are hard to get here, but there's also new stuff to enjoy. Best of luck with the move!

[@realhawaii5o]

Honestly you might find Vegemite at the foreign foods section at Auchan or Continente. They have a lot of stuff imported from all over the world.

[@sonicase]

video games are definitely not universally compatible although some are,.. it would be a very specific list so you would have to make sure which ones are and which ones aren't for whichever system.

[@bellesclassroomaudiobooks]

I only have 100€ furniture. When I am moving to New Zealand in a few years, I will leave the old furniture and buy new one. I am also not replacing things now because I know I probably will be moving overseas 😊 and for the rest of the stuff I am decluttering a lot already to have enough time. And the rest I am planning on shipping in boxes (less can get destroyed or get lost at ones) 😅

[@dredoesthings477]

this video was so helpful and concise!!! can’t thank you enough :)

[@cleberdavidvideo]

I'm watching one video in your channel per day, thanks. DVDs? Wow! Currently I need just streaming like KZbin, Netflix, Amazon....

[@Virginiaandthecarolinas]

I'm a 23 year old guy and my dream is to move aboard like the countries I wanna move to is New Zealand Latvia Slovenia and some Greek island called ikaria I hope I can accomplish those dreams

[@NaturalGirlPretty]

Thanks fir sharing!

[@americarocks3175]

Julia. Thank you for concise info. I am very curious what is the situation with regard to mandatory covid vaccination in Portugal. Is this being considered, what the current requirements for the corporate employees are, vaccine passports, masks,etc. Also, what brand vaccines are currently available in Portugal. Thank you in advance.

[@joanofarcxxi]

Thank you, this was really helpful.

[@stacyramirez5459]

Clothing? Is it expensive in Portugal? Are there second hand stores? Sheets? Pillows? I love cotton and feather Pillows are these available? Thanks for the video

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Hi Stacy, good questions. Of course expensive is subjective. There are secondhand stores. There are more affordable brands like H&M, Zara, Stradivarius; mid-level brands like Massimi Dutti and Lanidor; and then luxury high-end brands as well. I've seen cotton and feather pillows. We have both, and the prices really range on quality.

[@Cameraqueen14]

With whom did you fly in order to bring 4 suitcases/checked bags?

[@simarjitkaur3411]

i'm planning to take clothes, shoes, and that's it...even some of those will be left

[@sfaznpinoy]

did you bring pictured frames OR did you take out the pictures that have sentimental value to you and reframed them in PT? trying to decide if this will be better for transporting.

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Oh good question, I brought 3 frames and one broke 🥲 I brought the other photos I had in albums and that worked great!

[@SERGIO-cr6uy]

First thing when moving abroad, ditch your boyfriend.

[@OdinsSage]

😆

[@kathykaz3027]

I love to bake too... planning to move to the algarve by the end of the year. Can you find all of the ingredients? I've heard rumors that it is hard to find light brown sugar and chocolate chips for example. Thank you!

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Hi Kathy, thanks for your question! I can find most ingredients. To find true “brown sugar” is difficult. I’ve found it at larger supermarkets. Most of the time there is “açúcar amarelo” or “yellow sugar,” which has a decent texture but is not quite the same as light brown sugar. I don’t always find chocolate chips, so I stock up when I see them. I’ve never seen baking soda (or don’t yet know the translation), but baking powder is common. I feel like I’m writing too much, so maybe I’ll do a video on baking in Portugal 🙂

[@kathykaz3027]

@@JuliaRochelleAbroad I would love a baking video... maybe a trip to the bakery aisle at the grocery store

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

@@kathykaz3027 excellent idea!

[@ShannaTrenholm]

@@JuliaRochelleAbroad bicarbonato de sódio is baking soda and you can find it at all the major (and minor) stores :)

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

@@ShannaTrenholm Good to know, thank you! I'll take a look next time I'm at the store :)

[@alinakaiba385]

Thank you for this video!!! I'm planning to move to Brazil SOON Can I bring my Jewelry boxes with me because I'm a person that wears Jewelry often and its sentimental for me??? 🥺🥺🥺🥺💓💓💓💓💓💓 What about perfumes, beauty products and care products???

[@leandracooper1534]

So how you did you take? Suitcases or few?

[@abdelhakim8269]

great video :)

[@pcrate20]

Hi, julia I am american citizen and I planing soon when I retired moving to portugal, I like this country I would lke some advise the only income tha I have is my SS income and some saving I coming with my wife, Is worth it to shipping your onw car?

[@SERGIO-cr6uy]

Shipping your own car? I reckon not! Expensive and you might have to pay registration. Depending on your car, European roads aren't suited for most American car (ie forget the F150 pickup trucks!). Have you ever been to Portugal / Europe? You need to buy a smaller car. Where do you guys plan on living? City? Countryside? By the sea?

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

I didn't ship my car, and I don't regret it. I haven't even needed to drive the entire time I've lived in Portugal. If you plan to live in an area away from big cities, you may need one. I haven't bought a car here, but there are a lot of brands out on the roads (Renault, Ford, BMW, Nissan, Fiat, etc), so I assume there is a good selection.

[@fiona3821]

Thank you for sharing.. So you didn't ship anything 🤔 What airline did you fly with

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Exactly, I believe it was TAP

[@Molly-iw8jv]

If you get the D7 visa, do you need to wait until you get the temporary residence permit before shipping your things? I didn’t know if there is a chance you can get approved for the D7 visa, but not the residence permit and end up shipping everything back if you ship right when you move.

[@francisphenry]

What about a car?

[@JuliaRochelleAbroad]

Personally, I think it's better to sell it and buy again when and if you need one in Portugal

[@trades884]

Hi would u help me ? I'm looking job in portugal.. right now here.. God

[@aaminsiddquei2940]

क्या मैं पुर्तगाल जा सकता हेल्पर कैटेगरी या सेविंग डिपार्टमेंट में

[@charlesdanieligwilo5751]

Please what is the name if the area you got the two bedroom apartment for 500

[@candidosantos9742]

So....I literally have moved over 50 countries. Still trying to control my girlfriend not to bring the whole life with her. Me I'm move extra light You seam to ve very attached to your objects.

[@rajeevanmoothedan4702]

Bla bla bla bla bla bla....