7 Essential Items To Take With You

As I mentioned in my previous post, when you decide to chuck it all and move overseas, you realize that you really didn't need all of that stuff that has been cluttering up your house anyway. That said, here are seven things that I highly suggest bringing with you.

1. Your laptop computer, flat-screen TV, and any other smallish electronic items such as your hairdryer. Electronics are generally the costliest things to replace.


2. Quite a few clothes. You can always donate the ones that you end up not wearing, but in this case, it can be better to have too many rather than not enough. At least this holds true in my case, as most countries don't have clothing available for women who are six feet tall. Shoes also go in this category--I wear a size eleven.


3. A comfort item or two. For me, this is my teddy bear whom I have had since I was a child and my favorite coffee mug. It's good to have that touch of familiarity.


4. A good supply of any food item that you feel you cannot live without and that is not available in your destination city. I can't imagine not having tea, and I drink decaf, something that is certainly not available in many places.


5. An iPod loaded with your favorite music, or a stack of CD's. In order to take up less room, I keep my CD's in books and throw away the cases. The next time I move, however, all of the music will be on the computer and iPod. The same goes for DVD's. While you're storing data on the computer, be sure to scan your family pics and upload them to Flickr.


6. A couple of books to trade. Also bring a good pocket translation dictionary or an electronic translator. I have also found to Lonely Planet's guidebooks to be very comprehensive, invaluable resources.


7. Extra supplies of moisturizer or lipstick that you have grown especially attached to. Estee Lauder isn't typically easily available in many places. This also applies to perfume, foundation, and for you guys, your special razor.

Everything else pretty much will fit under the category of Things People Should Pack When Traveling. Of course you will have your passport, copies of important papers, medication, children, etc. What things do you think are invaluable when moving to another country?