Moving abroad is an exciting chance to start fresh, but your international adventure can quickly feel like starting from square one again if you move without the essentials you need to settle in. Once the plane has taken off or the shipping container is en route, it’s too late to double-check the details and ensure you have packed everything you need. To avoid major moving regrets once you reach your destination, here are some of the most common things people forget to do and bring when moving overseas.
Packing Mistakes
One of the first areas where international moving mistakes happen is in the packing and shipping process.
Damaged goods
One of the most frustrating (and costly) mistakes people make is underestimating the importance of proper packing materials. Even with fragile stickers on the outside, a haphazardly packed box can result in broken electronics, cracked glassware, and crushed valuables. When your belongings are travelling thousands of kilometres, it is important to invest in an overseas moving company to avoid these easy-to-make packing mistakes.
Mystery boxes
Another common oversight is failing to keep an accurate inventory of your belongings. For example, during a recent move from Canada to Australia, one expat shared how they couldn’t find their work laptop for days because they hadn’t labelled the box clearly—leading to unnecessary panic and lost productivity. It might seem tedious at the time, but a detailed list of what’s in each box saves an incredible amount of time and stress when you arrive. It can streamline the customs process and help you avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
Without an inventory, many people arrive in their new country only to find that certain items are missing, leaving them unsure of whether they were left behind or lost in transit. It is recommended that you clearly label every box and make note of where you have put specific items to keep track of all your belongings.
Process Mistakes
Beyond packing, process-related mistakes like missing paperwork or misunderstanding customs requirements can cause serious delays and unexpected complications during your move.
Surprise customs delays
Every country has its own set of rules when it comes to what can and can’t be brought across the border. Items such as alcohol, medication, or certain types of food and natural materials may require additional declarations or approvals. If they are not declared properly, these items can be confiscated, delayed in customs, or incur fines. Make sure you understand your destination country’s customs regulations before you begin packing, rather than assume what’s allowed in one country is automatically permitted in another.
Forgetting Important Documents
It’s surprisingly easy to forget or misplace key documents in the whirlwind of an international move. Important documents like birth certificates, academic records, work permits, tax documents, and insurance policies are essential to bring in your move. While packing, create a folder (physical or digital) of all essential paperwork. You can scan copies to a secure cloud service and keep the originals in your carry-on luggage.
Emotional Mistakes
Amid the logistics, it’s easy to overlook the emotional side of moving, which means you may forget to make room for meaningful, sentimental items.
Leaving Sentimental Items Behind
When deciding what is worth shipping, many people mistakenly leave behind items that hold emotional or personal significance. Things like a favourite piece of art, a childhood photo album, or a handwritten letter collection might seem non-essential in the moment but can be deeply missed once you’re settled in. For example, a woman moving from Australia to New Zealand left behind a handmade family quilt, thinking it was just extra baggage, only to later feel an unexpected emptiness when their new place didn’t quite feel like home without it. While it’s smart to be selective, make space for those few personal treasures that make a place feel like home.
Underestimating the Power of Connection
Many expats report an initial wave of loneliness after arriving in their new country. Missing friends and family back home is natural, but it doesn’t mean those relationships have to fade. Set up regular times to catch up with loved ones, and remember that you can establish new relationships in your destination.
Joining local hobby groups, expat communities, or professional networks is a great way to meet others navigating similar transitions. It’s one of the most effective ways to settle in emotionally and start creating a genuine sense of home in your new environment.
Things People Forget When Moving Overseas
While moving overseas is full of exciting possibilities, it is easy to forget little things that can make a big difference. With a bit of planning, some smart packing, and a willingness to stay connected, you can make the transition overseas much smoother. Instead of starting from scratch and regretting past packing decisions, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance at a confident, well-prepared fresh start.
