So, you've landed that fantastic international teaching role, and the countdown to your big move has officially begun! Amidst the excitement of a new country, a new school, and new adventures, one question looms large for many: "What on earth do I pack?"

This isn't just about clothes and toiletries. For many of us, moving abroad means making big decisions about our entire lives back home. Should you bring your beloved sofa? Ship your entire book collection? Or embrace the minimalist life? Let's unpack the options and help you make smart choices for your international teaching move.

The Core Dilemma: Ship It All, Some, or None?

This is perhaps the biggest question, and there's no single "right" answer. Your decision will depend on several factors:

Your School's Relocation Package: This is paramount. Does your school offer a shipping allowance? If so, how much? This allowance will heavily influence how much you can reasonably take. Some schools offer generous allowances for a full container, others a smaller allowance for a few crates, and some none at all.

Length of Contract/Intention to Return: Is this a two-year adventure or a long-term career move? If you plan to be abroad for many years, shipping more might make sense. If it's a shorter stint, less is definitely more.

Accommodation Provided: Will your new school provide furnished accommodation? Most international schools do, often to a good standard. This immediately reduces the need for furniture. If it's unfurnished, your packing strategy changes significantly.

Cost of Living in New Country: Can you easily and affordably replace items you leave behind? Or are certain goods (like specific electronics, specialty foods, or even certain clothing sizes) hard to come by or very expensive?

Kids: If you have young children, what will they need to help them settle? Do you need any items that maybe difficult or expensive to buy in your new country?

Let's break down the options:

Option 1: Take (Most of) Your Whole House – The Full Container Load (FCL)

Pros: Familiar comforts from home, no need to buy new furniture, ideal for long-term moves or if your school offers a very generous shipping allowance and unfurnished housing.

Cons: Very expensive if not fully covered by your school. Long shipping times (often 6-12 weeks by sea freight), meaning you'll live without your belongings for a while. More hassle with customs.

Considerations: Only really viable if you have a large shipping allowance and are moving into an unfurnished property.

Option 2: Selective Shipping – Crates, Pallets, or Less than Container Load (LCL)

Pros: Balances comfort with practicality. You can bring cherished items, favourite books, specific kitchen gadgets, or personal decor that makes a house a home. More affordable than a full container.

Cons: Still involves significant cost. Shipping times can still be lengthy. You'll need to be ruthless in your selection.

Considerations: This is often the most common choice if a school offers a mid-range shipping allowance and provides partly furnished or basic furnished accommodation.

Option 3: Embrace Minimalism – Leave Most in Storage, Rent Furnished

Pros: Most cost-effective (potentially) on the shipping front, less logistical headache. You arrive unburdened and can easily settle into school-provided furnished accommodation. Great for shorter contracts or if you're truly starting fresh.

Cons: You won't have your own furniture/personal items. You'll need to weigh up the cost of storage in your home country.

Considerations: This is a strong option if your school provides fully furnished accommodation and your shipping allowance is minimal or non-existent.

The Storage Question: Is It Expensive?

Yes, storage can be expensive, especially for long periods. Costs vary greatly by location (city vs. rural), the size of the unit, and whether it's climate-controlled.

Average Cost (UK): For a 100-150 sq ft unit (enough for a 2-bed house's contents), you could be looking at £150-£300+ per month. Over several years, this adds up significantly.

Decision Point: Weigh the cost of storage against the cost of replacing items later, or the emotional value of keeping them. If you're abroad for five years, you might pay £9,000-£18,000 just for storage! Is it worth it for that old sofa?

Things to Consider About Moving:

Moisture and Pests: Especially for sea freight, consider how your items will fare in varying climates and humidity. Invest in good packing materials.

Insurance: Always insure your shipment! Accidents happen, and items can get lost or damaged. Understand the coverage details.

Customs and Duties: Research the customs regulations for your destination country. You may need to pay duties on certain items, even if they are personal effects. Your shipping company should guide you here.

Voltage and Plugs: Will your electronics work? Are they dual voltage? You'll likely need adapters or transformers, but some items (like large kitchen appliances) might not be worth bringing due to voltage incompatibility.

What NOT to Pack in Your Shipping Container:

Shipping companies and customs regulations have strict rules. Generally, avoid:

Perishable Food Items: Anything that can spoil, attract pests, or leak.

Hazardous Materials: Flammable liquids, aerosols, paints, solvents, gas cylinders, cleaning chemicals, batteries (especially lithium-ion in large quantities).

Liquids & Powders (Unsealed): These can leak and damage other items.

Firearms & Ammunition: Highly restricted and generally prohibited.

Illegal Substances: Drugs, contraband.

Valuables: Jewellery, cash, passports, important documents, expensive electronics (laptops, cameras, tablets) should always go in your hand luggage or carry-on. Do NOT put these in shipped containers.

Negotiable Instruments: Cheques, bonds, etc.

Plants & Soil: Highly regulated due to pest and disease control.

Certain Animal Products: Depending on the country, furs, ivory, or certain animal skins may be restricted.

Antique Furniture: To transport antique furniture abroad, you may need several documents, including proof of age, origin, and potentially a BADA certificate for some countries. Additionally, you'll need to complete customs declarations like the C88 Single Administrative Document (SAD) and provide documentation proving the item's value.

Items That Don't Travel Well (or Aren't Worth the Hassle):

Fragile Sentimental Items: Unless professionally crated, very delicate heirlooms (e.g., antique china, fragile artwork) might be safer in secure storage or with family.

Large, Cheap Furniture: If it's old and can be easily replaced for a similar cost to shipping, leave it. IKEA furniture often falls into this category.

Large Appliances (if voltage incompatible): Unless your voltage matches or you're willing to buy expensive transformers, leave your fridge, washing machine, etc.

Extremely Bulky Items: Trampolines, very large exercise equipment – unless absolutely essential and your allowance is generous.

Heaps of Books: While beloved, books are incredibly heavy and expensive to ship. Consider digitising or bringing only your absolute favourites. Look for local libraries or Kindle options.

What to Definitely Pack in Your Luggage (or Hand Carry):

·       All Important Documents: Passport, visa, flight tickets, school contract, medical records, vaccination cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, driving licence.

·       Medications: A good supply of prescription medication with a doctor's letter.

·       Essentials for the First Few Days/Weeks: Clothes, toiletries, a few personal items, chargers, adapters, universal plug.

·       Valuables: Jewellery, cash, credit/debit cards.

·       Comfort Items: A favourite mug, a photo, a small blanket – things that will make your temporary space feel like home quickly.

Ultimately, the decision of what to pack is a personal one, intertwined with the practicalities of your relocation package and your long-term plans. Be ruthless, be realistic, and remember that "stuff" rarely defines the richness of an international adventure. Focus on what truly matters, and the rest will fall into place.

Happy packing!