[zech13_9_goforgold]

Background to the question: my husband and I are planning to more overseas around the first of the year. To prepare for this, we're working on eliminating most of our stuff, especially stuff that can be replaced. Obviously, we're going to keep the heirloom type stuff, but I was wondering what other things we should hold onto and what we should give away. We can store some things at his parents house and somethings at my parents house, but we'd like to not have too many "boxes" when it's all said and done. Any ideas?

This is just for your opinion. And, I guess to see what kinds of "stuff" is important to you.

 

[KaraBoo]

We did this about 9 years ago. We sold all our furniture and most of our goods. We had suitcases, our dd, our cat, and just a few boxes. We kept books we loved but if I'd known how hard it was going to be to get good English-language books in Czech Republic at that time , I'd have kept almost all our books...even though it's quite expensive to mail heavy books.

Do you know anything about where you are moving?

 

[OkiMom]

Where are you moving? Some stuff is harder to come by in foreign countries. English books are definitely harder to come by in non-english speaking countries and libraries aren't always available. Picture of family is a good thing, I really miss my family but I left most of our pictures in the states by accident (they didn't quite make it into the moving boxes). I have some digital copies of pictures but I don't have any pictures of family members that have passed away (which includes my mother so my girls don't have pictures of her to look at).

 

[mamadelbosque]

Having lived in Spain for a year in college, I'd definetly consider taking all of your favorite books... because finding good english language books can be QUITE hard. I learned to read spanish, so I could still read books, but it wasn't quite the same... when I went to London and got to goto a english-language bookstore it was SOO awesome!!

Otherwise, maybe a few pictures and favorite toys/stuffed animals. I'd take minimal clothes, personally - the styles over there will almost certainly be different from what you have, so you'll almost certainly want to be buying some new clothes.

 

[onlyzombiecat]

books
tools
records/record player
art work
games

 

[suziek]

We lived abroad for a few years and the one thing that delighted me to get back when I returned to the US was my very great mountain bike. When it was wheeled off the truck (DH's company paid for a certain amount of stored goods) I felt a surge of joy. I know it would have taken me months or longer to track down a used bike to buy and I might not have gotten around to it for even longer than that.

Books and kids school materials (especially if you are planning to send dc to local schools or to homeschool) would be hard to come by. I'd bring more than you think you'll need.

Remember, people will come to see you and you can have them bring things.

 

[freestyler]

Just the photo albums, those are important to me. And the kids' baby books.

I LOVE sewing and would keep my sewing machines.

Nothing else really makes a particle of difference. I would not keep books. Or anything else, except what you KNOW you will need upon return (like good kitchen things and other living wear.)

 

[KaraBoo]

But many things which use electricity might not work where the OP is moving due to diff. cords/voltage. You have to consider that when you move overseas...

 

[sapphire_chan]

I'd go insane without books to read, but I'd figure it'd be cheaper to buy me a Kindle earlier rather than later.

There's also a few places online for full-text novels.

Um... so really, as far as that goes, I'd need a computer and internet connection. If that was at all in question, I'd have to pack a ton more books.

Lina's favorite toys.

Camping gear because why go to a foreign country and not try out their nature areas.

hmmm.... wow, it's amazing how much stuff I think I would have no problem not seeing for 2 years.

 

[Ell-Bell]

I'd definitely get yourself a Kindle and load it up with books before you go!

I'd get rid of a TON of stuff. I'd probably keep all of my board game collection in storage, but only bring a few of my favorites. I'd ditch most books, even small kitchen appliances. Anything that will be out of date when I return or that I can easily buy again used I'd get rid of.

Congratulations!

 

[zech13_9_goforgold]

Thanks. It's really nice to have your perspectives on this move. I really want to get a Kendle, maybe for my birthday (I'm really hoping).

To answer your question: we're going to Botwana, in Southern Africa. They speak English and Setswana. Already on my list of stuff to take is my knitting needles. It's really hard because I don't know exactly what to expect. I know they wear a lot of long dresses and skirts, which is pretty normal for me. I'm very overweight, so I'll probably take clothes, but my husband won't.

We're not leaving until Jan, but we've already started diving into some of the sorting. It was really hard to go through our books, as many of them were given by my FIL, who is no longer living. It's a big job.

I admire any of you who have done this kind of thing before.

 

[Ell-Bell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zech13_9_goforgold Thanks. It's really nice to have your perspectives on this move. I really want to get a Kendle, maybe for my birthday (I'm really hoping).

Just make sure you (or your DP) tell EVERYONE that asks what to get you for you birthday that you want an Amazon gift card. It all adds up. My husband coordinated an effort to have everyone chip in (including my grandma!) for my birthday and it was very cool.

I admire you for doing this! It's been a dream of ours to do something similar, but I hadn't even thought much about the work that goes into getting ready for it.

 

[KaraBoo]

Oh Botswana is a place I've wanted to go for a very long time.

Have you searched for local expat groups online? You might find more info about what to bring and what to leave. Does your husband's company have a relocation packet perhaps, with contacts and such?

How exciting!

 

[RoundAbout]

We just got back from almost 4 years overseas. The government paid to store most of our stuff while we were gone and there was very little I missed - mostly just some books and original art work. For about 80% of the stuff, as I was unpacking, I was saying "Why the heck did we bother storing this?"

Really we should have had a giant garage sale and sold everything except the furniture and some mementos (worth storing only because we weren't paying).

While living overseas the only thing that I missed really were food products and crafting supplies. Most anything else can be ordered online or sent via friends/family. Things that were expensive and in demand when I was overseas were bicycles and nice camping gear/sporting equipment but I'm sure that varies a lot by country.

 

[zech13_9_goforgold]

Thanks again. You guys are full of great ideas!

I did Google the country and got lots of help sites for people looking to move there. My MIL is going there to visit my SIL and BIL (both Americans) in June and she has promised to be my spy. You said she would research any questions I may have. Once again, thanks.