“When you bring peace to your past, you can move forward to your future”
Moving internationally is an exciting step, but it can be overwhelming. There were a few things I didn’t realize I needed until I arrived in Germany, and I ended up packing things I didn’t need for example like a ton of food items and forgetting some of the essential stuff. That’s why having a thorough checklist is crucial. Here’s a guide to help you avoid the same mistakes:
1. Important Documents
- Passport (Make sure it’s relatively new! A 10-year passport is ideal. Why? Because your residence permit renewal often depends on the validity of your passport. If your passport has fewer than 2 years left, your residency permit will be impacted).
- Visa & Flight Tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Housing Agreement
- Medical Records & Vaccination History
- Academic Transcripts (for students)
- Birth Certificate: Double-check that the name on your birth certificate matches your passport. This can cause issues when applying for citizenship or registering with local authorities.
- Police Report: Some employers in Germany might require a police report, so ensure you have it with you.
2. Clothing & Personal Items
- Seasonal Clothes (Pack wisely! I’ve seen many new students bring only light, fashionable clothes thinking the weather would be similar to back home. Trust me, it’s not. Pneumonia is real, and it doesn’t care about how cute your jacket is. You’ll need thick, warm clothing, especially in winter. Don’t skimp on the jackets!)
- Comfortable Shoes
- Formal/Work Outfits
- Undergarments and Socks
- Pajamas & Loungewear
3. Toiletries & Health Essentials
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash
- Skincare Products
- Medications (If you have specific prescriptions, bring them along until you’re stable enough to get local alternatives. Certain medications like Ventolin tablets for asthma might not be available).
- First Aid Kit
4. Electronics & Gadgets
- Laptop & Charger
- Phone & Charger
- Headphones
- Power Adapters (for the country you’re moving to)
- External Hard Drive/USB Drive (for backups)
- Camera/Smartphone
5. Money & Banking Essentials
- Bank Cards (Notify your bank about your move)
- Currency of the Destination Country
- Emergency Cash
- International Bank Account Details
6. Miscellaneous
- Travel Pillow & Eye Mask
- Sunglasses, Hat, Sunscreen
- Notebook & Pen
- A Few Favorite Books/Magazines
- A Good Backpack or Daypack
- Ziploc Bags for organization
7. Food from Home
If you can afford the extra luggage, bring food items that are hard to find or quite expensive in Germany, especially those that are staples from home. It’ll make the transition smoother when you’re craving a taste of your culture, and buying these items locally can be expensive.
Additional Tips
- Accommodation: Housing in Germany can be tricky to find, so start looking early, especially for student dormitories. They tend to be cheaper and require less paperwork.
- Health Insurance: It’s a must, and there are both public and private options. Make sure you’re covered as soon as you arrive.
- Banking: Opening a bank account is essential because many transactions here are done via bank transfer.
- Registering: Make sure you register at the local citizens’ office (Einwohnermeldeamt) as soon as you arrive. This is important for receiving your residence permit and being able to access other services.
Have you already made your packing list for your international move? Share your tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and share if you found this helpful. Thank you for reading.
