Packing Guide for Moving to Europe: A Minimalistic Approach

When planning a permanent move to Europe, many envision the need for a shipping container to transport their entire household across the ocean, imagining every piece of furniture, every book, and every memento packed away for the long journey. However, the reality of international relocation is often quite different.

The practicalities of moving abroad—ranging from the high costs of international shipping to the compatibility of electronics, and even the dimensions of living spaces in Europe—necessitate a more selective and thoughtful approach to packing. This guide is designed to help you prioritize what truly needs to make the journey with you, ensuring your move is as smooth and cost-effective as possible. By focusing on essentials and leaving behind or replacing items that are not as practical to transport, you can start your new life in Europe with everything you need and nothing you don't.

At Polimark Shipping, our commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond the bottom line. While other shippers may push for upselling, we prioritize your needs above all else. That's why we strive to reduce your shipping quantities, saving you both time and money. Because when you succeed, we succeed.

In this guide, we'll meticulously go through each room in your house, including the garage, to cover the items commonly taken during a move to Europe, as well as those usually left behind. Our focus will be on categorizing these belongings into two main groups: items that easily fit into standard shipping boxes and those that would require a skid due to their size or weight. This approach will help you make informed decisions about what to bring along on your European adventure, ensuring you pack efficiently and effectively, whether you're filling boxes or need to consider the logistics of larger items.

As you prepare for your move to Europe and sift through each room deciding what to bring along, an essential step is performing a cost-value analysis of your belongings. For every item, consider its sentimental and monetary value against the cost of shipping it overseas. In many cases, selling certain items before you move and purchasing replacements upon arrival in Europe can be significantly more cost-effective. This approach not only reduces your moving expenses but also gives you a fresh start with items that are perhaps better suited to your new environment and living space.

Let's Begin!

Living Room Items

Commonly Shipped Living Room Items

• Electronics: Small, high-value electronics like laptops, tablets, streaming devices, and portable speakers are often taken due to their daily use and high replacement cost.
• Artwork and Decor: Selected pieces of art and decor that hold sentimental value or are essential for personalizing the new living space.
• Books: Favorite books, limited editions, or those with sentimental value are frequently chosen over a full library due to weight constraints.
• Photographs and Albums: Personal photographs, family albums, and frames that carry irreplaceable memories.
• Rugs and Textiles: Small area rugs, throw blankets, and decorative pillows that can add warmth and personality to a new living space without requiring too much space in the move.
• Small Furniture Items: Items like side tables or collapsible bookshelves that are of significant value or uniquely fit the owner's style, provided they are compact enough for transport.
• Entertainment: Collections such as vinyl records, DVDs, or video games that are particularly meaningful or might not be readily available in the new location. (Exclude any items that can be replaced by digital or streaming alternatives)
• Lamps and Lighting: Specialty lighting or smaller lamps that add character to a room and are not easily replaceable. Though extra care must be taken while packing such fragile items.

Living Room Items Often Left Behind

• Plants: Transporting plants across international borders is complicated and often restricted by customs regulations.
• Large Furniture: Couches, entertainment centers, and large bookcases are typically left behind due to their size and the cost of shipping.
• Heavy or Large Electronics: Large TVs, home theater systems, and desktop computers often don't make the cut because of their bulkiness and the potential for incompatibility with European voltage standards.
• Decorative Items of Low Sentimental Value: Generic decorations, candles, and mass-produced artwork that can be easily replaced or that do not hold significant sentimental value.
• Magazines and Paperbacks: These are often readily available and inexpensive to replace, making them less practical to ship.
• DVD and CD Collections: With the rise of digital streaming services, physical media collections are frequently deemed unnecessary.
• Curtains and Drapes: Given the potential difference in window sizes and styles, curtains and drapes are often left behind.
• Large Area Rugs: Due to their size and the difficulty in transporting them, large area rugs are usually not taken, especially if they are not of significant value.
• Unused Electronics and Gadgets: Items that have gone unused or are outdated are typically not worth the cost of shipping.
• Excessive Decor Items: When space is a consideration, only a few select decorative pieces are chosen, leaving behind those that are not favored.

Kitchen Items

Commonly Shipped Kitchen Items

• Cookware: Essential pots, pans, and baking dishes that are in good condition and frequently used.
• Utensils: Cooking utensils such as spatulas, ladles, and whisks that are durable and often used.
• Small Appliances: Compact appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders that are compatible with European voltage or easily adaptable.
• Specialty Kitchen Tools: Unique or specialized tools such as a pasta maker, waffle iron, or spiralizer that are difficult to replace.
• Dishes and Flatware: A selection of plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware for daily use.
• Food Storage Containers: Durable food storage containers and lids that are in good condition.
• Cooking Ingredients: Non-perishable items like spices, sauces, and condiments that are difficult to find or are expensive in Europe.

Kitchen Items Typically Left Behind

• Large Appliances: Refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves are left behind due to their size, cost of shipping, and differences in electrical standards.
• Bulk Pantry Items: Large quantities of canned goods, dry goods, and pantry staples that are heavy and can be easily replaced. Shipping foods, even canned, often has restrictions on import by Customs agencies.
• Expired or Perishable Foods: Anything that won't survive the move or isn't worth the cost of shipping.
• Mismatched or Worn-Out Cookware: Non-stick pans with scratches, chipped dishes, or utensils that have seen better days.
• Excessive Kitchen Gadgets: Single-purpose gadgets or duplicates that are rarely used and take up valuable space.
• Disposable Items: Paper plates, plastic utensils, and other disposable items are often left behind in favor of reusable alternatives.
• Excessive Glassware: Glasses, mugs, and stemware that are rarely used or easily replaceable.
• Unopened or Expired Condiments: Bottles and jars of condiments that won't be used before the move or have expired.

Bedroom Items

Commonly Shipped Bedroom Items

• Clothing: Versatile wardrobe essentials suitable for the European weather and fashion trends.
• Shoes: Comfortable and versatile shoes suitable for walking and different occasions in Europe.
• Bedding: Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets that are in good condition and suitable for the European climate.
• Personal Items: Sentimental items like photographs, jewelry, and keepsakes that hold emotional value.
• Electronics: Small electronics such as laptops, tablets, and e-readers that are essential for daily use.
• Books: Favorite books, journals, or reading materials that hold sentimental or educational value.
• Decorative Items: Small decorative pieces like lamps, artwork and knick-knacks that personalize the space.

Bedroom Items Typically Left Behind

• Mattress and Bed Frame: Due to their size and difficulty in shipping, mattresses and bed frames are often left behind unless they are relatively new or of high value.
• Large Furniture: Dressers, nightstands, and armoires are often left behind due to their size and the cost of shipping.
• Unused or Outdated Clothing: Clothing that no longer fits or is out of style is often left behind to reduce clutter.
• Excessive Bedding: Extra blankets, pillows, and bedding sets that are not regularly used are often left behind.
• Bulk Storage Items: Large storage bins, baskets, or containers that are not essential and take up valuable space.
• Excessive Decorative Items: Decorative pillows, throws, or knick-knacks that are not essential to personalizing the space.
• Non-Essential Electronics: Old or rarely used electronics such as DVD players, gaming consoles, or outdated gadgets.
• Obsolete Personal Items: Unused or expired personal care items, makeup, or toiletries that are no longer needed.

Bathroom Items

Commonly Shipped Bathroom Items

• Toiletries: Personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and skincare products that are specific to individual preferences.
• Medications: Prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies that are necessary for ongoing health needs. (Items are not shipped but taken with the individual on the flight. Medications have import restrictions and should not be shipped with your personal effects)
• Towels: Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths that are in good condition and frequently used.
• Hair Care Tools: Hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons that are compatible with European voltage or easily adaptable.
• Shower Accessories: Shower caddies, organizers, and non-slip mats.
• Basic First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other first aid essentials for minor injuries and emergencies.
• Personal Hygiene Products: Items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash that are essential for daily hygiene.
• Cleaning Supplies: Small quantities of cleaning products such as toilet bowl cleaner, surface disinfectant, and glass cleaner.

Bathroom Items Typically Left Behind

• Bulk Toiletries: Large quantities of toiletries or personal care items that can be easily replaced upon arrival in Europe.
• Expired or Unused Products: Old or partially used toiletries, medications, and skincare products that are no longer needed or have expired.
• Bathroom Furniture: Large or bulky items such as cabinets, shelving units, and storage containers that are difficult to transport and may not fit in the new space.
• Non-Essential Accessories: Decorative items like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and tissue box covers that are not essential for personal hygiene.
• Unused Cleaning Supplies: Cleaning products that are rarely used or can be easily replaced upon arrival in Europe.
• Unused or Expired Medications: Prescription medications that are no longer needed or have expired should be properly disposed of before the move.

Home Office Items

Commonly Shipped Home Office Items

• Laptop/Desktop Computer: Essential for work, communication, and personal use, laptops or desktop computers are typically taken due to their high value and importance.
• Work Documents: Important documents such as contracts, agreements, and financial records that are necessary for work or personal matters.
• External Hard Drive: Used for backing up important files and documents, external hard drives are crucial for data storage and security.
• Work Equipment: Specialty equipment or tools required for work, such as graphic tablets, drafting tools, or specialized software licenses.
• Reference Materials: Books, manuals, or reference materials related to work or hobbies that are frequently used for research or inspiration.
• Office Supplies: Basic office supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and paper clips.

Home Office Items Typically Left Behind

• Large Furniture: Bulky items such as desks, filing cabinets, and bookshelves are often left behind due to their size and weight.
• Obsolete Electronics: Outdated or unused electronics such as old printers, scanners, or fax machines that are no longer needed.
• Unused Work Equipment: Specialty equipment or tools that are rarely used or can be easily replaced if needed.
• Non-Essential Reference Materials: Books, manuals, or reference materials that are not frequently used for work or hobbies.
• Personal Items: Personal decorations or memorabilia that are not essential for work but may add clutter to the new workspace.
• Unused or Expired Software: Software programs or licenses that are no longer needed or have expired should be properly disposed of before the move.
• Office Decor: Decorative items such as artwork, plants, or desk accessories that are not essential.
• Desk Chair: Difficult to pack and often more expensive to ship than the cost of replacement in Europe.

Garage Items

Commonly Shipped Garage Items

• Tools: Essential tools for DIY projects, repairs, and maintenance, including wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and power tools.
• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, golf clubs, skis, or other sports equipment that are frequently used and hold sentimental or recreational value. Often your airline may provide affordable solutions for shipping your sports equipment when you fly to your new home!
• Seasonal Items: Seasonal decorations, holiday items, and storage containers that are necessary for organizing and storing belongings throughout the year.
• Workshop Equipment: Specialty equipment for woodworking, metalworking, or other hobbies that are important for personal projects and hobbies.

Garage Items Typically Left Behind

• Vehicles: The most requested move item that rarely is shipped. The cost of shipping, requirements to register the vehicle to meet European standards, difficulty in finding maintenance technicians and the astronomical costs of replacement parts for North American cars make vehicle shipping very rare for the purpose of relocation.
• Excessive Tools: Duplicate or specialty tools that are rarely used or can be easily replaced upon arrival in Europe.
• Automotive Supplies: Car maintenance supplies such as motor oil, windshield wiper fluid are not practical for international shipping.
• Non-Essential Sports Equipment: Sports equipment that is rarely used or can be easily replaced upon arrival in Europe.
• Excessive Seasonal Items: Seasonal decorations or holiday items that are not frequently used or can be easily replaced.
• Unused Storage Solutions: Storage bins, shelving units, or organizational systems that are not essential for organizing belongings in the new location.
• Non-Essential Workshop Equipment: Specialty equipment or tools that are rarely used for personal projects or hobbies.
• Outdoor Equipment: Items such as lawnmowers, gardening tools, and outdoor furniture often is too expensive to ship compared to simply replacing in Europe.