These packing tips are great if you are going to be working abroad temporarily, seasonally or based remotely. Thinking of working abroad and staying put for a longer period of time? Then you have a lot more supplies to think about than just your normal backpack full!
Start small
Start with your rucksack or carry-on bag – and remember if you are traveling by airplane then either of these should be small enough to be accepted as carry on to avoid extra charges. You can start by packing all your travelling essentials in this smaller bag straight away. Such as passport, wallet, book, headphones, phone (and charger!), water bottle etc. Get these small, but essential, items in your bag and out of the way early on.
Consider if you are traveling for a particularly long period of time? You may want to consider a tablet or laptop in this list as well to help you kill a few hours. This will add to the weight but if you are on a train or plane for a long time then you may want access to these items quickly.
Suitcase or medium bag
We wouldn’t normally recommend packing a larger holdall or suitcase, but if you are going to be in one place for an extended period of time, then it makes sense to take advantage of your luggage allowance and pack as much as you can. Split level luggage bags are great for dividing up your packing into smaller sections. These types of bags usually have straps on the outside to compact the air pockets inside and make them even smaller. Perfect.
Something around the 100 litre capacity luggage should be more than enough space for extended trips or for working abroad. If you can get a larger bag that has a handle and wheels then do it, it will make your travel days a lot easier.
Personal Essentials
Toiletries may be more expensive in your location, like a ski resort, or other remotely based locations, for example. If your work is in an isolated location, such as on a cruise ship or an island, then you should check whether supplies will actually be available. Look into whether it’s worth taking a bulk supply with you or if there is an online order service you can use. Amazon, eBay, and other retailers don’t always deliver direct to your door. Or boat!
Leave some room for some homely items as you will be away for a while. Staff accommodation or privately rented rooms may need some finishing touches to make it feel like yours. We’re talking photos, favourite incense sticks, smelly candles etc. Small items, that don’t add weight or take up too much room. These will make a big impact to your new dwellings and help make you feel at home.
Job Essentials
Are there any job specific items that would be great to pack, that your employer may not supply? Perhaps you have a favourite item or one of better quality than you’d expect to be given on the job. If you are going to be cooking then you can legally travel with a professional knife set for example. Perhaps you require video equipment or a laptop that your employer won’t provide.
This could add weight and reduce room for more clothes etc. but good to think about if it would make your life easier during the time you are there! No one likes working extra hours because the potato peeler is rubbish!
Identification and documents
Remember to take any essential documents with you as well as your passport. Do you need to supply printed copies of any qualifications or certificates? Does your job involve driving? Then you may need to take your driver’s licence and even supporting test documents in some stricter regions.
It’s always best to check with your employer and local embassy for the best advice on what will be required in your job’s location. These are small items that do not take up much packing room, so better to be safe than sorry.
Clothes
The biggest packing errors people tend to make, especially when packing for work abroad, is taking too many clothes. It’s probably due to thinking about the length of time you will be based in the location. Most contracts abroad are for at least 6 months minimum. This, coupled with the fact that you are working there as well, can sometimes make it seems as though you need to pack up your entire wardrobe. This most definitely isn’t the case.
Especially for seasonal work, remember that everyone else who is joining you, is in the same boat. They have the same weight restrictions and can only bring so much. You will get to know everyone’s wardrobe very quickly as you will all end up wearing the same things most the time anyway.
Try starting with a few options of each item to begin with. 3 t-shirts, 3 shorts, 3 jumpers, 3 trousers etc. Until you have covered all your bases. If you find you then have some room left in your bag left, add the extra items then.
Perhaps you will be visiting colder climates – consider a warm coat, bigger jumpers, thermals, etc.
If you are in warmer climates – great, you are probably taking less anyway! Consider swimwear, beachwear, sunglasses etc.
Board / equipment bag
This only applies if your job is based around a sport or recreation. Such as a snowboard instructor, or in a location where you have access to these activities as part of your job. Maybe you will be working in an area well known for its mountain biking or surfing!
It is usually more cost-effective to pay a small fee to add these bigger items to your initial travel cost, than to rent one for the entirety of your stay there. You will also find it more beneficial taking your own equipment with you, as rentals aren’t always known for their quality.
Make a list
This may sound silly but making a list will ensure you haven’t forgotten anything! It completely removes the risk of leaving you high and dry without the right equipment. Or something that could have been really beneficial to your time abroad.
It will also mean that you don’t have to worry about purchasing something out there, that you could have initially packed from back home. Think about each and every item on the list, make sure it’s all essential and check them off as you pack.
PACK!
All that’s left now is to pack your bags. Fill your luggage up with all your essential items, toiletries and minimal clothing. Then add any extra items that would be nice to take, or homely items for your room.
If there’s any space left then you can then add additional clothing or perhaps even some food or drink items that you can’t live without. But do check you can actually bring these consumables into your location – you don’t want your favourite chocolate being thrown away upon entry!