From a box of seasoning spices to a box of chocolates, here are eighteen of the most interesting things to bring when moving to a new place!
What are the most interesting things to bring when moving to another country?
I’ve compiled a list of some of the best things people should bring while moving to another country. Most people will do the research online and know the practical things to brings, so I thought why not make this article a little more interesting, something to make you smile, before your big move abroad.
So, without further ado, here are the most interesting things to bring when moving to a new country:
A life-sized cutout of your favorite person
This is sure to get a few laughs from your new neighbors. But maybe when moving to a new place alone, you might miss your favorite person. Recently, I watched the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once, with Michelle Yeoh, and I missed my mom. I mean, I normally do, her cooking, baking, seeing her smile in person, her sewing outfits until the wee hours of the morning. I haven’t left China in a couple of years and lately, with the Shanghai lockdown, have really thought about home even more. So this first item, life-sized cutout really applies to myself, because if I had one of my mom I could hug her, maybe even share new food with her.
A collection of your favorite books
This is a great way to start your new life in another country. Not only will you have something to read on those long winter or summer nights, but your new neighbors are sure to be impressed by your literary taste.
A box of your favorite cereal
Cereal is an excellent comfort food, and it’s always nice to have a little taste of home when you’re in a new country. Try not to cry when it runs out, but hopefully you will have gotten a care package from home or found a somewhat similar substitute in your new home.
A life-sized replica of your hometown
This is sure to be a conversation starter. Just be prepared to answer any questions about where you’re from. Have this in the background and if you can’t go home for the holidays or you’re having a video call with your people back home, you and they can feel like you’re with them.
A jar of your favorite sauce and a box of spices
Sauce is a great way to add flavor to any meal. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little taste of home when you’re in a new place. And in case that you’re still getting used to the food in the your new home and need to cook your own for a while, your favorite sauce will make your food taste phenomenal, at least in your heart.
Spices are a great way to add flavor to any meal. They’re always handy to have on hand when you’re in a new place. There have been so many times when I’ve gone to hunting at the foreign grocery story for a certain spice just because I really wanted it, was willing to pay the markup, just to reminisce about back home.
A case of your favorite soda or juice
Soda is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat during your move. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little taste of home when you’re in a new country. My favorite is Jamaican cream soda, so yummy.
A set of playing cards or a travel chess set
There are so many people I’ve met who enjoy playing a game of cards or chess, and thankfully I have those items handy when I invite friends over.
A box of your favorite cookies
Cookies are a portion of excellent comfort food, and they’re always nice to have on hand when you’re in a new place. My favorites are shortbread cookies with jam, raspberry jam to be specific.
A map of your new country
A map is a great way to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Plus, it’s always handy to have one on hand when exploring a new place. I use various online maps from which I can download maps to get around.
A box of chocolates
Chocolates are a great way to sweeten any move. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little treat on hand when you’re in a new place. I love chocolates with almonds or peanuts.
A set of dishes from your favorite restaurant
This is a great way to add a little bit of luxury to your new life in another country. Plus, it’s always nice to have a taste of home when you’re in a new place. Doesn’t have to be a whole China set, it could be one teacup and saucer or a favorite mug. They could even be plastic plates with pretty designs on them. Yes, you can buy nice things to eat off of in your new country, but while you’re looking, you can smile and remember when , as you eat off your set.
A very nice outfit or two to dress up for a fancy night out
This is a great way to add a little bit of style to your new wardrobe. Believe it or not, I’ve gone to a few very nice events here in China, a gala, ball, fancy dinner, holiday party, and I have something to wear. Although I have gotten clothes made here in China, but I also have had items that I could easily wear out for last-minute events.
A box of your favorite snacks
Snacks are a great way to keep your energy up during your move. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little taste of home when you’re in a new country. My favorite are Stacy’s chips, I love these pita chips, so addictive, but I haven’t been able to find them in my current location. Maybe my next one?
Remember, no matter what you bring with you, the most important thing is to enjoy your new home.
Some things not many think about bringing to a new country, but you should bring with you is:
– A sense of humor!
Moving to a new country can be daunting, but if you can laugh at yourself and the situation, it will make the whole experience more enjoyable. Gosh, I’ve had to force myself to laugh at things at times and at myself, during times of miscommunication or when I was lost and needed help finding a location.
– A positive attitude!
Moving to a new country is a fantastic opportunity, so make the most of it and enjoy every moment. During this Shanghai lockdown friends and family have frequently asked me how I’m doing with this situation in China, and although I post a sunny disposition on social media, they’re still unsure and I guess surprised. But I tend to have a positive attitude and right now I’m making sure that I stay upbeat, because becoming anxious or letting negative feelings weigh me down, will not help me at all.
– An open mind!
Be prepared to learn about new cultures and customs. You might even find that you like some of them better than yours! I went on a food tour and the last stop was to taste something called a donkey burger. I thought to myself, how good could donkey actually taste, well I had never heard of donkey meat in America. But it really was one of the best things that I ate while I lived in Beijing for one year. I’m glad that I was willing to try it, because I enjoyed it, and probably will never forget the tasty experience.
– Patience!
Things might not always go as planned, so it’s essential to have patience and flexibility. I’ll be honest, there are times that I’ve been sad here . But finally, finally, when I began to become more patient with others and myself, just I guess letting go of expectations, and understanding that it takes time to overcome feeling lonely and alone, it takes , at least for me a direction, a plan, a path , that things got better, but that came in time.
– A sense of adventure!
Embrace the unknown and enjoy the journey. I have gone sky diving, drank snake wine after hiking up a mountain, enjoyed snowboarding on a frozen lake in -20 degree Celsius weather. That’s why I moved away from America September 2019, so that I could have an adventure.
The best things to bring when moving to a new place, are those that will help you adjust to your new surroundings and make the most of your experience!
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