What do you take with you when Moving Abroad? Reflections from Moving Countries 101.
Moving countries is about big decisions, often rooted in life’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Relocation is often driven by both practical realities and personal dreams, and results in re-evaluating your priorities when considering what your next chapter will look like.
Relocation is about more than where we go. It is also about what we choose to take with us, both practically and emotionally. In this week’s episode of Moving Countries 101, I started with a simple yet profound question:
What is the one thing you absolutely don’t want to be without when you move?
This question resonates regardless of why you’re moving. Whether your motivation is financial or climate-driven, it is still deeply personal.
As I am based in the U.S., I am noticing that many reasons are mooted for why people move across the states, which is not entirely dissimilar to moving overseas, given the vastness of the country and its diversity. Concerns about life expectancy, lack of jobs, extreme weather conditions, high taxes, and the rising cost of living are among the reasons people consider moving.
The New York Post recently highlighted 2024’s data showing that people are leaving states like California and New York, citing high taxes and the cost of living as major factors. Meanwhile, states like Arkansas and Texas are becoming popular for their affordability and perceived quality of life. Hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding are pushing people to reconsider where they want to build their lives. Retirement, education, and even relationship changes are influencing moves, as people seek environments that better suit their evolving needs.
Packing with Intention
When it comes to preparing for a move, I find it helpful to break the process into bite-size pieces, starting with the practical:
- Decide whether you’re moving with just a suitcase or whether you’ll be shipping items.
- Ask yourself: Do I need this? Do I want this?
This latter question may stir up an emotional response. One of the things I’ve learned through my own moves is the importance of starting the emotional journey earlier than the physical one. As I shared in the podcast, unprocessed emotions will travel with you as they don’t need a suitcase or shipping container to accompany you.
In the process of downsizing, I found myself grappling with memories tied to everyday objects.
For instance, I struggled to part with my mum’s dessert bowls, not because I needed them but because they represented years of Sunday baking together. In the end, I let them go, but not without honouring their significance. I donated them to mothers who loved baking, creating a new layer of meaning for those items.
A New Chapter, Full of Possibility
Whether you’re relocating across states or oceans, every move is an opportunity to realign with what matters most. Celebrate the small wins along the way—each box packed, each decision made, is a step toward a life that feels more like your own.
What step can you take today to start your emotional journey alongside the practical one?
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About Moving Countries 101 Podcast
Moving Countries 101 dives into the deeply personal stories of people who have relocated internationally—whether for career, family, or forced circumstances. Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global travel adds a unique perspective, each episode offers listeners a raw look at the challenges and growth that come with relocation, providing valuable insights into both the practical and emotional aspects of moving abroad.
Follow Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights on navigating international moves and global travel.
Podcast Links:
You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj
YouTube
