Getting Packed and Saying Goodbye

There is a science as to how to pack for an extended vacation, and then there is the ultimate challenge of packing your life away.  I'm sure Sociologists learn much of human beings by what they keep and what they discarded prior to moving overseas.  It's not like moving to another town or another state.  There are things that you cannot take with you.  The car, fridge, washer/dryer, microwave, TV, DVDs, power tools, electric toothbrush, Jack Lalanne Juicer, George Foreman Grill, alarm clock, toaster, and many others.  There are clothes, furniture, pictures, and a garages full of gardening tools never expected to make the trip abroad.

I realize some items, like computers, have a 110/220v setting but those are the exception.   As you start your packing list for overseas, you'll have several things to consider.     Get a 8 week countdown list prepared and start with notifications, yard sales, and inventory of personal effects (Will, bank account, passports, insurance, etc).   Having 3-4 movers running around your house is overwhelming and it all goes out quickly.  If your company has not provided you with a mover, here is a list.   Get several quotes from movers and get your employer to pay the necessary fees.  You'll never be able to do packing, Customs documents, insurance forms, and unpacking by yourself.   If you get it wrong, your household items are held hostage by the Customs authorities until all the documents and tarrifs correct.  Pay the professionals to do this work!

Survivor Time
Your worldly possessions will be stuffed into a 20ft or 40ft shipping container and spend weeks at sea or in Customs.  Start thinking about the business and casual clothing to survive 2-3 months.  Start putting this aside now in suitcases.  Label it clearly for if you're not careful, the movers will just pack it into the container (and it happens all the time)!!   We placed all luggage inside the car on moving day...just to be safe.  

Back-up Box
Many employers will pay for a 'short box' of items that can be shipped via air.  This is a next-phase of essential items that cannot or should not go in your luggage.   You have an option for a 3x3x3 box to be shipped via airmail.  This should contain other items that are non-clothing related.  Most people pack the stroller, cases of baby formula, bike, favorite foods, books, desktop computer, power converter, CD collection, and many childrens toys.  You can expect delivery within only 5-6 days of your arrival overseas.   This box can be a lifesaver as you wait the 9-12 weeks for your shipping container to make port in Germany.   Think and be deliberate about what goes in the box and what stays out.  It will feel like a Christmas present when it arrives. 

Shipping Container
Everything that is not nailed down will be grabbed, wrapped, and loaded.   These movers take everything so if you don't label it, or move offsite, they will pack it up.   Be prepared that the things that you bring may never make it into your next home.   The couch may not fit into the living room, the queen boxspring won't go up the stairs, the desk may not get in the front door.   Bring it with you for it's easy to take it along now, then try to buy it later.   Small appliances should be purchased now when/where possible.  Don't bother with fridge, dishwasher, washing machine and other large appliances. This carries too much risk of damage in-route and you'll find plenty of these used items in the local papers.   

The conversion from the US Dollar to the Euro will make thing very expensive if you attempt to buy upon your arrival.   Likewise, every appliance has a 18% VAT (value added tax) to the purchase.   I highly recommend getting most of your small appliances in America, and put them in the shipping container.  
It will save you time and money to shop at home!   I've used stores in NC and IL.   There are dozens of stores across the USA.   Make a road-trip, load up the car, save hundreds on shipping.

Personal Package
Along with any luggage you intend to carry, you need to build an envelope of personal papers.   Get all medical records, passports, employment documents, travel insurance, work permits, bank statements, birth certificates, marriage license, pay stubs, school transcripts, and rental agreements or mortgage papers.  Keep that with you at all times for you will need it.  While any German agency may not read it, they may accept a translated version.  You will need this for any future visit to a bank, German labor office, or the US Embassy.   Keep it secret...keep it safe.   

Once everything is packed, and the movers have pulled away with the sea container, you'll stare around your empty home with some fear and anxiety.   You are now in the 'place between places' and there is no turning back.   Drink a beer, order in some pizza, have a picnic on the floor with the kids.   The journey has begun.