Moving from Kentucky to Europe can be hard or it can be easy. If you want it to be easy, you need to keep reading, use the tips we have for you and get additional help. We will show you who can help you here. Don’t try to do it by yourself. If you want to DIY relocation down the block – that’s fine. But this is international overseas relocation and you should be preparing for the cultural shock that awaits you. Professionals can handle the logistics and the rest. But enough about that one.

We will talk more about it later. Now let’s see about the most boring part of every relocation – packing. We have some tips on the things you should leave behind and we can also talk a little bit about the cultural shock that awaits you.

What should not be shipped abroad?

Did you do enough research on European cities? Now let’s see what can’t be shipped there. Certain items should not be included in your shipping container when preparing to relocate abroad. Certain products that must be reported upon entry into your new European country are banned from being packed because you are not accompanying this shipment. Other things, on the other hand, are just outlawed.

Importing certain products is against the law in many countries. If you have the proper documentation, you can import some products. All other goods must be checked in or brought on board in a carry-on bag. Some objects, such as perishables like jewelry and crucial documents, won’t survive the long flight across such a wide variety of temperatures.

Basic rules

We will be talking about contaminants that are limited, prohibited, or otherwise not allowed. Items that must not be shipped fall into one of three categories: prohibited, restricted, or dangerous. You can’t buy anything that’s been forbidden. Additional paperwork and personal declarations are often required for restricted items when they are imported into a new country. Items that pose a risk to human life, health, or property are classified as hazardous. The only way to know which items are forbidden and such is by researching the shipping laws for the country of your choosing. Talk with your movers about those rules. Professionals like Strong-Ass Movers can always give you a piece of good advice.

What you shouldn’t be moving from Kentucky to Europe

Now we are talking about you specifically and your Kentucky home. The obvious answer is the things you don’t use or need and junk. That’s why decluttering is such an important part of packing. So before you start packing decluttering is going to be your first task. But how do you declutter your home before relocation to Europe? Ask tips from movers before you sign the contract, chances are they can share some good tips on decluttering but here is what we know.

Tips and tricks

• Decide what to take and what to toss well in advance of the movers’ arrival. In order to avoid this, plan at least three weeks out. Organize one room or one closet at a time by blocking out time each day. You’ll be less likely to give in to the temptation to just toss everything in moving boxes and be finished with it if you work in tiny pieces.
• Start using up any extra toilet tissue or shampoo you’ve been hoarding so you don’t have to bring as much with you when you move. Buy a smaller size of soap or shampoo if you run out before the relocation.
• For each area, you tackle, carry three boxes with you. One should contain items that will remain in your home and the other two should contain items that will be donated or sold. In the process of going through your closets and drawers, place each item in one of the three.
• It’s easier to get go of a set of sheets that you never liked than anything with sentimental worth. De-cluttering can become frustrating if you get bogged down in making difficult decisions like what to do with unwanted but cherished items.

The practicality test should be used before moving from Kentucky to Europe

Is it anything that you will use? If not, ask yourself – and be honest with yourself. Set a time limit, for example, on the use of clothing. Make room in your closet by donating items that you haven’t worn in a year. Whether it’s bedding, towels, or kitchen utensils, be on the lookout for dupes. Even while having 3 pairs of sheets would be good, you can get by with just one or two. Hand towels and kitchen utensils are in the same boat as well.

You can buy anything in Europe

Don’t worry, you are not going to the end of the world. Chances are you will have most of the shops (unless they are local) in Europe too. After all, IKEA is a European brand. You don’t have to bring everything. You can buy stuff there. So when packing – think carefully and talk to professionals about this. If you let the pros handle it, chances are you will have more time to prepare for your future European destination and that is more important than thinking about which sheet you need to bring.

Moving from Kentucky to Europe – final tips

• download a couple of moving apps – they can help you to prepare better
• if decluttering looks like too big of a job call your friends to help you or engage professionals, but it needs to be done
• find all the shipping goods tips and consider renting plastic bins instead of using regular moving boxes
• start as soon as you find out about the relocation, you will be prepared much better and chances are you will feel less stressed out