What do you need to pack and what should stay? It is one of the most difficult questions when it comes to travelling or migrating. What are the customs requirements of the country where you are heading, and will your South African bed linen be usable elsewhere? Sometimes emotions run high, and things are packed that will be of little use when you reach your destination.

Here are a few tips!

1. Leave you electronic devices

Most of your devices will not be compatible with the voltage in other countries. There is a good chance that your hairdryer or Nespresso machine will have a 220 V or 230 V output, while in Canada you will for instance need 120 V appliances. It is also advisable to always check out the house or apartment you are planning to rent, as it is normal in some countries for appliances like microwaves, washing machines and dishwashers to be included in the house. The standard voltage in Australia is 230 V but it is in fact 240 V that is used. The last thing you want is to pack a bunch of things, only to have it burn out within the first few hours of use.

2. Buy new linen!

If we refer to a single bed in South Africa, it means a standard size of 92 cm x 188 cm, a double bed will be 137 cm x 188 cm, while a queen-size bed measures 152cm x 188cm. In Europe, a double bed is somewhat longer that in South Africa and the queen-size mattresses are 152 cm x 198 cm, while South Africa’s mattresses are 183 cm x 188 cm. In England, double beds are 135 cm x 190 cm and in America queen-size mattresses are 15 cm longer than in South Africa. What this basically boils down to is that it will not work in your favour if you try reusing your South African linen elsewhere in the world.

The same goes for standard window sizes. Window sizes in South Africa may differ from those in the United Kingdom and America. Curtains should be bought once you are there!

3.   Buy from these shops

Where are the best shops to buy from if you had to leave many of your possessions and necessities behind? Many South Africans who have emigrated agree that these are the shops to look out for:

• IKEA: At IKEA you will find simple furniture that are easily assembled, modern décor items and almost everything else you might need for your home.
• Bed, Bath and Beyond: Ideal for any towels and kitchenware you may need.
• Pottery Barn: For farm-style furniture, lighting and décor.
• Wayfair:  An online shop where you can find anything from coffee tables, outdoor furniture, art, Christmas decorations and lighting.

4. Take these items with you

Besides all the things you cannot take along, there are certain items that you need to take with you. Here is a short list of the most important necessities:

• Birth certificates
• Passports
• Immunisation records
• Scripts that have been certified by a doctor
• Travel insurance documents
• Cellphone, computer, tablet and camera chargers
• Credit card that is activated for international payments
• Make-up (other countries are often far more expensive than South Africa)
• A month’s supply of probiotics, magnesium and ibuprofen
• Face wash, soap, tooth paste or any other necessities that can fit into a container of 100 ml or less. Most countries’ customs require liquids to be transported in containers of 100 ml or less.

5. Leave your braai

Countries such as New Zealand and Australia are often stricter when it comes to open fires, and it is therefore advisable to rather leave your braai in South Africa. There is a good chance that you will have to get a gas braai. Although you have to leave your braai behind, it is a good idea to take one or two quality wooden furniture pieces with you. Although it is a “nice to have”, wooden furniture is very expensive in other countries, and it is good for the soul to have something familiar in your new environment. Just make sure to get the right information from your shipping agent about the type of wooden furniture that will be allowed in the country you are planning on going to.

Whether you are going on a long journey or emigrating, this is the ideal opportunity to get rid of unnecessary stuff. Unpacking is also very exciting for the children, and it can be a nice excursion to go out and buy new décor and furniture.

Please send your stories, mishaps, tips or questions to Worldwide – we look forward to hearing from you!