List of Items worth to purchase before moving from US to the EU
Posted by antiriad76@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 70 comments
I was wondering what items you would purchase before leaving to transfer to the EU along with household items?
According to my list I am considering the following
- Top Brand power tools like Milwaukee or Dewalt. These are quite expensive in Europe.
- Various Tools from Harbor Freight
- 3000W portable step down converter from 220V to 110V ( Probably 2 for high draw appliances like vacuum cleaner, mixer etc)
- 2000W portable step down converters for various kitchen appliances and hair dryer ( 2 or 3 of these)
- Probably worth to "invest" on a newer NVIDIA graphic card since these are not very easy to get.
- Get a new high end gaming laptop since these tent to be more expensive in Europe.
- Bed Sheet/Cover sets from Cotco for all beds
Other than these I don't think it is worth to bring any TVs or Furniture.
Any other recommendations of things that could be worth to bring over?
Thanks
Timinime@reddit
Where in Europe are you moving to? If it’s a city, will you really need all those tools living in an apartment or terraced house?
Keep in mind that bed sizes often differ by country (“queen” is not a standard size).
Is your company paying a transfer allowance? That’s what I’d put towards electronics (quality of what I’d buy depends on length away). A lot of smaller appliances can manage both 110w / 220v. Converters are annoying, and take up a lot of space.
The_lady_is_trouble@reddit
Transformers aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. I burnt out my lovely sewing machine using a quality transformer.
If it plugs in, just buy it here.
ninz@reddit
omg, really? How long did it take for this to happen? I left anything that wasn’t dual voltage but couldn’t part with my Janome and brought it with a quality converter box. The other reason is that I wasn’t certain (and am now more certain) that I wouldn’t be able to easily find a quality equivalent at a reasonable price in Iceland 🫠 Everyone shops abroad here for many things if they’re able to.
The_lady_is_trouble@reddit
After about 10-15 minutes, sadly.
ninz@reddit
Oh no 😭
ScorpioSpork@reddit
I thought on this some more. I'm looking to make the leap in 3-4 years from now, so I'm still in the downsizing phase while trying to plan ahead. Here are some items I'll be watching for deals on while I plan my move:
Large suitcases that I could check as extra bags on flights over.
A durable sling bag that I can rely on for daily use.
A small bag that can be worn under clothes to hold my passport and any other crucial documents.
Wool base layers (I'm looking at cold regions).
Vacuum bags to pack clothes.
Two pairs of durable shoes that are already broken in and 100% comfortable. I plan to do a lot of walking!
Two pairs of glasses with a very recent prescription, since it will take time to find new doctors.
As much of my prescription meds as I can legally bring with me. I'll also need to swap off of Adderall to treat my ADHD before the move, since Adderall isn't legal in most other countries.
An affordable and secure cloud storage service so that I can digitize and upload family photos and other sentimental cards/notes/records that won't physically travel with me.
Two power banks so that I can keep one on me and leave the other charging in my new home. I know I'll be doing a lot of exploring, and that means a lot more GPS, translating apps, etc.
Spiral bound road maps of my new location in English and the local language. I'm waiting to purchase these until shortly before I move so that I get the most updated versions. Even though I plan to rely on GPS while out and about, I'd like a backup, and I find them easier to flip through to learn the roads in new areas.
Some more items I'm on the fence about or need to do more research on:
A twin sized wool shikibuton (Japanese futon), so that I have a comfortable bed I can rely on at the end of the day no matter where I go.
A compact water filter with a filter that will last 6+ months. I'll likely grab this one from Berkefeld if I move somewhere with lower water quality. A water filter isn't necessary everywhere though.
A new-ish, unlocked phone compatible with carriers wherever I end up. It might be more cost effective to buy it after the move, but having an unlocked phone means I could change providers easier until I find one that works for me long term.
FishFeet500@reddit
There’s plenty of warm underlayer stuff on offer here in fall winter ( uniglo!, for one). Lots of places sell bags. I snagged a locking backpack from my husband’s job, and it’s fairly darn secure. get something here.
I found eyeglasses far cheaper than in my home country, and mostly its only a matter of strolling into the nearest eyewear shop, with your prescription, or get a free onsite test.
Prescriptions: sure, bring those.
power banks: eh you can prob find those in the EU. paper map? maybe. never used.
Water filter jugs are generally not needed, much of the EU has fantastic water quality and they’re on offer in homewares shops for not all that much money. save your shipping costs.
bed: would not bother, since you don’t know the size of place you’re moving into.
speaking as watching a friend move from canada to lisbon and he packed absolutely every item he owned down to the ladders in the garage, and paid a hefty shipping charge and realized upon arrival and several months in, all of it had to be moved 5 floors up no elevator, and no where to store much of it.
antizana@reddit
If you’re moving to Europe…. Just bring your normal stuff that you use, 2-3 suitcases worth, and anything you find you’re missing you can buy there. You’ll probably find that you will want different clothing or different things based on the climate and culture and you’re better off buying locally. It’s civilization with Amazon just like where you come from, you don’t need a water filter and a portable futon or hard copy road maps unless you normally use those items in your daily life.
ScorpioSpork@reddit
Outside of the physical road maps, these are all things I use in normal life already. 😅
The main reason I want physical maps is to help me memorize road names and locations. I'm awful with names.
antizana@reddit
What do you do with the futon and the water filter normally?
My point is you don’t need special preparation to move to Europe, they sell everything you could possibly need there and even if slightly more expensive you don’t have to worry about compatibility or transporting things.
ScorpioSpork@reddit
The water filter I have right now is sized for a household, but the teenager will leave the nest before my partner and I emigrate outta here. I also need to filter the water here for our pets, but that won't be necessary in any of the countries I'm considering. But I'm still considering getting a smaller reservoir compatible with the same filters I use today, which would better fit a modest apartment for just my partner and me.
For the futon, I sold my last one when I moved in with my partner, and I deeply regret it! We have a good mattress, I just prefer sleeping on a shikibuton. Moving overseas seems like a good time to sell the mattress and go back to my beloved shikibuton. I just need to figure out if it will be cheaper for me to order one during a major sale while I'm in the States vs ordering one at (likely) full price once we've left the States and need a bed. It also depends on how we decide to transport things; I know a few folks looking to move over the next few years, and I could see splitting the cost of a shipping container with them.
Believe it or not, I totally agree with you! But I'm stuck here for another 3ish years for a work contract, so I've got time to overthink things.
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
Nicely done - portable and all highly useful items. None of it is super heavy.
My husband tests water as a hobby and he would say "use the filter" in many places (including our own tap water, which is remarkably high in residual chlorine - and often has more bacteria in it that we would like).
FishFeet500@reddit
Your preferred toiletries. while most common US brands are easily found here, esp expat import shops, it’ll tide you over till you find local stuff you like. (and honestly toothpaste, shampoo, deo, are all just fine here).
Maybe your gigantor bottle of advil or tylenol, its sold here in little packs of 10-50 in most places.
Forget the power tools, get them here. On sales they’re not astoundingly expensive, and it’ll save headache and issues re electrictity and converters and all.
fitted sheets: don’t bother. Bedding…don’t bother. save your shipping space for the truly irreplaceable things.
Nomad_Tech@reddit
If you want tools, buy battery powered and get charger in EU. EU has 50 Hz versus 60 in US. As such wiring is smaller gage i US and will overheat even at the right voltage. Beda are different size in EU. Get sheets there only if you bring your bed with you.
Nonsensicallity@reddit
This may sound a bit silly and may be more appropriate for your wife, but stock up on shampoo, conditioner, makeup, etc. that you enjoy while you find a replacement brand that you like. I’m having a hard time finding make up wipes that agree with my skin and conditioner to maintain my hair color. Plus, it’s nice to have the same smell of deodorant. It took me a while to get used to the ones I could find in Spain. I could smell it on myself while waking around. It’s the little things that are nice. Everything else, when in Rome.
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
Now you reminded me of the Q-Tips. The ones they sell over there have plastic sticks and they such. We can find most brand name shampoo but since you mentioned it I will have to stock on hair wax putty since they don't have my brand over there.
ItalyExpat@reddit
There is literally nothing on your list that you need to bring over.
The only things you can't easy get here are OTC medicines like Benzedrex, cough syrup and big bottles of ibuprofen. (Before the ackshullys, you can get ibuprofen without a prescription but in small blister packs)
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
Medication in Greece in Uber cheap even without prescription. For example a full antibiotics treatment is like 2.5 Euro. Maybe it is worth to get Child medicine 2-packs from Costco.
Eli_Knipst@reddit
Is this serious or is this a troll post? Who would do that when you can get the same tools in Europe and don't have to ship them across the pond?
1Angel17@reddit
Because they’re twice as expensive here and they probably aren’t paying for the shipping
Eli_Knipst@reddit
Until they blow out.
1Angel17@reddit
Converters
Rene__JK@reddit
if you want top brands, buy festool or blue bosch in the EU, that way your chargers will work as well on 240v/50hz
good quality german tools costs the same
50/50 that the step down wont work at it doesnt convert 50 to 60hz and motors that are designed for 60hz may or may not run correctly with 50hz
50/50 that the step down wont work at it doesnt convert 50 to 60hz and motors that are designed for 60hz may or may not run correctly with 50hz
ok
ok
bed and mattress sizes are different and whatever you buy may not fit
Vettkja@reddit
I wouldn’t get anything - at this point so many things that used to be cheaper in the states are now more expensive than they are here in Europe.
*wait, I would get a laptop - not because it’s cheaper but because finding ones with American keyboards is hard/spendy over here.
As for power tools, our whole system is Bosch cordless and we love it. Absolutely on par with Milwaukee or anything American. And having to use transformers for everything sucks.
Vettkja@reddit
Oh ETA - I would bring American pillows if you’re moving to Germany (the pillows here are terrible lol)
oils-and-opioids@reddit
Try linenbundle.de they have comfortable rectangular pillows.
Those square pillows suck.
Vettkja@reddit
Oooh thank you!
danimephistopholes@reddit
I moved from NYC to Paris about a year ago. While I ditched my furniture, I shipped over most other things from my NYC apartment in a container and it was nice to have some familiar things in a new environment and helped cut down on the set up shopping trips for a new place. If you have a 2,000ft2 house not the recommended approach but for a very small apartment it worked.
As mentioned elsewhere, sadly beds are a different size here so I had to buy local fitted sheets. I have found it harder to find super high quality bedding so I use all of my (far too expensive) US bedding except for the fitted sheets.
I bought a new Macbook right before coming over - it was a good call. My monitors just needed a plug converter and were ready to go.
Raid a CVS before you go - I stocked up on basically all OTC medicines and am very glad I did. Also, things like a particular type of deodorant (deos in France are not my favorite), dental floss, or vitamins.
Many things that charge through a USB-C instead of connecting with a cord into the wall are worth considering. In general small electronics are more expensive here and am glad I brought several USB-C ones over. Also charger cables are more expensive, so I picked up some extras for my phone and smart watch, recommended.
Cooking utensils, gadgets, some premium bakeware etc. may be cheaper in the US, but space is at a premium (nearly on par with NYC) and be prepared for very small ovens. I brought my whole very well equipped kitchen setup but prioritized an apartment with a relatively large kitchen area.
I brought my huge toolbox over - if you have invested in very high quality (non-electronic) tools, and you're not worried about weight I recommend to do the same. I have found the standard basic hammers, pliers, and wire cutters here not as good (but may just not have found the right place to shop). Also high quality batteries - the ones here are more expensive and I swear they don't last as long.
Depending on where you live now, you'll probably end up walking a lot more here. I brought a bunch of backup pairs of my favorite good looking walking shoes and am glad I did. While you can get most things here, there will be fewer varieties of them - so for things where you want major form and major function (like pretty and very supportive running/walking shoes) may be best to find the perfect one there and stock up.
There's of course the usual suspects of things missed: good hot sauce is hard to find, dried mexican peppers/spices, most alternative sweeteners, some specialty ingredients, spice mixes (greek seasoning, cajun seasoning), but if you put in the time you can find most things here (just may not be the premium brand of it) or if you're willing to pay a premium you can have them shipped. And visitors can always help - with a steady stream of people staying in my guest room if I decide I cannot deal with terrible french paper towels, etc., I ask someone to bring a roll of Bounty.
I recommend just googling a lot - people love to complain so if they ran into issues or miss something from the US it's out there. As you are asking about bed sheets and electronics, I suspect you may be early in your planning process so recommend to spend some time looking for people talking about moving from the US to your destination country that like to do the same hobbies as you.
1Angel17@reddit
Towels, the big, soft & fluffy towels
ChickenTreats@reddit
nothing electronic that isn't dual voltage.
Whatever you bring will eventually have a short life due to the V difference and converters are a pain in the ass. Unless something has changed in the past year, tools are not expensive over there to justify the trouble.
You wanna lug out a converter every time you need to blow dry your hair? just buy 220V stuff.
elevenblade@reddit
I agree with the folks here that are saying to skip the transformers. My spouse didn’t believe me and burned up two hair dryers as well as the transformer itself. Sell or store your appliances that need a lot of power, basically anything with a motor or anything that heats up. In my experience transformers are big, heavy, expensive and don’t work reliably.
This is a generalization but most people in Europe live in smaller spaces than in the US so having and storing a lot of stuff here is a hassle. I’ve got a few basic power tools but most things I just rent from our local hardware store when I need them for a reasonable price.
You didn’t tell us your destination. I’m in Sweden and it’s pretty rare I can’t find things I need or want. Most of Western Europe is on a par with the USA in that regard. Learning the stores and online shopping is part of the adventure. The US dollar is strong so a lot of stuff is actually cheaper here.
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
Yeah - OP must be super rich, because just finding a place big enough to store all this stuff is going to be interesting.
That Kingsize RH bed - I want to hear its story once this is done.
Sounds like they are going to spend about $10,000 on a container, then have to have it stored ($$$) until they can find a place to put it. There are not all these cheap "extra storage" companies like in the US.
elevenblade@reddit
I wouldn’t jump to conclusions about OP’s wealth or circumstances. If their job is moving them then they might be picking up all the moving expenses in which case OP’s questions about what to bring make more sense. If you haven’t lived in another country it can be hard to wrap your head around how different things can be. Hopefully the experience of living abroad will be mind expanding.
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
We will be going back to Greece after 30 years. We have rental properties which are occupied, but since we will selling our house in the US we might buy another house after some time. We we probably have to live a little bit as hoarders in my wife's current apartment, which is empty.
Eli_Knipst@reddit
Why do you think you won't be able to buy those same things in Greece when you need them?
psi168@reddit
How do you step up 220v to 110v? I'm pretty sure if you want to use 110v tools, you're going to be needing a step down from 220v to 110v. You could get 18v battery tools and just buy new batteries and charger in EU. Ryobi is available in UK. Shipping lithium batteries is a pain, so just but then in EU.
ScorpioSpork@reddit
I like your idea of bringing tools with you, as long as you have an affordable way to bring such heavy items. The cost of bringing a suitcase full or shipping a box of tools might eat up any savings you might have had, so I'd get transport/shipping sorted out before you stock up on tools. I still think it's a good idea, but I'd double check the costs!
I also really like your idea of bringing electronics. I've got a full size PC that would be costly to send overseas, but my CPU, GPU and hard drives would be easy to box up and ship or stuff into a suitcase!
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
In our case, we will be sending over in a container
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
So do plan on that container going through customs. If the stuff looks new, that will be a problem.
Containers are not cheap and there are upcharges for weight.
WHere are you going to store all this stuff? Are you buying a relatively new house in Europe?
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
Since we are planning to move for good, we can bring everything 100% duty-free (including a car)
We are only keeping the beds and the kitchen table with 6 chairs and maybe 2-3 dressers.
TravelingAardvark@reddit
Agree with most posters here. Have lived all over, and when we left EU for USA, we did not even consider bringing household appliances or TVs back with us. Exception was our Miele vacuum cleaner - was dual voltage, so only had to buy a new power cord for the charger- and a sound bar with same situation. Wouldn’t try with the converter myself, and would be very conscious of the differences in storage space / overall living space when moving to EU. Of course, YMMV and good luck!
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
Lol. We also have a high-end Miele C3 Vacuum cleaner, which is only 110/50hz. I wish this was dual voltage as yours.
Serious-Gur4016@reddit
Going to go against the grain here on bedding. I brought two really nice down comforters, 2 very nice duvet covers, and some good pillowcases and pillows. Still using it all 6 years later. My reasoning was that I really hated to part with nice bedding, and a king comforter will work on any bed from a double on up. I waited to buy fitted sheets here of course, but I’ve had a very hard time finding quality bedding at a reasonable price. I’d would have paid much, much more for the same quality here.
BAFUdaGreat@reddit
Found out last year that if you have a 180x200 matrimoniale mattress that it will take queen fitted sheets and that a 200x200 matrimoniale mattress will take king fitted sheets. There’s a bit of slack but nothing terrible. Thank God as IT sheet quality is awful. Stocked up last year and now we have complete sets for both bedrooms.
spacedog8015@reddit
If I could do it again I would bring my hangers. Did not realize how many I would have to buy for my clothes!
mandance17@reddit
Laptop sure but the rest no. Just start over, it’s way easier
HVP2019@reddit
My personal philosophy “when in Rome “
I am European who had become a huge DIY person in US with a lot of tools
but if i were to move to Europe there would be very high probability that I would not be doing a lot of DIY. ( similarly to when I moved to US from Europe my lifestyle, hobbies and chores changed dramatically, so I would assume there is high probability I may not need tools in Europe, or that I will have no room to store them, or I would have issues with returning, servicing, buying accessories)
Similarly with other things.
It is way less stressful and less risky to pay few extra dollars to buy local things that I actually have need, I have room to store, I can return / fix if there is an issue.
All EU countries have enough local things to live comfortably for Americans or Europeans. It isn’t like Cold War era USSR.
bigredsweatpants@reddit
I do a ton of DIY in Europe and the tools are exactly the same but meant to work with EU plugs and voltage. One of the things I do love about the UK is the diy shops! German ones were pretty good too!
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
Messing with current converters (etc) can take the power out for a whole building.
Do not ask me how I know.
bigredsweatpants@reddit
These lists always give me a chuckle to be honest.
How do you think Europeans live? Without bedsheets? The electronics speak for themselves because that’s a complete waste of time (and in most cases that I’m aware, when you use them with an adapter or at a different voltage, you will void the warranty anyway). But also, many places in Europe your furniture won’t even fit through the front door.
Bring yourself and your passport. We also have toothpaste and deodorant. We even have Ranch now.
fuzzyizmit@reddit
If/When we ever go, we are leaving everything we possibly can behind (except needed stuff, technical books, clothes etc and some sentimental items). Everything else is going to be different sizes/need converters etc.
brownsugarlucy@reddit
You know there are stores in Europe right??? I’m just teasing you lol. Unless a company is paying for the move it is very expensive to bring things overseas. When I moved to eu from Canada I brought 3 suitcases between me and my boyfriend
bebok77@reddit
Just don't waste money on applicance.
You need to factor that the average household is significantly smaller than what you are used to and large appliances plus a set of converters will just make your settlement harder.
Plus, spending on applicants not available in Europe or different will make the warranty support really hard to get..
Manufacturer are adjusting their device per region and to have moved between Asia and Europe. Some support is difficult...
gringosean@reddit
You need to bring one thing: laura scudder’s crunchy peanut butter.
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
Are you going to be living on the first or second floors (American)?
That bed is going to make a difficult journey, is my prediction.
All that currency conversion equipment is going to fill half of your living space.
How many square feet are you planning on purchasing or renting in your target destination? Do you even know?
homesteadfront@reddit
You need a step up, not step down and don’t get a converter or any “portable” gadget for high wattage power tools/ appliances. These are known to blow up people’s devices (including my own). I’ve imported many tools/ appliances from the US and unfortunately learned the hard way.
Wait until you get to Europe and get a step-up voltage transformer, they are pretty heavy so it’s not something that’s really travel friendly
Also make sure everything you take is “50hz / 60hz” because if it’s only 60hz, it’ll burn out.
Also make not sure to take brand new tools in the box, try to scratch them up a bit so that customs does not try to charge you vat/ import tax. (Not guaranteed that they will, but some European countries are strict about this)
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
Yeah, this was my first thought. Those tools will not play well with UK/EU current.
No electronics needing adapters at all, would be
Rule #1
(Before making a list).
Buy all those tools in Europe - they sell them and they work with European current.
https://www.dewalt.eu/landing/europe.html
WitnessTheBadger@reddit
I agree with what others have said about skipping the converters, and for the same reasons they cite. I will add that my home insurance policy when I first moved to Belgium stated that if a converter was plugged in at the time of a fire, they would cover nothing, even if the converter was not the cause of the fire. I don't know how common that is -- it has been nothing like it in two different insurance policies that I have had in France -- but it's something else to consider.
monbabie@reddit
Only thing on this list would be the laptop/ computer equipment. Otherwise nothing.
Cojemos@reddit
This is where we know you're way over thinking this "Bed Sheet/Cover sets from Cotco for all beds." And then find out there's diff measurements for beds.
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
Tell that to my wife. We have close to 10K "invested" in our King Size custom RH bed with Temurpedic mattress.
LV2107@reddit
You're going to bring all that bedding with you? It's unnecessary extra weight to pay for. They have nice sheet sets in Europe. Maybe have her choose a couple of duvet covers (not the inserts) and pack those, but pillowcases & sheets seems like such a waste. Not to mention that the bed sizes may not be the same.
Agathabites@reddit
Which you find you can’t get into your new home because it won’t go through the doors.
Cojemos@reddit
Part of oving abroad is to let go... move on. That includes "stuff." So much of this you will not need and regret bringing.
teaquiladiva@reddit
You're overthinking it all, you're not moving to another planet where you won't find what you need (and at decent prices once you've had time to look around and find where to shop).
elijha@reddit
Most of this is not a good idea.
Don’t plan to bring any motorized electronics with you.
There are also plenty of tools in Europe… For anything that may need to be serviced etc., I would much rather buy locally.
Beds are different sizes, so don’t stock up on sheets.
The laptop is really the only one I’d do if I were you
eskimo1@reddit
Skip the transformers. Transformers can't convert 50hz to 60hz, and that difference will cause things with motors to not function correctly, run hotter, and die sooner. I did bring our cordless Dyson though - the wall wart is multi-voltage.
Rule of thumb - 100-240VAC 50/60hz on the device? Bring it. 100-120VAC, 60hz? Sell it.
Agree with the power tools, though you'll likely have to buy a new charger when you're here. My chargers were surprisingly 120v only.
Beds aren't the same size here, sooo your sheets, while likely higher quality (I've had a hell of a time finding really nice bedding), won't fit very well.
Agree with the computer stuff. I also bought a new cell phone before we moved for the same reason.
antiriad76@reddit (OP)
Good catch on the 50/60 Hertz difference. Also most battery chargers work of very low power. A 100w AC/AC step down converter will work fine.
Also most laptops, PCs, Monitors support 120/240 and you only need an adapter for the wall socket.
homesteadfront@reddit
Careful bro, I blew out a worx fast charger the moment I plugged it in lol
Maybird56@reddit
I can’t comment on the tools, but I’d just buy small appliances like a mixer or vacuum locally. It would get annoying having to deal with a voltage converter when you need to change a plug to move around rooms. You’d lose valuable counter top space as well to a converter.
I have brought sheets, but be aware the sizes are different. A US queen is similar to a UK king and Europe I don’t know I would guess it depends on the country. You do pay a little more for that stuff, but you can generally find decent sheets everywhere. Top sheets are less common though if you prefer those. I’ve phased them out mostly, except it’s nice in the summer when it’s too warm for a duvet.