Simple-Chemistry-878@reddit

But they sell American measuring cups in Europe....

[-]

Lol ok. Jfc.

[-]

olivesforsale@reddit

You know what, you've convinced me here. I change my mind. Imperial measurement cups are a genius thing to bring overseas.

Dangit, I was so excited about making you feel bad too!

[-]

LibrarianByNight@reddit

Since you can't leave me the fuck alone, I'll do it for you.

[-]

Remko76@reddit

You mean like this? measuring cups. metric and US

[-]

LibrarianByNight@reddit

whysweetpea@reddit

I’m Canadian who moved to Germany but still like to use North American recipes. I always stock up on vanilla, apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice, and chili powder (like the spice mix, not ground up chilis). And before anyone says “you can get it all in Germany”…you can get something similar, but not exactly the same.

Also baking powder, I don’t know if I just bought the wrong thing but I had many recipe fails using German baking powder so now I just bring a couple containers home every time I visit.

And of course as many people have already said, OTC medicines. German doctors and pharmacists will always try to give you some naturopathic bs. And now I live in the Netherlands and they give you some weak-ass paracetamol for everything.

[-]

I also like the blister packs b/c it’s easier to take just a couple pills with you for the weekend.

[-]

Wrap_Wise@reddit

Are you saying people use Tylenol to OD on ?!? That’s so bizarre…never hear of that at least in my area ( New England)

[-]

ToastMate2000@reddit

I know someone who tried to suicide on ibuprofen and would have succeeded if her mom hadn't caught the situation and gotten her an ambulance to the hospital fast enough. She had taken more than a fatal dose.

[-]

citygirl_M@reddit

Same with acetaminophen (paracetamol in Britain) which is shockingly easy to overdose on. Don’t take more than about 3000 mg per 24 hrs in divided doses at least 6 hrs apart. Less if you are drinking alcohol. Not everyday.

Source, a nurse in a liver transplantation unit.

[-]

rescuelarry@reddit

My sister died of liver failure directly linked to Tylenol. It’s not a joke that the amount to overdose is small and influenced by things like regular alcohol intake. As a paramedic, I go to calls where people take Tylenol PM over and over because they can’t sleep and I have to call poison control to see if they crossed the very small line to earn a trip to the hospital where Tylenol makers will sell them the antidote… (this is the US obviously)

[-]

AK_Sole@reddit

Wow, that is shocking.

[-]

Dry-Entrepreneur-226@reddit

So.. what's the price comparison? Just curious. It's like a gas station pack it sounds like, so roughly $3-4 a pop?

Lol yeah honestly how I would act about it now too. There isn't a one and done product here (UK) for colds and I still can't find anything that will actually stop a runny nose/deal with congestion. Also nothing I've bought works as well or let's you take it more than once a day/night if it does work ok.

To add on, the clothes thing that someone else mentioned is very relevant. Where I'm at second hand shopping isn't the same and it's really hard to find quality womens clothing (ie fully cotton shirts etc), in stores it's all very cheap fast fashion stuff. This also weirdly extends to furniture. It's really hard to find nice solid stuff at reasonable prices. Also Amazon absolutely sucks in the UK. You can get practically anything shipped to the US (or you could) but a lot of business don't ship to the UK, I would imagine it's different for main land Europe though.

[-]

nbach@reddit

All the same cold/cough medicine is available OTC in UK.

Night Nurse is basically equivalent to NyQuil: both are a sedating antihistamine + dextromethorphan + paracetamol.

For congestion you need pseudoephedrine which is a Pharmacy (P) medicine so you have to ask for it from behind the counter (same as in the US). There are some pretty equivalent combo formulations to what you can get in the US with e.g. pseudoephedrine + guaifenesin as well. (Stay away from anything with phenylephrine as it is well proven not to work very well.)

[-]

No-Cloud-9368@reddit

I've tried Night Nurse, it's not the same. It's not as effective, doesn't deal with all of the same symptoms and you can only take it once a night.

Giant size bottle(s) of Motrin from Target

Deodorant soap

Penzey’s spices (chili powder, roast beef rub…)

Mexican seasonings

Better Than Bullion

Melatonin gummies

If you’re thinking of upgrading your iPad/iPhone, best to do it before you move as prices are noticeably higher in Germany.

LibrarianByNight@reddit

Ibuprofen isn't any stronger than paracetamol? It's just a different medication. It's cheaper for a bottle of like 300 in the US than it is for a pack of 10 here so it makes sense to bring a bottle (of ibuprofen or acetaminophen) with you. I brought a bottle of 200 or something with us last summer and ofc we haven't used the whole thing.

[-]

Malenkoe_4udo@reddit

Paracetamol is dirt cheap and I really don’t need more than a few tablets every month - what would you do with 300 tablets?

[-]

LibrarianByNight@reddit

Why wouldn't I bring a bigger bottle that costs less than the price of 10? 10 pills is over $5 here. I had a bigger bottle, so I packed it. What would I do with 300 tablets? I keep them in my medicine cabinet and my family takes them as needed.

[-]

[-]

reno140@reddit (OP)

OH YES, I am 100% bringing all my textbooks, assessment books, and practice manuals I use for work no matter what. I might even buy a few more I've had my eye on before I go because I don't want to risk not being able to get them easily later.

[-]

Theal12@reddit

if you cook, bring your cookbooks. My husband and I collected regional cookbooks and cookbooks from our favorite restaurants. Being able to make Tex-Mex is lovely

[-]

lula6@reddit

I would take a few small pieces of artwork and paper ephemera, skincare products to get through the first month, and any hobby things you already own.

[-]

lovepeacefakepiano@reddit

Ugh the pillows. I grew up in Germany but I have grown to hate “normal” German pillows. They’re useless.

ahsukiyaki@reddit

Sending hugs friend. 🫶🏾

[-]

oolavash@reddit

Ship your books via usps at book rate, and you can ship them back via your new country’s post (if you repatriate). It’s worth it, especially because it can be difficult/expensive to find specific books in English.

[-]

clubsandswords@reddit

We had "little free libraries" where I moved from, where people walking around the neighborhood would take a book from a covered shelf, and bring it back after they read it (maybe) or generally replace the book stock with a book that they were willing to let go of.

[-]

Both-Basis-3723@reddit

To be clear I didn’t say modern, high stick knobby lodge pans. There is a huge difference between what lodge sells and what I was talking about. There were some local cast iron pans at a high end grocery I saw recently you could have used as a grinder wheel they were so coarse.

[-]

bazkin6100@reddit

you can easily get staub, le creuset or another brand in europe

[-]

Everyone kept saying how much smaller British homes are than Americans and since I left the U.K. when I was 16 I didn’t remember too well, so I took them at their word and we offloaded most of our furniture, kayaks, etc.

We’ve lived in two houses in Scotland and both were large enough for our stuff. Selling my kayaks before coming over has haunted me for years. We had plenty of room in our shipping container, and certainly in our houses.

[-]

Capybarely@reddit

I think the "homes are smaller" warning is aimed at US folks who live in newer construction, which is generally much larger (especially in regions with a lot of land!).

While we are currently planning our move, we also recently looked into getting a new couch. We literally could not find a sectional that would fit in our living room. We're in the PNW, in an urban 1960-70s home.

When I visit family who live in other parts of the US, I am reminded of just how much ROOM there is in many single family homes! I have never purchased furniture to "fill a space." That is absolutely something that happens in the larger homes!

[-]

Cytwytever@reddit

We also are shipping a 20' container, picked the house for what furnishings we wanted and are bringing them. I'm not interested in spending $30k on new, cheaply built replacements of the heirloom pieces I already own. I could have moved with 2 duffels, like others have said. . . never. Even just coming out of college I had a full tool set (steel, wood, bronze) and skis that would've made that silly.

I explained why in another reply but this is why:

Many of us are priced out of medical care (insured and not), many of us don't get sick days (if we do they're usually combined with vacation days), and generally we are worked to the bone (which can lead to physical pain we are expected to work through).

Having a stock of over the counter painkillers on hand is just a natural conclusion of these things.

[-]

Strawberrypbj@reddit

Here’s my list of things to get when I return:

[ ] Aleve
[ ] Melatonin
[ ] Iiquid iv
[ ] Dayquil NyQuil
[ ] Peanut butter mm
[ ] Reese’s pieces
[ ] Reese’s
[ ] Sees candies
[ ] Color science sunscreen
[ ] ROC under eye cream
[ ] good quality tweezers
[ ] Dog pill pockets
[ ] Dog treats (Milo’s Chicken Meatballs)

[-]

lovepeacefakepiano@reddit

Order from zooplus. Cheaper and much better choice in brands.

Apart from OTC meds and shoe selection that many have mentioned, most of what you get in the USA have counterparts abroad. Leave 110v electronics and make sure to take any documents that there is a chance you will need, and you should be okay.

One thing in particular that is annoyingly difficult to procure abroad are keyboards with the true physical American layout of keys. Your mileage may vary, but I have never found a keyboard in Europe that works for me. Among other things, the shift and return keys always seem to be in different positions.

[-]

SondraRose@reddit

US clothing brands that aren’t readily available in the UK, like Athleta. I buy many clothing items used on eBay, but the shipping cost for some brands that aren’t prevalent here makes it prohibitive.

[-]

teachertraveler1@reddit

I would also say shoes. I find that the UK/EU shoe conversion never really works (no, EU41 is not an 11! Not even close!). So if you know you need new sneakers or dress shoes, get them in the US so you're not hunting all over for things that are 3x the price and may not fit properly.

u/reno140 specifically for Germany, there's a shop called Tchibo that honestly made my life sooo much easier. It sounds insane but it's a coffee retailer and cafe that sells random stuff every week that is like Target quality. It's small and curated but the duvet set I got in 2010 from them, I'm still using daily for half the year. They often carry oddly specific things but it's never consistent. So for example this week they have a "wellness" theme that has everything from yoga pants to a really cool pill organizer to UV light therapy.

[-]

demaandronk@reddit

I dont understand the shoe thing, why wouldnt you just go to a shop and try on shoes and find the right size?

[-]

teachertraveler1@reddit

US shoe sizes can be vastly different from EU ones. We have half sizes that can fall under two different EU sizes and for larger sizes the conversion charts are often inaccurate. For example, I wear US women's 11. Conversion charts say that's an EU 41. It's not. In reality it's EU43. Those really don't exist in shops. I had to special order and it cost a fortune. So when thinking about moving, it makes sense to buy the US size you know and bring it rather than hope you can find a brand that works in a size that's close.

[-]

reno140@reddit (OP)

Thank you for this tip! I will look for one locally when we get there.

[-]

lovepeacefakepiano@reddit

Ugh I miss Tchibo!

The stores are usually small, or you will have a small corner in a supermarket, but I think you can buy online.

[-]

bazkin6100@reddit

Oysho is more than adequate substitute for Athleta and Lululemon and 30-40% cheaper.

[-]

SondraRose@reddit

YumYumRabbitsBum@reddit

Melatonin if your use it OTC pain meds- Advil, Tylenol Spices for Mexican and BBQ US candy is expensive and hard to find. Gum is terrible outside US, it’s probably more healthy but is tasteless. Designer products are cheaper in US as a the whole. Make up and toiletries are also more expensive in Europe these days. Good luck

[-]

Ready4takeoffNow@reddit

I honestly don't regrest not bringing anything.

I can get or replace whatever I need on Amazon or Lazada or at the mall.

The things I miss are food items.

Fritos corn chips.

Tootsie Roll Pops.

Bounty Paper Towels.

Tums Antacid Chewables

American canned tuna (Starkist, Chickn o' the Sea, etc)

Next balikbayan box I have brought over is gonna be full of all those items, and little else.

[-]

Pecncorn1@reddit

Seven countries in the last thirty years, I hauled a bunch of dumb shit to the first few places and then leaned it was a waste of money, time and space. I learned to make any food I missed from scratch. The few things I can't find an equivalent to as far as hardware go I have friends bring when they visit or adapt.

[-]

dmgirl101@reddit

Love the last word... adapt 🙂 the faster, the better. Thanks for the remainder.

[-]

No_Transition_8293@reddit

My son and his wife live in Germany and they would concur with the over-the-counter medication. My son always buys jeans and shoes when he is back in the states because they are so expensive overseas. Congratulations on your move!

[-]

antizana@reddit

You’re mixing two things - what you pack when you move, and what you stock up on when you visit.

The moving situation is entirely dictated by the moving style - suitcases or container. That’s a very different order of magnitude and each approach has its own strategies. If suitcases, less is more; if a container, you already have it so why not bring it (except appliances are often not going to work well due to differences in electrical systems - 110 v 220, 50hz vs 60hz etc).

The stocking up is a matter frequently of comfort food or items that you discover you miss, which may not be the things you thought you’d miss. You don’t yet know what local alternative you might find to scratch a particular itch.

[-]

reno140@reddit (OP)

Hey thanks for responding! You have a good point, but this interpretation of my question is a bit off-base. I'm asking this specific question on purpose.

The comfort cravings are not what I am looking for guidance with. I'm originally from Europe and have dealt with the other side of this issue for most of my life already while living in the USA. I'm not too worried about it because the things that I will likely miss, I can make a lot of them myself from scratch.

While my friends DID seek out some comfort foods (ranch, Lipton tea, etc.) and stuff, there were other things they stocked up on, that I never would have thought of on my own (such as certain OTC medications).

Even if the specific answers don't apply to my situation, it's still good data.

[-]

antizana@reddit

I’m responding to the framing and examples you gave.

And what’s the purpose for this specific question?

[-]

Deodorant and Pepto Bismo. Hot sauce and ranch dressing seasoning.

[-]

ultimomono@reddit

Bring a tube of Neosporin and Pepto Bismol. The only two things I stock up on in the US when I go.

Along with celery seed and salt (maybe they have that in Germany, but they don't in Spain).

lemon oil soaked cloth for mosquitos

Hmm, I'm not sure. We don't have mosquitoes where I live... Is it for bedding??

[-]

Historical-Fish-1665@reddit

no. for curtains.

[-]

lovepeacefakepiano@reddit

They mean non-fitted sheets and I think those might indeed be harder to find in Germany. Not sure though since I’ve never tried.

[-]

ultimomono@reddit

I just did a whole bunch of sheet buying in Germany and you won't necessarily find a ton of flat-sheet options in local "in person" stores (I bought some nice ones at TK Maxx, though).

[-]

That-Yogurtcloset682@reddit

I’m also an American living in Germany and here are some things that I regret not bringing more of before moving here (not sure if these are relevant to you but here we go):

-bras. I find bras here more expensive, with a worse size range, and less comfortable and supportive than what I had access to back home. Bra fittings have also not been enjoyable for me here at all

-products from indie brands: the shipping is super expensive from North America. If you have favorite handmade products from small independent sellers, stock up before you leave. For me, these include small-batch beauty brands

-bedding to fit super large beds: sizing for beds and bedding is different here with “king-sized” meaning something smaller than it does in the US. I ended up having to order duvet covers and sheets from sellers in the US or UK to fit my bed here so the duvet wouldn’t just be floating around on top of the mattress and would cover the sides

Our everyday tools are so important!

American living in the UK.

I should have brought my sheets. We had a US queen, now we have a UK king, which are nearly the same size. I can’t find sheets that I like as much as the ones we had back in the States.

[-]

Just_Random_input@reddit

Ranch Dressing packets!

[-]

number1alien@reddit

My records. It was only a few dozen but I miss them. I miss nothing else.

[-]

Historical-Fish-1665@reddit

So stuck on the fence on this one, as I start my paper work in 3 weeks, and then have a 90 day window.

more over the counter medicine

[-]

PappaOftwoKids@reddit

Honestly, familiar comfort items. Things like favorite snacks, small kitchen stuff, or even random daily-use items that are hard to find abroad. Also regret not bringing more documents (extra copies) and a few sentimental things. U don’t miss them… until u do.

[-]

reno140@reddit (OP)

I wish I knew what daily use items I will miss in advance. It will probably end up being something I don't even think twice about. It's part of why I made the post though, maybe someone else will know!

[-]

ak4338@reddit

I brought some but wish I'd brought more Mucinex. Germany sells the active ingredient, but not in time release formula for some reason, and generally only as a liquid 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[-]

mixtapecoat@reddit

I’ve done the minimalist move abroad with only a couple suitcases and honestly there’s a few random pieces of art and clothes I over purged that I still think of occasionally a decade later. We’re stateside now but there’s some vintage furniture, buy it for life objects, and artwork I’ve decided I’ll just pay the price to bring along when we make a big move again.

[-]