If you’re planning a move abroad, you’ve probably watched dozens of "What’s in my suitcase" videos. But let’s be honest: those are for vacations. When you’re selling everything you own to start over in a place like Albania, the stakes are much higher.
As someone who has moved from Canada to China, back to Canada, and now to Albania, I’ve learned that about 80% of what people pack, they never actually use. I want to make sure you’re in the 20% who pack smart. Here is the statistical reality of what deserves that precious suitcase space and what is just "anxiety packing."
1. The Psychology of "Comfort Anchors"
Your first week in a new country, your brain is in a constant state of low-level stress. Everything is unfamiliar—the smells, the language, even the shampoo bottles.
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The Pillow Strategy: I vacuum-sealed my own pillow. It felt ridiculous at the time, but after 30 hours of travel, having a "smell of home" and a guaranteed good night's sleep was a strategic win.
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Sensory Anchors: Bring your favorite pillowcase, that one sleep shirt with the hole in the armpit, or a specific brand of lip balm. These tell your nervous system: “It’s okay. This is still us.”
2. The "Glad We Brought It" List
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Skincare (3–6 Month Supply): Summer brought a year's supply of her favorite acne line. Now that she's weaning off it, she’s breaking out (as you’ve seen on the livestreams!). Don't play "skin roulette" in a new country; bring what you know works.
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Specific Hobby Supplies: I do my own nails. In Albania, acrylics are rare (it’s mostly gel), and I can’t find the monomer or powders I trust. If you have a specific brand you love (shoutout to Young Nails!), bring it.
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"Huggles" (The 4XL Blanket Hoodies): We wore these on the plane to save space. They are bulky and heavy, but 10/10 worth it for the cold Albanian winters.
3. The Technical Stuff: Electricity & Bedding
This is where most people get caught in the "regret" category.
Voltage vs. Adapters
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Adapters: These just change the shape of the plug. Bring a few, but buy local ones once you arrive. The heavy "universal" ones often fall out of the wall sockets here!
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Converters: These change the voltage (North America: 110V vs. Europe: 220V).
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The Golden Rule: If it has a motor or heating element (hair dryer, kettle, straightener), DO NOT BRING IT. You’ll either fry the device or start a fire. A $20 hair dryer isn't worth a $150 extra bag fee plus the cost of a converter.
The Bedding Myth
People say "bring fitted sheets." Don't. American and European bed sizes are statistically different.
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European beds are typically 200 cmlong.
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American beds are shorter 190 cm for Twins/Fulls
Your sheets won't fit snugly. We’re currently playing "Sheet Roulette" in our apartment because we don't even know if our mattress is a 140 or 160!
4. Tips for the "Is it there?" Panic
Before you pack it, run it through these three websites (the "Albanian Holy Trinity"):
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Temu: They deliver here (Amazon doesn't!). If it's on Temu, you can get it here.
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Jumbo: Like a mix of Dollar Tree and Walmart. Check their site for kitchen gear.
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Neptun: The main electronics retailer here. Check prices before you pack heavy tech.
What’s the one "weird" thing you’d be terrified to leave behind? Let me know in the comments!
