In this video I share how I decided what to pack when I moved abroad to Italy, and honestly it starts with getting really realistic about what you actually need. I think a lot of Americans (my past self included) accumulate so many unnecessary items, so I treated my move as a chance to purge and start fresh. I focused on the basics: clothing, shoes, and accessories I truly wear, and I reminded myself that I can buy plenty of things once I’m in Italy. I also talk about what was worth bringing for emotional comfort—sentimental items like photos or small special things that make an apartment feel like home. And then there are the non-negotiables: for me, that was my camera, electronics, and work gear as a content creator/social media manager. To make the move easier, I sold a lot (Facebook Marketplace, a garage sale), got rid of furniture, and even sold my old car (a relief). In the end, I moved with two checked suitcases and a carry-on, and I still feel like I brought almost too much—because toiletries, clothes, and everyday items are easy to find in Italy (plus Amazon), unless you need very specific products or prescriptions from the U.S.