Stuff we brought on the plane

Moving to a new country is one of the most exciting and overwhelming things you will ever do, and figuring out a packing list for moving to Portugal is a big part of that stress. A regular move is hard enough, but when you are moving to a country you have never even been to, the uncertainty gets turned up a notch. What will be easy to find, what will be impossible, and what is going to cost twice as much as it does at home?

We leaned heavily on expat Facebook groups to research what would be hard to find in Portugal or cheaper to bring from the US, and that helped a lot. We also had a pallet being shipped over, but it was going to take a few months to arrive, which meant we needed to bring enough on the plane to actually live our lives in the meantime.

This packing list for moving to Portugal is everything we brought with us on the plane. We ended up with 11 large duffel bags plus a footlocker. We used these large duffel bags, which fit an incredible amount of stuff. They are not the most heavy-duty bags in the world, but they held up for the journey and got the job done.

Kitchen Essentials

If you love to cook, this is the section you are going to relate to the most. The kitchen items were some of the most important things we packed, and I have zero regrets about any of them.

Tortilla Press

This was the number one best decision I made. Gluten-free flour tortillas can be hard to find in Portugal. I have found one brand and only at two stores. Corn tortillas are even harder to track down, and when I do find them, they are expensive. I make tortillas at least once a week now, and I would be lost without this tortilla press

Cast Iron Skillet

Essential for cooking the tortillas, and honestly, just a workhorse in the kitchen in general. I use mine constantly. Find it here

Knives

I had a great set of quality knives that I had invested real money in. I was not about to leave them behind or spend money replacing them. If you cook regularly, bring your knives. You will want them immediately.

Favorite Spices and Seasonings

You can find a decent variety of spices in Portugal, but if you have specific blends or favorites you rely on, bring them. We brought a few we use constantly, including our go-to taco seasoning and Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse rub.

Electronics

Electronics are expensive everywhere, but they tend to cost more in Portugal than in the US. If you have devices you use regularly, bring them. We brought pretty much everything.

Entertainment and Gaming

We packed our Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, PS5, and Android TV box. These things are pricey to replace, and we use them constantly. One thing to know is that items are supposed to be at least 6 months old when you bring them into the country, so you do not get charged customs duties on them. Keep that in mind if you are thinking about buying anything new before you move.

Laptops and Personal Devices

The same rule applies. Bring what you have and make sure it is not brand new.

Power Adapters and Voltage Converter

Portugal uses EU-style plugs and runs on 220V, so you will need adapters and possibly a voltage converter for certain devices. You can find adapters here, but after a very long journey, the last thing you want to do is hunt down a store before you can charge your phone. We brought a few different kinds, some with multiple USB ports and some that just attach directly to US plugs, plus a voltage converter.

Health and Medicine

This is one of the most important categories on the packing list for moving to Portugal and one that is easy to underestimate. Do not skip this section.

Prescriptions and Supplements

Bring enough of any prescription medications to last at least a few months. You will not know right away how long it will take to find a doctor, navigate the healthcare system, or get your prescriptions transferred. I also had no idea how hard it would be to get my ADHD medication here, so having a supply to start with took a huge amount of pressure off. Do not forget your pets either. I brought plenty of Bodhi’s medication as well.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Some OTC medications that are standard in the US are either not available in Portugal or come in different formulations. We brought jumbo packs of DayQuil and NyQuil, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, allergy medications, Pepto Bismol, and Tums. Stock up before you go, and you will thank yourself later.

Clothing and Personal Care

Clothing and Shoes

Packing clothes for a move to a country you have never been to is genuinely tricky. We were not completely sure what the weather would be like as the seasons changed, so we brought a mix of summer and fall clothes plus a couple of jackets just in case. I ended up with about two full bags of just clothes and shoes. My advice is to bring enough to get through a few months comfortably, but do not overpack on clothes. Portugal has great shopping, and you will figure out what you actually need once you are living here.

Makeup

In Tavira, especially, the options for buying makeup are pretty limited. I do not wear as much here as I used to, but I am glad I brought my favorite products. If you have makeup items you rely on, toss them in. You can order online here, but it takes longer and might cost more.

Skincare

I brought enough of my regular skincare routine to last until I could find alternatives or figure out what was available locally. It was worth it. Switching up your whole routine right after an international move is not the vibe.

Period Care

This one is for the ladies. I brought menstrual discs, which are not something I have been able to find easily in Portugal. If you use any specific period care products that are not mainstream, bring a solid supply. Tampons and pads are easy to find, but anything beyond that is hit or miss.

Comfort and Lifestyle Items

These are the things that did not fit neatly into any other category but ended up being some of the most appreciated items we packed.

Towels

We brought two towels because after a very long journey, the first thing I wanted was a shower. We do not use them anymore because they take too long to dry in the humidity here, but for those first few days, they were essential.

Pillow

I have yet to find a good pillow in Portugal, and I am so glad I brought mine. A cube pillow is what I use, and it is absolutely perfect for how I sleep. Satin pillowcases are also nowhere to be found in stores here. If you are particular about your sleep setup, do yourself a favor and pack your pillow before you leave.

Ice Cube Tray

Ice is not really a European thing. You can find basic ice cube trays here but I like mine with a storage bin and lid to keep everything fresh in the freezer. A small thing, but I use it every single day. Find it here

Resistance Bands

We both lift weights and were not sure how long it would take to find and join a gym after arriving. Having a set of heavy-duty resistance bands meant we could work out from the apartment right away. We also brought handles to go with them. Totally worth the bag space.

Galaxy Light

This one is purely personal, but I love it, and it makes me happy, and that counts for something when you are adjusting to a whole new life in a new country. I use my Galaxy Light every single day, and I am so glad I brought it.

Things You Should Not Leave Behind

American Snacks and Food Products

Stock up on any American food products you love before you leave, especially anything gluten-free. The gluten-free product selection in Portugal is good, but there are some specifics I can’t find. I would have brought a suitcase full of gluten-free Oreos if I had known I couldn’t get them here. (Don’t worry if you love Oreos though, you can find regular ones all over.) Bring more than you think you need of anything specific you rely on because you will miss it more than you expect.

Sentimental and Comfort Items

Do not underestimate how much the small, comforting things from home will matter once you are settling into a new country. A favorite blanket, candles you love, photos, anything that makes a space feel like yours. Moving abroad is exciting, but it is also a big emotional adjustment, and having familiar things around you makes a real difference. When in doubt, pack it.

Tips for Packing for an International Move

Moving your life across the ocean in a set of duffel bags takes a little strategy. Here is what we learned:

Know Your Weight Limits

Most international flights allow checked bags up to 50 lbs each and charge hefty fees for anything over. Weigh every bag before you leave the house. A luggage scale is a worthwhile investment and will save you from a stressful moment at the check-in counter. We recommend checking your specific airline’s baggage policy before you pack, since fees and limits vary.

Bring an Extra Empty Bag

Pack one empty bag or at least leave room in one of your bags to reorganize at the airport. We had to do this, and we were very glad we had the option. When you are standing at the check-in counter with overweight bags and a line behind you, having an empty bag to shuffle things into is a lifesaver.

Protect Your Electronics

Wrap electronics in clothing or bubble wrap and pack them in the center of your bags away from the edges. Checked luggage gets thrown around more than you want to think about. Anything fragile or valuable should be in your carry-on if at all possible.

Label Everything

Put your name, phone number, and destination address on every single bag. With 11 duffel bags moving through an airport, you want to make sure everything finds its way back to you if something goes sideways.

Use AirTags

Put an AirTag in every single bag. With 11 duffel bags moving through multiple airports across an international flight, knowing exactly where your luggage is at all times is priceless. This is not optional in our opinion; it is essential.

Pack Your Medications in Your Carry-On

Never put medications in checked luggage. Keep all prescriptions, supplements, and anything you or your pets need in your carry-on bag. If your checked bags get delayed or lost, you do not want to be without your medication while you sort it out.

Pack Your Own Snacks

This one comes from hard personal experience. It is a long flight, and if you have any dietary restrictions, do not rely on the airline to take care of you. I had requested a gluten-free meal, and the airline lost the request. I ended up with a protein bar for the entire journey. Pack your own snacks, more than you think you need, and make sure they are things you can actually eat.

One Last Thing: Don’t Stress Too Much

As overwhelming as this list might feel, here is the truth. Portugal is a modern, well-stocked country, and most things can be found here. Maybe not every brand you are used to and maybe not at the same price, but if you forget something or realize you need something after you arrive, you will almost certainly be able to find it or a perfectly good alternative. The things worth bringing are the items that are genuinely hard to find, significantly cheaper in the US, irreplaceable, or that you will need immediately before you have had a chance to explore and shop. Everything else you can figure out once you get here. The move itself is the hard part. The rest you can work out as you go.

Your Packing List for Moving to Portugal

Moving to Portugal was the best decision we ever made, and no amount of overstuffed duffel bags or airport chaos could take away from that. Packing for an international move is stressful, but it is also a one-time thing, and you will figure it out. Use this list as a starting point, customize it for your own life and needs, and do not forget the snacks.

If there is something you brought that I did not mention or something you wish you had packed, drop it in the comments below. This kind of information is so helpful for people going through the process, and the more we share, the easier it gets for everyone coming after us.

Read More

What Items You Can’t Bring When You Move to Portugal

Moving to Portugal: What I Actually Didn’t Need to Pack

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