Probably just about everyone has a suitcase or a set of them for when they travel. When I first found out I would be packing my life in two bags and moving across the world, I didn't give much thought to cases I would use. That has since changed.
Keep in mind that the case isn't going to just get you and your stuff here. You will need a suitcase when you go on holiday to all the wonderful places you will travel once you are here. You will want to take trinkets back to your home country for friends, family and possibly for when you leave the sandbox and return home. You will also need them to carry things back and forth when you travel home to visit.
The weight of your suitcase takes away from the possible items inside you could be taking so make sure it is a lightweight bag.
I prefer one with wheels and two are great, but 4 really rock. I am getting too old to lug a duffel bag, but I wish I still could.
Storage is a commodity here. There is no hall closet to stash your suitcase here. They sit behind living room doors, on top of Wardrobes, in under bed storage or sit out in your spare room, or worse, your bedroom.
Someone shared what they used for luggage and I think it is pretty darn near perfect.
CWC 30 Inch Foldable Duffle Travel Bag By Coldwater Canyon
There is another one that REI carries, but it isn't as inexpensive. The nice thing about these is that they are easily replaceable.
Finally, remember, you can bring two suitcases, 3 suitcases, or a shipping container full. It has to do with your comfort level.
I am a gatherer. I like to live in a home that looks like a home, not a hotel room or a barracks. I came with three suitcases and I will leave at the end with two. (and maybe 6 dining chairs from Australia that I am not sure I can part with)
I wish I had only brought two in the beginning. Now when I go home I take two home and bring back one.
Please understand that you can adjust to life here and will wonder why you thought you couldn't live without something.
Pack smarter that I did.
The title of this post and of the blog was written by a teacher coming to the UAE in 2013. Instead of choosing it myself, I created a voting system and her title won the most votes. I asked her for her suggestion for the first post and here it is.
I actually brought three bags and wish I had only brought two. One was filled with school supplies I have not used for the most part.
If I had it to do over again, here is what I would pack:
(Women) For work
Two outfits for school. One long skirt or dress (to the floor),
one knit long sleeve jacket/cardigan light weight,
2 long sleeve round neck,
somewhat dressy t'shirt (if you can find them),
a pair of dress pants that are light weight,
and two comfy pair of work shoes.
For leisure:
Favorite outfits to wear for regular errands, hanging at home, going to the beach, traveling where it is cold and for parties.
Sport shoes, swimsuit, and undies of course.
Boots or shoes to wear if I traveled somewhere cold and a light-medium jacket.
(Men) For work- based on what I have read on FB posts
dress pants,
button downs,
a tie or two,
a jacket for special days
polos
For leisure:
Same as for the ladies.
Toiletries:
Suntan lotion (it is outrageously expensive here)
deodorant (my brand isn't here and many here don't really work as well)
Potion #9 hair product - hard enough to find in the states, so it isn't here (personal preference)
For school:
Sharpies
Crayola Crayons
favorite books (for KG) that have fewer words and great pictures
construction paper
small containers to use on the table with different compartments (just me, something that would work can be found here)
and finally, a few things that will help you when you are homesick. My Tervis Tumblers and favorite coffee cup work for me, along with my favorite coffee brand.
Let all your preconceived notions of thinking you NEED everything to come with you go.
You can find a similar, if not the same thing, here. If you have a few tried and true and think you can't live without them, then you make the choice.
Clothes can be found here, although larger sizes are bit more difficult they can be found once you know where to go.
Happy Packing! You will be fine, really, really you will.
