Your Working Holiday Checklist

Are you moving abroad on a working holiday visa, but you’re not sure what to bring? Thinking about what to pack when you’re moving to a foreign country can be incredibly overwhelming. You’re probably looking at your closet, considering how you’ll be able to fit everything into one, maybe two, suitcases. However, packing for a working holiday and moving abroad doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

Your destination, time of year, and length of stay will depend on the specifics, but here are a few tips on what to add to your working holiday checklist and what to leave behind to make sure you’re fully prepared.

Packing For A Working Holiday

The things you pack into your suitcase will be your essentials and will vary depending on your destination and your working holiday visa length. However, overall, there are several things you’ll need to take.

Clothing 

Packing clothing that is practical to your climate and job is crucial. For example, outdoor-oriented jobs will need clothing to protect you from the elements, such as good quality thermals for a job in Canada or light breathable things for a farming job in Australia.

As a rule of thumb, you should have suitable quality clothing that will last. For colder countries, it is recommended that you leave behind your bulkier items such as heavy jackets, as they can easily be bought in your new home.

Electronics

Your electronics will be your portal to the world. Having a good set of headphones (Noise cancelling is highly recommended) is a godsend for any long journeys on public transport or for those moments when you’re just wanting to isolate yourself from the world. Bringing your laptop will enable you to work on the go and keep in touch with friends and family. Furthermore, investing in a device such as a Kindle will free up space in your luggage that books would have taken up and is a good source of entertainment for long journeys. However, don’t forget to pack adaptors to convert your plugs to your new country’s sockets!

Medicine

Sometimes the essential medicines for headaches and other pain relief are not readily available, so you may want to bring some just in case. Similarly, it is crucial to make sure you’ve filled your personal prescriptions and obtain copies of prescriptions for your required medication, along with a note from your doctor.

Documents

The most important things to include when packing for a working holiday are all of the essential documents required to allow you to move. These include and are not limited to:

• Your working holiday visa, if needed
• Passport
• Driver’s licence
• CV
• Travel insurance
• Vaccination documentation
• Medical notes

What Not to Pack

When packing for your working holiday, minimalism is the goal, and so you can forget about adding the following things to your working holiday checklist.

Your Entire Closet

Most of the clothing you will need can be bought after your move. Only bring things you know you need or are important to you. The rest, you can save for when you go back home for a visit (therefore reducing your luggage once again) or you can sell for a fresh start.

Unnecessary Electrical Items

The more you bring, the more adaptors you’ll need. Items such as hair stylers can be rebought at your destination, and leaving them behind will free space in your luggage.

Too Many Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of space. Therefore, it is advised only to bring a good pair of walking shoes, a pair of nice shoes and shoes for warmer weather such as sandals.

Hygiene Products

Unless you have specific needs, anything you need can be rebought at your destination country. Packing travel size samples can see you through to when you can make it to a store to buy what you require.

Minimalism is Key

When packing for a working holiday, simple is best. If you’re worried about being covered while overseas, Healthcare Australia can provide you with expert advice. Your working holiday is supposed to be a fun experience; minimalism and intention will alleviate any stress.