Accumulating possessions to the point where your stuff starts to look a lot like clutter could turn into an expensive burden – especially so for expats.
If your international lifestyle means you regularly relocate, the constant question of what’s worth shipping versus replacing can become a recurring headache. If the volume of stuff you own is morphing into a logistical nightmare, read on.
Moving belongings is among the most challenging aspects of moving overseas
More than half of people moving overseas say expenses and moving belongings are the most difficult parts of the process.
While most expats still move more than half of what they own, there’s a growing trend towards shipping less.
If you’re among those trying to be more selective about what you accumulate and keep, kudos!
If not, the idea of decluttering can feel daunting. When you look at overflowing wardrobes, drawers you haven’t opened in years, or boxes that followed you from country to country unopened, it’s easy to feel defeated before you even begin.
Here are two stories that may inspire you to get on top of things before it’s too late.
First, in November 2024, three brothers discovered a pristine copy of a Superman No. 1 comic hidden beneath old newspapers in their late mother’s attic. The comic, which was printed in 1939 and still in remarkable condition, later sold at auction for $9.12 million.
Meanwhile, a brother and sister in the UK uncovered an unframed Rembrandt print tucked away in a drawer while clearing their parents’ house. Their father had noted on the mount that it was an original. In December 2025, it sold for £22,100.
There’s no guarantee you’ll unearth a life-changing treasure of your own. But even without a headline-grabbing discovery, decluttering can deliver very real benefits.
Why decluttering matters even more when you live internationally
Organising and potentially reducing what you own can:
- Reduce moving and storage costs when relocating between countries
- Speed up decisions when moves are sudden or plans change
- Lessen the emotional ordeal of packing and unpacking
- Make temporary homes feel calmer and more settled.
If you’re ready to tackle and cull your belongings, here are a few practical steps to help you get started without feeling overwhelmed.
5 practical tips to help you declutter
1. Start with what moves most often
Instead of tackling your whole home, focus first on items that travel with you regularly – clothes, paperwork, electronics, and sentimental items. These tend to be the biggest causes of decision fatigue during moves, so reducing them early can provide immediate benefits and boost your motivation to keep going.
2. Work to a clear system
Create and stick to a system that helps you make decisions quickly. Give every item a clear outcome: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Avoid creating a vague “I’ll decide later” pile – in the long run, it’s more likely to turn into a lingering annoyance.
3. Ask questions that suit an expat life
If you’re unsure about an item, ask:
- Would I ship this again if I moved tomorrow?
- Is this easy to replace locally if I need it later?
- Does this item warrant the cost of moving it?
These questions not only help to focus your attention on your current situation but can also speed up your decision-making process – and you’ll be less likely to let nostalgia prevent you from committing to getting rid of things.
4. Keep what supports who you are now
Your home should reflect your present life. Items linked to past careers, hobbies, or locations can quietly weigh you down. So don’t be afraid to let go and free up mental and physical space for what matters to you today.
5. Pause before discarding anything valuable
As the stories above show, some items may be worth more than they appear. Jewellery, artwork, watches, collectibles, and even older technology can prove valuable. If something looks promising, take time to research it or seek a professional valuation before letting it go.
It’s possible to make memories without adding more “stuff”
One of the easiest ways to keep clutter at bay is to alter how you mark life’s important moments. For example, instead of buying more possessions:
- Store digital records of your life – carefully curated photo books or online albums
- Share experiences – memorable trips, classes, or special meals
- Give gifts that won’t occupy more space – events, subscriptions, or eBooks.
As an expat, capturing memories in this way can help make future moves far simpler, not to mention lighter.
Finally, decluttering isn’t about discarding everything you own; it’s about finding and keeping those possessions that support the life you want to enjoy now, no matter where in the world you are.
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