…and what to leave stateside!
Do Bring:
- Accessible cash. Save a little more for this move than you would for others due to the Euro exchange rate. Additionally, you will be paying for TLA upfront, and when you find a home, the redecoration fee (see more about this under Housing) and security deposit are paid in cash. Frankly, you can’t have too much set aside, but plan on at least 4 times your OHA limit.
- Rugs. Homes here have tile floors which can be quite chilly in winter. Rugs provide both warmth and sound insulation.
- Your American smartphones. You can purchase a SIM card from an Italian cell phone provider to use with them. Check with your American provider to make sure your phone is unlocked.
- Dressers, bookshelves, and other storage furniture. Italian homes are typically not equipped with built-in storage such as closets in bedrooms, medicine cabinets in bathrooms, etc. Even kitchen storage will be very limited.
Don’t Bring:
- Many small electric appliances like toasters, irons, hair driers, etc. You’ll have to plug these into a transformer and it’s easier to just buy inexpensive European versions. You may even be able to buy them from someone who is moving back stateside!
- Very large vehicles. You will have difficultly parking and driving as many of the streets in Italy are quite narrow. Mid-size SUVs are about the limit.
Gaeta Area Family Readiness Group 