My husband and I will be moving to

05/15/2015 - 18:17

My husband and I will be moving to Italy March/April 2016. We are looking to rent 4 months in the north, central, and south to determine (#1) If we want to live there past our 1 year plan (can we live without the grandchildren?) and (#2)  If we are staying, what area do we want to look for permanent residence. We thought this was a good way to check out the different regions while living generally close by each area. We've been twice in the past 4 years all around but mostly in the major cities.My big concern is what to bring? Obviously moving around we can't take permanent things we might want. We will also be renting furnished apartments but still, do we bring any kitchen items (choppers, appliances, etc.)? Also, how much clothing? I know storage is tight so I can't my head around what to take and leave.Lastly (#3) Is there anything that if we were to stay in Italy we would want to store here in the US and have shipped later (Kitchenaid mixer, dishes, etc.)?Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. www.ouritalianjourney.blogspot.com

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A slightly bigger problem by being in 3 different areas as you would need to transport around everything you bring or buy here. That leads on to transport and how you intend to get around? A lot depends on how much luxury you need…  If you intend to have 4 months in the order you state i.e. south last, then that’s a good idea, but even then I think you may find the weather can be cold in the South at times. Kitchen appliances here I would guess are expensive compared to the USA as will be bedding. I would suggest you look at some of the shop websites here to get an idea of the costs and type of things you get (e.g. bedding is quite often all flowers and not to everyone’s liking). This "yellow pages" site is a good place to look up the shops and their websites, obviously you need to know the Italian to do so… This is a well-known supermarket  site, they sell almost everything.

We are not definite on where we will start as you are correct, weather is going to play a good part of our decision. We just figure that it would cost less in transportation to live in the three areas - explore all we can while in that area vs. living centrally and traveling from one spot. It would be a lot of hotel costs added with that concept.I was just wondering for those people who have made the move if there was anything they wish they had brought with them after experiencing without.I'll check out the sites you provided. Thank you!!!

Well ........................................Remember that US electrical appliances run on 110V at 60Hz, and European Voltage is 230V at 50Hz - so electrical appliances don't readily 'transfer' to Europe from the USAlso - remember to get European chargers for phones etc as soon as you arrive [if not on-line before] - so you don't find yourself isolated due to flat batteries. 

True, true. I just didn't know if my stick mixer (which I can't seem to live without) is worth bringing but I guess its small enough that it would be worth it. My large KitchenAid mixer, though I can't live without that either - I guess if we stay would have to purchase one there.We actually purchased a power strip (note to self- purchase another before we go) that has a USB port in it too. Great trip for anyone traveling.Thank you!!!!

Hi llene Blessing, I would recommend that you only bring things that you cannot possibly live without, clothes for hot and cold weather and nothing else except phone, laptop etc.This will mean that when you move, you can pack everything into hire car, bus or train. Good idea to live in three regions and explore them.You will find that most expat holiday lets are well-equipped. I presume locals are the same but with more options.  There are many types of cooking methods for inside and out and locals will be glad to help.  It is likely in Italy that you will downsize your electrical goods running all at the same time. Just something you have to get used to unless the landlord has upped his usage tarrif.  Everybody adjusts.If there is something missing  that you really need, then you can get it at reasonable prices with personal service in the villages and towns.All major Cities and airports have the usual IKEA, OBI, IPER etc which sell absolutely everything cheaply including proper Italian electric strips. Don't bring anything with US voltage  or convertors. You don't need them Also villages and towns have weekly markets.You will really regret it if you bring stuff you can get here. Wherever you land, forum members will be able to help you. I would suggest splashing out on an electric blanket when you get here. Happy house hunting 

Hi llene. I mean that the houses will have Italian plug points and Italian electrical goods that fit them. They have a variety of different fittings. So if you take one kind then it might mean that you will need to buy another kind when you arrive. Really, I used to bring stuff like that before I realised this. Also I used to buy 'airport' size bottles of shampoo etc, before checking out the supermarkets and Lidls stores which sell everything cheaply.Also I am British and our electrical goods are somehow a stronger voltage which is not suitable in some items. I had to learn to get into a slower pace, tranquillo, tranquillo. Travel as light as you can. Enjoy