Of course I go overboard with the whole concept, as i am entirely too attached to “stuff” and its personal connotations.
 
I am attached to stuff, too. Not so much because I can’t live without “these dessert dishes,” for example, but because I remember shopping for them with someone who is important to me, or I remember using them at a certain dinner party with neighbors or friends.
 
Kim B.’s last blog post..A Funny Turn of Events

When we relocated away from Italy it was painful to leave behind our stereo, TV, air conditioner, microwave and all the things we’d acquired! We did bring back a few things and buy transformers so they work in the US, and my husband reconfigured some of our favorite lamps so we still have them.

I would also add for anyone moving specifically from the US to Italy – there is no better place to buy cheap clothing than the US, so stock up on white t-shirts etc from Old Navy or Target! This goes double for kids clothing – is there anywhere in Italy to get cute, cheap kids clothing?

Also re shoes: this may just be me, but I bring only 1 pair of (walking) shoes with me every time I go to Italy because regardless of how good I tell myself I’m going to be, I come home with 10 pairs of fabulous, cute, shoes that I found at various saldi and markets!
 
Ha, that is funny. I did that with the shoes when I visited here, but now that I live here, I prefer to buy them in the US. At least compared to here in Calabria, I think there is a better price/value match in the US than here. And I strongly ditto you on the cheap clothes thing.
 
Madeline’s last blog post..In Search of Piazza Duomo

I brought a used VW Golf to Germany with me, like there are not enough of them already there. Plus I had to have all the lights changed on it to comply with German law.

I brought too many small appliances, which all burned out, one by one, since the rpms of the motors still are not optimized even with an electrical converter. You name it, eventually some part of it started to burn. Usually in the middle of making curtains or baking bread.

We did it on a company move, and I was not forced to make tough choices. Knowing what I know now? I would have just taken my clothes with me and a few sentimental items such as pictures and books. I did have a huge garage sale before i left, but I should have just had an auction and taken the proceeds to IKEA in Germany to rebuy the furniture.

The smartest thing I brought along was my husband, since he spoke German. Plus he had a job.
 
Ha! Good one. Definitely a wise choice to bring the marito! I brought my flat iron with me … burned it up first time I used it!
 
diana strinati baur’s last blog post..Recuperando!

That would be part of the fun for me.

I would take only the clothes I needed. Maybe a few cooking utensils, my dutch oven, a few pictures, my laptop, the dog and Chris.

I know Chris and I would have heated discussions about his extensive CD and DVD collection and we won’t even get into the DRUMSET!!!

I may store a few favorite pieces at my Mom’s…just in case:)
 
Well, at least Chris’ DVDs won’t really work over here, so you should win that fight!
 
My Melange’s last blog post..Travel Tip Tuesday – Travel Planning with Goggle Maps

In the end I had 4 suitcases I took on the plane. My things (books, clothes, dishes, pots/pans etc) in a crate were shipped over and arrived around 6 weeks later. The move went smoothly because I started downsizing two months before the movers arrived.

Moving is a pain but it did force me to get rid of things I didn’t use or need.
 
I know you shipped a lot of your stuff. I was so relieved when it all arrived for you!!
 
nyc/carribbean ragazza’s last blog post..Okibà Mozzarella Bar Comes to Campo de Fiori.

But in other places I’ve lived (like Mexico) I didn’t bring anything but some clothes. I figure, what’s the point of going somewhere new if you’re hauling around all the stuff from before?

Welcome back!!
 
Lucky you with the Navy footin’ the bill. That helps!
 
South of Rome’s last blog post..St. Patrick’s Day Winner