Everyone wonders the same thing: What should I bring? What could I bring? What I should NOT bring? The answer is - it depends. Very arbitrary yes? I agree with you. It is because people’s needs, wants and capacities are different, so what you consider indispensable might not be to another.
▸ What’s the weather like over there?
▸ Can I get these items in Vancouver for a slightly higher price but better quality?
▸ What are my MUST-BRING items?
Put these 3 questions to a funnel and I narrowed it down to 2 suitcases and 1 backpack.
*Keep in mind this is packing for a 1-year exchange, flying from Asia to North America, and a 40kg limit on luggage*
▸ Important documents
Identification documents (passport, VISA, study permit)
Healthcare or insurance paper
Prescriptions/medications
▸ To wear and coordinate
Clothes (only the everyday wear) and Lots of socks (coz I'm a sock fanatic)
Shoes (Sneakers for outdoor, Slippers for indoor) Backpacks and small purses Hats and accessories (LOTS OF ACCESSORIES)
* UMBRELLA ! ! ! ! ! (it's called RAINCOUVER for a reason)
▸ Electronics
Laptop and tablets
My camera gear (cameras and tripods) Chargers & cables (+ converter)
Calculator
▸ For living
Cutlery (1 spoon, 1 pair of chopsticks, 2 mini bowls)
Towels (1 face towel, 1 bath towel)
Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash)
Skin care + pads
Makeup bag
▸ Food from home
Ricepaper (from Vietnam)
Omiyage (gifts) from Taiwan (for my new roomies)
Dried seeds (to survive for the first couple of days)
▸ Decorations
Postcards from friends
Paintings I did over the years
Painting supplies (Sharpies, Water color and markers)
Miscellaneous items (dreamcatcher, stickers, notepads, planner, notebooks)
My stuff bunny (a MUST)
I didn't bring everything I need, but I did not lack many things. My priorities were on my miscellaneous items, as the rest can be bought in Canada. I knew my style was going to change when I go to the West, so I left many space for new changes. The items that took up the most space were my hoodies, shoes, winter coat, camera gear and laptop. The rest fit in nicely.
From past experiences, I have curated them all into this 2-minute read. It depends on the person's priorities, and the above were mine. Hopefully you'll find them useful.
Happy packing!