5 Things Everyone Forgets When Moving to America (Don’t Make These Mistakes!)
It’s the night before your big move to America. Your suitcase is bursting at the seams, and you’ve triple-checked your list. Passport? Check. clothes for every season? Check. But what if I told you there’s a handful of essential things most newcomers forget—and they’re the very items that can make or break those unpredictable first weeks in the United States? Trust me, I’ve been there. As someone who’s navigated the excitement and chaos of moving to America, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the five things I desperately wish I’d stashed in my carry-on. Get ready to pack smarter, not just harder!
Don’t Let Healthcare Catch You Off Guard
Let’s start with what should be a no-brainer: your medications and medical records. But here’s the part hardly anyone warns you about—American healthcare is a complex maze and coming prepared is absolutely vital. Sure, you’ll remember your prescriptions, but what about vaccination records, health history, and translations for your health documents? That’s where things get tricky.
I learned the hard way that not every American doctor will honor prescriptions from abroad, and even something as simple as getting a refill can become a bureaucratic nightmare if you can’t prove your medical history. Without translated documents, you may end up repeating treatments or overpaying for consultations. Pack enough medication for at least three months, and ensure your important health records are not just with you—but translated into English. It might seem like overkill, but when that first unexpected doctor’s visit hits, you’ll thank yourself.
Stay Connected: Power Adapters and Voltage Converters
Arriving exhausted after a long flight, sometimes all you want to do is charge your phone and let your family know you arrived safely. But… surprise! Your chargers don’t fit. American outlets are different from those in Europe, Asia, or Africa, and converters or adapters can be surprisingly hard to find—or overpriced at the airport.
To save yourself the stress (and the cash), pack several quality adapters suitable for American outlets. Double-check if your devices can handle the US’s 110V power before plugging anything in, or you might fry your favorite electronics. This small detail makes an outsized difference, especially in those crucial first hours when comfort and communication matter most.
Bring the Right Paperwork—Even the Odd Stuff
If you think the American obsession with paperwork is just a stereotype, think again. Opening a bank account, getting a driver’s license, signing up for a phone—all these can throw you for a loop if you don’t have every last document on hand. Often, you’ll be asked for things you’d never expect, like proof of your last address in your home country, your international driving record, or even old utility bills.
My advice: scan and print every document you think might be relevant—birth certificates, diplomas, tax records, immunization cards, previous addresses, and more. Having both physical and digital backups will help you tackle any unpredictable requirement. It seems tedious, but it speeds up your integration and smooths out so many bumps in the journey.
A Taste of Home Goes a Long Way
It’s easy to underestimate how powerful a simple comfort item from home can be. For me, it was my favorite spice blend and some snacks I grew up with. For you, it could be a beloved coffee brand, special tea, or a sentimental keepsake. Moving countries is exhilarating, but it can also be lonely and overwhelming. Homesickness strikes when you least expect it, and something familiar—no matter how small—can lift your spirits instantly.
Plus, sharing your treats with new friends is a great icebreaker. American stores, even in diverse cities, don’t always have foods from your native country, and importing them can be expensive. Stocking up ahead of time helps bring a little warmth and familiarity to your first few weeks.
Passport Photos: The Most Annoying Thing to Forget
You’d think something as simple as passport photos would be easy to find, but not in the States. They’re pricier than expected, and unless you’re in a big city, getting decent ones with the right dimensions can take ages. Yet almost every important process after arrival—getting an ID, job applications, joining clubs—requires official-style photos. In my first month, I wasted hours just chasing down a bad photo booth.
Save yourself the hassle and bring at least 10 sets of recent official photos (both printed and digital). You might not use them all right away, but when the time comes, you’ll be glad you have them.
Wrap Up: There’s No Perfect Packing List, But You Can Get Close
Let’s run it back:
1. Medical records and plenty of medication (translations too)
2. Power adapters and voltage converters
3. Copies of all sorts of important personal documents
4. Comfort items from home
5. Extra passport photos, printed and digital
Every person’s journey is a bit different, and the unexpected is just part of the adventure. But listening to those who’ve made the leap can smooth your landing in America. What did you forget on your move? What’s the one item you can’t live without? Share your tips and stories in the comments below—your advice could be life-changing for someone else!
Moving to a new country is bold, brave, and a little bit scary. Whatever you pack, remember the best things you bring are resilience, flexibility, and an open mind. Here’s to new beginnings and making America feel like home. Pack smart, dream big, and see you on the journey!
