Regardless of where you’re moving, creating a packing checklist is one of the first things you’ll need to do.
A packing checklist ensures you won’t forget the important things you have to bring when you relocate, particularly items you might have difficulty finding when you arrive at your destination. The last thing you want to happen is to get stressed about finding a product or brand that may not be popular or hard to buy in your new home country.
When you get your Caribbean citizenship by investment and are preparing to move to your new home country, creating a packing checklist should be one of your priorities. Although it would probably be a long one, don’t forget to allocate time for putting together your personal-essentials checklist.
Personal Essentials List
Below is a list of personal essential items you need to pack when you move to any Caribbean country:
1. Important documents
When traveling to another country, your passport is one of the most critical items you have to pack in your carry-on.
If you bought a home in the Caribbean through a citizenship by investment program (CIP), which is offered by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis, and already have the issued passport, you can use it as your travel document.
However, since the CIP allows you to be a dual citizen, don’t forget to bring your current passport since you might need to use it in the future.
Ensure you also pack your other government-issued ID cards, medical or health cards, and driver’s license.
Before packing these documents, scan and save them in different places (online or cloud storage options, such as Dropbox, and your laptop) so you can access and print them as needed.
If you’re taking medication, ask your doctor to give you a medical certificate with all the names of your medicines on it. Additionally, ask for prescriptions so you can buy them when you run out of stock.
2. Sunscreen
Without a doubt, one of the main reasons you want to move to the Caribbean is to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. This means spending endless hours on the beach, on your lawn, or a favorite haunt you’ve discovered.
However, spending time outdoors means being exposed to the sun and the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Even when you stay under the shade, your skin could still get damaged.
Regular exposure to the sun can cause skin dryness and premature aging. It can also put you at higher risk for developing skin cancer.
It is because of these reasons that wearing sunscreen should be part of your skincare and makeup application routine.
As such, pack one or two bottles of your favorite sunscreen and apply it over your body before going out. Make sure it has at least SPF50 to give your skin sufficient protection.
Before your flight, find out if the sunscreen brand you use is available in your future home country. If not, check if you can have it delivered to you if you order it from an international shop.
3. Sun-protective accessories and toiletries
Aside from sunscreen, there are several accessories you can use to protect yourself from harmful UV rays whenever you go out. These include:
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Hats with brims
- Bandanas
- Folding or compact umbrella
Ensure all your cosmetic and skincare products contain SPF for additional protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
These include your foundation or face powder, creams, and lotions.
If you only use a particular brand of shampoo and other hair care products, don’t forget to pack them as well. The same goes for your toothpaste, dental floss, toothbrush, and other toiletries.
Also, bring your hairdryer, straightener or curler, and other electronics you need for fixing your hair.
Lastly, put your medications and vitamins in your toiletry bag.
4. Summer and beach clothes
One of the best things about moving to the Caribbean is that you don’t have to pack a lot of winter clothes. Because of this, you’ll have lighter luggage to lug around.
Pack mostly summer or beach clothes since they’ll be what you wear mostly when you move to the Caribbean. Don’t forget your swimsuits as well.
Since the weather is likely hot in this part of the world, wear breathable, light clothes most of the time. Garments made of these materials help minimize your sweating and prevent moisture from clinging to your skin, thus making you feel cooler.
If you’re physically active, pack your sweat-wicking sportswear so you’ll stay dry even when you perspire a lot whenever you work out.
Bring a few light sweaters or jackets since it can sometimes get cold on the Caribbean islands.
Keep these in mind when choosing which tops, bottoms, dresses, and other clothes you want to pack.
5. Shoes
Like clothes, you’ll have fewer shoes to pack when you move to the Caribbean.
Try to limit your options to the following:
- Flip flops
- Sandals
- Espadrilles
- Open-toed shoes
- Ballet flats
- Sneakers
- Trainers
If you have an extensive collection of these types of shoes, narrow down your options to the lighter ones so that you’ll feel comfortable wearing them even when the weather is hot.
Do the same if you’re shopping for new shoes to bring to the Caribbean.
6. Bags
Since you’ll be going out a lot when you relocate to the Caribbean, you need to bring several bags.
Your backpack, hobo, shoulder, and tote bag allow you to carry plenty of your personal belongings when you go out.
Smaller bags, such as satchels, slings, fanny, and belt bags, are perfect for your walks, hikes, and trips to the supermarket, convenience store, or farmer’s market.
7. Electronic devices
Lastly, electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, can be pretty expensive, regardless of where you buy them.
If your current ones are still working and you’ve used them in other countries during your previous travels, you would do well to bring them when you move.
If you want to bring your wide-screen TV and other breakable household appliances, kitchen and dining ware, fragile and expensive decorations or artwork, find out if it is cheaper to have them shipped or to include them in your airport luggage.
Most often, shipping these items would be a better option. As long as you choose a reputable service provider, you can be sure your valuable, fragile possessions will stay secure and whole throughout their journey.
Enjoy Your Move to the Caribbean
When you relocate as a new citizen to the Caribbean, you’ll own a home in any of the beautiful island countries there and have a second passport. You will also have access to several tax perks and other benefits given to locals.
Moreover, you can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle that allows you to experience your golden years in comfort or run your business in a less fast-paced, stressful way.
And when you’re ready to move to the Caribbean, don’t forget to add these personal essentials to your packing list.