Packing has never been my thing. My ADHD executive dysfunction doesn’t allow me to separate logic from emotion.. so when I started filling boxes for Kenya, the things I wanted to keep had no connection other than panic or sentimentality.
We decided to rent the house out (I’ll do a whole blog on that rollercoaster), which meant sorting through ten years of possessions, furniture, and the dreaded loft saga.. those boxes of “memories and junk” that suddenly feel like family heirlooms when you’re meant to be decisive.
Dan was away for most of the packing process, and yet somehow still had the audacity to ask, when he got back, “What have you actually sorted through?” To which I gestured proudly at my mounds of “maybes.” Not helpful, apparently.
The rules were simple: keep, donate, sell, store.
We stored about 20%, sold 40%, took 10%, and threw out and donated about 30%. Although the bin-checking wars were real.. Dan kept trying to throw out things I wasn’t emotionally ready to let go of claiming it to be an accidental misjudgment. I withdrew an ice-cream ornament that I brought for peach three times from the bin, THREE TIMES. Swine. ( actually now to think of it, where did that go.. )
Anyway, after all that emotional carnage, here’s what actually made it into the suitcases.. what I’m glad I packed, what I shouldn’t have, and what I’m already wishing I’d brought more of.
What I’m Glad I Packed
Candles
Kenya does a lot of things beautifully. Sunsets, kindness, mangoes the size of your head… but TK Max-style candles? ( If you know you know ) Not so much. Candles make a space feel like home.. fact! When everything around you smells unfamiliar, lighting something that reminds you of home feels like a small act of grounding and lord knows I’ve needed it. It was totally worth going over on weight and paying £500 at the airport for the privilege of bringing my £12 candles along for the trip.
My Journaling Things
My journals, books and pens were non-negotiable. They’ve already earned their space in their very own suitcase. Writing has been my lifeline through the chaos of life.. it’s how I process, plan, and occasionally pretend I’m calm.
First Aid and Medication
I went slightly overboard here, packing enough medication to open a small pharmacy. The amount of confrontations I had at the tills. “ You can only have two of these I’m afraid”. Ok, well Sue.. I don’t plan on overdosing on cold sore cream anytime soon.. so how abouts you let me go on my way with my 9 tubes”. Jobsworth. But honestly, with how far away things are and how unfamiliar some brands can be, I’ve found huge peace of mind in having the basics (and the British brands I know).
Homely Decor (a.k.a. The Things Dan Thought Were “Unnecessary”)
The wall hangings, photos, and sentimental ornaments I fought to bring have been lifesavers. They’ve given the house a bit of us.. little reminders of people and places we love. Even Dan admits they’ve made a difference (he’ll deny it publicly, of course).
Coasters
Yes, coasters. Random, but they make it feel like civilisation. Enough said.
The Girls’ Bedding
This was a win. I bought the girls new bedding before we left, washed and ironed by my lovely mother-in-law, ready to go straight on their beds here. Finding fun, child-friendly bedding has been nearly impossible in Kenya, so I’m patting myself on the back for that one.
What I Definitely Didn’t Need
Leads, Wires, and Chargers
I panicked and brought every single lead we owned.. for devices we haven’t even had since 2016. They now occupy an entire drawer and bring me mild rage every time I open it. Why is it so hard to throw out a mystery cable? We always think, “What if I need it?” Spoiler: we never do.
Too Many Clothes
I’m not sure who I thought I’d be here.. maybe someone with a thriving social calendar and a changing wardrobe to match? Reality: three weeks in, I’m rotating the same four outfits. Comfort and practicality have won. My overpacked suitcase of “options” mocks me daily.
A Year’s Supply of Stationery
Apparently, I thought I was opening a small stationery shop here. I have enough notebooks, Sharpies, and sticky tabs to last a lifetime. Realistically, I use one pen… occasionally. But when I was packing, it felt deeply important that I bring every pastel highlighter ever made.
Fancy Shoes
I don’t know what alternate version of me thought she’d be wearing heeled boots and wedges in 30-degree heat on dusty roads, but she was clearly living in denial. I now live in slides and trainers. The fancy footwear is just there, silently judging me. I do really hope they get their moment at some point though.. Here’s to hoping!
What I Wish I’d Brought More Of
Skincare
My skin is in full confusion mode. The heat and humidity are a shock, and I can’t find my usual skincare brands here without paying triple. I wish I’d packed more hydrating serums, my favourite face SPF 50, and generally… anything that helps my skin not feel like a raisin.
Coats
None of us brought one. Because, you know, Kenya = hot. Except… it rains here. A lot. And when it rains, it pours. The kind of rain that soaks you before you can say “oops.” So yes, we now need coats.
Sunscreen
We’re getting through it faster than expected, and local options aren’t great. I wish I’d brought enough to last us the year.
Photographs
I have so many on my phone, hard-drives and I brought a few I already had at home but, I’d love to have more in frames so I can feel physically close to those few I’m missing so deeply. Again print shops, not sure. I’ll have to do some investigating.
Towels & Linen
Random but the towels here are utterly shit and I just wish we had more big fluffy ones. I will be absolutely bringing some of these back with me upon my return later next year… along with tea towels as a piece of cardboard would be more effective and the linen just isn’t meeting my needs.
Making a Home Here
We’re still finding our feet. Things here are more spread out than we’re used to, and as an expat, prices mysteriously increase the moment you open your mouth. It’s a learning curve.. finding things that aren’t wildly overpriced or impossible to get hold of. But slowly, our house is starting to feel like us.
It’s not just about what we packed; it’s about what we’re creating. The candles are burning, the girls’ beds are made, and even the useless leads have found their drawer. (Probably forever.)
Be honest now.. what’s the one ridiculous thing you’d insist on packing if you moved abroad?
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