:o) @ Claycat
Dictionary-wise I just remembered, this is a small one and highly effective, it's called "Point it" and it's full of pictures!
http://www.amazon.com/Point-Travellers-Language-Original-Dictionary/dp/3980880273/
Overall Rating: 4 votes
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Posted 1 year ago #
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AJ, what a great idea! That will help me with those items that I don't know how I could take but I really want to take. Thanks!
Trillie and fileboxx, because I grew up in Japan as a kid, I'm aware of the clothes issue. I'm very curvy (large bust and large hips, narrow shoulders and waist) and have extra wide feet, and my husband is very tall (with long limbs) and has extra narrow feet. So the only thing we're definitely buying before we go to Japan is new clothes and shoes! There's lots of walking in Tokyo, so we'll be buying good quality shoes that really fit our feet. We're planning to purge our current wardrobes of all clothes that don't fit, have problems that aren't easily fixed, are stained, or we just don't really like. And we'll be shopping with Tokyo seasons in mind (mild winters, hot and humid/wet summers). I have a light jacket I'll probably take with me, but otherwise we'll shop for coats once we get there. Everything here (Chicago) is too heavy since they're used to below freezing temperatures. Tokyo winters usually hover between 30 and 40 degrees F.
Also, fileboxx, we have a small external hard drive that we have our computers backed up on. We'll be taking our laptops (we each have one), but we haven't decided what to do about my husband's desktop (he's a gamer, so he uses advanced PCs). He might just take parts and rebuild on that end.
As for banks, we're currently with Chase. My parents (who live in Japan already) use Chase, so I think that'll be fine. I'll ask them for advice about banks though, since I know sometimes Chase will randomly refuse a transaction because they forget my parents are overseas.
With technology, I have a pretty good idea of what we should and shouldn't bring because of my experience living there. I'm already fluent in Japanese, so I won't need a translator (my husband doesn't speak Japanese, but he knows a few words, like "bathroom" and "train station"). But I'll suggest that dictionary you mentioned to my husband, and see if he might like it. Thanks! :) At the very least it could teach him more words if I write what it is in Japanese on the pages.
Like I mentioned, my husband is a gamer (and a movie buff), so he has a large collection of games (and movies). We have hundreds of them, but they're confined to CD/DVD binders that hold 200 discs each. That saves a lot of space, so we'll be able to take them all without worrying about using up a whole suitcase on just discs. Because we have such a large collection that gets used regularly, we'll be taking consoles that can play them, even if they're in an American region code. He wouldn't be able to understand games in Japanese at this point anyway, so no sense buying Japanese games yet. We'll try to consolidate the electronics though (example: PS3 plays all Playstation games 1-3, DVDs, and Bluerays, so no need for PS1/PS2 consoles, DVD player, or Blueray player).
I'll probably take some spices that are hard to get in Japan, and other things like that. My husband will probably take things like that too. But about an hour away from where we will live there is a Costco that sells American products, so we won't need to take chocolate, peanut butter, cereal, etc. Also, my husband may need some non-food comfort items from the states, but since I consider Japan my home already (I've only lived in the states a total of 8–9 years), I have Japanese comfort things here! I doubt I'll take many American-specific items with me for sentimental reasons. Just pictures (on the computer) and stuff.
The reason we're moving is because my husband got a job at an international school (the one I attended as a child). They are a very friendly community, so I know my husband will be able to get lots of support from them (and me) when we move. Plus they're used to new teachers and staff who love Japan but have never lived there, so need help. I think this transition will be much harder for him than for me. Your advice about "it'll be hard but worth it" is something he'll need to remember. That's what I needed to remember when I moved here to the states for college.
I think this whole consolidation/purging/packing process will be completely doable. It's going to be tough, but I think in the end we'll be able to pull it off.
And to be honest, I'm looking forward to living with much less stuff. I've been feeling the itch to purge lately anyway, but since my husband is a bit of a pack rat I had trouble making any headway. Well, I'll make lots of headway this time for sure! ;)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Before a trip, I set out my suitcase and toss things in as I come across them. It keeps the mind clear and helps me to see how much or little space I really have.
Posted 1 year ago # -
That's actually a good idea.
Already my husband said we could pack this or that if we wrapped clothes around it, but when measured, it wouldn't fit in any of our suitcases!
Posted 1 year ago # -
We went to Europe for 11 months in 2003 - 2004. I knew I could get all the things like toiletries over there so I didn't pack more than about a month's worth (or whatever I had left in the bathroom at the time). However, it would have been nice to know in advance which brand to buy! At least, when some friends visited us in the UK, I was able to tell them so they didn't have to go through trial and error like I did. :-)
If there is any chance of returning to the USA, I would say put certain things in storage like goods and furniture that are hard to replace (signed by the author books, 4-poster bed, chaise lounge from your Godmother) but part with those items that are easy to replace (futon couch, dining table & chairs).
How easy is it to get computer equipment with English setup over in Japan? If it's easy, I'd consider selling the laptops and buying new over there. If necessary, take the programs you use regularly that aren't standard, readily available ones. I say this because you don't want your screen refresh-rate being out due to the Hz difference and potentially giving you eye-strain and a headache.
I'd also encourage hubby to give up the games until he understands enough Japanese to buy Japanese ones. Just living in another culture, particularly one with another language, will be a big adventure without going into an unreal world for one. :-) If he gets too overwhelmed with not having many people to talk to in English, it may encourage him to keep up good contacts with those at home.
The things I missed while OS were my steel-cap boots (good soles would have been good for lots of walking on cobbles in the "Old Town" areas), certain books and CDs I have back here, my pillow. Things I still miss from there are certain German and Italian chocolates, Pink Wafers from the UK, Scotland. :-)
Posted 1 year ago # -
None of our furniture is special. It's either all hand-me-down or purchased for $50 or less. Our bed is the most expensive thing we own, and it was only $500. None of it's worth saving.
A big reason for that is I've put my tastes aside for frugality's sake, hoping that this move would happen someday. Neither of us have put our roots down in much because we were hoping to leave the country. :)
Depending on the stuff we have trouble getting rid of, we might have to seek storage. I don't think there will be enough to warrant that, though. It just seems a waste to pay to have stuff we're not using put somewhere. Might as well get rid of it (but easier said than done!).
I'll look into the laptop idea. I need a new laptop anyway, and I was trying to decide whether to buy here or there. I don't think it'll make too much difference in use though, because I'm using a Japanese laptop here in the states just fine.
And though I understand your reasoning behind giving up the games, it's not going to happen. It's more than just a way to kill time for him, so I'd never win that battle. If I think of it as me being forced to give up all of my hobbies, I'd only ever allow it over my dead body. So I won't do that to him—I'd kind of like a living husband, rather than a dead one. ;)
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'm a gamer myself, Mrs. Mack, and you are right to not ask him to give it up. If it doesn't interfere with his life, like it does with mine, I don't see a problem. I'm afraid mine is ADD related, and it has become a problem for me. However, I seem to be getting bored with it lately, because eBay has become more exciting for me. :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Good news! When I was asking my mother (who is currently living in Japan) for advice on things to take or not take from the kitchen and linen closet, she told me she already has enough for several families so she'd have plenty to give to us. A few less things I need to worry about packing!
For example, one thing I was wondering about is measuring cups and spoons. A Japanese cup is a smaller measurement than an American cup, so if I used an American recipe I'd have to convert it each time to Japanese measurements—annoying! But my mother says she has more sets than she needs, so I can have American measuring cups without having to worry about packing them. Same for towels and the like, too. :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
That must be a relief, Mrs.Mack. It will help you a lot.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Mrs.Mack, we need an update on your progress!
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'm glad you're interested!
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do much. It won't be until May that things really start moving, I think. We'll see. But I've made lists about things we're planning on selling, or keeping, or (possibly) storing. I'm also in the middle of filling out paperwork to get my passport updated, since it's still in my maiden name.
I've gotten advice from those who live in Japan that the three things we really need to bring are: Clothes/shoes that fit well, deodorant, and medicine (ibuprofen, Benadryl, etc.). Their clothes won't fit us, and the aforementioned products are not strong enough/hard to find/treat different kinds of symptoms than we need.
I promise I'll post here when more interesting things start happening. :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Oh yes please :o)
Mrs. Mack, I saw your comment on Erin's recent resolutions post that linked to the decluttering game http://unclutterer.com/2008/03/07/reader-suggested-clutter-busting-game-im-moving-overseas/ -- have you seen the comments in that original post? There were some great tips/experiences there too, if my memory serves me right :o)
Posted 1 year ago # -
No, I didn't read the comments. I'll read them right now, thanks! :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
I hadn't read that one from the archives, trillie. Thanks for posting the link. It was a great article, and I enjoyed the comments.
Posted 1 year ago # -
@ Claycat, for the record, this is the post I mentioned -- Erin's recent post on Unclutterer.com on her 2010 resolutions where she links to the "moving overseas game": http://unclutterer.com/2010/03/15/embark-on-new-adventures-erins-second-set-of-2010-resolutions/ -- maybe Mrs.Mack is lucky and there will be some follow-up comments there, too. So I'm pasting this link just in case :o)
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'm so jealous Mrs. Mack - I'd love to be heading back to Japan again! (I lived there for a year in 2001-2).
I've moved internationally at total of 7 times now (with numbers 8 and 9 coming up within the next 5 or 6 years - that's the way my life goes! Can't beat my wanderlust).
One suggestion I would make, particularly when it comes to things like books and CDs is 'pack (at least) twice'. What I mean is this: go through all your books, decide which ones are being taken, and then donate/give away/sell the ones that are being left behind. Then a couple of weeks later, do it again. You'll be surprised the amount of books you'll cull in the second attempt.
My rule for books was always - will it be hard to find again, and will I read it again. If it didn't fit these two categories, it almost always went. (With the exception of anything that had particular significance - given to me by someone special etc).
Good luck with it all! We didn't declutter all that well for this move, because my work were paying for shipment and movers etc, and I really regret it. It's going to make the next move (which they won't be paying for) that much harder.
Posted 1 year ago # -
That is a good point. I recently culled my books (before this whole possibility to move to Japan) and thought I got it down to the minimum. But as soon as I heard we were moving, immediately I thought of several more books I could let go of. I'm sure this summer there will be even more.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I found out where we will be living exactly, and was given a basic idea of what the place is like! No floor plan, but a good enough description. (More details to come later, they said.)
It'll be a 1-bedroom apartment on the second floor. A small but decently sized bedroom (room to walk around a double/queen bed), and a living room/kitchen that is about 10x15 feet (the measurement was eyeballed) with a counter and a hanging set of cupboards separating the kitchen from the small living room.
There will be a Japanese style bath (fully tiled room with shower on one side, and deep bath on the other). And thankfully a Western-style toilet and laundry machines! Most Japanese have a tiny washer and hang their clothes to dry, but we'll have a stacking washer and dryer in a closet. Also, they said the fridge is an American size, which is great (Japanese fridges are about 2/3 the size of Americans ones, based on my memory).
It's fully furnished, so furniture (couch, bed, etc.), appliances (stove, microwave, etc.), dishes, cookware, and more will be there. It's looking more and more like we'll really only need to bring clothes to wear, and just a few things we can't bare to part with. The less we have to pack or ship, the better! :)
This is a small place by American standards, but by Japanese standards, quite spacious. We already live in a fairly small space (I think it's about 700 sq ft or less) so downsizing won't be too much trouble, especially since we're not taking much with us.
Posted 1 year ago # -
It sounds good Mrs.Mack! Thanks for catching us up! I can feel your excitement. It's funny; I pick up on your excitement, and it makes me excited, too, and I'm not even going anywhere. LOL
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hee hee! It's fun to have people excited with me! :D
I do have a question that I need some advice on though... Most of my cooking pans/pots/etc. are in pretty poor condition. They were cheap-o pieces we got when we first got married, and recently we had been talking about needing to replace them. They're stained, scratched, and some of them are a bit warped.
Obviously we won't take them to Japan and we have no interest in storing them. But as poor of condition as they're in, should they even be sold? Should I just toss them (is there a way to recycle them)? That seems a bit wasteful, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to inherit these unless they can't afford $30 for a new cheap-o set from Walmart. Especially since these are non-stick, but stuff is starting to stick to them now.
What should I do with them? I thought about donating them to a homeless or women's shelter or something, but since scratched non-stick isn't healthy... :/
Posted 1 year ago #
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