American Bedu

I’ve been in the Kingdom for more than a year now. As I look back over the past year I asked myself were there things I would have done differently in preparing for the Big Move with what I know now? The answer is yes. To begin with, I probably would have brought MORE of my household effects to the Kingdom rather than LESS. It is true that everything one can want and need to set up a house is readily available here. But at the same time, if you have favorite pieces of furniture; matching lamps, accessories that go nice with your décor and are to your taste, think twice before you toss them or sell them. When it comes down to it, they really do not make that much difference in space and cost as compared to buying new replacements in the Kingdom.

For example with myself, not knowing if my future home would be ultimately 110 or 220v, I sold all of my lamps. In hindsight I shake my head in wonder why did I do that? All the lamps matched with my décor and personality and when all is said and done, these are items which can easily be converted depending on the voltage in the residence. I have found that while there are a large selection of lamps here, they can be expensive…at least the ones to my taste and matching with my décor!

We sold all of our outdoor furniture thinking this was universal and could be easily replaced. Yes; it can be replaced but now I have found that not only is the selection more limited compared to the States but it is also more expensive here by about 10 per cent. We decided to sell a lot of our furniture in the States wanting to minimize on the size of container. We found that we still had plenty of space in the container after the effects we chose to pack and the two cars were packed. We could have taken more of our furniture after all. And I have also learned that it is likely the furniture we had sold in the States we could probably have sold for a better price here in the Kingdom due to the demand for ‘western’ décor and designs (if it were not going to be used in our house). Saudi homes are much larger and more spacious than western style homes so one can put more furnishings in a home here. This is something else to take into account when getting ready for a Big Move here. Although in the case of expats who come to the Kingdom due to a job offer, many times their package will include furnished housing.

I would have also chosen to have stocked up on ziplock bags (especially the gallon size) as these can be hard to find here and more expensive. I would have brought more Science Diet cat food for my cats as that is not available here. I would have stocked up on good durable garbage bags. Most of the selection here are Chinese made and of poorer quality and durability. Good “chinette” paper plates are hard to find here and when found, cost about 20 per cent more than in the States. The same goes for durable and absorbent paper towels. They are here but at an increase of near 20 per cent.

And although weighty, if one enjoys reading English language books, it is worth going to a used book store and stocking up. Buy up as many boxes you are willing to move as the selections here are limited and costly. I further suggest bringing a good selection of favorite dvd movies or video tapes. Movie theatres are not openly here in the Kingdom and after a time, even satellite tv has limitations. The same goes for music cds or tapes. Again both movie dvds and music cds are sold here and there is an active black market for these items too but it’s worth considering stocking up on your personal collection of favorites.

And headlined under very important do not forgot the important documents: shot records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, diplomas, any certificates pertaining to education and employment, insurance papers, papers you may need to refer to for tax purposes. It is your choice whether you bring originals or attested notarized copies but have these items on hand. It is also not a bad idea to have letters of reference, recommendation and employment verification from previous and current employers –and- have these documents notarized and attested. This will save much time and hassle if you either change jobs in the Kingdom or are perhaps a spouse wishing to work in the Kingdom. I’ve chosen in most cases to bring originals with me since the Kingdom has become my new home as well as retain copies of the same documents in a safe and secure location in the States. The Kingdom thrives on paperwork and documentation and one cannot work, enroll in school or other pertinent activities without appropriate documentation.

Now in regards to what is not really necessary to pack I would suggest décor and wall art. Unless something is very special and meaningful, wall art and decorative items are plentiful and affordable. And don’t try and fool anybody thinking maybe you can hide or camouflage prohibited items such as anything with alcohol content or anything alluding to pornography. You will not be doing yourself any favors and just creating problems before getting a chance to properly arrive and settle in.

In closing this post I’d like to suggest that before coming to the Kingdom, do your homework. Do not refer exclusively on one source of information for preparing for the Big Move. Talk to a number of individuals. Engage in dialogue with individuals who are already in the Kingdom and if possible, in your area and line of work.

People also often ask me if it is okay to bring irreplaceable items with them such as family photos and mementos. My advise is if it is important to you and gives you comfort and pleasure to bring it. Or is it something that can be replicated? Last but not least don’t forget to make a detailed inventory (video taped if possible) of what you have left behind as well as what you take with you.

Filed under: America, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture