7 Best Suitcases for Moving Abroad (2024 Guide)

If you are looking for the best suitcase for moving abroad, it means big things are on the horizon for you! I’m beyond excited for you and cannot wait to help you find the perfect luggage for your next big adventure.

In this post, we’ll cover it all – if you are a light packer, a “take everything but the kitchen sink” type, or if you just want to throw your things in a backpack and go, I’ve got something in this list just for you!

Thinking about packing to move abroad can get overwhelming quickly. 

How do you know what to bring from where you’re living now versus what to buy when you get there? How are you going to make sure you keep all your documentation safe? What if you have to make stops at other destinations along the way?

I get it. I’ve moved abroad, and all these questions – along with how to overcome a few other challenges that come with a big move – ran through my mind too! But I can tell you from the get-go that if you pick a bag best suited to your needs, your mind will be at ease in no time.

So, let’s dive in and find the best suitcase for moving abroad just for you!

✅ I recommend this hard shall, large suitcase for moving abroad!

How Many Suitcases Do You Need to Move Abroad?

While I recognize not everyone will pack as lightly as me – I know this is possible because I did it! When I moved abroad, I brought one suitcase and one, normal-sized carry-on backpack. I promise I’m surviving just fine!

As you start to search, you’ll find every opinion under the sun and quickly realize how many bags to pack to move abroad is truly a personal preference. The main issues to keep in mind are weight limits when packing, limits on number of checked bags between destinations, and, if there are bags you won’t be checking, your ability to carry them easily.

If you are one of those, “I’m looking for a more straightforward answer, please!” types, I get that, so here ya go: generally speaking, you’ll want at least two suitcases for an international move – one to carry on and one to use as your checked bag, very similar to how I packed for my trip. 

So, as you pack these bags – which are the best ones to use? Read on, my friend!

Best Hard Shell Suitcase for Moving Abroad

1. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels

These hardshell suitcases are some of the best luggage for moving abroad. First, it comes in so many cute colors! Sure, that’s stylish, but if you pick something unique enough, it’s also really easy to spot on a baggage belt. Hello, not standing in the airport for hours watching suitcases go round and round.

More importantly, it’s durable. With the hardshell sides, it can withstand being thrown around quite a bit more than your traditional suitcase without nearly as much wear and tear.

Once inside the suitcase, there is an excellent clothing strap system to keep all items in place as you are flying, driving, or anything in between on your way to your destination. It also has a net on the other side and expandability zippers on all compartments.

Lastly, as someone traveling abroad for a move, you will probably have some valuables or sentimental items along for your ride. This suitcase has a combination lock, making it more difficult to open than a traditional suitcase. This is great news for anyone wanting to keep their belongings extra-safe on a longer journey.

✅ Check prices here!

2. DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels

At a slightly less expensive price point, the Delsey also has some great features. It has multiple pockets and a 10-year warranty, so you never have to worry about it getting lost or damaged. 

Like the Samsonite, the fact that it is a hard shell suitcase makes it durable and reliable when traveling long distances. It also has durable, 360-degree spinning wheels making it easy to maneuver through any airport or train station.

It has incredible capacity for the bag size, and the compartments allow you to separate dirty clothes from clean ones. This would be extra-convenient if your trip overseas is long or has layovers. Staying organized through that process will take some of the stress of the move off your mind.

✅ Check prices here!

Best Soft Shell Suitcase for Moving Abroad

3. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels

If you prefer something a little on the softer side, or need the outside storage and pockets on your suitcase, these softshell suitcases are also an excellent match for a move abroad.

It has a water and stain-resistant coating, so even though it isn’t touting a hard shell, it will still keep all of your important items protected. It’s lightweight and has an expandable section, giving you two more inches of packing room – a must-have for a move abroad!

Their smaller size has been tested to fit in the overhead compartments, so you know it’ll be a breeze to store as you enter the plane on most airlines. It also has wheels that rotate 360 degrees and a rubberized contoured grip at the top of the handle for easy maneuvering, which you’ll want on a longer journey.

Lastly – if you do run into any issues with this bag while traveling, their customer service is terrific. So that gives great peace of mind when you have so many other things to worry about during a large move!

✅ Check prices here!

4. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage

Another worthy option as the best suitcase for moving abroad is this one by SwissGear. With easily accessible front pockets, a built in ID tag, and more color options than most soft shell suitcases you are sure to find the perfect fit for you.

The wheels are easy to maneuver, and it has handles in multiple places making it really easy to grab and go. It’s lightweight and expandable, making it wonderful to use for a longer move abroad. 

It holds a lot and stays lightweight even when stuffed to the brim – what’s not to love about that?

✅ Check prices here!

Best Hand Luggage for Moving Abroad 

As we continue our list for the best luggage for moving overseas, we can’t forget about hand luggage! In some parts of the world, this is referred to as carry-on luggage and accompanies you onto the plane rather than being checked.

5. Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels

This suitcase has many of the same great features as its larger Samsonite counterpart that we chatted about up in the hard shell suitcase section! While smaller, it also has a hard shell making it super durable.

The convenient thing about this bag is that it is cleared to fit in the overhead compartments of various airlines, so you don’t have to spend time measuring or worrying about where it will go when you get onto the plane, off to your new home.

Because you can keep it with you without issue, it is definitely in the running for the best suitcase for moving abroad, as it can be a companion to a checked bag, yet it still fits a ton. 

✅ Check prices here!

6. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage

This suitcase is so affordable, which I love! You’ll have plenty of expenses while settling into your new life, so why put stress on your wallet at the start of your trip if you don’t have to?

Just because it’s a lower price point doesn’t mean SwissGear skimped on quality. This bag makes packing super easy by coming with a removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket for holding small items and accessories.

Even though it’s soft shell, it’s also durable and scuff-resistant with a fully lined interior, so all of your items will stay in place as you travel.

✅ Check prices here!

Best Luggage Set for Moving Abroad

7. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage, 3-piece set

If the idea of packing in one suitcase or hand luggage makes your eye twitch just a bit, fear not! I’m also including a set of suitcases that would fit the bill perfectly for moving abroad if you need to bring all. the. things. 

This set would allow you to bring one piece of hand luggage (carry-on) with you and check the other two bags with your larger items or items you wouldn’t need immediately when landing in your new home.

With plenty of storage and organization, top and bottom handles, 360-degree spinning wheels, and quality zippers, this makes for a great set that will last you not only through the move but through years of traveling beyond that too. 

✅ Check prices here!

Bonus: Best Backpacks for Moving Abroad

8. Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack, One Size

If you are looking for a piece of luggage that keeps your items closer to your person, look no further. This backpack by Osprey has such a unique design that makes it really travel-friendly.

It has a U-zip to access the main compartment with lockable zippers and laptop compartments. On top of its great exterior organization, it also has internal zippered organization and a key clip to keep everything in its place. 

It has 46L total volume, so there is more than enough room for all your essentials to stay right with you or fit under your seat as you move abroad.

This backpack has so many great features it was hard to choose just a few to highlight! On top of its great organization, it also has shoulder straps and a hip belt that make it easy and comfortable to carry, and they can also be tucked away when the bag is checked or stowed.

When you reach your destination, this bag can be compressed to a smaller size when it isn’t full, so it’ll take up next to no room in your new space once you’ve arrived!

✅ Check prices here!

9. Travel Laptop Backpack, Computer Backpack, Carry on Backpack 15.6 Inch

While more traditional-looking, this is a powerhouse travel backpack too. With over 17 pockets, you can rest assured that every single item you need to put in it can have a home and you can feel super organized during your travels.

One of the biggest draws of this backpack is that it has built-in USB ports and charging cables, so you can easily plug in electronics and charge your phone on the go. It also has an anti-theft pocket in the back of the backpack, making it easy to keep valuables safe.

The straps are comfortable for long walks through airports or to destinations, and it’s waterproof! So, if you have to walk outside at all, this is a great feature.

Lastly, it has a luggage strap. So, pair it with any of the contenders for best suitcase for moving abroad from this list, and you have your packing solution ready to go!

✅ Check prices here!

Packing Tips for Moving Abroad

As someone who has moved abroad a few times, I’ve compiled a bunch of suggestions and even a moving abroad checklist and packing list! I’m so excited for you to start this next chapter of your life and hope you find this information oh-so-helpful.

A few of my top tips from experience:

• Use packing cubes or vacuum bags to keep all your items compressed and taking up the least amount of space
• Carry your personal documents in your hand luggage (carry-on) so that they are always with you
• Keep a list of what’s in each bag if you have multiple- trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you aren’t opening everything up looking for your toothbrush
• Only pack mini-toiletries – you can take them on the plane, and they’ll get you through your first few days
• Have a document folder – loose papers are a big no-no!
• Heavily wrap objects to prevent breaking

Conclusion: Best Luggage for Moving Abroad

As I have made a few moves abroad, my favorite combination of luggage to bring with me is a hard shell suitcase and a backpack to keep my personal items close and accessible! 

So, the winning combo for me from this list is this suitcase and this backpack, the ultimate pair.

That said, you really can’t go wrong with any combination. You’ll have to choose the best fit for you based on what you need to bring, if you are a heavy or light packer, how far your destination is (if you need to stop on your way), and what items you want to have immediately available to you upon arrival.

I am beyond excited that moving to a new country is something you are thinking about!

Having a grand adventure in a new place is always worth it. And having the best suitcase for moving abroad will only make your life that much easier and more enjoyable when you do.

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