Michelle, your "I'm not emotionally minimalist" comment was hilarious. Love it. We're thinking through this. While we sold nearly everything, Jeremy has some unique electronics (higher-end record player, mixing equipment for recording, etc.) and instruments, plus we have a couple hundred vinyl records that are non-negotiable. Most other things we'll start over with. BUT now that we've spent a couple months in PT (and are back in the states to apply for the D7), there are a bunch of smaller things that we are working through: -Almond butter: we may just end up buying a food processor over there to grind our own. We eat a lot of it and it's nearly impossible to find - and crazy expensive. -Bedding: the duvets over there tend to be so hot (RIGHT there with ya, M)! I'll likely buy sheets and a lightweight cotton comforter here and using them as packing material. -Key ingredients for GF baking: Xanthan gum and arrowroot powder? Don't even want to think about hunting those down. 😂 Although in general it's not hard to find pre-made GF stuff in decent-sized supermarkets. -Vanilla: I've wondered this! So glad you mentioned making it, Dan; I've made it before and hadn't thought about how much hassle this would save. -Kitchen tools: Like you, Dan, I'm picky about certain kitchen tools. Our good knives, favorite cheese slicer, etc. I'll pack one ziploc bag with all of these and wrap the knives up separately. -Comfy, grippy shoes: We'd been warned and you're so right. We'll buy another pair each before moving; my feet are size 9, anyway, which seems unusual for women's shoes in PT. -Organic, natural stuff (body care, supplements, etc.) to get us through the first few months, plus more of the things that will be hard to find replacements for (like my face cream and the floss I love). -We replaced our iphones and bought airpod pros before coming over and are so glad we did. -We'd actually thought about bringing our BlendTec. Thanks for the confirmation that we should not; I had a feeling we shouldn't but wasn't sure. -Clothing: we definitely lugged some stuff around for 2 months that was a total waste. Jeans in PT summers are not a thing. In fact, our trip is forcing me to be honest about what I want to wear, particularly since we'll likely be in the Algarve. You're so right about shorts and tees - AND SUNDRESSES! I wanted to have more of these as we were on foot all the time and would like to find some before we move. Michelle, I'd actually meant to ask you if you'd found a source for them in Lisbon...but feel like, if I can find them here, I'll be glad I did. Longest post ever. Your video felt super relevant and I'm gonna be rewatching it with Jeremy soon. Looking forward to grabbing a drink with you guys again in a few months!
So good to hear your thoughts! I did just see Xanthan Gum on Amazon Spain for like, 7 euros, so maybe check there for more gluten free stuff to see if that might work? I'm glad I'm not the only one who has floss that I love! haha. I've bought a few things at Zara because it's more the price range I prefer. I like another store, Massimo Dutti, which has more classic looking pieces, and I bought a (more expensive than I prefer) dress from El Corte Ingles because I was desperate. So, still not 100% sure yet on sun dresses, I think next summer I'll turn to online shopping at like, ASOS. Looking forward to grabbing drinks with y'all soon too!!
Hi Michelle and Janna thank you for the info as I am also thinking about moving to Portugal in the future and am visiting for a month this December. Regarding bedding: so I actually only sleep in high quality Portuguese cotton bedding that Home Goods tends to sell. The brand is Inup Homes and they sell it on Amazon too but for a bit more. (They also have an IG account) The cotton is very cooling which is why I bring it up with a crepe silky texture and the best bedding I had ever owned but quite expensive as an import. I own their throw (which you can use as a blanket) and few different crisp, white sets (which look good wrinkled as well) but had planned to purchase more in Portugal to take back. As for the actual comforter, mine is from IKEA so I assumed they should have it in PT or neighboring Spain or should be able to deliver I should hope☺️
Janna Carlson Glad your message was long! It was full of good information!😊 Im in the middle of packing for our move to Portugal. And have been trying to figure out what to pack. We haven’t been able to take a trip there before our move so I am “going blind”😅 Because of passports taking so long to get back and now the visa process (husbands passport is with all the paperwork at the Portugal embassy here in the states) so we cant take a trip before getting it back. (At least not together) and I am trying to avoid taking my first trip to Portugal alone with our 9 yr old.😅 any other thoughts on food stuff that is difficult to find there? We have lived in Indonesia and Africa before and its always a challenge to find familiar food.😊 my biggest concern is the beds! I personally like a soft cozy bed and not a hard as a rock bed.😅
@@annamcgee7434 glad it was helpful. I don’t think you’ll have trouble finding food; Portuguese groceries are well-stocked. The main items we can’t find as easily - and will likely learn to live without or with less of - are half & half, tortilla chips, corn tortillas, a few other Mexican food staples, and a few gluten free items. Otherwise it’s not difficult to find most of the foods we’re used to eating. ☺️ Best of luck with your move! I hope it’s as simple and smooth as possible…and well worth all of the work!
As a pro chef, I bring my own kitchen utensils, knife set, cookware, bakeware, etc...there's no way I could replace favorite items collected over the years and buying all new stuff in Europe is more expensive than packing/shipping it. When I move back to Europe in 2022, I will be sad to leave my KitchenAid stand mixer, Instant Pot, Ninja blender and Cuisinart food processor behind! From past travel experience (20+ years across 40 countries), furnished rentals typically have basic low-quality kitchenware because owners/hosts don't want to invest in items that might be damaged or stolen when a guest leaves. In 2016, I did my culinary externship in Spain and shipped my equipment back to US after through SendMyBag. It cost ~$75 to ship a large suitcase from Barcelona to Chicago including pick-up, delivery to my siblings US home address and insurance. Well worth it!
If you use a regular water spray bottle on your clothes, and use your hand to sweep out the wrinkles, it works just fine. I’ve done it on the hanger and while they’re on. Just water mist works great.
We're planning on moving to Portugal in a few years - this was helpful. Having been to Portugal a few times, I agree with you - cost of some goods are quite high and some are more difficult to find. We have already started selling / donating items and it is so satisfying to get rid of material goods. Not buying as much now - it is a nice luxury to stop and think before buying and ask myself what do I really need this for? At the end of the day, many items end up in landfills and no one wants that. Keep posting your videos - really enjoy them.
Super helpful, you guys. Thanks so much. We are applying for our D7 right now and your videos have been there for us every step of the way. This is a really big hurdle we are anticipating when we sell our house next year, so thank you for going into so much detail!
Excellent video! Have you found it difficult to find hair salons that meet your standards that you were accustomed to in the US? I can't wait to move to Porto :)
Loving your videos! Enjoy how real and down to earth your info is. Spent a long time in Portugal a while back, and my biggest frustration was not being able to find natural mineral sunscreen that was affordable and also replacing my very fussy U.S., 5 step high-end clean beauty routine products was virtually impossible. Just one thing. I would say skip the wrinkle remover, and just hang clothes in the bathroom after shower. That stuff is so toxic!!!
Loving your channel! 1. Making your own vanilla extract is super easy - been doing it for years. Buy some quality beans, split them put them in a bottle and top with vodka (or bourbon). Let it sit in a cabinet, turning it up and down on a regular basis. Enjoy after about 6 weeks. Turn over often and top up (you should keep the beans moist) as needed. 2. Wrinkle releaser! Do they have 'Downy' or the like in PT? Buy a spray bottle, fill it 1/2 and 1/2 with water and fabric softener. Spray away. Works GREAT!
Can you please do a part 2 after the winter is over? I"m currently in Iowa where I have to have a ton of winter gear and I'm not sure how much I'll need to bring to stay warm. Thanks!
Your thoughts on getting rid of your stuff were meaningful. I had an estate sale. Got rid of EVERYTHING in one week. Eaned about $3k for a housefull of things worth about$30k, but I am FREE! No house, No crap. That which I still have is a lot more than I truely need. I'm living out of my truck and staying with friends waiting for the D-7 visa to come through. You're so lucky you didn't have to cope with the consulate in San Francisco. Ugh! Appointment on Dec 27th, and (yikes!!) 9:00AM. LOL. Thanks for the inspiration!
Adorable HP robe! I recently bought a fantastic mattress - European style - and can't imagine living without it. Also I adore my Volvo. Costco is in Spain!
We actually started packing today for moving to Portugal next month! We finally got our visas approved :) We spent 6 months in the EU pre covid so we knew a few things to bring/stock up on lol We plan to ship 2 pallets (family of 4) with keepsakes, kids toys, 2 really nice desk chairs, framed family photos etc We are checking 2 suitcases each plus a carry on for each with laptop, nintendo switches, our VR, drone etc in those. We did decide to upgrade to a new gopro before we go, and I am debating the new pixel 6 when it comes out later this month.... Clothes (I am plus size and I know shopping in EU for plus size is difficult at times, so I am bringing more than the kids), vanilla beans to make my own vanilla, tony's creole seasoning, ranch powder, old bay, lots of OTC meds like cold/allergy/pain meds plus 6 months of prescription meds
Thanks Guys! This was one of your most helpful videos yet. Some of the information won't apply to my wife and I when we move but there were a lot of great tips and suggestions that will definitely be very useful. This gives us much to think about! Keep up the great work! Cheers!
ayyyy....at 6:31, the Kitchen Aid!....I think I'm finally coming to terms with selling the Breville coffee grinder and the Kitchen Aid mixer. It's more about the environmental impact, than the cost of purchasing new again that bothers me. I'm hoping I can find something gently used, in good condition.
I'm planning to move this year. I agree with you about Furniture. Bit I'm bringing some Books - especially my Music Scores - and Bedding and Towels, and more Kitchen Stuff than a single retired woman actually needs. Plus Clothes. There's a minimum amount for shipping anyway - what I take will be that Minimum. I don't want to have to start over with my Kitchen Stuff, and I really like my pots and pans. I have a quote from a good Shipper in New York - the estimated for EVERYTHING, taxes, customs, ground transport. They pick up I your old home (or storage) and deliver into your new home - putting your things in the rooms you tell them. It's worth it to me. I've been donating EVERYTHING. I left my furniture in the old House (sold at a loss) and have been taking everything to Thrift Stores. I'm living with a friend in DC - as a Transition - and don't want to deal with strangers coming to buy (maybe) from FB Marketplace or Craigslist. As you have learned - this process of elimination is a lesson in Minimalism - looking at every single object in your house and assessing its value in your life. It's exhausting! I'll be bringing my Cats of course.
You can bring your prescriptions and they are WAY cheaper, to get filled, in Portugal! I’d read this before going and it was very true! In fact, when I got the prescriptions filled, the pharmacist gave me the prescription back and I was able to get it filled again, and once again the same prescriptions (document) was filled and returned to me. What I missed when I was there for 3 months… hot chocolate powder. I like milk-chocolate (not dark) and it’s the one thing I was craving! I’m older, and have a lot of memories… so I’m bringing my treasures and my inherited treasures, and I’ll get a small pallet. I got rid of very many things once I decided to move.
We haven’t gotten to hot chocolate yet, but once winter comes we will be figuring that out. We noticed it isn’t sold, but we will make some mix for sure!
Another great video you guys! Lots of good information here. We’ll have to reconsider what kitchenwares to bring now besides our knives. Love the All Birds! Check out the Tree Lounger too. It is my 100% Go-To shoes these days. I did see that they have All Birds Europe but agains, more expensive. At home, I have a closet full of shoes. Parting with my cute shoes will probably be the most difficult for me :(
There's no retro fitting, it's called an inspection - many states in the US have annual inspections on vehicles to make sure your vehicle is road worthy
Ok, Dan...I wear flip flops all the time and now I am self conscious!! Lol Seriously, I never even noticed I was one of the only ones wearing them...Mine are cute though and I even have Sketcher ones!! I will be checking out everyone's shoes!! I did get rid of a lot of my shoes and start a Portugal lifestyle new collection! NO HEELS, just some wedges! Totally necessary!!
Actually the Portuguese people (mainly women) feel strange for other people wearing flip-flops outside beach cities. I know that because most Brazilians do the same and people generally say they are weird...
Exactly! And thankfully I have enough self confidence to not care!! I lived in France for 13 years and boy can they stare and be judgmental, but I have never felt that here so I will continue on being myself!! My flip flops are like sandals anyhow and not cheap plastic ones so maybe that is a difference...I will be investigating this though!!😉
It's interesting to hear you about quality of clothes. I didn't realize that in American clothes have better quality but I can imagine. I agree that in Portugal the variety of brands is not that great as you can see in UK or USA. I also wish, as a portuguese citizen, to see more medium brands on shopping malls. I avoid most of low brands because I really don't like discarded clothes. For example I consider Massimo Dutti a brand with medium quality and Zara, Mango the ones between low and medium. Not sure if you consider it the same way. If I had the opportunity to go to USA, I believe that the shopping would be great because the prices there are lower than Portugal for the same quality/brand
Did you buy your tee shirt in Lisbon? These is a tee shirt store that I go to every time that I am there, Typographia on Rue General Torres 11. They have wonderful tee shirts. I think that you wore one in another video.
Hi guys. You didn’t mention marshmallows this time. LOL. Anyhow we brought you some from the states. Will be in Lisbon our last 2 days here, Oct 26th and 27th. Hope to meet up with Chuck and Reese then and drop off some chocolate chips for them, would be Great to meet you, if u could join us! Been following ur videos for a bit and really enjoy them!!
Hi Lor, that’s so nice! we should be around on those dates but it is my (Dan’s) birthday on the 27th so the 26th works better. You can message us on Instagram.
You might want to do a little research about availability of items before you come home. We live in the Austin area and I've been repeatedly frustrated at the odd shortages (food items and anything with a microchip) we are experiencing.
Hey guys, what your advice on big TV, and desktop computers? I was thinking on getting a pallet or something for those electronics. Also is the wattage for those are ok in PT? Thanks
lol The kitchen knives were something I had thought about packing, but I thought I was the only crazy one...lol Have you guys thought about going to Costco in Spain? I heard a few Americans go once every few months to buy food items they can't find in Portugal.
We've been to that Costco! We picked up a few things - some peanut butter and chia seeds that were a good price, and some knifes and sheet pans. You could definitely stock up for your house there, but since we're in a furnished apartment we don't need a ton just yet. We did grab a hot dog and a slice of pizza from the food court though! haha
Great tips! We move out of our house in 7wks so are in that process of selling/gifting/donating so much (family of 4 in a 1900 sq ft Bay Area home) and it’s helpful because there’s some things in here I hadn’t thought about or didn’t realize would be more expensive there since I didn’t look when visiting. We don’t leave the country for 7mo so still have time to sort it all out, but we are trying to leave the house with only what we are taking to Lisbon so this was informative, thanks! (ps- try a small portable steamer instead of wrinkle releaser, super cheap/easy/fast :)
What's the difference in prizes for an Iphone and Mac computer Us vs Portugal? I find myself buying a mac every 3-4 years, and once I move to Portugal, I am not sure I will travel back to the US as often. thanks
When you guys said wrinkle releaser- I thought it was some fancy skincare product 😅. This post is interesting. Definitely useful. Never heard of a motion sickness bracelet until now. As for kitchen items and knives etc, why not check IKEA? And I wonder if Portugal has these Chinese mini markets. In Madrid I see them everywhere, they aren't very small and they have almost everything for daily need. And as for American snacks, check out Liberty store )) it's like the Taste of America stores in Madrid I feel. And Google says they've got peanut butter M&Ms too 😅. I'm sure there are good art stores too. It's fun to explore new places isn't it. Like a treasure hunt. That's one of my favourite things to do when I'm in a new country (since I've lived in 5 others before Spain. Still trying to find where I feel best). Portugal is in the plan, so this post of you guys - very useful indeed 👍🏻😊 * plus excellent tips about how to get rid of things 👍🏻. Michelle sounds like MARIE KONDO in Tidying Up ( Netflix ) So true about how it changes us. I buy less now and think twice before buying, after moving several times. Absolutely true.
@@HoneymoonAlways certainly. Some are quite reasonably ok for the price though, not everything for sure. Did you check El Corte inglés? They usually have a bit better & pricier products. Just sharing what I know) cheers.
to not pay taxes on a container for personal goods, you have to go back to your embassy and get the paperwork done once the container is packed....then you won't pay the import taxes on it.
Great video, fyi for quality knives I actually bought my new knives from Portugal when we were visiting I own 2 Japanese knives and a set of JA Henkel II and the Portuguese ones are definitely our favourite and sooo much cheaperJCEI platina is what they are called I think we live in Canada so we have everything the u.s. have but I bit more in price due to the currency but we have a condo in ft Lauderdale, fl so we pick up stuff there we can’t get in Canada like trader joes lol thanks for sharing 🇨🇦🇵🇹
Thanks for the video. Curious to know. Did you sell your house in Austin or are you renting it out? What did you take into consideration when you made this decision?
We considered renting at first, but then the market got so hot it seemed like an easy decision to get the money out of the house and not have to worry about dealing with it.
Do they not sell good athletic shoes there? I would have imagined you could run out and get Nike’s or Adidas if necessary? Unless you’re looking for a very particular kind. Also, how has it been adapting from being able to buy whatever you want on Amazon and having it to you the next day versus what you can order online there? Does Amazon even exist there? Also, the cost of living is cheaper there but it seems like most items are more expensive there and it’s worth bringing a ton of stuff from the US? Would you say it kind of balances out from all the expensive goods there?
*Do they not sell good athletic shoes there? I would have imagined you could run out and get Nike’s or Adidas if necessary? Unless you’re looking for a very particular kind.* They do and, if I'm not mistaking, they're not the only ones. There are lots of "prontos-a-vestir" in Lisbon, it is a question of searching...
They do have Nikes and plenty of brands we are used to, they are just more expensive here. We have Amazon.es we can use. It has been an adjustment, and we only make orders a few times a month instead of almost every day in the US. Overall, things are less expensive here, but when it comes to buying the brands and things we are used to things are more expensive.
Another informative and helpful video w/a great mix of personal humor. “Mystery apartment noises”…Hmmm, is it a large thumping sound? If yes, then my son must be your neighbor. 🗯 While I don’t have Dan’s Harry Potters’ robe (I’m jealous 😁), here’s my experience w/electronics working outside the US. More expensive electronics (laptops, iPads, smartphones) generally work with dual voltage. Cheaper electronics (razors, gameboys, toothbrushes) often DO NOT. Essentially you should check the product specs or manual (preferably before you buy or move) to determine if the gadget will work abroad (220-230 V). Otherwise you have to use a voltage converter. Sounds like Dan had a good-quality razor. Costco in Seville! Really? Details…can you get in w/a US Membership Card? Are the choices abundant or is it a watered down US version? Thanks.
The Costco in Seville is very similar to the US in size, but it is geared towards the Spanish so many products are different. You can just ask for a day pass and get in for the day.
Hi Dan and Michelle! I just started watching you in the past week and in that period, I managed to watch all the videos up to this one. They are excellent and very informative videos. I am in the middle of processing a Italian Citizenship for me, daughters and grandchildren. I am also in the middle of processing a Visa D7 retiree visa for Portugal. While I understand a lot regarding the Portuguese Visa, there is one thing that is bothering me, I have not seen an explanation anywhere and that is: the passport is stamped with the visa and states two visits to Portugal within the application for residency at the SEF office (I think). The first one is arriving in Portugal for the residence in itself and the second probably to return to the US to settle few things. What do you know about that restriction? Would I be able to visit other countries in the EU at anytime without being penalized in any shape or form or would that restriction applies to the EU countries? Ah, I already applied for the NIF and probably be opening a bank account soon. Now that you are there for awhile, in your opinion, which is the best bank? Thank you. Kind Regards, Tony
Hi Tony! People tend to like Millenium bank a lot. We may switch at some point. As far as the entry restrictions. This is only for the period of time between arriving and receiving residency, which for us took 2 1/2 months. Then you can go in and out of Portugal as much as you would like. Before getting your residency, I understand this as you can return to the US once. As far as EU travel, I am not sure in that time before getting your residency, but I can tell you that before we received residency we flew to Spain and there is no border control and no one looked at any documents when we arrived. So I don't think it is a problem within the Schengen zone.
@@HoneymoonAlways wow, that was very helpful. Thank you for your assistance. Continue the great work with your video. I do watch videos from Brazilians living in Portugal but they are not as good as yours. I was born in são Paulo.
Once you have italian citizenship you don't need a visa to live in Portugal (or any other country in the EU), just have to report your residence to SEF.
@@antoniof9756 Yes, you are right but I just finished finding my grandfather birth certificate. It took a long time and a cost of 450 euros. Now my daughters and me are gathering related documents here in the US and Brazil to send to an attorney in Rome. After the process is entered in court it should take 18 to 24 months for review and approval that's why I want to move to Europe sooner. Thank you very much for taking the time to contact me. It's very much appreciated.
Great content, thank you! One tip, buy your allergy meds or any other non-prescription drug store items at your local larger grocery store and not from the farmácia. The price is lower.
Thank you! We are waiting for our Visa approval but rethinking what we thought we would take (we sold our large Dripping Springs home in June and sold/gave away many things). The shoes will be difficult for me! Completely agree that simplifying and downsizing is wonderful. We hope to be in Lisbon by mid January. Have a great trip back to the US!
Thanks Cristin! Michelle's parents lived in Driftwood and they majorly downsized before moving to Portland. I think that may have been the hardest part of moving!
@@HoneymoonAlways But "tejas" is also "roof tiles" in Spanish. By the way, it makes sense because Spanish lost the "x" sound in the past (Portuguese keeps it). It's a cognate word of Portuguese "telhas".
Excelent video! Im in the middle of packing for our move and was struggling to figure out what to bring and what to leave. I sent you a DM on instagram. If you’d like me to throw some stuff in our shipment Id be more than happy to do that!
I've said it before, but I love all of the little details that you put in your videos. They are really so helpful, and you guys are so real and cute!
Thank you Kathy!
Michelle, your "I'm not emotionally minimalist" comment was hilarious. Love it.
We're thinking through this. While we sold nearly everything, Jeremy has some unique electronics (higher-end record player, mixing equipment for recording, etc.) and instruments, plus we have a couple hundred vinyl records that are non-negotiable. Most other things we'll start over with.
BUT now that we've spent a couple months in PT (and are back in the states to apply for the D7), there are a bunch of smaller things that we are working through:
-Almond butter: we may just end up buying a food processor over there to grind our own. We eat a lot of it and it's nearly impossible to find - and crazy expensive.
-Bedding: the duvets over there tend to be so hot (RIGHT there with ya, M)! I'll likely buy sheets and a lightweight cotton comforter here and using them as packing material.
-Key ingredients for GF baking: Xanthan gum and arrowroot powder? Don't even want to think about hunting those down. 😂 Although in general it's not hard to find pre-made GF stuff in decent-sized supermarkets.
-Vanilla: I've wondered this! So glad you mentioned making it, Dan; I've made it before and hadn't thought about how much hassle this would save.
-Kitchen tools: Like you, Dan, I'm picky about certain kitchen tools. Our good knives, favorite cheese slicer, etc. I'll pack one ziploc bag with all of these and wrap the knives up separately.
-Comfy, grippy shoes: We'd been warned and you're so right. We'll buy another pair each before moving; my feet are size 9, anyway, which seems unusual for women's shoes in PT.
-Organic, natural stuff (body care, supplements, etc.) to get us through the first few months, plus more of the things that will be hard to find replacements for (like my face cream and the floss I love).
-We replaced our iphones and bought airpod pros before coming over and are so glad we did.
-We'd actually thought about bringing our BlendTec. Thanks for the confirmation that we should not; I had a feeling we shouldn't but wasn't sure.
-Clothing: we definitely lugged some stuff around for 2 months that was a total waste. Jeans in PT summers are not a thing. In fact, our trip is forcing me to be honest about what I want to wear, particularly since we'll likely be in the Algarve. You're so right about shorts and tees - AND SUNDRESSES! I wanted to have more of these as we were on foot all the time and would like to find some before we move. Michelle, I'd actually meant to ask you if you'd found a source for them in Lisbon...but feel like, if I can find them here, I'll be glad I did.
Longest post ever. Your video felt super relevant and I'm gonna be rewatching it with Jeremy soon. Looking forward to grabbing a drink with you guys again in a few months!
So good to hear your thoughts! I did just see Xanthan Gum on Amazon Spain for like, 7 euros, so maybe check there for more gluten free stuff to see if that might work? I'm glad I'm not the only one who has floss that I love! haha. I've bought a few things at Zara because it's more the price range I prefer. I like another store, Massimo Dutti, which has more classic looking pieces, and I bought a (more expensive than I prefer) dress from El Corte Ingles because I was desperate. So, still not 100% sure yet on sun dresses, I think next summer I'll turn to online shopping at like, ASOS. Looking forward to grabbing drinks with y'all soon too!!
Hi Michelle and Janna thank you for the info as I am also thinking about moving to Portugal in the future and am visiting for a month this December. Regarding bedding: so I actually only sleep in high quality Portuguese cotton bedding that Home Goods tends to sell. The brand is Inup Homes and they sell it on Amazon too but for a bit more. (They also have an IG account) The cotton is very cooling which is why I bring it up with a crepe silky texture and the best bedding I had ever owned but quite expensive as an import. I own their throw (which you can use as a blanket) and few different crisp, white sets (which look good wrinkled as well) but had planned to purchase more in Portugal to take back. As for the actual comforter, mine is from IKEA so I assumed they should have it in PT or neighboring Spain or should be able to deliver I should hope☺️
Janna Carlson Glad your message was long! It was full of good information!😊 Im in the middle of packing for our move to Portugal. And have been trying to figure out what to pack. We haven’t been able to take a trip there before our move so I am “going blind”😅 Because of passports taking so long to get back and now the visa process (husbands passport is with all the paperwork at the Portugal embassy here in the states) so we cant take a trip before getting it back. (At least not together) and I am trying to avoid taking my first trip to Portugal alone with our 9 yr old.😅 any other thoughts on food stuff that is difficult to find there?
We have lived in Indonesia and Africa before and its always a challenge to find familiar food.😊 my biggest concern is the beds! I personally like a soft cozy bed and not a hard as a rock bed.😅
@@annamcgee7434 glad it was helpful. I don’t think you’ll have trouble finding food; Portuguese groceries are well-stocked. The main items we can’t find as easily - and will likely learn to live without or with less of - are half & half, tortilla chips, corn tortillas, a few other Mexican food staples, and a few gluten free items. Otherwise it’s not difficult to find most of the foods we’re used to eating. ☺️
Best of luck with your move! I hope it’s as simple and smooth as possible…and well worth all of the work!
As a pro chef, I bring my own kitchen utensils, knife set, cookware, bakeware, etc...there's no way I could replace favorite items collected over the years and buying all new stuff in Europe is more expensive than packing/shipping it. When I move back to Europe in 2022, I will be sad to leave my KitchenAid stand mixer, Instant Pot, Ninja blender and Cuisinart food processor behind!
From past travel experience (20+ years across 40 countries), furnished rentals typically have basic low-quality kitchenware because owners/hosts don't want to invest in items that might be damaged or stolen when a guest leaves.
In 2016, I did my culinary externship in Spain and shipped my equipment back to US after through SendMyBag. It cost ~$75 to ship a large suitcase from Barcelona to Chicago including pick-up, delivery to my siblings US home address and insurance. Well worth it!
$75 is cheap for a bag! My blendtek and kitchenaid were hard to give up!
Which school did you go to? Im in CIA rn and plan on moving to Portugal soon after I graduate next December.
If you use a regular water spray bottle on your clothes, and use your hand to sweep out the wrinkles, it works just fine. I’ve done it on the hanger and while they’re on. Just water mist works great.
Michelle, you have a great laugh! I just found your channel today...lots of good info here.
We're planning on moving to Portugal in a few years - this was helpful. Having been to Portugal a few times, I agree with you - cost of some goods are quite high and some are more difficult to find. We have already started selling / donating items and it is so satisfying to get rid of material goods. Not buying as much now - it is a nice luxury to stop and think before buying and ask myself what do I really need this for? At the end of the day, many items end up in landfills and no one wants that. Keep posting your videos - really enjoy them.
Thank you!
Super helpful, you guys. Thanks so much. We are applying for our D7 right now and your videos have been there for us every step of the way. This is a really big hurdle we are anticipating when we sell our house next year, so thank you for going into so much detail!
Excellent video! Have you found it difficult to find hair salons that meet your standards that you were accustomed to in the US? I can't wait to move to Porto :)
We are actually going to go get our hair cuts for the first time soon and will let you know!
Loving your videos! Enjoy how real and down to earth your info is. Spent a long time in Portugal a while back, and my biggest frustration was not being able to find natural mineral sunscreen that was affordable and also replacing my very fussy U.S., 5 step high-end clean beauty routine products was virtually impossible. Just one thing. I would say skip the wrinkle remover, and just hang clothes in the bathroom after shower. That stuff is so toxic!!!
Loving your channel!
1. Making your own vanilla extract is super easy - been doing it for years. Buy some quality beans, split them put them in a bottle and top with vodka (or bourbon). Let it sit in a cabinet, turning it up and down on a regular basis. Enjoy after about 6 weeks. Turn over often and top up (you should keep the beans moist) as needed.
2. Wrinkle releaser! Do they have 'Downy' or the like in PT? Buy a spray bottle, fill it 1/2 and 1/2 with water and fabric softener. Spray away. Works GREAT!
Thank you for the tips! 🙌🙌
Just FYI,.you can make Downy Wrinkle Release. 2 Tablespoons fabric softener (downy if you can get it) and 2 cups Distilled water. 😊
So fancy. I’m checking online for a Harry Potter bathrobe now. Thanks for this video.
Hey there! I am a Texan as well and this was helpful as we are thinking of moving to Portugal too!
Very helpful, thank you! Cover your split vanilla beans with vodka in a glass jar to make vanilla extract.
Can you please do a part 2 after the winter is over? I"m currently in Iowa where I have to have a ton of winter gear and I'm not sure how much I'll need to bring to stay warm. Thanks!
Good idea 🙌 we’ll add it to our list
Your thoughts on getting rid of your stuff were meaningful. I had an estate sale. Got rid of EVERYTHING in one week. Eaned about $3k for a housefull of things worth about$30k, but I am FREE! No house, No crap. That which I still have is a lot more than I truely need. I'm living out of my truck and staying with friends waiting for the D-7 visa to come through. You're so lucky you didn't have to cope with the consulate in San Francisco. Ugh! Appointment on Dec 27th, and (yikes!!) 9:00AM. LOL. Thanks for the inspiration!
Good luck in San Francisco! We are glad we didn’t have to worry about that.
Adorable HP robe! I recently bought a fantastic mattress - European style - and can't imagine living without it. Also I adore my Volvo. Costco is in Spain!
Yay for Costco! We actually went when we were in Seville.
@@HoneymoonAlways omg when I move there, let's hang out ❤️ (just dreaming at this point)
Do they have Costco near Porto (like Vigo)? Have y'all checked Makro? Is it worth it?
Guys, you're great. I am in Malta and I am thinking of moving in Portugal... everything seems better there.
Great videos. Love the content!!’
Thanks Joric!
Totally predicted TJ’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning! Haha love it.
Very thorough! Super helpful! Thanks so much!
We actually started packing today for moving to Portugal next month! We finally got our visas approved :)
We spent 6 months in the EU pre covid so we knew a few things to bring/stock up on lol We plan to ship 2 pallets (family of 4) with keepsakes, kids toys, 2 really nice desk chairs, framed family photos etc
We are checking 2 suitcases each plus a carry on for each with laptop, nintendo switches, our VR, drone etc in those. We did decide to upgrade to a new gopro before we go, and I am debating the new pixel 6 when it comes out later this month....
Clothes (I am plus size and I know shopping in EU for plus size is difficult at times, so I am bringing more than the kids), vanilla beans to make my own vanilla, tony's creole seasoning, ranch powder, old bay, lots of OTC meds like cold/allergy/pain meds plus 6 months of prescription meds
You’ve got a great list! We will be bringing back some Ranch packets when we visit the US and I used to use Tony’s all the time.
Did you have to book a months stay somewhere while waiting for visa to be approved?
Oh my goodness. That would be me, everything but the bagel seasoning.. thanks. Now I know!
Thanks Guys! This was one of your most helpful videos yet. Some of the information won't apply to my wife and I when we move but there were a lot of great tips and suggestions that will definitely be very useful. This gives us much to think about! Keep up the great work! Cheers!
Glad it was helpful. We know not everyone is like us, but we hope that by giving as much information it can help everyone at least a little bit.
ayyyy....at 6:31, the Kitchen Aid!....I think I'm finally coming to terms with selling the Breville coffee grinder and the Kitchen Aid mixer. It's more about the environmental impact, than the cost of purchasing new again that bothers me. I'm hoping I can find something gently used, in good condition.
I'm planning to move this year. I agree with you about Furniture. Bit I'm bringing some Books - especially my Music Scores - and Bedding and Towels, and more Kitchen Stuff than a single retired woman actually needs. Plus Clothes. There's a minimum amount for shipping anyway - what I take will be that Minimum. I don't want to have to start over with my Kitchen Stuff, and I really like my pots and pans.
I have a quote from a good Shipper in New York - the estimated for EVERYTHING, taxes, customs, ground transport. They pick up I your old home (or storage) and deliver into your new home - putting your things in the rooms you tell them. It's worth it to me.
I've been donating EVERYTHING. I left my furniture in the old House (sold at a loss) and have been taking everything to Thrift Stores. I'm living with a friend in DC - as a Transition - and don't want to deal with strangers coming to buy (maybe) from FB Marketplace or Craigslist.
As you have learned - this process of elimination is a lesson in Minimalism - looking at every single object in your house and assessing its value in your life. It's exhausting!
I'll be bringing my Cats of course.
You can bring your prescriptions and they are WAY cheaper, to get filled, in Portugal! I’d read this before going and it was very true! In fact, when I got the prescriptions filled, the pharmacist gave me the prescription back and I was able to get it filled again, and once again the same prescriptions (document) was filled and returned to me.
What I missed when I was there for 3 months… hot chocolate powder. I like milk-chocolate (not dark) and it’s the one thing I was craving!
I’m older, and have a lot of memories… so I’m bringing my treasures and my inherited treasures, and I’ll get a small pallet. I got rid of very many things once I decided to move.
We haven’t gotten to hot chocolate yet, but once winter comes we will be figuring that out. We noticed it isn’t sold, but we will make some mix for sure!
@Jen Shea, How much is a small pallet?
@@phyllismacluan2755 Hi Phyllis, the last time I checked, $2,000 USD from North America.
Another great video you guys! Lots of good information here. We’ll have to reconsider what kitchenwares to bring now besides our knives. Love the All Birds! Check out the Tree Lounger too. It is my 100% Go-To shoes these days. I did see that they have All Birds Europe but agains, more expensive. At home, I have a closet full of shoes. Parting with my cute shoes will probably be the most difficult for me :(
I would never recommend you parting with the cute shoes, but they will likely just be sitting in the closet here in Portugal.
There's no retro fitting, it's called an inspection - many states in the US have annual inspections on vehicles to make sure your vehicle is road worthy
A US vehicle will not pass inspection here in Portugal so it needs to be retrofitted, I know specifically the lights will need to be replaced
Is there Amazon? Thank. Love ❤️ you, Guys
Ok, Dan...I wear flip flops all the time and now I am self conscious!! Lol Seriously, I never even noticed I was one of the only ones wearing them...Mine are cute though and I even have Sketcher ones!! I will be checking out everyone's shoes!! I did get rid of a lot of my shoes and start a Portugal lifestyle new collection! NO HEELS, just some wedges! Totally necessary!!
Actually the Portuguese people (mainly women) feel strange for other people wearing flip-flops outside beach cities. I know that because most Brazilians do the same and people generally say they are weird...
I think I’m going to buy some sandals instead of Flip flops, but who says we need to fit in anyway?
Exactly! And thankfully I have enough self confidence to not care!! I lived in France for 13 years and boy can they stare and be judgmental, but I have never felt that here so I will continue on being myself!! My flip flops are like sandals anyhow and not cheap plastic ones so maybe that is a difference...I will be investigating this though!!😉
@@HoneymoonAlways I'm in Czech Republic: Prague. I just wear Birkenstock sandals on hot days. And athletic sandals for hiking etc.
It's interesting to hear you about quality of clothes. I didn't realize that in American clothes have better quality but I can imagine. I agree that in Portugal the variety of brands is not that great as you can see in UK or USA. I also wish, as a portuguese citizen, to see more medium brands on shopping malls. I avoid most of low brands because I really don't like discarded clothes. For example I consider Massimo Dutti a brand with medium quality and Zara, Mango the ones between low and medium. Not sure if you consider it the same way. If I had the opportunity to go to USA, I believe that the shopping would be great because the prices there are lower than Portugal for the same quality/brand
Did you buy your tee shirt in Lisbon? These is a tee shirt store that I go to every time that I am there, Typographia on Rue General Torres 11. They have wonderful tee shirts. I think that you wore one in another video.
Hi guys. You didn’t mention marshmallows this time. LOL. Anyhow we brought you some from the states. Will be in Lisbon our last 2 days here, Oct 26th and 27th. Hope to meet up with Chuck and Reese then and drop off some chocolate chips for them, would be Great to meet you, if u could join us! Been following ur videos for a bit and really enjoy them!!
Hi Lor, that’s so nice! we should be around on those dates but it is my (Dan’s) birthday on the 27th so the 26th works better. You can message us on Instagram.
Oh you guys are from Austin Tx?. I am not too far from there- Arlington Tx.
I can't live without my instant pot! Would you recommend bringing from the US with an adapter, or buy new in Portugal?
Excellent question!! 👍
I would buy it here, you can buy it on Amazon.es
Thanks! Good tips!
You might want to do a little research about availability of items before you come home. We live in the Austin area and I've been repeatedly frustrated at the odd shortages (food items and anything with a microchip) we are experiencing.
Good point! We will keep that in mind
You can make vanilla extract with beans and a cheap bottle of vodka
We are going to give that a try, especially since vanilla beans are easy to find here
Hey guys, what your advice on big TV, and desktop computers? I was thinking on getting a pallet or something for those electronics. Also is the wattage for those are ok in PT? Thanks
I would purchase them here, a little more expensive but not soo much that it’s worth shipping.
@@HoneymoonAlways perfect. Thank you
Awesome video! What power outlet converter do you use for your curling iron? Where did you get it? Does it change voltage and Hertz? Thank you
We just have a simple one from Amazon. It doesn’t convert any voltage just makes it so you can plug it in to the European plug.
lol The kitchen knives were something I had thought about packing, but I thought I was the only crazy one...lol Have you guys thought about going to Costco in Spain? I heard a few Americans go once every few months to buy food items they can't find in Portugal.
We've been to that Costco! We picked up a few things - some peanut butter and chia seeds that were a good price, and some knifes and sheet pans. You could definitely stock up for your house there, but since we're in a furnished apartment we don't need a ton just yet. We did grab a hot dog and a slice of pizza from the food court though! haha
@@HoneymoonAlways Good to know. I was thinking for chocolate chips and vanilla that you mentioned were hard to find...
How much did u guys spend total moving to Portugal? And do u have animals that moved with you? Thx!
Great tips! We move out of our house in 7wks so are in that process of selling/gifting/donating so much (family of 4 in a 1900 sq ft Bay Area home) and it’s helpful because there’s some things in here I hadn’t thought about or didn’t realize would be more expensive there since I didn’t look when visiting. We don’t leave the country for 7mo so still have time to sort it all out, but we are trying to leave the house with only what we are taking to Lisbon so this was informative, thanks! (ps- try a small portable steamer instead of wrinkle releaser, super cheap/easy/fast :)
What's the difference in prizes for an Iphone and Mac computer Us vs Portugal? I find myself buying a mac every 3-4 years, and once I move to Portugal, I am not sure I will travel back to the US as often. thanks
About 200 euro more for MacBook Air, but it will have 2 years warranty and Portuguese keyboard
@@vladvlad4789 Thanks. So perhaps better to buy it in England or some other country?
There’s a bin near the front steps of the Basilica for (I think) the donation of clothes.
I think we have seen that before, we will keep an eye out!
When you guys said wrinkle releaser- I thought it was some fancy skincare product 😅. This post is interesting. Definitely useful. Never heard of a motion sickness bracelet until now. As for kitchen items and knives etc, why not check IKEA? And I wonder if Portugal has these Chinese mini markets. In Madrid I see them everywhere, they aren't very small and they have almost everything for daily need. And as for American snacks, check out Liberty store )) it's like the Taste of America stores in Madrid I feel. And Google says they've got peanut butter M&Ms too 😅. I'm sure there are good art stores too. It's fun to explore new places isn't it. Like a treasure hunt. That's one of my favourite things to do when I'm in a new country (since I've lived in 5 others before Spain. Still trying to find where I feel best). Portugal is in the plan, so this post of you guys - very useful indeed 👍🏻😊
* plus excellent tips about how to get rid of things 👍🏻. Michelle sounds like MARIE KONDO in Tidying Up ( Netflix )
So true about how it changes us. I buy less now and think twice before buying, after moving several times. Absolutely true.
IKEA has knifes, and they are cheap, but we eventually want some higher quality longer lasting knives
There's a Liberty store in Lisbon, and they also work online.
@@HoneymoonAlways certainly. Some are quite reasonably ok for the price though, not everything for sure. Did you check El Corte inglés? They usually have a bit better & pricier products. Just sharing what I know) cheers.
Very helpful!
Good video! Thank you.
Thank you Tami!
Michelle, have you tried Seaside for shoes? I loved shopping for shoes there.
Not yet, we will pop in sometime to see.
to not pay taxes on a container for personal goods, you have to go back to your embassy and get the paperwork done once the container is packed....then you won't pay the import taxes on it.
Great video, fyi for quality knives I actually bought my new knives from Portugal when we were visiting I own 2 Japanese knives and a set of JA Henkel II and the Portuguese ones are definitely our favourite and sooo much cheaperJCEI platina is what they are called I think we live in Canada so we have everything the u.s. have but I bit more in price due to the currency but we have a condo in ft Lauderdale, fl so we pick up stuff there we can’t get in Canada like trader joes lol thanks for sharing 🇨🇦🇵🇹
Good to know, we will look into those knifes.
How to you move six suitcases from usa to portugal? In the plane with you? How much did it cost?
Can we not bring our current iPad phones and laptops? Do we have to buy new ones there?
Very nice video! :) 💓💓💓 Haha, that means Europeans will survive to my pink Luna Lovegood pj's!
Those are essentials!
Thanks for the video. Curious to know. Did you sell your house in Austin or are you renting it out? What did you take into consideration when you made this decision?
We considered renting at first, but then the market got so hot it seemed like an easy decision to get the money out of the house and not have to worry about dealing with it.
What do you wish you had brought when you moved? What did you bring you haven't ended up using?
Thanks a lot for the video! Re. vitamins and other stuff do they have Iherb.com there in Pt? I know it delivers to the most countries...
Do they not sell good athletic shoes there? I would have imagined you could run out and get Nike’s or Adidas if necessary? Unless you’re looking for a very particular kind. Also, how has it been adapting from being able to buy whatever you want on Amazon and having it to you the next day versus what you can order online there? Does Amazon even exist there? Also, the cost of living is cheaper there but it seems like most items are more expensive there and it’s worth bringing a ton of stuff from the US? Would you say it kind of balances out from all the expensive goods there?
*Do they not sell good athletic shoes there? I would have imagined you could run out and get Nike’s or Adidas if necessary? Unless you’re looking for a very particular kind.*
They do and, if I'm not mistaking, they're not the only ones. There are lots of "prontos-a-vestir" in Lisbon, it is a question of searching...
They do have Nikes and plenty of brands we are used to, they are just more expensive here. We have Amazon.es we can use. It has been an adjustment, and we only make orders a few times a month instead of almost every day in the US. Overall, things are less expensive here, but when it comes to buying the brands and things we are used to things are more expensive.
Another informative and helpful video w/a great mix of personal humor.
“Mystery apartment noises”…Hmmm, is it a large thumping sound? If yes, then my son must be your neighbor. 🗯
While I don’t have Dan’s Harry Potters’ robe (I’m jealous 😁), here’s my experience w/electronics working outside the US. More expensive electronics (laptops, iPads, smartphones) generally work with dual voltage. Cheaper electronics (razors, gameboys, toothbrushes) often DO NOT. Essentially you should check the product specs or manual (preferably before you buy or move) to determine if the gadget will work abroad (220-230 V). Otherwise you have to use a voltage converter. Sounds like Dan had a good-quality razor.
Costco in Seville! Really? Details…can you get in w/a US Membership Card? Are the choices abundant or is it a watered down US version? Thanks.
The Costco in Seville is very similar to the US in size, but it is geared towards the Spanish so many products are different. You can just ask for a day pass and get in for the day.
@@HoneymoonAlways Good to know. Thanks.
Hi Dan and Michelle! I just started watching you in the past week and in that period, I managed to watch all the videos up to this one. They are excellent and very informative videos. I am in the middle of processing a Italian Citizenship for me, daughters and grandchildren. I am also in the middle of processing a Visa D7 retiree visa for Portugal. While I understand a lot regarding the Portuguese Visa, there is one thing that is bothering me, I have not seen an explanation anywhere and that is: the passport is stamped with the visa and states two visits to Portugal within the application for residency at the SEF office (I think). The first one is arriving in Portugal for the residence in itself and the second probably to return to the US to settle few things. What do you know about that restriction? Would I be able to visit other countries in the EU at anytime without being penalized in any shape or form or would that restriction applies to the EU countries? Ah, I already applied for the NIF and probably be opening a bank account soon. Now that you are there for awhile, in your opinion, which is the best bank? Thank you. Kind Regards, Tony
Hi Tony! People tend to like Millenium bank a lot. We may switch at some point. As far as the entry restrictions. This is only for the period of time between arriving and receiving residency, which for us took 2 1/2 months. Then you can go in and out of Portugal as much as you would like. Before getting your residency, I understand this as you can return to the US once. As far as EU travel, I am not sure in that time before getting your residency, but I can tell you that before we received residency we flew to Spain and there is no border control and no one looked at any documents when we arrived. So I don't think it is a problem within the Schengen zone.
@@HoneymoonAlways wow, that was very helpful. Thank you for your assistance. Continue the great work with your video. I do watch videos from Brazilians living in Portugal but they are not as good as yours. I was born in são Paulo.
Obrigado. Eu passei 3 meses em São Paulo.
Once you have italian citizenship you don't need a visa to live in Portugal (or any other country in the EU), just have to report your residence to SEF.
@@antoniof9756 Yes, you are right but I just finished finding my grandfather birth certificate. It took a long time and a cost of 450 euros. Now my daughters and me are gathering related documents here in the US and Brazil to send to an attorney in Rome. After the process is entered in court it should take 18 to 24 months for review and approval that's why I want to move to Europe sooner. Thank you very much for taking the time to contact me. It's very much appreciated.
Great content, thank you! One tip, buy your allergy meds or any other non-prescription drug store items at your local larger grocery store and not from the farmácia. The price is lower.
Thanks Ruth, we will price check next time we go!
Is there Walmart and Amazon in Portugal?
💖💖💖💖💖
Thanks
Question: do you buy bottled water for drinking in Lisbon or can you drink water from the tap?
You can drink from the tap. We use a water filter, but the water is clean here.
Just right as I was about to go to sleep 😂
Hopefully we won’t put you to sleep😊
Thank you! We are waiting for our Visa approval but rethinking what we thought we would take (we sold our large Dripping Springs home in June and sold/gave away many things). The shoes will be difficult for me! Completely agree that simplifying and downsizing is wonderful.
We hope to be in Lisbon by mid January. Have a great trip back to the US!
Thanks Cristin! Michelle's parents lived in Driftwood and they majorly downsized before moving to Portland. I think that may have been the hardest part of moving!
When waiting for your visa did you guys have to book a month rental before applying for the visa? I'm so confused on that part?
07:53 Are you really made of roof tiles, Eldorado man?! heheheheh
😂 that means made in Texas in Spanish, referring to our favorite Mexican restaurant in Texas, Eldorado.
@@HoneymoonAlways But "tejas" is also "roof tiles" in Spanish. By the way, it makes sense because Spanish lost the "x" sound in the past (Portuguese keeps it).
It's a cognate word of Portuguese "telhas".
Which Albert tennis shoes do you refer to?
Allbird tree runners www.allbirds.com/products/womens-tree-runners
How are you using your U.S phones there?
You can use any unlocked iPhone here.
Excelent video! Im in the middle of packing for our move and was struggling to figure out what to bring and what to leave. I sent you a DM on instagram. If you’d like me to throw some stuff in our shipment Id be more than happy to do that!
what neighboorhood are you in guys?
Would i be eligible for D7 visa if i started remote working 7 months ago?
Yes, that should be fine
Did you guys have to pay import tax on your personal belongings?
We did not, it was all in our luggage and no one stopped us at customs
Thank you for your fast reply :) most appreciated..
Can we apply D7 visa online or is it all offline?
All offline, you have to mail everything in.
@@HoneymoonAlways Should i apply through embassy,VFS global or a Consulate?
It depends on where you live.
@@HoneymoonAlways All the above options are available where i live,I just wanna know which option is less hassle😅
Where we lived VFS Global was the only option so no idea what would be best.
This place looks lovely but with all the bureaucracy paradise can easily become hell, which is what I’m trying to avoid.