deangolden:

Are you moving permanently? It depends on what you really need. We moved from the US to Thailand with only one piece of luggage and one carry on each. We sold everything and are not returning to the US. We had trouble finding clothes in Thailand because everyone is very tiny.

Portugal is much different and now that we are here for the long haul we can find anything we need. Clothes, and shoes are not a problem. Medications are not a problem. Portugal is a first world country and we have found it much cheaper than in US.

Bring what you want and if you have some special pieces of items like a favorite something you can't replace that will make it feel like home if you put it on a shelf, then by all means bring it.
Try not to over worry. You will be fine.

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Hello. First you need to check with the airline to determine their baggage rules based on the class of ticket you purchased. Each airline can be different. American made products are more expensive here. If you have particular tastes for a certain item you may want to bring it with you. Otherwise, most items are available here. Most cities/towns have fresh markets that may include fish, meats, vegetables, flowers & spices, etc. There are also many different grocery stores here, like Jumbo, Continent, Pingo Dolce, Spar, Aldi, Lidl, etc. Their size depends on what they carry. Jumbo can be like a Walmart with a pharmacy, drugstore, electronics, gardening items, produce, meats, fish, canned goods,etc. July will be typically warm to hot depending on where you go. You didn't say how long you would be here, so beyond September a jacket may be necessary. Hope this helps.

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First, contact the airline, either by phone or online, and find out about any possible luggage restrictions/regulations. How many pieces per person, max. size and weight, etc.

Secondly, do you have a rental waiting for you or do you plan to find one after you get to your destination?

If rental is already arranged, ask the landlord what is included in "furnished". In many countries in the world the term "fully furnished" can mean a variety of things. You may or may not have enough beds for your family, it may or may not include linens and towels, and may or may not include a shower curtain in the bathroom. In the kitchen, it can have everything you could possibly need, or more frequently, it could have not much at all.

If you are planning on arranging a rental after you arrive, these things can be determined as you check out different places to rent.

Once you know what your luggage restrictions are, you need to decide how many pieces of luggage you will feel comfortable carrying/moving from place to place. Though the airport will have luggage carriers, the place you may rent could be up a hill and then up 3 flights of stairs. Also, depending on your mode of transport from airport to rental, you could be schlepping a lot of luggage on a bus, a train or tram.

Decide what clothing will be suitable for the time of year and climate for your destination. Also, if there are any small appliances you absolutely cannot live without, you may wish to take them, along with any electrical adapters you will need. Remember that things like personal care products and small appliances such as hair dryers, etc. can take up room in you r luggage.

Always pack as little as possible and you will have much better time!

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Thanks. We are moving full time. Just wasn't sure how to pack that first set of luggage to get us there for 4 months

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I know this is a couple weeks old, but, I'll offer advise..
First, check with your ailrine carrier to know how many bags you may carry on and check into the baggage hold. what will they allow you to pack?
Make sure you have scripts for medications needed, and carry as much medications you're allowed in your carry on, extra eye glasses, etc.
Carry ypur passports, and whatever legal documents you need, copies also.
Nobody likes to think about this..if you have minor children ..make sure you have a will, insurance, and if something should happen to you and your wife...a document which will notify your attorney in the states, stating who you wish to raise your children, inheritance, etc.
I moved to Germany a few years ago and I lived in a furnished one bedroom flat which I rented from a friend. Before I left the states, I sold everything, and what little I kept I gave to my sister.
You do not need a lot, clothes, shoes but not all you own, I could go on, but you understand you can't bring everything. Leave all your electrical crap in the states.
Sell your jewlery in the states, wear what you want to keep. Valuables are a ball and chain.
Once you know what is allowed on the carrier, and the size and weight allowed, lay luggage out for each person. lay out items you believe you can't live without. Have each person do this. Have each person pick up and carry their own luggage, next they have to roll their own luggage, lol, At this point each person will be discarding what they have to have, it's called weeding out.
Only you know what is important. When I moved, I had a carry on and one checked bag. I lived in the clothes I brought, and I found I still had too much. People in Europe wear different style than in the US, and also don't hoard clothes, it's too expensive.
When I left the states, my one valuable was and is a photo of my sister, mom and myself together, that's it, it lays flat in my carry on when I move around.
Anything else you need for your permanent home you can puchase in Portugal.
I wish you well.
I'm now back in the states and am looking forward to my move with my sister to Portugal.

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