What should I pack when moving to Frankfurt?

We asked people living in Frankfurt to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded...

"When moving to Frankfurt, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack warm clothing for the winter months, as temperatures can drop below freezing. Bring comfortable shoes for walking, as Frankfurt is a very walkable city. Make sure to bring a raincoat and umbrella, as Frankfurt experiences a lot of rain. Additionally, pack items that will help you adjust to the culture, such as a phrasebook or language learning materials. Finally, don't forget to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport or visa," remarked another expat in Frankfurt, Germany.

"One of the first things I recommend bringing would be medicines. Most of the German medicines I tried where weaker doses than I was used to or where homeopathic remedies. I felt very little effect when I was sick with say the flu. If you attempt to go to a Pharmacy (apotheka) First you have to know what the medicine is called in German. Second you have to hope the Apotheka is open. If you are sick during lunch, after hours or on the weekends you may have to travel far to find the 1 open pharmacy in your area. All of this is hard to find out when you are new to Germany. So I always make sure I have a basic stock pile. cold medicine, cough suppressent, pain relievers etc. Second thing I would definitly bring would be a few non-pershable items of "comfort food". I found it odd that as much as I love trying new foods I still missed the old mac and cheese. Bring a few items to snack on when you are feeling particularly homesick. Also I found it impossible to find the brown sugar that we are used to in the states. Bring a few baking items and spices as well. Third would have to be very good walking shoes. Invest in them, they are worth the money. Living in Europe often requires a lot of walking on cobblestone streets. Your feet take a real beating. Shoes are expensive to buy there so you are better off doing that back in the US. Things I would leave behind would be some of my books and CD's. I never used any those phrase books and only listened to about half of the cd's I brought," said a member in Frankfurt, Germany.

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We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Germany. If you're moving to Germany, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Germany.

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