The Ultimate Packing List for Moving to Poland (2026 Edition)

The Ultimate Packing List for Moving to Poland

You have accepted the offer, booked the flight, and told everyone you are moving to Poland. Now comes the part that everyone underestimates: packing. What do you actually need to bring? What is readily available and cheap in Poland? And what does a typical Polish apartment come with (spoiler: less than you think)?

This guide is the result of surveying internationals who have already made the move. We have organized everything by category with clear priorities so you can pack smart, travel light, and avoid the classic mistake of bringing three suitcases of things you could have bought for a fraction of the price at a Polish Biedronka.

Before you pack a single item: make sure your housing is sorted. Knowing whether your apartment is furnished, what is included, and whether you will have flatmates changes your entire packing strategy. Browse verified listings on Domkaspot to see exactly what each apartment provides before you fly.

For the full moving process from visa to apartment, see our complete relocation guide to Poland.

Documents: The Non-Negotiable Essentials

Documents are the one category where forgetting something can derail your entire move. Pack these in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag. Make both physical copies and digital backups stored in the cloud.

• Passport -- valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Check expiry dates NOW.
• Visa / residence permit documents -- if applicable. Print all confirmation emails and application receipts.
• University acceptance letter / employment contract -- you will need this for residence registration and bank account opening.
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) -- for EU citizens. Apply before leaving if you don't have one.
• Travel and health insurance documents -- non-EU citizens need comprehensive health insurance. Print the policy.
• Birth certificate (translated) -- some bureaucratic processes in Poland require this. Get a certified translation (sworn translation, or 'tlumaczenie przysiegle') before you leave.
• Driving license -- EU licenses work directly. Non-EU licenses are valid for 6 months, after which you need a Polish license.
• Academic transcripts and diplomas (translated) -- for university enrollment or job applications.
• Reference letters from previous landlords -- helpful when applying for apartments, especially through Domkaspot where verified profiles carry more weight.
• Passport-sized photos (10+) -- Polish bureaucracy loves paper photos. Bring a stack to avoid hunting for a photo booth on day one.
• Copies of everything -- at least 3 physical copies of each key document, plus digital scans in Google Drive or Dropbox.

Electronics and Connectivity

Poland uses Type C and Type E power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. If you are coming from the UK, US, Australia, or certain Asian countries, you will need adapters. Here is the breakdown.

Clothing: Dressing for Polish Seasons

Poland has four distinct seasons with dramatic temperature swings. What you pack depends on when you arrive, but plan for the full range if staying long-term.

What Polish Apartments Typically Include vs. What You Need to Bring

This is where most newcomers get caught off guard. Polish rental apartments vary wildly in what they provide. Here is what to expect based on apartment type.

Toiletries, Medicine, and Personal Care

Poland has excellent pharmacies (apteka) and drugstores (Rossmann, Hebe, dm) where you can find most international brands. However, there are some things worth bringing.

Digital Preparation: Apps and Setup

Before you land, set up these digital tools to make your first weeks dramatically easier.

• Revolut or Wise -- for fee-free currency conversion and instant payments. Set up and fund before departure.
• Google Maps -- download offline maps for your destination city. Works for navigation even without data.
• Jakdojade -- Poland's best public transport app. Real-time tram, bus, and metro schedules. Buy tickets directly in the app.
• Google Translate -- download Polish for offline translation. The camera translation feature is invaluable for reading signs, menus, and documents.
• Bolt / Uber -- both operate in major Polish cities. Bolt is often cheaper.
• Pyszne.pl / Glovo / Wolt -- food delivery apps. Essential for your first few days when you don't know the neighborhood.
• Domkaspot app -- for finding flatmates and housing with verified listings and smart matching.
• mObywatel -- Poland's government services app (useful once you have a PESEL and ID).
• WhatsApp -- widely used in Poland for personal and even some business communication.
• Telegram -- popular in expat communities, especially Ukrainian and Russian-speaking groups.

Your Week-1 Survival Kit

Pack these items in an easily accessible bag for your first 24-48 hours. You may be too jet-lagged or overwhelmed to shop on day one.

• Change of clothes for 2-3 days
• Basic toiletries (travel size)
• Phone charger + power adapter
• Snacks and a reusable water bottle
• A printed copy of your apartment address and landlord's phone number
• 100-200 PLN in cash (get from an ATM at the airport or exchange before arrival)
• A small padlock (if staying in a hostel while apartment hunting)
• Earplugs and an eye mask (for sleeping through time zone adjustment or noisy first nights)
• Bedding: at minimum a pillowcase, fitted sheet, and light blanket if your apartment might not provide them

Things NOT to Bring: What's Cheaper in Poland

Overpacking is the most common mistake. These items are widely available and often cheaper in Poland than in Western Europe, the UK, or North America.

• Furniture -- IKEA Poland prices are lower than most of Europe. Allegro (Poland's eBay) and OLX have excellent second-hand options.
• Kitchen equipment -- Pepco, Action, and IKEA sell basic kitchen sets for under 100 PLN total.
• Cleaning supplies -- available everywhere and very cheap.
• Excessive clothing -- Polish fashion brands (Reserved, Sinsay, Cropp) offer quality at low prices.
• Books in English -- Empik (Poland's largest bookstore chain) has English sections. Also check library exchanges in expat spaces.
• Gym equipment -- gym memberships in Poland cost 80-150 PLN/month. Most neighborhoods have well-equipped facilities.
• Heavy winter gear (if arriving in summer) -- buy it in Poland during September sales when selection is best.
• Too many shoes -- heavy and space-consuming. Bring 3-4 pairs max, buy the rest locally.
• Excessive electronics accessories -- Media Markt, RTV Euro AGD, and x-kom (online) have everything at competitive prices.

The Complete Packing Checklist

Here is your master checklist, organized by priority. Items marked [ESSENTIAL] should not be left behind. Items marked [NICE-TO-HAVE] can be bought in Poland if needed.

Final Advice: Pack Light, Plan Smart

The internationals who are happiest in Poland are the ones who packed one suitcase too few, not one too many. Poland is a modern EU country with Amazon delivery, IKEA stores in every major city, and a thriving second-hand market. Almost anything you forget can be bought within 24 hours.

The one thing you cannot buy on arrival is housing. Arriving without a confirmed place to stay leads to rushed decisions, overpaying, and stress. Use Domkaspot to secure your apartment before your flight, or use flatmate matching to find compatible roommates and split costs from day one.

For the 25 things nobody tells you about actually living in Poland once you arrive, read our 25 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Poland.

For city-specific cost breakdowns, check our guides for Warsaw.

The best packing decision you can make? Sorting your housing first. Everything else is just luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Poland

What plug adapter do I need for Poland?

Should I bring bedding to Poland?

Can I bring my prescription medication to Poland?

How much cash should I bring to Poland?

What should I NOT pack when moving to Poland?

Do I need a winter coat for Poland?