If you’re planning to live and work on for several months or longer, it’s worth packing carefully. Most everyday items are available, but because almost everything is imported, some products can be expensive, limited, or unavailable for periods of time.
Here are the items I’d recommend bringing:
Clothing
- Good hiking boots (the island has many steep trails)
- Light clothing for warm weather
- A waterproof rain jacket
- A warm fleece or sweater for cooler evenings
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear
Gardening
If you’re hoping to grow your own vegetables:
- High-quality vegetable seeds (tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beans, peppers, herbs)
- Seed trays
- Gardening gloves
- Pruning shears
- Hand trowel and fork
- Good-quality watering nozzle
- Garden twine and plant ties
- A few packets of heirloom or specialty seeds that may not be available locally
Electronics
- Laptop and charger
- External hard drive or SSD
- Power bank
- Universal travel adapter (UK Type G plugs are used)
- Spare charging cables
- Rechargeable batteries and battery charger
- Torch/headlamp
Medicines
- Prescription medicines (bring several months’ supply if possible)
- Painkillers
- Allergy medication
- Cold and flu remedies
- Vitamins
- First-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Kitchen
- Good chef’s knife (if allowed in your luggage)
- Reusable food containers
- Favourite spices and seasonings
- Coffee or tea you particularly enjoy
Tools
- Multi-tool (packed in checked luggage)
- Screwdriver set
- Tape measure
- Strong duct tape
- Cable ties
- Small sewing kit
Work and hobbies
- Books or an e-reader
- Art or craft supplies
- Musical instrument if you play one
- Camera and extra memory cards
Personal items
- Enough toiletries for several months if you have preferred brands
- Glasses and a spare pair if you wear them
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra shoes and sandals
Food
If you enjoy certain foods, consider bringing:
- Specialty spices
- Favourite sauces
- Good coffee
- Specialty snacks
- Seeds and nuts
Things that are expensive or occasionally hard to find
- Quality electronics and accessories
- Replacement phone chargers and cables
- Gardening equipment
- Specialist tools
- Some medicines
- Specialty health foods
- Certain imported clothing and shoes
If you’re planning to stay a year or more, you might also consider shipping:
- A bicycle
- Larger gardening tools
- A greenhouse kit or shade cloth
- Solar-powered lights
- A small freezer (if your accommodation allows it)
- Quality cookware
One final tip: because ships and flights can be delayed by weather, it’s wise to bring enough essential supplies—especially medications and important electronics—to last at least three to six months without needing replacements.
