8 Essential Items For Your Morocco Suitcase in 2025: The Savvy Traveler's Guide
Moving to Morocco? Here's What You Need to Pack!
As-salamu alaykum and welcome, fellow adventurers! If you're planning to move to or visit Morocco in 2025, you're in for an incredible journey filled with vibrant colors, rich scents, and unforgettable experiences. Having made the move myself, I know firsthand that preparing for life in Morocco requires some thoughtful planning—especially when it comes to what items to pack in your suitcase for Morocco.
While I've previously covered the administrative side of relocating (documents, birth certificates, children's health records, etc.), today I want to focus on the practical, everyday items that will make your transition to Moroccan life smoother and more budget-friendly. These are products you'll use regularly that either aren't readily available in Morocco or come with a significantly higher price tag than what you'd pay in Europe or North America.
So, let's dive into my essential packing list for Morocco in 2025—items I've found invaluable through personal experience!
8 Must-Have Items in Your Suitcase for Morocco in 2025
1. A High-Quality Suitcase
Let's start with the obvious—your suitcase itself! When relocating to Morocco, particularly if you're setting up a business or dealing with administrative matters, you'll likely make several trips back and forth in your early days. Many expats, especially husbands handling business documentation or family matters, find themselves frequently traveling between Morocco and their home countries.
Investing in a sturdy, reliable suitcase is crucial. Opting for a budget option often leads to regret and ultimately costs more when you need to replace it. Based on my experience, I recommend looking for suitcase sets with excellent reviews (aim for those with thousands of positive ratings approaching 5 stars).
A good quality set typically includes multiple sizes, providing flexibility for different travel needs. Once settled in Morocco, you'll likely want to explore other cities and rural areas, making a dependable suitcase essential for your Moroccan adventures.
2. Under-Sink Water Filter
Water quality in Morocco presents a common challenge for newcomers. While not necessarily unsafe, tap water is generally not recommended for daily consumption, especially outside major cities like Casablanca (and even in Casablanca, most residents avoid drinking it).
You have two options: regularly purchase bottled water or water jugs, which significantly impacts your monthly budget, or install a water filter. While filters are available in Morocco, selection is limited and prices are often higher than abroad. Remember that imported products generally come with premium prices in Morocco, even though the overall cost of living is lower.
I recommend bringing a quality under-sink water filtration system. It's a one-time investment of around €40-50 that provides immediate peace of mind upon arrival. Simply install it in your new apartment, and you'll have potable water without the hassle and expense of constantly buying and transporting heavy water bottles after work or outings.
3. High-Quality Sunscreen
Morocco's abundant sunshine is one of its greatest attractions, but it also means proper sun protection is essential. Good sunscreen is available in Morocco but typically costs significantly more than in Europe or North America, particularly eco-friendly or "bio" options.
If you have children or sensitive skin, packing sufficient sunscreen is especially important. I recommend bringing brands that offer effective UV protection while being gentle on skin and environmentally responsible. With frequent trips to Morocco's beautiful beaches and pools, you'll use sunscreen regularly, making this a worthwhile addition to your suitcase.
4. Saline Solution for Young Children
Parents of infants or young children, take note! Saline solution (sérum physiologique) is surprisingly expensive in Morocco compared to its cost in many other countries. These sterile saltwater solutions are invaluable for clearing little noses and cleaning minor wounds.
You have two options: bring a good supply from home or learn to make your own (numerous online tutorials explain how to prepare homemade saline solution). Personally, I recommend bringing a multi-pack of saline solution vials that will last several months. Whenever family visits from abroad, I ask them to bring more—that's how significant the price difference is!
5. Portable Bidet
This might seem unusual on a packing list, but a portable bidet has numerous advantages for life in Morocco. Toilet paper is relatively expensive here, and traditional Moroccan bathroom hygiene practices favor water cleansing over paper products.
A portable bidet offers the best of both worlds—it's easy to use (even for children), travels well whether you're flying or driving, and helps you save money on toilet paper. It's also more environmentally friendly and provides better cleanliness. This small investment will serve you well throughout your time in Morocco and during your travels.
6. Swimming Ear Plugs for Children
If you're relocating with children and will be living near the coast, this item is particularly valuable. While we might visit beaches or pools occasionally in Europe, living in Morocco often means weekend beach trips become a regular part of life.
Children prone to ear infections (otitis) will benefit greatly from swimming ear plugs. These simple devices protect against water entering the ear canal during swimming, potentially saving you trips to the doctor, antibiotics, and discomfort for your child. Pack a few pairs in your suitcase to ensure your family can fully enjoy Morocco's beautiful coastline without health concerns.
7. External Battery Pack/Power Bank
During your move and exploration of Morocco, you'll likely spend considerable time in transit, apartment hunting, or navigating new neighborhoods. Having consistent access to your smartphone for maps, translation, and communication becomes essential.
A reliable external battery pack ensures your devices stay charged during long days of transition when you might not have ready access to power outlets. Like many items on this list, power banks tend to be more expensive in Morocco, so bringing one from home is advisable. Keep it in your day bag for peace of mind during your Moroccan adventures.
8. Document Organizer
While I've created a separate video covering administrative preparations for moving to Morocco, I can't emphasize enough the importance of properly organizing your important documents. A sturdy document organizer is invaluable for sorting and protecting your essential papers.
These include diplomas (which are generally recognized in Morocco and important for employment), birth certificates, children's records, marriage certificates, family record books, and other vital documentation. These papers will be crucial for various administrative procedures in Morocco, especially if you're a foreign national requiring residence permits.
Having a well-organized system ensures you can quickly locate specific documents when needed, reducing stress during the already complex process of establishing yourself in a new country.
Preparing for Your Moroccan Adventure
These eight items represent my personal recommendations based on life experience in Morocco. Each addresses a specific need or challenge you'll likely encounter while helping you avoid unnecessary expenses.
The beauty of bringing these items is not just the cost savings but the immediate comfort they provide. Moving to a new country involves numerous adjustments and challenges—having these essentials ready from day one makes the transition smoother and allows you to focus on embracing the wonderful experiences Morocco has to offer.
Remember that while daily life in Morocco is generally less expensive than in many Western countries, imported products often come with premium prices. Strategic packing can help you manage these cost differentials while ensuring comfort during your transition.
Let's Share Packing Wisdom!
What about you? Have you already made the move to Morocco or are you planning to? I'd love to hear about the items you consider essential for your suitcase! Your experiences and suggestions could help others preparing for their Moroccan adventure.
Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's build a community resource for those embarking on this exciting journey. Your unique perspective might highlight items I haven't considered that could be valuable additions to this list.
For more detailed information about administrative preparations before moving to Morocco, don't miss my comprehensive guide covering essential documents and procedures.
Until next week's post, take care of yourselves and others. As-salamu alaykum!