Are you embarking on an international move? Although the prospect of moving to a new country brings plenty of excitement, the logistical elements of an international relocation can be overwhelming. In particular, packing for this major move is a major source of stress for many people.
However, despite the stressful aspects of packing, it doesn’t need to feel like an insurmountable challenge. With the right know-how, packing for your overseas move can be a stress-free, streamlined task.
Packing for an international move is imperative for the success and organization of this move. Follow this complete guide to make sure your packing process runs smoothly.
Understandably, international moves require more preparation and time than domestic moves, meaning starting the packing process early is crucial. Aim to start packing as early as possible so you can divide the task into manageable chunks. Many moving experts recommend that you begin packing for international relocations at least two months in advance to avoid last-minute stress. This timeline empowers you to methodically go through your belongings, sort, and pack them with care—elements that will ultimately make your packing process more successful.
The first step in your packing process is to sort through your belongings. You will want to divide your belongings into categories: donate, sell, throw away, and keep. If you want to invest in storage space in your home country, you can also make a storage category of items to leave behind. Overall, this step will help you identify what you really need to take with you and reduce the amount of items you need to pack. Be ruthless—international moving costs can be high, and it’s often cheaper to replace items in your new country.
As you sort through your items, focus on essentials and irreplaceable sentimental items. Eliminate duplicates and things you haven’t used in the past year, as these items will simply take up unnecessary space in your boxes and bags. Consider the climate and lifestyle of your destination—will you need all your winter clothes if you’re moving to a tropical country? Getting rid of non-necessities can save you space, money, and time spent on packing and unpacking.
Every country has different customs regulations regarding what you can bring in. Some items might be prohibited or subject to taxes. Be sure to research the customs regulations of your destination country to avoid any surprises or complications.
A detailed checklist is a must for an international move. Create a list of all the items you know you absolutely want to bring with you for your relocation. This can keep you organized and prevent any important items from being forgotten or accidentally decluttered. Methodically go through your list and ensure each item is carefully packed.
As you prepare for your relocation, it’s important to consider what you will bring with you on your flight and what will be shipped. Essential items that you will need right away, electronics, important documents, and certain valuables should be kept with you. Other items that you won’t need right away can be shipped through an international moving company. Another element to consider is storage. If you’re opting to leave any items back in your home country, look into your storage options to ensure to find secure, high-quality storage solutions.
Keep all important documents with you rather than moving them. This includes passports, visas, birth certificates, medical records, insurance papers, and any legal documents. Store these in a secure, easily accessible place while you travel to avoid any potential issues upon arrival.
A crucial aspect to consider during an international move is your electronics. As you prepare for your move, take time to check the voltage and plug type of your new country. Some electronics might not be compatible without a converter or adapter, whereas others might not be usable in your new country at all. Decide which electronics are worth bringing and consider selling or donating the rest. It’s often easier to buy new electronics that match the specifications of your destination.
Create an inventory of all the items you’re packing. This is crucial for customs declarations and can help you keep track of your belongings during the move. It’s advisable to take photos or videos of valuable items and note their condition for insurance purposes. This inventory will be incredibly valuable in case of any damage or loss claims, and it will also keep you organized as you can note where each item is packed.
Space saver bags are excellent for packing bulky fabric items like clothes and bedding. These bags compress your items, saving valuable space and making it easier to pack more efficiently. They also protect your belongings from moisture and dust during the move. Although many people think of these bags as requiring a vacuum, you can purchase space saver bags that do not need any vacuuming. These are a convenient solution that allows for more effective use of space as you pack your belongings.
Packing cubes are perfect for organizing smaller items and keeping your luggage neat. You can use them to separate clothing, accessories, and other personal items. Packing cubes make it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything, which is especially useful during the initial days in your new home.
When packing your boxes, evenly distribute the weight to prevent them from becoming too heavy and difficult to handle. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like clothes. Make sure the heaviest items in each box sit at the bottom to prevent anything from getting crushed or damaged. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking.
Fragile items need extra care, especially when they are traveling long distances during an international move. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam to cushion delicate items and prevent movement within your boxes. Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items so you and your movers know to handle them with care. Consider using specialized boxes for items like dishes, glassware, and electronics to provide extra protection.
Pack a separate suitcase with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, and basic kitchen items. This ensures you have everything you need for the first few days without having to unpack all your boxes right away.
By following these steps, you can successfully pack for your international move and get ready to head to your new home! Looking for an international moving company to help you safely transport your belongings? Rely on Allied International, the premier international movers for over 136 years.
We have orchestrated countless streamlined relocations throughout our company’s history, empowering people with top-tier moving, packing, and storage solutions. Our team works diligently to provide the highest quality services to our valued customers.
Request a free quote today to discover our reasonable rates!
We carefully and methodically pack and crate your items, ensuring their safe and secure arrival. We take pride in the expert packing, crating, and handling of your possessions.
Our aim is to have your belongings safely and quickly transported to your new location, with a focus on customer service and your utmost satisfaction.
We provide you with a personal moving coordinator. You can check in any time you wish, connecting to the same person who will be very familiar with your particular custom moving plan.
