It’s an understatement to say that packing for an international move can feel daunting. With so many items to pack for the long journey, it’s understandable to feel stressed about the task ahead. How can you stay organized? What can you do to effectively reduce the chance of damage in transit?

Although there are many aspects to consider, the process doesn’t need to feel like a major challenge. With the right approach, you can tackle packing like a pro and successfully transport your items to your new country!

• Declutter First

Before you start packing, you should first take the time to declutter. Moving overseas is a perfect opportunity to evaluate what you truly need, as eliminating the excess can make a huge difference in the time, energy, and money spent on packing and transporting your belongings. Approach the process by sorting your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and throw away. Try to be as discerning as possible to minimize the items you keep; eliminate items that haven’t been used in the last year, clothes that no longer fit, or things that won’t be practical in your new environment.

• Consider Storage Options

If you’re unsure what to do with certain items, consider storage options in your home country. Renting a storage unit in your current city might be a cost-effective solution, especially for items you may want to keep but won’t need immediately. This also provides a safety net if your international move is temporary or if you’re unsure about how much space you’ll have in your new location. This way, you can keep items without needing to transport them overseas.

• Research Customs Regulations

Customs regulations vary by country, and understanding the rules for importing household goods into your new home is an important step in the moving process. Research the specific requirements of your destination country. Some items may be prohibited or subject to high import taxes, while others might require special documentation. Having knowledge about customs regulations can also help you decide what’s worth taking with you and what you should leave behind.

• Decide Which Items to Ship

Once you’ve decluttered and researched customs regulations, decide which items you’ll ship to your new home. As you make these decisions, consider the cost of shipping versus the cost of replacing items in your new country. For example, large furniture pieces might be expensive to ship, so replacing them once you arrive could be more practical. Evaluate the condition and value of each item to determine if it’s worth the shipping expense.

• Create an Inventory

Creating an inventory of the items you plan to ship is important for several reasons. Your inventory will help you keep track of your belongings during the move, simplify the customs process, and provide a record in case of damage or loss. Be sure to list each item, noting its condition and taking photographs. This inventory will be valuable for both you and your moving company, as it will ensure everything is accounted for and arrives in the same condition it was packed.

• Consider Professional Packers

Packing for an international move can be overwhelming. To combat that stress, hiring professional packers might be a worthy investment. Professional packers are experienced in securely packing items for long-distance moves, ensuring that everything is packed with sufficient protection. They also know how to handle fragile and valuable items, reducing the risk of damage. If you’re short on time or uncertain about how to pack specific items, professionals can take care of the process instead, granting you peace of mind.

• Use Space-Saving Bags

When packing for an international move, it’s essential to maximize space. Space-saving bags, or vacuum-sealed bags, can be a game-changer for clothing, bedding, and other soft items. These bags compress the air out of bulky items, allowing you to pack more into your boxes or suitcases. Not only do they save space, but they also protect your belongings from moisture and dust during transit. Plus, many of these bags don’t require a vacuum, adding an extra level of convenience to this packing solution.

• Roll Your Clothing

Rolling your clothing instead of folding is a great way to save space. Plus, it can prevent wrinkles. This technique is especially useful for smaller items like t-shirts, jeans, and pajamas. Rolled clothes fit more snugly into suitcases and boxes, allowing you to pack more efficiently and make the best use of the space available to you. 

• Wrap Fragile Items

Fragile items require extra care during an international move. As you pack, make sure to use plenty of bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam to cushion delicate items like glassware and electronics. Place these items in sturdy boxes and fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting during transit. Clearly label boxes containing fragile items so you and your movers know to handle these boxes with extra care.

• Be Mindful of Voltage Differences

If you’re moving to a country with a different voltage standard, consider the compatibility of your electronics. Items like laptops, hairdryers, and kitchen appliances may require a voltage converter or adapter to function properly in your new home. Check the voltage requirements of your devices and decide if it’s worth bringing them with you. In some cases, it may be more practical to purchase new electronics after you arrive.

• Disassemble Furniture

Disassembling furniture before packing can save space and reduce the risk of damage. This includes removing legs from tables, taking apart bed frames, and detaching shelves from bookcases. Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled bags, and tape them securely to the corresponding piece of furniture, as this will allow for simple reassembly when you arrive at your new home. This step will make the furniture much easier to pack. 

• Distribute Weight Evenly

When packing boxes, distribute the weight evenly to prevent them from becoming too heavy or unbalanced. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Avoid overloading boxes, as this can make them difficult to lift and more prone to breaking. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items. Even weight distribution is key to avoiding damage and making the moving process smoother.

• Fill Empty Spaces

To prevent items from shifting during transit, be sure to fill any empty spaces in your boxes with packing materials. You can use crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or even towels and clothing to cushion items and keep them in place. This helps protect your belongings from damage and ensures that the boxes remain sturdy and compact during the move.

• Keep Essentials with You

Pack a separate bag with essentials for the move and the first few days in your new home. These might include important documents, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, and chargers for your devices. Since you will already be packing for your travels to your new country, this can be part of the luggage you take with you on your flight. Having these essentials with you will allow you to easily transition to your new home.

• Buy Some Items When You Arrive

Finally, consider buying some items after you arrive at your destination. This is particularly true for heavy items that are expensive to ship or fragile items that run the risk of sustaining damage in transit. Ultimately, this can be a more convenient solution than packing these items and paying to transport them to your new home.

 

Successfully Pack for Your International Relocation

Although packing for an international relocation can feel stressful, it can be simplified with the right approach. Ready to prepare for your upcoming overseas move? Count on international moving services from the professionals at Coral Springs Moving & Storage.

Since 1974, Coral Springs has provided high-quality moving, packing, and storage solutions to customers in South Florida and beyond. We offer services for local, long-distance, and international moves, and our expert staff has extensive experience in all types of relocations. Request a free quote online today to learn more about our affordable rates!