Tips for Packing Efficiently for an International Move with Your Moving Company

Make packing easier, safer, and greener with expert tips from Asian Tigers Group.

Packing for an international move can be one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of relocating. It’s not just about putting your belongings into boxes. It’s about protecting your valuables, navigating customs requirements, and preparing for weeks or even months in transit.

According to industry data, the use of eco‑friendly packing materials during relocations is increasing, with around 30% of companies adopting sustainable packing practices. (GitNux, 2025)

With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, Asian Tigers Group has helped thousands of families and professionals relocate across Asia and the globe. Their expertise in professional packing, storage, and logistics ensures every move is handled with precision and care.

Below are essential packing tips, drawn from Asian Tigers’ best practices and insights from the 2025 ATG ChatBar AI Report, which highlights packing as the most frequently discussed topic among customers.

1. Start Planning Early

An efficient move begins with early preparation. Begin sorting and decluttering your home at least six to eight weeks before your move date. Identify what you’ll take, store, donate, or sell.

Asian Tigers recommends conducting a pre-move survey, a detailed site visit or virtual assessment, to accurately estimate your shipment’s volume. This helps determine the number of boxes, packing materials, and container space required. A 40-foot container, for example, typically holds around 60 cubic meters (cbm).

The moving services market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 5.2% from 2025 to 2030, underscoring the benefits of securing your move early. (Mordor Intelligence, 2025)

Planning early also allows your moving consultant to identify any special items: such as antiques, instruments, or fine art, that require custom packing solutions.

2. Use Professional Packing Services

While packing yourself might seem cost-effective, professional packing ensures maximum protection for your belongings. According to Asian Tigers’ specialists, professionally packed shipments experience significantly fewer damages and smoother customs clearance.

Asian Tigers’ expert crews use industry-approved materials and techniques, including:

• Double-wall cartons and shock-resistant padding
• Custom wooden crates for artwork, pianos, and glassware
• Wardrobe boxes for clothing
• Bubble wrap and acid-free tissue for delicate items

Asian Tigers’ “Essentials of Packing” guide emphasizes attention to detail, ensuring each box is labeled, sealed, and inventoried before shipping. These records also support insurance coverage and shipment monitoring.

3. Separate and Label Everything Clearly

Clear labeling saves time during both unpacking and customs inspection. Each box should list its contents, destination room, and tracking number. Asian Tigers’ digital inventory system assigns each item a barcode, allowing you and your move coordinator to monitor progress throughout transit.

Here are a few labeling tips from the team:

• Use color codes for different rooms (e.g., blue for kitchen, red for bedrooms).
• Mark fragile items clearly on multiple sides.
• Label boxes containing essential first-week items as “Open First.”

This system ensures your possessions arrive organized and easy to locate, even after a long journey.

4. Understand Customs Restrictions

Every destination country has its own import regulations. Failure to comply can result in delays, fines, or confiscated goods.

The ATG ChatBar AI Report (May 2025) highlights customs documentation as one of the top customer inquiries. Asian Tigers helps clients navigate this by providing detailed country-specific customs guides through its website.

Common restricted or prohibited items include:

• Alcohol, tobacco, and certain food products
• Plants, seeds, and soil
• Hazardous materials (including lithium batteries)
• Pornographic or politically sensitive material

Before packing, confirm with your move coordinator what can and cannot be shipped to your destination.

5. Pack an Essentials Box

Your shipment may take several weeks to arrive. Prepare a small box or suitcase with essentials to cover the interim period. Include:

• Important documents (passports, insurance papers, work permits)
• Medications and basic first aid
• Chargers and adapters
• A few outfits, toiletries, and kitchen basics

Asian Tigers often reminds clients to hand-carry valuables, jewelry, and important electronics to minimize risk.

6. Protect Fragile and High-Value Items

Special packing care is crucial for fragile, oversized, or valuable belongings. Asian Tigers’ professional teams are trained in specialty packing for pianos, fine art, and antiques; some of the most frequently moved items, according to the company’s reports.

Techniques include:

• Custom crating to fit each item’s dimensions.
• Soft padding and corner protection for artwork.
• Humidity-controlled materials for paintings and antiques.
• Shock sensors to detect mishandling during transit.

For items such as musical instruments or collectibles, detailed condition reports and photographs are taken before and after shipping.

7. Consider Storage Options

Sometimes, your new home may not be ready when your shipment arrives. In such cases, short or long-term storage can be arranged.

Asian Tigers’ facilities are designed for maximum safety, featuring CCTV surveillance and secure access. Clients can store goods for short or extended periods, and their dedicated coordinator will schedule delivery once the new residence is ready.

8. Plan for Sustainability

Packing efficiently also means packing responsibly. Asian Tigers Group is a leader in sustainable relocation practices. The company uses eco-friendly packing materials, recycles boxes where possible, and optimizes transport routes to reduce carbon emissions.

In a 2024 post highlighting the company’s ESG commitment, Asian Tigers stated: “It’s not just about meeting standards; it’s about setting new benchmarks in excellence.” Their approach aligns with global sustainability goals, ensuring every move minimizes environmental impact.

You can do your part by:

• Reusing boxes and packing materials when possible.
• Avoiding single-use plastics.
• Donating unwanted items instead of discarding them.

9. Insure Your Belongings

Even with expert packing and handling, international transit carries risks beyond any mover’s control: such as extreme weather, accidents, or port congestion.

Asian Tigers offers comprehensive insurance plans to protect your shipment from loss or damage. Your move coordinator will guide you through coverage options, ensuring your belongings are protected throughout the journey.

10. Stay in Touch with Your Move Coordinator

Effective communication is key to a successful move. Asian Tigers assigns every client a dedicated move manager, who provides:

• Pre-move guidance and packing tips
• Shipment monitoring updates
• Customs status notifications
• Delivery coordination and unpacking support

If you have special requirements, such as transporting vehicles, pets, or fine art, your coordinator will arrange expert assistance. (Pet relocations are managed by Silk Relo, Asian Tigers’ specialist partner.)

11. Unpack Efficiently at Destination

When your shipment arrives, unpacking can feel overwhelming. Here are tips to make it smoother:

• Begin with essentials first.
• Recycle packing materials responsibly.
• Inspect all items and report damages immediately for insurance claims.

Asian Tigers’ crews can handle unpacking and furniture placement, saving you time and energy while ensuring a seamless transition into your new home.

Final Thoughts

Packing efficiently for an international move requires organization, expertise, and the right partner. With over five decades of experience, Asian Tigers Group offers the tools, technology, and personal care needed for a successful relocation.

From detailed pre-move planning to eco-friendly materials and shipment monitoring, every step is designed to reduce stress and deliver peace of mind. The company’s award-winning service and regional presence across Asia make it the preferred choice for individuals, families, and corporations alike.

To learn more or request a pre-move survey, visit asiantigersgroup.com. Let Asian Tigers handle the logistics, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Further Reading

[1] GitNux. (2025). Relocation Industry Statistics. https://gitnux.org/relocation-industry-statistics/

[2] Mordor Intelligence. (2025). Moving Services (Mover and Packers) Market Size & Share Analysis. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/moving-services-market

[3] WorldMetrics. (2025). Supply Chain in the Packaging Industry Statistics. https://worldmetrics.org/supply-chain-in-the-packaging-industry-statistics/