Packing for an International Move: Best Practices

The transition to a different country is a significant event when you change locations for employment, family or a new residence. There is a necessity to prepare your possessions before this process begins.

The process of packing for a move across borders is more complex than a local move. Your items are subject to multiple instances of handling and transit, and some goods must meet specific government import standards. Careful preparation is a method to ensure the relocation is systematic.

An established moving company is able to assist with the packing, transit, storage and arrival of your goods. There are specific actions you can follow when you prepare for those moves.

Plan Before You Pack

The planning stage must begin at an early date – create a schedule so that you have sufficient time to categorize and mark your items without haste.

By starting with objects that you use at low frequencies, like seasonal garments or books, you simplify the process. It is better to leave daily necessities until the date of departure is near. If the  international relocation contains children or animals, you should allocate more time for the tasks.

The existence of a plan is helpful for identifying which objects are delicate or have high monetary value.

Decide What to Take

The relocation is a specific time to evaluate which items are necessary. To ship goods across borders involves significant labor – you should determine if the utility of an object justifies the cost of transit.

Separate your possessions into groups for personal transport, shipping, storage or donation. It is logical to ship furniture that you cannot replace easily. It is more efficient to buy inexpensive or heavy items after you arrive at the destination.

If you do not move every object at once, storage is a functional choice. The moving company is often able to organize storage facilities for your goods.

Check Customs Requirements

To avoid delays, examine the import laws of the destination country before you pack. There are often rules regarding the movement of food, plants, medication, electronics and alcohol.

But you should not assume that an item is legal in the new country just because it is legal in your current location. Some goods are only permitted if you have specific licenses or paperwork. Your international moving company is a source of advice on those rules, but you must also read the official government documents for that nation.

Pack for Protection

International movers handle your crates at various points during the trip. In using proper packing methods, you lower the chance that your property sustains damage during the transit.

The use of sturdy containers and protective padding is necessary for different types of objects. Use individual wraps for breakable items and fill all gaps within the boxes to prevent movement.

For fabrics use thick materials that resist tearing – it is important that you protect furniture from impacts and surface marks, especially during long periods of storage.

Not sure how to prepare your belongings for an international move? Ask Cindy, our 24/7 AI assistant for practical packing tips.

Give Valuable Items Extra Care

The protection of identity documents, jewelry and cash is a priority. It is necessary that you keep passports, visas and financial records with you instead of putting them in a shipping container.

On the occasion of moving expensive items, you should create a list and keep the purchase records. Taking photos is a great way to document the state of your property before the movers pack it.

Your international movers can suggest packing methods but your personal papers must stay in your possession.

Label Everything Clearly

The use of labels makes the task of unpacking less difficult – mark each container with its contents and the specific room where it belongs. To ensure safety add instructions for fragile goods.

By numbering your containers and maintaining a list, you can track your property. There is a benefit to keeping a record of which items are in storage. Detailed organization is a way to save time when you need to find an object later.

Prepare for Delivery

As you prepare for the arrival of your goods, you should evaluate the new residence. Measure the width of doors and stairs to ensure large furniture can pass through. If the building has rules for deliveries, you must check them.

It is helpful to pack a box of immediate necessities, like clothes, toiletries and tools for electronic devices – this allows you to live in the home without opening every container immediately. If you use storage, you should decide which items are required first.

Work with Experienced International Movers

International moves are more than just transport. The requirements for packing, law and storage are parts of the relocation process.

An experienced team is able to explain the steps of the move – when you select a company, you should evaluate their history and their ability to provide support from the start to the end. The staff are also able to find potential problems that you might ignore, especially when moving between nations with different laws.

Make Your International Move Easier

The act of preparation is the way to make a relocation systematic. Start the process early, lower the volume of your goods and follow the rules of the destination. At Asian Tigers Group, our staff provide moving and storage services for individuals and corporations in Asia and other regions.

Want to hear more about international relocation and the moving industry? Explore the Asian Tigers Group podcast for conversations and insights from the world of international moving.

Let’s get moving.