Packing Tips for Moving Household Essentials

Moving can be a stressful and time-consuming experience. On the other hand, moving overseas is another hassle for some.

Investing time and effort in planning your move helps make the entire process easier. Besides, panicking and last-minute improper packing can lead to breakage and unwanted damage. When you finally arrive at your new home, the last thing you'd want is to spend money replacing something broken while shipping. We’ve got some tips for packing your household essentials properly for the long trip to your new home!

Certain products must be treated differently to ensure they are secure, properly packed, and conveniently carried. You’ll need supplies like boxes, tape, and padding materials. An alternative would be asking for moving supplies from others who have already moved. Moving is a common reality for many of us, which means once someone completes their move, they no longer need their supplies. You can use many websites to connect with previous movers for this eco-friendly option.

Organize Your Items Room by Room

A good approach is to go room by room and sort goods into three categories:

1. Things you want to keep
2. Things to donate
3. Junk you want to throw away

Organizing ahead of time makes moving much easier since you only take what you need. Wrap miniature objects with brightly colored tissue paper before placing them in the box to prevent them from being misplaced or tossed out with the packing material.

Start Packing on Time

Time is of the essence; begin packing several boxes every day a few weeks before your departure. Of course, be sure that the stuff you pack will not be needed before you leave. You’ll be more organized, and the work won’t seem daunting if you balance your time.

How to Pack Hazardous Items

Make sure your package does not include any dangerous items! Paint, varnish, and thinners, gasoline, kerosene, and oil, bottled gas, aerosol cans, nail polish and remover, ammunition and explosives, corrosives, and cleaning fluids and detergents are examples of these products. Many countries have these on their restricted or prohibited items lists, so it’s best to be careful and check before packing. You can look through our general Restricted & Prohibited Items list here.

How to Pack Fragile Items

Fragile items need special treatment when packing. For example, electronics with glass displays should be double-padded to avoid breakage. Bubble wrap should be used to protect fragile china and ceramic cookware. Place paper between all plates, bowls, cups, and tableware to avoid chipping and shattering. Fine paintings, pianos, and musical instruments have specific packaging needs you need to consider. Finally, don’t forget to label your boxes with big FRAGILE stickers to ensure extra security.

How to Pack Valuables

No matter how well you pack your boxes, keeping some valuable items by your side is best. We highly recommend that you keep the transport of your items personally. Photographs, financial paperwork and assets, legal documents, collectibles, jewelry, coin and stamp collections, and medical and family history records are just some items to give you an idea of what to include in your list.

Label Your Boxes

Write a broad description of the contents and the room from where it came on the top and front of each box (or which it will go into in your new home). Use different colored dot stickers on each box, and then place an indicator of the same color outside the room where you want the color-coded boxes delivered at your new home.

Packing Checkbox

Let’s go through a couple of steps of the packing process you can use to have a smooth transition.

☐ Decide what to move: Moving abroad is a great opportunity to start a more minimalistic approach to life. Think about what is essential and make space for new experiences in your new home.

☐ Make a “first to open” box: Prepare one or two boxes with items such as toiletries, towels, cooking utensils, blankets, and other stuff you’ll need for your first couple of nights in your new home.

☐ Know what you can’t move: Don’t forget to check if your items are restricted and prohibited by your shipping company and the customs of your destination country.

☐ Use quality materials: Saving a couple of bucks on packing is good, but it may cost you much more in the long run. Use high-quality sturdy boxes, wrapping paper, and packing tape.

☐ Label everything: To make moving day go more smoothly, label each box with the room it belongs to. Mark it on several sides so that it may be seen regardless of how it is picked up during the unloading procedure.

☐ Keep valuables separate: Instead of placing crucial documents, pricey gadgets, and other precious objects in the moving equipment, consider carrying them with you.

☐ Ask for help: Packing doesn’t need to be this tedious chore that you have to get over and done with. The more folks that contribute, the easier it will be to pack! Invite friends and family members over to help you get everything packaged up quickly. Try to make this time special.

What are some international moving tips you have? Share with us on our  Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! We love reading your comments!