An international move is an exciting adventure filled with new opportunities, and preparing your belongings is a big part of that journey. When planning to relocate internationally, it’s crucial to understand that the packing process differs significantly from packing for a local move. International shipments endure long journeys in potentially harsh conditions, including fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
This guide shares some international moving packing tips to help you keep your belongings safe during transit and ensure compliance with customs.
Here are five best practices to keep in mind when packing for an international move:
Decluttering is part of what you should be doing four to six weeks before moving day. Every box you take increases your moving costs because it adds to the weight and makes the whole process more complicated. If you know how to declutter properly, you can avoid paying to move items that you no longer want or need.
Before packing a single box, walk through your home and sort your belongings into four categories as follows:
Think practically as you sort your belongings. For example, you may be attached to the electronics you’re currently using. However, if they require converters or aren’t compatible with the voltage and outlet standards in your destination country, selling them may be the better choice.
Decluttering can take a long time, especially if you have a large home. So it’s best to start this process early so you have enough time to:
You must have a detailed inventory of everything you’re taking with you during your international move. Customs officials will use that inventory to determine the contents of your shipment, ensuring compliance with import regulations and assessing any applicable duties or taxes. A vague or incomplete inventory can raise red flags, leading to inspections, delays and even fines.
Your moving company will also rely on your inventory to determine compensation in case your property gets damaged or lost during transit. Without a detailed record of what you shipped, it’s difficult to prove the value of your belongings, which could result in a denied or underpaid claim.
You can use a spreadsheet program — like Excel or Google Sheets — to create a clear and organized list of every box and major item you plan to ship. Here’s what you should include:
As you pack, assign each box a number and ensure that the number matches your inventory exactly. Taking the time to create a detailed and accurate inventory up front will save you time, stress and potentially significant amounts of money in the long run.
International shipments require stronger materials than local or domestic moves. You need boxes that can withstand stacking, vibration and potential impacts during transit. You also need packing supplies that can protect your property from moisture damage and high temperatures, especially if they’re being moved by sea.
Some key packing supplies to invest in include:
Avoid used boxes whenever possible. Previously used cartons can carry pests, food residue or agricultural material that may cause issues during customs inspections. Starting with clean, sturdy materials protects both your belongings and your shipment timeline.
Any items or documents you may need immediately upon arrival should not be included in your household shipment because those big boxes could take weeks or even months to arrive at your new home. They include:
You’d be in a tough spot if any of these items were stuck on a cargo ship somewhere. Also, some belongings are simply too valuable or irreplaceable to risk losing in transit. It helps to plan this step early so nothing important ends up packed by mistake. Set aside a secure personal bag or folder that you will keep with you throughout the move.
In addition to carrying originals, create digital backups of essential documents to add another layer of security. This way, you can still access the information you need if your original documents are lost or damaged.
Scan passports, contracts, medical records and your moving inventory. Store these files in a secure cloud service so you can access them from anywhere in the world. This simple step provides peace of mind and makes it easier to handle unexpected situations during your relocation
At Corrigan Moving Systems, our goal is to elevate your international move with full-service overseas moving services, as well as professional packing services. Our movers can pack everything for you, or you can go for our partial packing service if you prefer to handle some items yourself. We use high-quality packing materials to ensure your items are safe and protected during transport, and our professional packing techniques minimize the risk of items getting damaged during transit.
In addition to helping you prepare your items for moving, we also offer customs compliance support to ensure your shipment meets all the necessary laws, allowing it to clear customs and be delivered to your new location safely. Our global network locations also enable us to partner with the highest-quality moving companies worldwide, giving you access to the best resources regardless of your destination.
Contact our experts to learn more or get a moving quote, and we’ll make your international relocation experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
