Packing for any house move can be a stressful task, however when you’re packing for an international move it can be even more difficult. When your things are travelling so far it is imperative that your packing is done as thoroughly as possible. Half-filled boxes and poor-quality packing materials can all cause damage to your personal items, leaving you with high shipping costs and nothing but broken furniture and damaged kitchen items.
So if you want to make sure that your household items have the best possible chance of surviving the trip, check out the packing tips that follow below.
• Use The Right Size Boxes
When you’re packing for a standard UK move, you often use any moving boxes that you can find and stuff anything in that’ll fit. However, when you’re moving abroad it is important that you pack your items as securely as possible in boxes that are suitably-sized. Boxes that are too large will allow your items to move around a lot more during transit, leaving them to become damaged and torn along the way. Similarly, over-filling boxes can cause them to break or can lead to your personal items becoming warped during the delivery process. Removal companies often have a large variety of different sized boxes available for you to use, giving you every opportunity there is to pack your things up with the care required.
• Use Quality Removal Boxes
As well as using the right size removals boxes, it is also worth spending that little bit extra to buy quality packaging products. Flimsy boxes can become damaged during transit, making them virtually useless at protecting your personal items. Quality storage boxes should be thicker and more sturdy and will have a better chance of staying together on any long moving trips.
• Wrap Fragile Items
If you have fragile items to ship then remember to try and wrap these separately in carefully labelled boxes. Each individual piece should be wrapped in professional packing materials or other household alternative, before being securely placed within a suitable box. Box fillers are a great way of stopping your things from moving around and can really help you to keep your items safe and sound.
• Get Creative
International freight can cost a fortune and that is why it is important that you use every space you have available to its utmost. Cabinet drawers and cupboards should be filled, along with bookcases, storage containers and bread bins. Remember to make sure that whatever you pack in them is completely secure and you should save yourself a whole lot of room and cost when it comes to your freight. Towels and clothing can also be used as box fillers and protective wrap for fragile items, saving you even more room on the removal van!
• Utilise Local Storage Facilities
When you’re packing for domestic house removals it is easy to shove everything into boxes ready to sort out at your new home. However, when you’re moving abroad every little bit of weight and space costs, so it is important that you have a clear-out before the big day. Local charities will often be happy to collect any old furniture that you don’t want, while charity shops will be happy for you to drop off any old books, clothes or household items that you no longer need. If there are things that you just can’t part with but won’t need in your new home then remember that there are plenty of cheap removals and storage facilities around that you can utilise as well.
