International Removals: How To Pack, What To Pack

When you are preparing to move overseas, the packing process should not be all too different for you than a standard local move. However, there are some aspects of international removals that do require greater care and attention for the whole ordeal to run as smoothly as possible. 

Boxes

During a local move, it is often a good idea to save on buying boxes yourself by borrowing used and unwanted ones from neighbours, businesses or anywhere else you can get them. This can be a tempting option, but can lead to problems when dealing with international removals.

Stacking boxes can be a hassle with odd boxes of random sizes, and a lot of stacking is done when shipping internationally. Using the same shape and sized boxes for all your packing is an easier option that will help save you a lot of time and stress in the long run. It could be very well worth your time to invest in a number of boxes from your professional removals company, or any other service that provides suitable moving boxes. When it then comes to palletising your boxes, the whole process should go very smoothly. The unloading should be especially very simple.

Pallets

Once you are packed, your boxes are collected and brought by the moving company you've hired to their warehouse. The palletising procedure then begins. Shipping your boxes on several pallets is very cost effective and safer then shipping all of your boxes thrown haphazardly into a shipping container. Your boxes are stacked and packed tightly on to a pallet all the way to just the right height. The pallet is then covered in bubble and shrink wrap to keep everything safe. As mentioned previously, having the boxes all of the same shape obviously makes this a lot easier. Pallets are often heat treated so the protective plastic wrap moulds to perfectly fit the stacked pallet and keep it all in place for the journey. The cargo is then picked up and delivered to port.

Be Selective

Remember the most crucial advice when shipping: only take what you really need to your new home. Use this opportunity of a fresh start to get rid of all the clutter that’s been collecting dust over all of the years. You don’t want to waste your valuable time and money on moving things that are just going to sit in your new home and collect new dust. The same can be applied to appliances that may be on their way out. Why waste time on moving your fridge when it will soon be too old and you’ll have to throw it away and get a new one. This could potentially lead to a lot of wasted money. Even your appliances aren't too old and seem to be in working order, it can sometimes cost much more than it’s worth to get them over. Fridges especially will have to be thoroughly emptied, cleaned and defrosted before being transported overseas.

These are just a couple of things to keep in mind when dealing with international removals. If you have any experience with moving locally at all, you should be more than prepared. Just be ready to be very selective with what to take, to save you money, time and from collecting any unwanted junk.

How to prepare when moving home

The key to avoiding stress when moving home is all about how prepared you are, the more notice you have, the better. Make sure you plan your house move properly and you won’t be pulling your hair out on the day (hopefully). Here are some simply steps to remember to think about when you’re moving home that will help you keep stress-free and make the whole process as smooth as possible.

Countdown

The following information will help you focus on what needs to be done and when.

1 Month – Plenty of time

·         Notify your landlord with a written letter of notice (if applicable).

·         Book the time off work, even if it’s a weekend, give yourself plenty of time to unpack and settle in.

·         Inform your phone line company (such as BT) that you are moving and organise reconnection/installation of a line.

·         Contact utility companies with the date that you will be moving into the new property.

·         Order packing materials.

·         De-clutter and clean.

2 Weeks – it’s getting closer!

·         Contact appropriate people of you change of address and arrange paperwork (Do not send until you have moved).

·         Arrange with the post office to forward your mail to your new address on the date of the move.

·         Book your Removal Company or a van.

·         Decide if you want to pay extra and have a professional packing team pack your boxes for you.

·         Arrange for someone to look after your children and any pets.

·         Start to think (if you haven’t already) about what rooms will be used for what.

·         Start packing any non-essential items.

·         If you’re moving into a smaller property then you may want to consider Storage.

·         If you’re moving into a larger property then think about if you need new furniture – order them now and arrange delivery for the day you move in.

1 Week – Any time now!

·         De-register with you doctor/optician if you’re moving to a different area.

·         Finalise arrangements with your removal company, confirming arrival times and your address for collection and delivery.

·         Arrange with the estate when you can collect the keys for your new home.

·         Notify the bank of any changes of direct debits and standing orders.

·         Remember that you are going to have to defrost your fridge/freezer so don’t do a big shop as you may end up wasting food.

The day before the Move –Already?!

·         If you’re having you goods packed for you then confirm details with your removal company.

·         If you are packing yourself then label boxes and finalise packing, take into consideration what you might need on the day of the move and avoid packing these until last.

·         Defrost your fridge/freezer.

·         Finish cleaning the house.

The Big Day!

·         Disconnect any remaining appliances.

·         Check every room to make sure nothing is left and everything is clean.

·         Close and lock all windows and doors.

·         When you arrive at your new house, make sure all containers have been delivered and are not damaged.

·         Finally sit down and relax.