If you are moving across the globe, there are a few things you will need to do in order to make the process smooth. One of the most important things is figuring out the easiest way to pack for a move. If you don’t have a lot of experience with moving internationally, it can be tricky.
Do you have an upcoming move planned? Whether it’s across the globe or just to a new neighborhood, preparing for a move can be daunting. You know there are a lot of things to consider when planning such a move. One of the most important aspects is packing your belongings. But what is the best way to do it? Don’t worry – with the right tips and tricks, packing up your belongings can be a breeze.
The Easiest Way to Pack for a Move Starts With a Good Organization
When you’re finally ready to start packing for your move, it’s important to do it efficiently so that everything arrives at your new home in one piece. One of the most important relocation tips is to start preparing early, so don’t make one of those relocation mistakes of doing everything last minute. Here are some tips to help you pack like a pro:
- Start by sorting through everything you need to pack. Create four categories: things you’re taking with you, things you’re giving away, things you’re throwing away, and things you’re storing in storage units. This will help you declutter your home before the move and make packing simpler.
- Separate items into categories based on what will be packed together. For example, keep all your clothes in one area, all your kitchen items in another, and so on. This will make packing each box quicker and easier.
- Create packing boxes for each category of items. Label each box with the contents and the room it should go in at your new home. This will save you time and energy when you’re unpacking.
- If you want to apply one of the best relocation hacks, just pack each box according to its label. Start with the heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on top. If possible, use smaller boxes for heavier items so that they’re not too difficult to lift.
- Double-check that you have packed everything you need before you leave. Make a moving-out list of everything in each box and tick it off as you pack it. This will ensure that nothing gets left behind and that there aren’t any things you forgot.
- When all your boxes are packed, make sure all appliances are unplugged and properly stored. Take out any trash that has accumulated. Clean the entire house from top to bottom. Give keys to your realtor or new homeowners.
But before you can start all these steps, you should first take some initial preparation steps.
Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need
It might be exhausting to pack up all of your belongings into bins, bags, and boxes. But, by reducing clutter as much as you can, you will make life a little simpler for yourself and move efficiently. Do a ruthless purge of useless objects before you fill a single box, and decide what to get rid of and what you will keep. You’ll begin life in your new location with a clean slate and have less to pack, move, and unpack after you move across the world. Don’t forget to contact your international mover and find out which items international movers won’t move, so you don’t pack them.
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Make an Inventory List
If you are moving overseas, it is important to make a relocation inventory so that you know what you have and where it is going. This will help you stay organized and make sure that everything arrives at your new home in one piece. Here are a few steps to help you create a moving inventory:
- Make a list of everything that you need to move. This should include furniture, appliances, clothing, and any other items that you cannot live without.
- Go through each room in your home and make a note of what is in each room. This will help you determine which items are going to which rooms in your new home.
- Take pictures of each item that you are moving. This will help you keep track of your belongings and will also help you remember where everything is supposed to go.
- Make a list of any special instructions for each package. For example, if you have a fragile item, make a note of it so that the movers will know to take extra care with it.
- When you arrive at your new home, make sure to check each box against your list to ensure that everything made it safely.
Making an inventory is a great way to stay organized during a move to another country, especially if you’re going to move out for the first time. By taking the time to do this, you can rest assured that your belongings will all arrive at your new home in one piece.
If you want to make it easy for yourself, watch the following video and see how to create custom lists in Excel.
Pack in Advance if You Can
Ideally, you will be aware of a move weeks or perhaps even months in advance (even if you are unsure of where you’ll live in another country). Pack the goods you won’t miss and off-season clothing first. Winter jackets can be packed in advance if you’re relocating in the summer, as may probably be books and other sporadic goods. Many objects will already be prepared to move when the time comes, reducing your worry.
Use Boxes of Various Sizes
Pack books and other heavy goods for moving in tinier boxes. Lighter items, such as bedding and pillows, can go into larger ones. Keep in mind that professional movers frequently complain about large boxes filled with heavy-weight objects. They not only complicate the task but also increase the likelihood of failure and something getting damaged.
Use Padding Materials
When you are packing for a move, it is important to use padding materials to protect your belongings. These materials can include bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and paper towels. By using these materials, you can ensure that your belongings are protected from damage during the move. With clothes, towels, or packing paper, fill in any holes and remaining space. Boxes that seem sloppy or off balance will frequently not be moved by movers.
Label All the Boxes
This will make it easier for you and your packers to locate every box at your home. It’s a good idea to print out some labels and label each box with a number. Keep an inventory list in a tiny notebook to keep track of everything you’ve packed and make sure everything is still there when you unpack. Use colored tape or labels to easily identify which boxes go where, and make unpacking a breeze. But most importantly, don’t forget to label the box containing your coffee maker – you’ll need it on Day One!
Hire an International Moving Company on Time
If you are relocating abroad alone, it is vital to organize important documents and also to invest in international moving services as soon as possible. This will ensure that your move goes smoothly and you do not have to deal with any last-minute issues.
There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring movers. First, you need to make sure that the company is reputable and has a good track record. You can check online reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations. Second, you need to make sure that the company is insured and licensed. That will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the move. Third, you need to get quotes from several different companies so that you can compare prices. Be sure to get quotes for both door-to-door and port-to-port shipping. Finally, you need to make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the contract before signing anything. This will help you avoid bad surprises along the way.
If you follow these tips, you should have no problem finding a reputable and affordable company. Just be sure to start your search early so that you have plenty of time to compare quotes and find the best deal.
Use a Variety of International Moving Services
There are a variety of international moving services available to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. From full-service moves that handle everything from packing to shipping to storage to more basic services that can help with specific aspects of your move, there is an international relocation service that can meet your needs. If you choose to invest in packing services, you can relieve yourself of handling all your belongings and rather take care of only the most precious ones. Additional relocation solutions like overseas vehicle shipping will help you get your car to a foreign country.
Pack up the Bag of Essentials
One of the things we might forget to pack is a bag of relocation essentials that can prove to be a life savior in the first couple of days in our new home, especially if you’ll live on your own. So make a thorough checklist and write down what you need to obtain and pack:
- A change of clothes: You’ll probably be doing a lot of moving and lifting on moving day, so it’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes. This way, you can be comfortable and avoid getting too sweaty.
- Snacks and drinks: Keep your energy up by packing some snacks and drinks for yourself. Moving can be exhausting, so it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled.
- Toiletries: Don’t forget to pack your toiletries! This includes items like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant. They are vital for your first days in a new environment, so put them on your to-do list.
- First-aid kit: Accidents happen, so it’s always a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand. This way, you can be prepared for any minor injuries that may occur.
- Cleaning supplies: Relocations are bound to make a mess, so it’s a good idea to pack some cleaning supplies. This way, you can clean up any spills or messes that happen during the move and do some sprucing up in your future home.
- Toolkit: A toolkit can be very useful during a move. It can help you with things like assembling furniture or hanging pictures.
- Documents: Be sure to pack any important documents that you’ll need on moving day. This includes things like your driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card.
- Cash: It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, just in case. This can come in handy if you need to pay for something unexpected during the move.
- Credit cards: In addition to cash, it’s also a good idea to pack some credit cards. This can be helpful if you need to make any last-minute purchases or if you have any unexpected expenses.
Follow These Simple Tips and You’ll Relocate Without a Fuss
There are few things more stressful than moving to a new home across the world. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or family reasons, the process of packing up everything you own and starting over again in a new place can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and some helpful tips, you can make your move a breeze. So, if you’re feeling stressed about your upcoming relocation, be sure to follow our helpful tips.