Things you should know about packing for an international relocation

An international relocation is probably the toughest type of relocation for a family (or individual), as you enter into totally uncharted territories with this kind of a house move. When you relocate locally or domestically, you do not face that big a challenge in terms of adapting to the environment because you are still living in the same country, people around you have similar cultures and usually speak the same language. This, obviously, is not the case with international relocations.

Another factor that may make international relocations difficult is the lack of knowledge of how to pack stuff. This, of course, only becomes an issue if you are not hiring quality international packers and movers, or not hiring packers and movers at all! Besides this, many people also struggle with what to pack and what not to. While this may seem to be a pretty trivial factor at first but the world’s leading international packers and movers will tell you that many of their clients suffer in the aftermath of relocation because of this very issue. And even though they advise them on this matter, anticipating the problems that this may cause, most of their clients turn a deaf ear to them. If you don’t want to face such challenges, this article is just what you want to read!

When to start packing?

If you are not moving with reputed International movers and packers in India or other cities, and want to pack by yourself, then it is imperative for you to know when to start packing. Ideally, you should start about a couple of weeks before you plan to move. There will always be some delays and you should keep a few days spare for that. And this is after assuming that you have decided what to carry and what not to carry!

Decluttering is a must!

Even before you start packing, you must declutter your home. You should identify the items that you will not need at your new residence in a new country. Decluttering will reduce your moving cost as well. Lesser the items you need to ship, the lesser will be your moving cost. Packing would also become a lot easier. Now, this brings us to the question, 'which items shouldn't be packed?'

Items you shouldn't pack

Among the things that you must avoid carrying with yourself to the new home, food is the most obvious item that comes to your mind. Food always has a tendency to get spoiled. It will emanate a foul smell and make your entire consignment stink. Besides, it is a total waste of space. Other major items you shouldn't pack are flammable items, car batteries, licensed weapons, cleaning agents, etc. Most of these items would be confiscated at the airport as you are not allowed to bring them to a different country. Also, avoid packing clothes you won't need. For example, if you are moving to the UAE, there is no point carrying your woollens, is it?

The cost of international relocation services is usually pretty high because of freight and duties. At times, it would be cheaper for you to buy an item in your new country of residence than paying the duties to transport it from your old country. Identify all such items and sell or donate them.

Carry valuables with you

Irrespective of the quality of international movers you have hired, you should never entrust your valuables with anyone but yourself. After all, they would still be strangers, right? It is better to be safe than sorry!

Packing furniture, glassware, and clothes

Whether or not to pack glassware depends upon the cost of the glassware and its durability. If the glass items are not durable enough to withstand the constant physical movements it would be subject to during transport, it is better to donate them to a local NGO. Furniture should be packed only if the apartment you are moving to is unfurnished. Also, avoid packing furniture items that aren't as expensive but take up a lot of space, a table for example. And as we have already discussed, clothes should be packed only if you would need them in your new country. Ask the top international relocation companies and they would tell you the same.

Also, Read - 5 ways to save money on an international relocation

Lastly, we'd say that you must always hire professional international moving companies for your international relocation. While you may think that the cost of hiring international relocation companies in Mumbai and other cities would be a bit high, their expertise would actually ensure that none of your items get damaged and thus save you some money there. International relocation services do you more good than harm!