Moving internationally is not an easy task. It’s a big life change and a significant transition, especially if you’re moving overseas. That’s why it’s so important to make this transition as smooth as possible. So we’re here to help you learn how to pack efficiently for a move. It will save you a lot of unnecessary stress.
Organize and Plan Ahead
As with everything in life, planning and getting organized in time is the key to success, and moving abroad is no exception. That’s why you should start preparing for your move as soon as you decide where to live. There are a lot of things to do, and you don’t want to end up doing everything last-minute. The most important thing is to create a relocating abroad checklist and stick to it.
For starters, you have to choose a reliable relocation company. Find an international moving company you can trust since they will be shipping all of your belongings either by air or on a ship by sea. Also, keep in mind that overseas vehicle shipping also exists, and it’s a great relocation hack for people who want their favorite car to join them on their new journey. Once you’ve hired movers, it’s time to move on and learn how to pack for a move efficiently.
How to Pack Efficiently – Figure Out What to Take With You
How do you pack like a pro? You figure out what you want to bring and create an inventory list. Since you won’t be getting packing services, you will have to do everything on your own, and you will also have to get boxes and moving supplies on your own. It’s a big and tiring job, so here are a few pointers on how to make relocating easier.
Always Declutter and Get Rid of as Much Stuff as You Can
Before you start creating your inventory and figuring out what to pack, you have to declutter. Get rid of as many things as you possibly can. The best way to do this is to separate all of your belongings into four columns – A is for keeping, B for throwing away, C for selling, and finally, D for donating. Only keep the belongings you know you will actually use in the future. When throwing away or selling unwanted things, keep in mind that there are certain things movers won’t move, so throw those in there as well.
If you have a lot of stuff that has accumulated over the years, it might even be a good idea to hire professionals to clean out the mess and throw things away. Junk removal companies deal with cluttered attics, basements, and garages all the time, so don’t be shy. They will also take care of more heavy-duty items such as bed frames or mattresses, so you will have more free time on your hands.
Create the Checklist
After getting rid of everything you don’t need, sit down and take some time to write a detailed packing checklist. Find a system that works best for you – the most common one that people use is the room-by-room system. Go through rooms one by one and carefully list every item. That way, you are less likely to forget anything.
Figure Out How Many You Need and Find Free Boxes
This is one of the best ways to save some money and one of the best relocation tips overall – find free boxes. Relocating is expensive enough as it is, so why not cut corners where you can? Someone is always trying to get rid of unnecessary boxes. Ask your friends and neighbors if they have any, take them from your place of work if that’s an option, or look for them online on sites like Craigslist. And since you know exactly what you intend to take with you, calculate how many boxes you will need, and get them in the right size.
Get Other Packing Materials
Packing supplies are some of the relocating essentials you can’t get the job done without. So make sure you buy enough of them. When it comes to supplies, you will need to buy the following:
- Bubble-wrap,
- Plastic wrap,
- Permanent markers in all kinds of colors,
- Sticky notes,
- Duct tape and scissors.
How Do You Fill a Box?
Packing up everything you own into boxes and relocating everything across the world is no easy task. It’s a big job for one person to handle. You have to worry about preventing things from breaking and a number of other relocation mistakes. But we have some useful tips to help you avoid any mishaps.
First of all, you should stick to the plan you made. Go room by room, and check off each item on the list as it’s packed. It might be best to put heavy things in plastic containers that will go on the bottom of the truck. Keep everything neat and organized, and don’t rush. Remember not to overfill your boxes, as they can break no matter how high quality they are.
Remember to Tape and Label Each Box Carefully
The most important part when it comes to packing boxes is to tape and label each one correctly. Remember to always write in big, bold letters which side of the box is supposed to go up, and always emphasize if the box contains any fragile belongings. Write some kind of indication of what’s inside the boxes when labeling them. That way, it will be much easier for you to unpack everything once you get to your new home. Also, it will help movers to load everything onto the truck easier.
Don’t underestimate the importance of duct tape. It’s the one thing keeping your whole operation together from falling apart. Carefully tape every seam, starting at the bottom all the way to the top. Don’t be stingy with the tape, wrap each box around a couple of times to make sure you secured it properly. If you want some extra help and more packing tips, watch this video.
What Should You Box Up First?
The order in which you put everything away is crucial, and it can help you out a lot. Firstly, put away the things you won’t be using in the near future. For example, if it’s summertime, package your winter clothing first. If it’s snowing outside, chances are you won’t be using your swimsuits or summer hats, so feel free to put them in boxes, along with other summer items. The most important things you use on a daily basis should go last. Also, write a separate list of things you will be taking with you during your travel in your carry-on bags, such as documents needed for travel.
Putting Heavier Items in a Suitcase Will Make it Easier to Move Them
A great idea that could go a long way in helping you out is to pack heavier items in your suitcases and luggage. It’s an amazing hack for heavy things like books since it will be easier to transport – your suitcase has wheels, and it will be a lot easier to push than to carry boxes. Some kitchen items are also a good candidate for this method, as well as other knick knacks that carry some weight – put it all in your luggage.
Remember to Always Save Space – Stuff Your Shoes
There are countless tips and tricks that can help you save space. One of our favorites is to stuff your shoes with other stuff, such as socks. Also, use socks, towels, or any other pieces of clothing as wappers and protectors for your more fragile items. Sometimes, towels can provide better protection than bubble wrap. Use them to secure your precious perfume bottles or even kitchen knives. Another smart idea is to wear your bulkiest shoes during the travel, it saves valuable space.
You Can Put Lighter Items in Trash Bags
Another great life hack is to put your lighter items in a trash bag. Things like linen, your bed sheets, or pillows ideally fit in big garbage bags, and it’s much easier to move bags than luggage. You will also save a lot of space and money as well if you use a bag. But don’t just stick to bedroom items, towels and kitchen washcloths also fit into this category.
How Should You Put Away Your Clothing?
It might sound strange, but the part that gives people the most trouble when trying to pack their whole households is their clothing. Clothes are always a problem since there is so much stuff, from actual clothes to other knick knacks you refuse to get rid of. So how do you go about putting all of that away?
Should you neatly fold everything and put it into boxes or plastic containers, or will a suitcase do a better job? Some people simply leave everything as is and transfer the entire dresser. We would always recommend going with a classic – a box. And some people feel the need to wash each item beforehand – we’re against that since you will just be washing it once again when you arrive at your new home after the long trip.
Which Method Should You Use – Is It Better to Roll or Fold Clothes?
While your common sense and natural instincts might tell you to neatly fold your clothes, we’re here to tell you to fight that urge and roll everything up into little burritos. You will be surprised once you see how much space this simple technique saves you. That’s because everything is very compact, and there is no nook or cranny left unused.
You can do it with everything – from winter coats and jackets to rolling your summer tank tops. Also, even though it sounds like it doesn’t make much sense, rolling your clothes will wrinkle them a lot less than folding them. So it’s a no-brainer, roll your clothes, and you will save space and prevent wrinkles.
Packing Cubes Are Excellent for Saving Space in a Suitcase
An amazing invention people usually forget to use when relocating are packing cubes. If this is the first time you’re hearing of this, packing cubes are little fabric containers that can be zipped and are used to divide certain categories in your suitcase. They help you keep everything neat and confined, allowing you to save space. They are the best thing to keep you organized, and you can find them in most stores or supermarkets or simply order them online.
Efficient Packing Is Key to a Stress-Free Move
If you follow our advice, stick to your plan and do everything in time – you will see that relocation stress can be avoided. If you get all of your affairs in order and box up all of your belongings a little in advance, you will have no stress or pressure about your upcoming move. All that you will have to do is relax and get excited about your move and your future home, and prepare for your trip.
