When you envision your future home abroad, you can probably see the harmonious arrangement of spaces filled with your cherished possessions. But what if you don’t know how to wrap furniture for moving across the world and ensure it stays in top condition throughout the journey? Worry not, as we have curated some essential strategies to secure your beloved items and make this experience as smooth as possible.
How to Wrap Furniture for Moving and Storage
Let’s be real, preparing furniture for an international transition and storage needs good organization. However, since this journey can be long and complex, it is important to weed out what is truly worth keeping and selling or donating the rest of the stuff. Once you know how many things you have on your plate, it’s easier to gather enough supplies to protect everything properly.
Create an inventory list of everything you are taking with you and add photos of your furniture from multiple angles for easier assembly. These photos will also be used as a reference in case of accidents during transit when you need to file an insurance claim.
Start this process by cleaning and disassembling everything to make it more manageable and safer. Keep the small parts together in a labeled plastic bag to avoid misplacing them. Wrap and safeguard each piece accordingly to ensure its safety. Envelope everything with plastic wrap for added security. Use relocation labels to streamline the handling, loading, and reassembly process. If you find this overwhelming, hire an overseas shipping company to do the job.
Decide What Is Worth Relocating and Sell or Donate the Rest of the Furniture
Not all belongings may be worth the cost and effort of moving overseas. Evaluating your items before deciding what to keep can save you time, effort, and money. Start by assessing the sentimental and monetary value of each piece. Antique furniture, family heirlooms, and high-value items are typically worth relocating. On the other hand, bulky, inexpensive, or easily replaceable items might not be worth the cost.
Once you’ve decided which goes, consider selling or donating the rest. There are many avenues for selling or donating items you no longer need. Over 80% of all donations in the US come from individuals. So, donating these things to local charities, shelters, or nonprofit organizations is a great way to give back to the community. Downsizing helps reduce moving costs by cutting on packaging supplies and makes relocation so much easier and smoother.
Selling your unwanted furniture can also provide you with some extra cash to offset the costs of your move. Popular online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay can help you reach potential buyers. Additionally, hosting a garage sale can be a quick way to add some money to your relocation budget. Remember, the less you have to relocate, the easier and more cost-effective shipping overseas will be.
Gather the Right Tools, Equipment, and Supplies
Proper packing materials and equipment are the backbone of a successful international relocation. Investing in high-quality tools and supplies ensures your possessions are well protected against the rigors of transit.
With the right materials, you can prevent scratches, dents, tears, and other forms of damage. They will ensure that everything arrives at the new home in pristine condition. Here is a list of essential supplies you will need for an efficient boxing-up process:
- Moving blankets and pads – these provide cushioning and protect your possessions from scratches and dents.
- Bubble wrap and packing paper – bubble wrap offers additional padding, while packing paper fills gaps and prevents items from shifting.
- Sturdy cardboard sheets – use high-quality, durable sheets to prevent damage to more delicate parts.
- Furniture covers – protect items from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Mattress bags – keep mattresses clean and protected during transit.
- Corner protectors – guard sensitive corners against damage and chips.
- High-quality packing tape and dispenser – securely seal all the wrapping.
- Stretch wrap – keeps drawers and doors shut on dressers and cabinets. It also keeps moving blankets from sliding.
- Furniture sliders and dollies – help move heavy items without damaging floors or straining your back.
- Straps – to secure bulky and large items in the back of the trailer and prevent toppling over.
Create a Detailed Inventory of Everything You Are Relocating
Creating a detailed inventory is a crucial step in every relocation process. It helps keep track of your items and ensures everything is recovered during transit. Start by listing every object you plan to move.
Include descriptions, dimensions, and any notable features or conditions. This will be very helpful in case something happens during the transfer, and you need to compare the new state with the pre-move one.
Add Pictures of Your Furniture for Assembly Reference and Insurance Purposes
Photograph each item from multiple angles before disassembling it. These pictures will serve as a reference for reassembly and provide evidence for insurance claims if needed. Make sure the photos are clear and show any existing damage or wear. Store them with your inventory list, either digitally or in a relocation binder.
Creating an inventory also allows you to plan the layout of your new home better. Knowing exactly what you have and its dimensions lets you visualize where each piece will go. This can make the unpacking process much more efficient and reduce the stress of settling into the new space.
Clean and Disassemble Furniture Where Possible
Start by cleaning each piece of furniture thoroughly. Dust and dirt can scratch surfaces, so starting with clean items is important. Use the appropriate cleaning agents for different materials. This way, you’ll avoid damaging the surfaces and protect them during transport. Allow enough time for the item to dry completely to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Disassembling larger objects makes them easier to move and tackle. It also reduces the risk of injury to those handling the items or damage to them or the property. Items like bed frames, dining tables, and large shelving units often come apart for safer and more compact transport. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how to disassemble your furniture properly.
Keep Small Parts Organized
When disassembling furniture, it’s essential to keep track of all the hardware, such as bolts and screws. Place these items in labeled plastic bags and tape them securely to the corresponding pieces. This prevents any parts from getting lost and makes reassembly much easier once you arrive at the new home.
You can also use a small, portable toolbox or organizer with compartments to keep all your hardware sorted and easily accessible. Label each compartment with the corresponding piece of furniture for even more organization. This level of detail will save you a lot of time and frustration when it’s time to reassemble everything.
Additionally, take note of how each piece is assembled as you take it apart. You can even draw diagrams or take more photos to document the process. This extra step can be incredibly helpful, especially for complex items that may have multiple pieces and hardware.
Wrap Furniture With Protective Materials
Proper wrapping is key to preventing scratches, dents, and other damage. Knowing how to wrap and safeguard each type of material ensures that your furniture stays in top condition throughout the journey. Let’s see how each material should be approached.
Wood objects are prone to scratches and dents. Use blankets and bubble wrap to provide ample cushioning. Ensure all corners and edges are well-padded, and use crumpled paper to fill any gaps. When wrapping, make sure to cover every inch of the surface, including the legs and arms.
Glass pieces and those that have components made of this material are extremely fragile. Start by placing corner protectors on all edges and consider double wrapping for extra safety.
It’s crucial to wrap everything in plenty of bubble wrap and other cushioning materials. Secure the padding with duct tape to keep it in place. For items with glass components, such as cabinets or tables, remove the glass if possible and wrap it separately.
Metal objects can get easily scratched or dented during handling, loading, and transit. Use moving blankets to cover the entire piece. This prevents damage to the surface and keeps things in pristine condition. Use straps to secure them against the sides of the trailer and prevent unnecessary shifts.
Leather and upholstered furniture need special attention to avoid tears and stains. Use covers specifically designed for these materials, followed by moving blankets. These covers are often made from heavy-duty plastic that is perfect for securing small and big items. Secure everything with tape to prevent sliding during handling and loading.
Use Stretch Wrap to Prevent Blankets From Sliding off During Handling and Loading
Stretch wrap is incredibly useful for keeping moving blankets and other protective materials in place. This prevents all those layers from coming apart and sliding off. This will ensure that your belongings remain protected throughout shipping and reach you unscathed.
Label Everything You’ve Wrapped Clearly
Labeling ensures that items are handled correctly and can be easily identified upon arrival. Use a permanent marker to label each object with its contents and destination room. This will save you or your company time and effort during the unloading process.
For particularly delicate items, use “Fragile” labels to alert movers to be extra careful. These labels can be purchased from moving supply stores or created at home. These markings will reduce the risk of accidental damage and bad stacking practices immensely.
Consider adding a brief description of the item and any special handling instructions as well. For example, if a piece needs to be kept upright or is especially heavy, make sure to note this on the label. This extra information will make the entire relocation more efficient.
Using color-coded labels or stickers can also be very effective. Assign a different color to each room in a new home and place a corresponding sticker on each package. This visual system makes it even easier for movers to quickly identify where each item belongs.
Hire an International Moving Company for the Job
Hiring professional movers can make this entire process much easier and ensure that your possessions are handled with care. An experienced company has the expertise, knowledge, and resources to manage the complexities of an overseas relocation and make it an anxiety-free experience.
Book The Moving and Packing Services on Time
Schedule your services well in advance to ensure availability and give yourself ample time to prepare. Last-minute bookings can lead to limited options. Plan your move at least a few months in advance, allowing time for any unexpected changes or challenges.
Sunset International Shipping offers comprehensive moving services designed to ensure the utmost safety of your belongings throughout the shipping and handling phase. Our professional packing solutions encompass top-notch materials and techniques to ensure that your possessions reach you unscathed. We know how to handle logistics and international customs, giving you peace of mind and a smooth relocation experience.
Get Our Storage Options in Case Your Home Is Not Ready for You to Move In
If your home isn’t ready, Sunset International Shipping has your back. We offer 30 days of free storage services to all of our customers, which is a perfect solution for overseas relocations. Our facilities are clean, climate-controlled, and monitored around the clock. They will safeguard your stuff until you are ready to receive them.
Let Our Overseas Moving Company Make This Journey a Breeze
Moving abroad can be a pretty overwhelming and tiring experience. However, with the right preparation and professional assistance, it can be a smooth endeavor. Sunset International Shipping specializes in overseas relocations. We offer expert solutions to make your transition as safe as possible. Our team knows how to handle your possessions, logistics, and international customs and ensure timely delivery. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today, and let our team take care of the rest.
