So, you are stuck with suitcases that won’t zip up and can’t seem to find enough cardboard boxes just for your kitchenware. How many boxes would you need for other belongings? Yeah, this situation happens to everyone who doesn’t know what not to pack when moving. Now, don’t worry, we can start the packing process again, but the right way. Forget about packing items that have collected dust over the years and throw away anything you won’t need in the future.
Why Did You Make a Mistake? Here’s What You Don’t Understand About Packing
Many people tend to overpack, thinking that they need to bring everything they own with them. However, overpacking can make the relocation more difficult and, in some cases, more expensive. It’s important to pack only what you need and leave behind items that are not essential.
But why did you overpack for a move to another country? The answer is that you have skipped a crucial step which is decluttering. This can result in unnecessary items taking up space in the new home you relocated to. So, make sure to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or want before packing.
A Little Too Late Is Much Too Late – Don’t Pack Things Last Minute
Waiting until the last minute to pack can lead to a lot of stress and rushing around. It’s best to start packing well in advance of the move, so you have enough time to pack everything properly and label your boxes.
If you’ve made a perfect relocation checklist but are still waiting to sort belongings and get all the packing supplies and materials, know that rushing can lead you to make serious moving mistakes. It’s best to avoid this neglectful practice altogether.
If You Know Exactly What Not to Pack When Moving, You Can Pull Off a Perfect Relocation
Before you begin sorting items that need to be packed and placed in cardboard boxes, create a checklist of things you can discard and avoid. This will make the move efficient and more organized. Apart from this, the entire unpacking will be quick, so there will be more time for meeting new neighbors as well as adjusting to the new country. Shipping these items is unnecessary and here is our definitive list.
Perishable Items
When moving abroad, it is not recommended to pack perishable belongings for several reasons. Perishable items such as fresh food and plants may not be allowed to cross international borders due to restrictions on importing agricultural products. Even if these items are allowed, they may not survive the journey or the extended time without proper storage or refrigeration.
Furthermore, perishable items can attract pests, such as insects or rodents, which can cause damage to your other belongings during transit. It is best to consume or dispose of perishable items before moving overseas and to plan for obtaining fresh food and other perishables once you arrive at your destination.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials can pose serious risks to human health, property, and the environment. These are cleaning products, beauty products, garden chemicals, and garage chemicals. They include substances such as:
- Explosives,
- Gasses,
- Flammable liquids,
- Toxic chemicals,
- Radioactive materials.
These materials can ignite, explode, leak, or cause other dangerous reactions if not handled properly during transportation. This is the main reason why international movers won’t move them. Attempting to pack and transport hazardous materials without the proper knowledge and precautions can result in accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. It is best not to pack them.
Old and Broken Items You Don’t Use
There are several reasons why broken and old items should not be packed for a move. First, they can take up valuable space in the relocation truck, adding unnecessary weight and increasing the risk of damage to other items during transit.
Additionally, if the items are damaged beyond repair or have little to no value, it may be more cost-effective and practical to dispose of them before the move. Therefore, go through your closet, attic, and basement and discard:
- Old lamps,
- Broken mirrors,
- Electronics that don’t work,
- Ripped and old furniture,
- Toys that kids have outgrown.
Ultimately, leaving behind broken and old items can result in a more streamlined and efficient move, allowing for a fresh start in the new home. You don’t have to throw them out, organize a garage sale or donate some of the belongings to a Goodwill organization.
Here is a video with great information about organizing a great garage sale.
This Might Be Surprising But Don’t Pack Any Valuables
Valuable and personal belongings should not be shipped or packed for moving for several reasons. Firstly, they are often sentimental and hold significant emotional value, and therefore, the risk of damage or loss can be devastating.
Secondly, packing and shipping processes involve multiple handlers and transit points, which increases the likelihood of items being lost, stolen, or damaged during the move. Thirdly, insurance coverage may not fully compensate for the loss or damage.
So, when we say valuables, we mean:
- Jewelry,
- Collectibles, antiques,
- Family photos,
- Laptops,
- Wills,
- Passports,
- Cash and checks,
- Relocation paperwork,
- Cellphones,
- Expensive artwork.
It’s highly recommended to transport valuable and personal items personally or consider alternative storage solutions for these items.
Don’t Pack Large Furniture That Cannot Fit Into the New Home
Not packing large furniture when moving internationally is a wise decision for several reasons. Firstly, large furniture is often bulky and heavy, which makes it difficult to handle and transport.
The risk of damage to both the furniture and the surrounding walls, floors, and doorways during the move is high. It may be best to leave the task of relocating large furniture to professional movers from Sunset International Shipping, who have the necessary experience, tools, and equipment to handle the job safely and efficiently.
Don’t Pack Daily Essentials Into Cardboard Boxes
Daily essentials such as toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes should not be packed for a relocation because they are things that you will need to access regularly. If you pack these items away in boxes, you may find yourself digging through them repeatedly throughout the moving process, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
If you are moving overseas and your belongings are in transit for an extended period, you may not have access to these moving essentials when you need them. Therefore, it is recommended that you keep these items separate and easily accessible, either by packing them in a separate bag or box that you keep with you during the move or by packaging them last and keeping them readily available.
Apart From Food, What Are Some Things to Throw Away When Moving Abroad?
Do you know what to get rid of when moving? Sometimes donating and organizing a garage sale is impossible during last-minute moves. It’s essential to get rid of items that you won’t need in your new home country.
Some things you should consider throwing away include old furniture, old and outdated electronics, kitchen appliances that won’t work with the local voltage or plug standards, and clothing that is not suitable for the climate in your new location. It’s also wise to dispose of any expired medications and toiletries to avoid any legal or health complications during customs clearance.
What About the Items You Need to Pack? Here Are Some Tips That Will Make Packing Easier
Now that you know what you won’t be shipping, it’s time to pay attention to the stuff you are going to need in your new destination. Everything comes don’t to planning and organization. We’d like to share some tips for packing so that the overseas shipping goes smoothly and the international moving company can handle all boxes properly.
Packing room by room can help you stay organized and reduce the risk of items getting lost or misplaced during the move. It also allows you to prioritize belongings based on their importance, ensuring that you pack essential items first and leave non-essential things for last. Additionally, packing room by room can help you make better use of space in your relocation truck, as you can group similar belongings and pack them more efficiently.
Use sturdy boxes and appropriate packing materials, such as bubble wrap and packing paper, to protect fragile items during transit. When selecting materials, it’s important to choose the appropriate supplies based on the size, weight, and fragility of the belongings you’re shipping.
For example, fragile items may require additional padding or foam inserts to protect them while internationally moving by sea, while heavy items may require reinforced boxes or crates. Using high-quality materials can help reduce the risk of damage or breakage during shipping.
Labeling boxes is an essential part of the shipping process. Prepare for movers by labeling them and providing important information about the contents of each box which can help ensure that your items are handled properly during the move.
Labeling boxes with the room they belong to can also help streamline the process of unloading the relocation truck and ensure that each box is placed in the correct location in your new home. Additionally, using labels that indicate whether a box contains fragile or heavy things can alert movers or shippers to exercise additional care when handling these boxes.
An Easy Way Out – Invest in Packing Services if You Want to Avoid Packing
Packing for an international move requires extra care and attention to detail, as your items will be traveling long distances and may be exposed to varying weather conditions and handling methods.
Professional packers have the necessary expertise and experience to handle your belongings with care, ensuring that they are properly packed and protected for the journey ahead. They also have access to high-quality packing materials and supplies specifically designed for international shipping, such as custom crates and protective padding.
By requesting packing services from an overseas shipping company like Sunset International Shipping, you can save time and reduce moving stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.
Hire the Best International Moving Company and Prepare for an Effortless Relocation to the New Home
Are you ready to prepare to move to another country? The entire process starts the day you choose the right overseas moving company. Research the internet, and read reviews and testimonials but don’t forget to ask your friends for referrals, too. Once you find the perfect one, start sorting your items and getting rid of belongings that don’t need to be packed and transported. We recommend investing time into creating checklists and sticking to the plan always.
