Moving overseas can be the adventure of a lifetime, with exciting locales and a new culture to explore. However, it also presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to keeping all your possessions intact. M. Dyer & Sons—a team of expert Honolulu movers with extensive experience helping people move to and from the mainland—offers the following tips to eliminate stress, lower costs, and ensure everything arrives in one piece.

What You Should Know About Overseas Moves

You Pay by Weight

In an overseas move, household belongings usually have to travel by boat, which means you’ll be paying by weight. Before you start packing, consider if everything you own is worth taking. The more you can downsize and declutter now, the less expensive your move will be—and the easier it will be to unpack and settle in. Start by donating, selling, or throwing out anything you haven’t used in a couple of years, along with belongings you plan on replacing soon.

Extra Care When Packing Will Pay Off

If your belongings are going to spend a couple of weeks on a ship, they’ll need more protection than a typical move across town requires. Only use strong, corrugated boxes, and apply double layers of tape across the bottom to keep them from opening. To ensure everything stays organized, label each box with the contents and your name before they go on the truck.

Professional Expertise Is Best

When it comes to packing things for an overseas move, there’s no substitute for experience. A mover who specializes in overseas relocation will handle everything for you, from packing up and crating your valuables to unloading at your new home. Experienced movers will even know how to pack fragile items like plates, china, and fine art.

Whether you’re moving to Hawaii or headed back to the mainland, M. Dyer & Sons has the specialized services to ensure everything gets there safely. Their crating services and dedication to their customers has made them one of Honolulu’s best movers. Visit their website for more on their international and overseas moving services, call (800) 922-2490 to request a quote, and follow their Facebook for expert packing tips.