Packing and shipping your belongings when you move internationally help you save money on new items. Using the right supplies, including shipping boxes, protects your furniture and valuables to ensure they arrive at your new residence safely. Here are a handful of tips on what to use as you get ready for your international move.

How to Pack for an International Relocation

1. Decide What to Take

Moving all of your belongings may be difficult, especially if your new home will be smaller. You may need to donate or sell belongings that you no longer use, including books, CDs, DVDs, and clothing. Discard any damaged items.

Renting storage space may also be helpful for possessions you want to keep in the country, such as family heirlooms. 

2. Use Sturdy Shipping Boxes

Heavy and fragile items, such as appliances and dishes, require corrugated cardboard boxes, which have ridges that improve flexibility and cushioning.

If you the original containers of some items, use them and add packing paper to fill in the gaps. Label the boxes with their contents to make unpacking easy. 

3. Load Boxes Carefully

Individually wrap fine china, crystal, glassware, and ceramic dishes using towels or bubble wrap. Put corner pads inside each shipping box to cushion items as the containers are moved during transit.

To prevent overloading boxes, place heavier items into smaller containers. Lightweight belongings, such as clothing and cutlery, can go into larger boxes. 

4. Dismantle Furniture 

Individual parts take up less room inside shipping boxes. Disassemble any pieces of furniture that come apart, including shelves, bed frames, and tables. Use paper padding to wrap wooden pieces so they don’t scratch. Place loose hardware into plastic bags and tape them to the parts they belong to so you can find them quickly while unpacking. 

If you need packaging and shipping services for your furniture, get in touch with Packaging Center Inc. Based in High Point, NC, they provide custom boxes, packing materials, and international shipping services to ensure your items stay protected while in transit. Call (336) 885-2747 to place an order, or visit their website to learn more about their packing services.