Packing Tips

Efficient Packing Tips for Stress-Free International Shipping

Are you planning to ship your belongings from the US to Europe or India? Packing plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free shipping experience. Whether you decide to pack on your own or hire professionals, these tips will help you pack like an expert and protect your possessions throughout the journey.

1. Gather the Right Materials: To start, it’s recommended to acquire professional packing materials, including:

• Tissue paper
• Plain packing paper
• 2″ packing tape
• Masking tape
• A utility knife
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Professional quality moving boxes

2. Choose Suitable Boxes and Packing Materials: Selecting the appropriate boxes and packing materials is essential for organizing and safeguarding your belongings. Here are some options to consider:

• Dishpack or China Barrel: Sturdy cartons designed for delicate items like dishes, china, crystal, and glassware.
• Double-wall cartons: Extra protective cartons for valuable and hard-to-replace items such as fine china and crystal.
• 1.5 cu. ft. cartons: Ideal for heavy items like books, files, music CDs, DVDs, and video tapes.
• 3.0 cu. ft. cartons: Medium-sized utility cartons suitable for pots, pans, toys, and small appliances.
• 4.5 cu. ft. cartons: Designed for bulky items like linens, towels, or toys.
• 6.0 cu. ft. cartons: Perfect for large, lightweight articles such as pillows or large lampshades.
• Wardrobe cartons: Portable closets with built-in bars for keeping clothes or draperies hanging.
• Mirror cartons: Telescoping cartons available in various sizes for framed pictures, mirrors, or glass.
• Mattress cartons: Different sizes for queen/king, double, single (twin), and crib mattresses.
• Stretch wrap: Special plastic covering that adheres to furniture, protecting it from snags, tears, and dirt. Consult your relocation consultant to explore available packing materials suitable for your specific needs.

3. Proper Packing Techniques: Follow these techniques to ensure your items are packed safely and securely:

• Use newspaper only for cushioning, and avoid placing newspaper directly against items to prevent ink transfer.
• Provide ample cushioning by loosely crumpling plain newsprint at the bottom of boxes, leaving room for more crumpled paper at the top.
• Wrap all fragile and breakable items individually in paper before placing them in boxes.
• Start packing large and heavy items first, followed by smaller items. Fill empty spaces with plain newsprint to minimize shifting during transit.
• Use sturdy cartons that can be easily closed, ensuring not to overstuff them. Securely tape the top seams. Avoid using plastic containers for packing.
• Clearly label each box with your name, the room it should go to in your new home, and a brief description of its contents.

4. Packing Electronics with Care: When packing large-screen TVs and other electronics:

• If you don’t have the original carton and packing materials, use a sturdy carton lined with newsprint or styrofoam “peanuts” for added protection.
• Securely seal the carton and clearly mark it as “Extremely Fragile.”

When packing personal computers, printers, scanners, or other equipment:

• Disconnect and label all wires and cables for easy reassembly.
• Detach paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and additional hardware like other home electronics.
• Remove toner and ink cartridges.
• Back up your computer files on DVDs or other storage devices.
• Consult your PC user manual for additional instructions and precautions.

5. Items to Avoid Packing: Certain items are not suitable for transport on the moving truck. These include:

• Valuable and irreplaceable items: Transport them in your car rather than the truck.
• Hazardous materials: Explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials are strictly prohibited.
• Examples of hazardous items: Nail polish remover, paints and paint thinners, lighter fluid, gasoline, fireworks, oxygen bottles, propane cylinders, automotive repair and maintenance chemicals, radio-pharmaceuticals, and matches.
• Other items not recommended for transport on the truck: Firearms, family photos, food in glass jars, perishable foods, and prescription drugs needed for immediate use.

6. Effective Labeling: Ensure clear labeling to facilitate a smooth moving process:

• Use a broad, felt-tipped marker for easy labeling.
• Clearly mark the contents and the room each box belongs to.
• Label delicate items as “FRAGILE” and indicate “THIS END UP” when necessary.
• Include your bill of lading number on each box for identification purposes.
• Keep a notebook to track the contents of each box, assigning numbers or codes for better organization.
• Indicate your name and the destination room on each box for efficient unloading.
• Tape signs on the doors of respective rooms corresponding to the box labels for hassle-free moving.
• If you have boxes that need to be unpacked first, mark them with a special symbol like the number 1 or the letter A.

Tips From the Pros: Follow these expert packing tips to ensure your belongings reach your new home safely:

• Start packing with items you won’t need until after the move, gradually progressing to items used less frequently.
• Avoid leaving fragile and non-transportable items in drawers. Pack similar items together and keep all parts and pairs together.
• Wrap items individually in clean paper, using a double layer of newsprint for outer wrapping. Use crushed paper or lightweight blankets to cushion delicate items.
• Avoid overloading cartons, but aim for a firm pack to prevent items from shifting during transport.
• Seal cartons tightly with tape unless they require inspection by the moving company.