Tips for Packing by Yourself

People often worry about packing their household goods for export. But in principle, the professional mover will do most of the work for you. Here are some tips and recommendations anyway to help you and the mover make a smooth move.

• Do not pack anything yourself

(except for perhaps a few personal items).
Leave it to the professionals. You may choose to pack less valuable or less fragile items yourself, but your carrier will not usually accept liability for damage to items in boxes that have been packed by the owner.

• Decide in advance exactly what you want to take and what you will leave behind.

This will ease the packing process on the moving day itself.

• Customs restrictions

Different countries have different regulations, it is important to be aware of items you can or cannot ship to your new country.
In general, we do not recommend moving items such as hazardous materials (paint, articles of explosive nature and so on), perishables, flammables or corrosives, alcohol and food products, or weapons.
Electrical appliances may not work in another country.
Ask your moving company about customs restrictions.

• Be present when your goods are being packed.

Packing services crews will arrive at the date and time agreed with you and go through your home with you, so that you can indicate what needs to be packed, and point out anything particularly fragile.

• Do not move goods into one area.

Leave everything in situ in your house (such as pictures on walls and glasses in cupboards), it is easier for the packers this way.

• Keep your personal items that you need for your journey

Keep your passports, tickets, flight bags, etc separate from the goods that are being packed for shipment.
You don't want your personal items to be packed by accident!

• Check every cupboard before the packers leave

... and make sure nothing is left behind.
If you still wish to pack some personal items yourself, here are some further information and tips:

• Owner-packed goods cannot usually be insured for damage. Check with your mover to establish the terms of the insurance cover.
• Make a list of everything you pack into every carton.
• Do not pack goods that are prohibited or restricted in your destination country. If in doubt, check with your mover.
• Do not pack anything that is flammable or corrosive.
• Do not pack heavy boxes: they are difficult to handle and can be damaged more easily than lighter packages.
• Never use cartons that have previously carried foodstuffs.
• Keep keys for trunks and suitcases with you and have them available at destination for customs officials, if they need to inspect them.