Moving abroad from India can be an exciting but challenging experience. Proper packing is crucial to ensure the safe and organized transportation of your belongings. Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when packing for an international move:
Start Early: Begin the packing process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Give yourself enough time to sort through your belongings and decide what to take with you.
Make an Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of all the items you plan to take with you. This will help you keep track of your belongings and assist with customs declarations if required.
Research Customs Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of your destination country. Some items may be restricted or require special permits. Ensure you comply with all relevant customs requirements to avoid any issues during the move.
Use Sturdy Packing Materials: Invest in high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and packing peanuts. This will help protect your items during transit.
Label Boxes Clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking easier and help movers handle your belongings with care.
Take Essential Documents with You: Keep important documents such as passports, visas, identification cards, and financial documents with you rather than packing them in boxes. It’s best to carry these documents personally to prevent any potential loss or delays.
Do: Look for Professional Assistance
This is #1 on the To-Do list from the Federal Maritime Commission or FMC and for good reason. Professional shippers and moving experts can have everything wrapped, packed and ready to ship in considerably less time it would take you or your family to do everything. With the assistance of the right international removal companies, you’ll find it easier to stay on top of things.
Do: Consult with the Mover
Be sure your mover understands what you want, especially if you have specific instructions regarding some of your furniture or belongings. Communication is key and can prevent mistakes from happening. This is especially important if you’re moving to another country, because the distance will make it difficult for you to go back and retrieve any items you might have left behind in the ensuing chaos of “Moving Day.” It will be better for your wallet and sanity to make sure everything goes right from the get-go.
Don’t: Fall for Scams
There are plenty of horror stories out there about moving scams. You’ll want to know what to look for before to make sure you aren’t being taken in by dodgy moving companies.
If your “estimator” from the moving company walks into your home and doesn’t seem interested in what your cabinets might contain or doesn’t ask you questions about how which pieces will need to be packed and transported and which ones will be left behind, then that’s highly suspect, says Moving. Another example is if you see the estimator eyeing your appliances with a mightily interested gleam in his eye. Trust your gut and go to another company for assistance.
Don’t: Pack Dirty Items
The best international removal companies can help you pack. But you’ll want to make things easier for cleaning your bikes, flower ports or any other items you wish to bring along. Make sure they’re free of any insects. By preparing the entire lot ahead of time, your moving company can jump right into work the minute they arrive.
Overpack: Avoid overpacking boxes, as this can make them difficult to lift and may lead to damage. Ensure each box is filled to a manageable weight and properly sealed.
Pack Prohibited Items: Research and avoid packing items that are prohibited or restricted in your destination country. This includes items such as firearms, certain medications, perishable foods, and hazardous materials.
Leave Fragile Items Unprotected: Fragile items should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and placed in sturdy boxes. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or newspaper to prevent shifting during transport.
Forget to Declutter: Before packing, declutter your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need. This will help reduce the volume of items you need to transport and make unpacking at your new destination easier.
Rely Solely on Air Shipment: If you have a significant amount of belongings, relying solely on air shipment can be expensive. Research and consider a combination of air and sea shipment options to save costs, especially for non-urgent items.
With these tips, you can reduce the moving stress on you and your family. Make sure you keep a list of all the items being shipped so it’ll be easy for you to check on things once you get there.
Remember to consult with professional movers or relocation services for guidance specific to your situation. They can provide valuable advice and assistance in ensuring a smooth international move from India.