How much does shipping your Household cost?
Free Instant Online Calculator based on quotes from Trusted House Moving Companies
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week

Joe brought me peace of mind. I can’t thank you enough for being so reliable and trustworthy

Joe brought me peace of mind. I can’t thank you enough for being so reliable and trustworthy

+2 million
Delivered
services
+190
Countries
served
97%
of customers
recommend us

Household Goods Packing Tips

What's in this article?
  1. Plan Ahead
  2. Sort Items By Category
  3. Pack Each Box
  4. Use Appropriate Packing Materials
  5. Pack Fragile Items Carefully
  6. Pack Clothes To Save Space
  7. Transport Your Goods Safely
  8. Who Are Reliable International Movers?
  9. Best International Movers In The Usa
Household Goods Packing Tips

Are you in the process of moving overseas? If so, one of the most important things to do is pack your household goods securely. Packing your belongings improperly can lead to damage during transit, so it's important to take the time to learn how to do it right. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips on packing for an overseas move. Keep reading to learn more!

Plan ahead

When you are planning a move overseas, it is important to think about how you will pack your household items. This can be a daunting task, but if you take the time to plan ahead, it will be much easier. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Make a list of all the items you need to pack. This will help you keep track of everything and ensure that you don't forget anything important.
  2. Sort your belongings into categories. This will make packing them much easier and faster. Some examples of categories include clothes, kitchen items, bathroom items, and electronics.
  3. Keep valuable items and personal items in a category of their own, as these are best packed in carry on bags.
  4. Choose the right type of packing materials. You'll need different materials for different types of items, so make sure to do your research in advance.
  5. Start packing early. Don't wait until the last minute to start packing, as this will only add to the stress of the move.
  6. Ask for help from friends or family members. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the task of packing, ask for help from those around you.

Sort Items by Category

When you're trying to pack up your household items for a move overseas, it can be helpful to sort them into different categories. This will make it easier to figure out what you need to take with you and what can be left behind.

For example, you might want to create separate piles for:

  • Clothing
  • Kitchen items
  • Electronics
  • Decorations
  • Bathroom supplies

Once you have everything sorted, you can start packing up boxes or bags accordingly. This will make the whole process much less overwhelming and will ensure that you don't forget anything important.

household-goods-packing-tips-02.jpg

Pack each box

Packing involves more than simply putting your things in a box. There are some steps you can take to make sure your things are packed safely and securely.

  1. Pack heavy items at the bottom of the box, and lighter items on top. This will help prevent damage to your belongings.
  2. Use packing material such as bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts to protect fragile items.
  3. Label each box with the room it corresponds to. This will make unpacking much easier later on.
  4. Make a detailed inventory of what is inside each box. This will help you keep track of your belongings, and will be helpful in case anything gets lost or damaged in transit.
  5. Clearly mark any boxes that contain fragile items so that movers will know to handle them with care.
  6. When in doubt, ask a professional packer for help. They will be able to safely and efficiently pack your belongings so that they arrive at your new home in one piece.

Use appropriate packing materials

There are a variety of packing materials available on the market today, and it can be confusing trying to figure out which ones to use when moving abroad. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right materials for the job:

  • Cardboard boxes: Cardboard boxes are the most common type of packing material used for moves. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used for a variety of items. Be sure to reinforce them with tape, especially if you use them for heavier items.
  • Plastic storage bins: Plastic storage bins are useful since they are sturdy and reusable. They can save you money, and they are better for the environment.
  • Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is great for protecting fragile items during a move. It comes in sheets or rolls and can be cut to fit any size item.
  • Packing peanuts: Packing peanuts are often used to fill empty spaces in boxes and help protect items from shifting during a move. They come in biodegradable and non-biodegradable varieties.
  • Foam wrap: Foam wrap is similar to bubble wrap, but it is slightly thicker and more durable. It is often used to protect larger and heavier items during a move.
  • Packing paper: Packing paper can fill empty spaces in boxes or wrap delicate items. It comes in sheets or rolls and can be found at most office supply stores.

Now that you know what materials are available, it's time to start packing! Be sure to label all of your boxes so you know what goes where, and don't forget to pack a few essential items like toiletries and clothes so you can be comfortable during your move.

Pack fragile items carefully

It's important to take extra care with fragile items. These items are often more delicate and can be easily damaged during the shipping process. It is important to pack them properly so they will arrive at their destination safely.

There are a few things to keep in mind when packing fragile items:

  • Use bubble wrap or padding to protect delicate items. This will help to prevent them from being damaged during transit.
  • Make sure boxes and containers with these items are labeled “fragile”. This will help ensure that your movers know to handle these items with care.
  • If possible, try to avoid packing too many fragile items into one box. This can make the box too heavy and increase the likelihood of damage during shipment.
  • When possible, try to ship fragile items via air rather than sea. This helps reduce the risk of damage during transit.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your fragile items arrive at their destination safely.

how-to-pack-items-for-a-move-overseas.jpg

Pack clothes to save space

You can pack your clothes in suitcases, duffel bags, or specialized wardrobe boxes. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Suitcases are great for smaller items, but they can be difficult to pack larger items in. Duffel bags are perfect for larger items, but they can be difficult to carry and may not fit everything you need. Boxes are the most versatile option, but they can be heavy and difficult to move around.

Transport your goods safely

There are a few different ways to pack and transport your household goods when moving overseas. You can choose to do it yourself, hire a professional packing and shipping company, or use a combination of both methods.

If you decide to do it yourself, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

  • First, you need to make sure that all of your belongings are properly packed. This means using the right materials and packing them securely in strong boxes.
  • You also need to be sure that you label all of your boxes clearly. This will help you keep track of your belongings during the move.

If you are hiring a professional packing and shipping company, they will likely provide you with all of the materials you need to pack your household goods safely. They will also be able to help you with any questions you have about the process.

For transportation, you can choose to ship your household goods by sea, air, or land. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it is important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

  1. Sea shipment: Sea shipments are often the most economical option, but it can take longer to get your belongings to their destination. Sea freight is an especially good option if you are moving furniture abroad.
  2. Air shipment: Air shipping is usually more expensive, but it is much faster.
  3. Land shipment: Land shipments are of course only available for certain moves. When available, they are an economical and efficient option.

Who are reliable international movers?

There are many international shipping companies out there who claim to be the best and most reliable. But how can you be sure that they're telling the truth? Here are a few things to look for when choosing an international mover:

1. They have a good reputation.

Check online reviews and see what other people are saying about the company. If they have mostly positive reviews, then that's a good sign.

2. They're transparent about their pricing.

When you get a quote from an international mover, make sure that it includes everything from transportation costs to insurance fees. That way, you won't be surprised by any hidden charges later on.

3. They offer comprehensive services.

A good international mover should be able to handle everything from packing your belongings to getting them through customs. That way, you can relax and focus on other things while they take care of everything.

4. They have experience with your destination country.

If you're moving to a country that's unfamiliar to you, it's important to choose an international mover who has experience with that particular country. That way, you can rest assured that they know the ins and outs of the process and can help make things go smoothly.

5. They have a good customer service team.

When you're dealing with an international move, there will inevitably be some bumps along the way. But if you have a good customer service team to help you out, they can make the entire process a lot less stressful.

Choosing a reliable international mover is essential to ensuring that your move goes smoothly.

how-to-pack-items-for-a-move-overseas-02.jpg

Best International movers in the USA

If you're looking for an international moving company that can provide you with top-quality service, look no further than A1 Auto Transport. We are one of the most experienced and reputable international moving companies in the United States, and we're dedicated to helping our customers have a smooth and stress-free move.

We have a wide range of services to choose from, so whether you need help with packing, shipping, or even storage, we can assist you. We also offer door-to-door service, so you don't have to worry about getting your belongings to us; we'll come to you.

A1 Auto Transport is committed to providing the best possible service to our customers, and we go above and beyond to make sure that your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today to get started on your international move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share this content on social media
for a chance to get up to 15% off your next shipment.
Copy link

Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing. 

After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood. 

With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.

Email Me


Testimonial
Mylene Rutllant
It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
★★★★★

...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.

Testimonial
Luis Rodriguez
You have my full support and recommendation!
★★★★★

A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!

Testimonial by Cristine Benoit
Cristine Benoit
I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
★★★★★

There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.

Testimonial
David Osallo
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10!
★★★★★

We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Get an instant free Quote Now

Or Call Us Today and Speak Directly to Our Sales Team:

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
Copyright © 1988-2023, A-1 Auto Transport - All Rights Reserved.