How to Pack for International Moves
Preparing to pick up and move an entire household to a new
country can be a frightening prospect. It requires some careful
planning and as much time as you can give it, but it is not
without its bright side. This may be the best opportunity
you've ever had to clean house from top to bottom; take a
critical look at what you have, and decide whether you really
want to take it all with you. You may be influenced by the
cost of shipping large quantities. Some employers place restrictions
on the size of household shipments, either by weight or volume,
or by excluding certain larger items. Before deciding what
to include in your household shipment, it is advisable to
check with your employer whether any such restrictions will
apply in your circumstances.
On the other hand, you do not want to strip away everything
that you associate with home, or your new dwelling will not
seem familiar and welcoming. As with any decision-making,
the more information you have the easier it becomes. If you
are making a pre-assignment trip, this is a good opportunity
to do some research: What is the climate like? It may not
be a good idea to take anything especially valuable or irreplaceable
which could be sensitive to changes in climate. Humidity and
temperature may not be friendly to fine furniture, books,
and art.
Antiques could disintegrate in arid locations. How big is
your new home likely to be? Will your large furniture items
and appliances fit? What is the electrical standard? Will
your existing appliances work? Will you be able to purchase
household and other items in your destination country? If
not, is there anything you should purchase before you leave
home and include in your shipment? If you know the length
of your assignment and have some expectation of whether you
will return home or move on to a new country, this will also
help you decide whether you can manage without some things
for a while, or whether you should take them with you. Find
out whether there may be import restrictions or high duties
applied to expensive furniture and appliances.
There are some further general questions you can keep in
mind as you sort out the essential items to take with you
from those that can safely left behind or disposed of: Do
you really need this to live comfortably abroad? Would it
be better not to take this? If you don't take it, will it
be safe in storage? Do you know where our next move will be?
Will you need this in the future or when you return home?
Remember, you want to make both the move and your life abroad
as uncomplicated as possible. Try not to be overburdened by
nonessential possessions, but keep in mind that you are creating
a home away from home.
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