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Packing for an Overseas Move
The important decision of which items you choose to ship
abroad, is made with the consideration of certain factors.
The choice is easier if you have already purchased or rented
residence overseas. If you know the approximate size of the
rooms and have a floor plan made, you will be able to easily
determine just how smartly your furniture and appliances will
fit. Let the movers pack your boxes. In order to have your
belongings covered by insurance, they must be packed by the
moving company. They're the professionals; let them do the
"dirty work".
Make certain that the delivery into your residences will
not cause any insurmountable problems due to oversized furniture.
You should consider hallway and stairway dimensions, elevators/lifts
may sometimes be too small to be used to transport some items.
Customs can get confusing. And the requirements vary greatly
from one country to another. There are some basic elements
for you to keep in mind, but be sure to check with your mover
for all restrictions. After all, a simple oversight could
result in delays, fines, or even seizure of your entire shipment
by foreign Customs authorities. To be safe, don't take any
of the following (and if you have any doubts, just leave it
behind, or talk to your moving representative):
Do Not Take:
- Valuable and important papers: family records, birth
certificates, marriage documents, financial information,
etc.
- Jewelry
- Fire arms
- Live plants or seeds
- Open bottles containing liquids
- Flammable cleaning solutions or other toxic liquid substances
(make sure to drain the fuel from any power tools)
- Alcohol (in hand luggage only)
- Pressure spray cans
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In most countries, your household goods and personal effects
can often be entered duty-free. (Note: Some items may be
subject to certain provisions.) It's important to remember
that any duties or taxes levied against your shipment are
in addition to the moving charges. If you do choose to pack
some items on your own, get tips from our Packing and Unpacking
section, but your boxes will not be covered by insurance,
unless it can be proven that the moving company mishandled
the boxes.
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