Packing Checklist for International Moves

Packing for an international move is not the same as packing for a local one. Goods spend weeks in a sealed container that experiences heat, humidity, vibration and pressure changes, then go through customs at the other end. How you pack — and who packs — affects whether items arrive intact, whether they're insurable, and in some cases whether they clear customs at all. This checklist covers the practical decisions before the crew arrives.

Pro-pack vs self-pack — the honest trade-off

Full export packing by the moving crew is the standard for international shipments. Crews use export-grade materials, label every carton, photograph fragile items and produce the inventory that customs will reference at the destination. The trade-off is cost. Self-packing your own boxes is cheaper, but most insurance policies will not cover breakage of customer-packed boxes, and some destination customs regimes require professional packing for the duty-free personal-effects exemption.

Full pack — crew packs everything; recommended for fragile, valuable or sentimental items.
Partial pack — crew handles fragile and electronics; you pack books, clothes and non-fragile items.
Self-pack — you pack everything; lowest cost, lowest insurance protection, possible customs friction.

Materials that actually survive a container

Double-walled export cartons rated for ocean freight, not supermarket boxes.
Bubble wrap and acid-free tissue for fragile items; foam corners for framed art.
Wardrobe cartons with hanging bars for clothing.
Dish-pack cartons with cell dividers for crockery and stemware.
Original boxes for electronics where possible; otherwise foam-lined cartons with anti-static wrap.
Custom crates for fine art, mirrors over a certain size, marble tops and pianos.
Furniture wrap (stretch film) and corner protectors for case goods.
Strong packing tape — gaffer or duct tape is not a substitute for proper packing tape.

Fragile, electronics and valuables

Most damage on international moves happens to fragile items packed without enough internal cushioning, and to electronics that experience temperature shock or moisture. Photograph the back of every electronic device before packing so reconnection is easy. Remove ink cartridges from printers. Drain fluids from anything that holds them. Hand-carry anything irreplaceable.

Hand-carry: passports, jewellery, irreplaceable photos, hard-drive backups, prescriptions, cash.
Photograph all valuable items before packing for any insurance claim.
List high-value items separately for declared-value insurance coverage.
Wrap glass, mirrors and pictures individually; never stack flat in cartons.

Customs implications of how you pack

How you pack affects how customs treats the shipment. Several countries require professional packing and a packer-signed inventory for the personal-effects exemption. The inventory must be detailed and accurate — 'misc household items' is not enough. Anything new in original packaging may be reclassified as commercial goods and assessed for duty.

Avoid shipping new, unused items in retail packaging — they may be treated as commercial.
Do not pack restricted items (food, plants, alcohol above limits, certain electronics, weapons).
Keep inventory descriptions specific: 'kitchen pots and pans' not 'misc kitchen'.
Keep firearms, ammunition, controlled substances and large amounts of cash out of household goods entirely.

Move-day packing checklist

Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before the crew arrives.
Disconnect washing machines, dishwashers, gas appliances; have them serviced if required.
Remove batteries from devices; ship lithium-ion batteries separately or as permitted.
Take down curtains, blinds, wall art and TVs the day before to speed crew time.
Have a clearly-labelled 'do not ship' zone for hand-luggage and items going to a hotel.
Review the inventory before signing the bill of lading; question anything marked excessively damaged that you don't agree with.

Want a survey before you decide pack vs self-pack?

Tell us about your move and a coordinator will arrange a virtual or on-site survey to recommend the right packing approach for your shipment.

Request a Survey

Frequently asked questions

Will my self-packed boxes really not be insured?

Most international moving insurance policies will not cover breakage of contents in customer-packed cartons, only loss of the entire carton. Coverage of mechanical or external damage to the carton may still apply. Confirm the exact wording with your coordinator before deciding.

Do I need a custom crate for my TV or artwork?

Large flat-screen TVs without their original boxes, fine art, mirrors over a certain size and marble tops are usually safer in custom wooden crates. The cost is small relative to replacement, and the survey crew will recommend it during the inventory.

Can I pack alcohol in my container?

Some countries allow a small declared quantity of alcohol with personal effects; many restrict or prohibit it entirely. The UAE, for example, has strict alcohol rules. Confirm the current limit with the destination customs authority before including any.

How long should packing take?

A small one-bedroom apartment is usually one day. A full family home with full export pack is typically two to three days. The survey produces a labour estimate; if a quote is dramatically lower on labour, ask why.

What if I find damage at destination?

Note any visible damage on the destination delivery note before signing it. Photograph everything as it is unpacked. Submit any insurance claim within the policy window — usually a defined number of days after delivery — with photographs and the original inventory references.

Related guides

Customs, biosecurity and vehicle-import rules vary by country and change without notice. Confirm current requirements with the relevant national customs, agriculture and transport authorities, and engage a licensed customs broker or pet/vehicle relocation specialist before booking.