Moving Tips&Tricks June 18, 2024

Why Do Quality Packing Materials for Moving Matter?

Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it has its challenges, especially when it comes to packaging. Using quality packing materials for moving is essential to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. From fragile heirlooms to everyday items, the right supplies protect against physical damage, moisture, and shifting during transit. Discover why investing in top-notch supplies is crucial for a successful international relocation.

Why Quality Packing Materials for Moving Matter

Moving overseas is undoubtedly a great adventure. However, regardless of the reason for relocating, the process comes with challenges, particularly when it comes to wrapping your belongings. The right type of packing material for moving can make a significant difference in ensuring your belongings are moved safely.

When relocating across the world, your belongings will undergo multiple stages of handling and transportation. From being loaded onto a shipping container to being shipped across the ocean and then delivered to your new home, your cargo will face various risks. Using high-quality supplies can make all the difference and protect your items from damage.

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High-Quality Packing Supplies for Moving Are Crucial for Protecting Fragile Items

Fragile items, such as glassware, electronics, and ceramics, are particularly vulnerable during shipping. Quality packaging materials provide the necessary cushioning to absorb shocks and prevent breakage. Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and padded paper are just a few examples of materials that offer excellent protection. Properly wrapping each item and securing it within a sturdy box can save you from the heartbreak of unpacking broken treasures.

Consider an example – if you’re moving a set of heirloom china, each piece should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap, and then placed in a box with ample padding between each item. This meticulous process can mean the difference between preserving your family history and having to discard shattered remnants.

Moving boxes in new house. New apartment background.
When it comes to fragile items, adequate packing and moving supplies are essential

Ensuring Safe Transport Is One of the Main Tasks for Your Boxes and Packing Supplies

Durable boxes and wrapping supplies ensure your belongings are less likely to be damaged during transport, so they’ll be moved efficiently. Heavy-duty boxes are essential for keeping your belongings intact. Imagine a scenario where your belongings are transported by sea. The containers may be subjected to rough handling and turbulent waters. Quality materials can absorb the shocks and vibrations, preventing damage.

Moreover, reinforced packaging tape can’t be overlooked. It secures the cardboard containers, ensuring they remain closed and sturdy throughout the journey. This can prevent items from spilling out and getting lost or damaged. Quality tape also helps maintain the structural integrity of the box, making it easier to handle and stack.

Preventing Moisture Damage Is Another Crucial Role

One of the common relocation mistakes when moving internationally is forgetting about moisture damage. Moisture can cause mold, mildew, and warping, which can ruin your belongings. Moving services you book for international moves often involve sea transport, where humidity and moisture can be a concern.

Quality materials, such as moisture-resistant packaging paper and plastic wrap, can prevent your items from getting damp and damaged. This is especially important for boxes with packed clothes, books, and wooden furniture.

Several boxes on the floor
Choose your box and packing supplies carefully to ensure safe shipping

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing Wrapping Materials

Choosing the right materials can be overwhelming, but with a few key relocation tips, you can make the best choices for your relocation to another country. Start by making a list of all the items you need to pack. Categorize them based on their fragility, size, and weight. This will help you determine the type and quantity of materials you will need. For instance, heavier objects will require a stronger box, while fragile items will need more cushioning.

Creating a relocation inventory also helps you declutter. This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of items you don’t wish to ship abroad. Donate, sell, or discard unnecessary items that you can easily replace or have no use of. This will reduce the amount of materials you need to purchase and make the wrapping process more manageable.

Getting Supplies From Your International Moving Company

Many relocation companies offer items such as blankets, dollies, and furniture pads as part of their service. Getting these items from your chosen relocation company is convenient as it can save you a great amount of time you’d otherwise spend looking for adequate supplies.

Packing services encompass all the materials you will need

Investing in Sturdy Boxes

Not every box is created equal. Invest in high-quality, sturdy containers that can withstand the rigors of international shipping. Double-walled boxes are a great option for added protection. These are designed to hold heavier items and provide extra protection against crushing and impacts. For example, you can use them to pack books.

Additionally, consider investing in wardrobe boxes that come with a bar for hanging clothes, keeping them wrinkle-free. Dish packs have dividers that protect packed dishes. Investing in these specialized boxes can provide extra protection for your belongings.

Using Appropriate Padding

Padding materials like bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and packaging paper are essential for cushioning your items. When packing fragile items, use multiple layers of padding for added protection. For particularly delicate items, consider using foam sheets or custom foam inserts. Additionally, you can use blankets or towels for added padding. These items can be useful for wrapping electronics or furniture.

A woman packing and labeling boxes
Invest in quality boxes, so there's no chance they split open during shipping

The Best Supplies to Use When Moving Abroad

When relocating abroad, there are numerous supplies you can use to protect your household items and prevent things from breaking. However, certain packaging materials stand out for their durability and effectiveness. Here is a list of the most efficient materials to consider:

  • Bubble wrap,
  • Packaging paper,
  • Foam peanuts,
  • Heavy-duty boxes,
  • Reinforced packaging tape,
  • Plastic wrap,
  • Furniture covers.

Wrapping Tips From Our Experts at Schmidt International Relocations

Begin wrapping well in advance of your relocation date. This gives you ample time to sort through your belongings, declutter, and pack carefully without last-minute hustle. Starting early allows you to address any unforeseen issues that may arise and helps reduce relocation stress.

Create a packaging schedule to keep yourself on track. Break down the process into manageable tasks and set deadlines for each task. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t leave anything for relocation day. Let’s take a look at the few relocation hacks our experienced movers would always recommend for international relocations.

Pack Room by Room

Tackle one room at a time to stay organized. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This makes unpacking much easier and more efficient. When packing a room, start with items you use less frequently. This includes out-of-season clothing, books, and decorations. Save everyday items for last.

Use Smaller Boxes for Heavy Items

Pack heavy items, like books and kitchen items, in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry and reduce the risk of the boxes breaking. A smaller box is less likely to be overloaded, which can help prevent back pain or injuries when lifting it.

Keep Essentials Handy

Prepare a separate box with relocation essentials you will need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and medications. The “essentials” box will be invaluable during the first few days in your new home before you have a chance to unpack everything. Label this box clearly and keep it with you during relocation. This way, you’ll have easy access to the items you need without having to search through each box.

Protect Valuable Items

For valuable and sentimental items, be sure to use extra padding and clearly label the boxes as “Fragile.” Items like jewelry, important documents, and family heirlooms are irreplaceable, so take extra care when wrapping them. For added protection, consider purchasing insurance for valuable items.

Schmidt International Relocations
Be sure to label boxes with valuable items so the movers are extra careful with them

Eco-Friendly Packaging Options to Consider

If you’re environmentally conscious, consider using eco-friendly packaging materials. These options can help reduce your carbon footprint and make your relocation more sustainable. Here are some supplies we can recommend for you:

Biodegradable Packaging Peanuts

Traditional foam peanuts are not biodegradable and can harm the environment. Look for biodegradable packaging peanuts made from natural materials, such as cornstarch. These will provide the same level of protection as traditional foam peanuts, but they will break down naturally over time.

Recycled Packaging Paper

Instead of using new paper, opt for the more environmentally-conscious option. Recycled paper is made from quality recycled materials and is just as effective at protecting your items. Another eco-friendly alternative is to reuse old newspapers or magazines for wrapping items.

Reusable Boxes

Consider using reusable plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes. These containers are durable, stackable, and can be used multiple times. After your relocation, you can keep them for future use.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

If you haven’t moved abroad before or haven’t learned the basics of the wrapping process, it’s easy to make mistakes when packaging for an international relocation. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them, coming from experienced movers at Schmidt International Relocations:

Overpacking Boxes and Skipping Padding

One of the most common mistakes is overpacking boxes. Overloaded boxes are more likely to break and can cause injuries when lifted. Stick to the weight limit recommended for each box and distribute heavy items evenly among several boxes.

Skipping padding to save time or materials can lead to damaged items. Always use sufficient padding to protect your belongings, especially fragile items. Fill any empty spaces in boxes to prevent movement and add extra padding to delicate items.

Neglecting to Label Boxes

Failing to label boxes can make unpacking a nightmare. Although it may seem tedious, take the time to label each box with its contents and destination room. This will make it easier to find what you need and ensure boxes are placed in the correct rooms.

Procrastinating and Then Rushing at the Last Minute

Leaving packing until the last minute can lead to rushed and careless wrapping of your belongings. Start early and create a schedule to stay organized and reduce anxiety about relocating. Keep in mind that procrastination can result in forgotten items, poorly packed boxes, and a more chaotic relocation experience.

Boxes with a clock
Don't leave it all for the last minute - fight the urge to procrastinate when packaging!

Reach Out to Schmidt International Relocations for a Simple and Efficient Move Abroad

At Schmidt International Relocations, we understand the importance of using quality packaging materials and offer a range of services to make your relocation as smooth as possible. Our team of experienced professionals is here to assist you every step of the way, from packing and shipping to customs clearance and delivery.

We can also provide high-quality packaging materials and expert packing services to ensure your belongings are well-protected throughout their journey to another country. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your relocation. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the upcoming adventure on the other side of the globe!

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