How to pack for an international move in a week

The moving process is usually quite difficult, stressful and complicated. Add to that the complications of international travel and you get a dangerous combination. Luckily, your moving company can relieve you of much of that, and more. It all depends on how many services you wish to hire. However, packing is something that is usually done by the person that is actually moving. While there are specialized packing services that will solve all of your packing issues, you most likely wish to pack for an international move in a week on your own. And that is exactly what we want to help you do.

We will be going through a simple checklist of things that you need to do, in order to pack for that long relocation. This article will be dealing with the process of packing the items that are going to go with you. So, without further ado, let’s begin with:

Pack for an international move in a week – The checklist

If you tick off all of the items on this checklist, the rest of the packing will be a breeze. What you need to do is:

1. Choose the right bag for your luggage
2. Make sure the travel essentials are well organized
3. Pack the “toiletry” bag
4. Prepare the carry-on bag
5. Make sure you have all the documents ready
6. Always be mindful of the security
7. Tying up the loose ends

Right, so that covers almost everything. You may notice that there are few things about the actual packing process itself. This is because the packing process is heavily influenced by these seven things above. If you complete those, the rest of the packing will be really easy. Your moving company will take care of the rest, which will be in your moving contract.  Make sure to read it carefully before you sign, though.

So, let’s delve a bit deeper and see about these seven steps in greater detail, shall we?

Choosing the right travel bag

The important part here is to choose (or acquire) a travel bag that will fulfill all of your needs. It needs to be able to hold everything that you wish to take with you, first and foremost. Additionally, it should be lightweight and versatile. If you are in for long-distance moving, your bag needs to reflect that. If you are purchasing a bag for this occasion, the most important factor for you needs to be the warranty. It is not really that you want to be able to replace your bag, no.

You want the amazing warranty because companies that offer those build for quality. 

Consider the warranty as “proof of quality” more than a convenience. If a company offers a lifetime warranty, that means that their products (most often) are going to last a lifetime without needing to be replaced. Otherwise, they would end up in a loop of returned items. Consider that before you purchase a bag.

Organize the travel essentials

Depending on what your needs are, your travel essentials will have to match them. Your suitcase might have a lot of stuff that needs to go in there. Sometimes it will be impossible to carry all that you need and you might need to compromise. The organization of all of that can go all the way from easy through challenging, to impossible.

There are a couple of ways to deal with this but the best option might be packing organizers. These “cubes” will help you organize all of your essential items, making them be at hand at all times. You simply organize everything by type and you will always know where your items are.

Pack for an international move in a week – The toiletry bag

First of all, your toiletry bag needs to be TSA-compliant. That means there are no liquids, aerosols, creams, pastes or gels that are more than 3.4 ounces per container. The bag carrying them needs to be of clear plastic and have a zip-top. It also needs to be quart-sized. The best thing to do, if you are in doubt, is to go and read the TSA rules by yourself.

Carry-on bag preparation

This bag will contain all of the items that you want with you at all times. You need to consider that you will be using items from this bag both traveling and when you arrive at your new home. So put some extra thought into what exactly this bag needs to contain. Items such as mobile devices and their chargers, entertainment items, perhaps a blanket, all have their place in this bag.

You are the one who decides what is ultimately needed, though. Make sure to take some time and consider what is that you absolutely need to carry with you. Which ties in closely with:

Having the documents ready

All of your important documents need to be ready well before the travel date. By doing that before the actual packing process, you will actually make it easier. You may want to employ a document organizer of you have your own way of organizing but you want them organized.

Make sure that all of your documents are valid. Double-check all of the documents that have expiry dates. There is nothing worse than such a surprise.

Pack for an international move in a week – Always mind the security

If your new home is situated in a large city, you will be considered a “tourist” for some time, until you adapt. You may also want to get to know your new neighborhood by walking around. Which means you will be a target for pickpockets. You may even encounter them while you travel, as well. These people are, unfortunately, reality and you need to be mindful of them. The best thing to do is always carry anything valuable beneath your clothing. Always lock your bags and never leave them unattended.

Tie up the loose ends

Before you start the move, make sure to finish up any things that you have at your previous home. Call every service that used to bring you things, such as newspaper delivery or like and cancel them. You also might want to pre-pay your bills, so you don’t have anything else to worry about. Other than that, simple checkups such as turning off all the appliances and locking all the doors are always prudent.