How to Keep Your Valuables and Fragile Items Safe during an International Move

Shipping your valuables and fragile items during an international move can be tricky business. There's much ground (and water) to cover. Keeping your items safe during the long ride will prevent you from finding grandpa's pocket watch in pieces. Here are six ways to keep your articles safe during an international move:

Consider leaving behind items of extreme personal value.

Keeping grandma's old grand piano with you at all times might seem like a great idea. But if the thought of receiving broken piano keys in a box labeled "sorry" makes you shiver at night, it's probably better to find a relative or friend who wouldn't mind piano-sitting for awhile.

Buy the right packing materials.

For fragile items, using high-quality packing materials is a must. That old Grateful Dead t-shirt may work if you're planning on moving across the street. However, for international moves, consider better quality packing materials such as corrugated boxes, wood crates, foam sheets, bubble wrap, shipping tape (nothing with the word "Scotch" in it), and void fill.

Learn the best packing techniques.

There are lots of videos on the Internet for the best packing techniques. One key principle is to "float" your item. Floating involves keeping your delicate article adequately cushioned, away from the walls of the box, with void filler and bubble wrap. Test your finished box by shaking it: you should hear nothing.

Start packing early.

Rushing through the packing stage of your valuables is a sure way to end up with shattered memories. Literally. Plan ahead when preparing for a long move and give yourself time to pack each item with care.

Consider international shipping insurance.

Nobody wants to add to the sad news of broken or missing valuables by hearing, "You didn't buy shipping insurance?" Oooh. It hurts just to think about it. You can prevent this sort of heartbreak from happening to you by thinking hard about the value of your item. If it's worth that much to you, insurance is the best way to pad against unforeseen problems.

If all else fails: leave it to the pros.

If the thought of packing fragile items yourself frightens you to tears, you can always let the pros handle it for you. Better moving companies provide expertise in packing and shipping the most fragile items, and some will even offer full replacement insurance for belongings that are dearest to your heart. With these tips, your items can travel across the globe and arrive safely at your new doorstep. Nilson Van knows what to do during an international move. With over 70 years of moving experience, we have the right tools to keep your items safe during your relocation. If you'd like more information about how we can help, contact us and get the details you need to prepare for your next international move.