Packing tips

People often worry about packing their household goods for the big move. But in principle, the professional mover will do most of the work for you. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you and the mover be well organised and efficient on the day of packing and unpacking.

  • Decide in advance exactly what you want to take

- and what you will leave behind. This will ease the packing process on the moving day itself.

  • Import customs rules & restrictions

Different countries have different regulations; it is important to be aware of items you can or cannot ship to your new country well in advance before the packing day.

In general, we do not recommend moving items such as hazardous materials (paint, articles of explosive nature and so on), perishables, flammables or corrosives, alcohol and food products, or weapons. Electrical appliances may not work in another country.

FIDI provides its members with a database of customs documents; ask your FIDI moving company about customs restrictions in your country of destination.

  • Do not pack anything yourself

It is best to leave it to the professionals (except perhaps for a few personal items). You may choose to pack less valuable or less fragile items yourself, but keep in mind that carriers will usually refuse to take liability for damage to items in boxes that have been packed by the owner.

If you still wish to pack some personal items yourself, here are some further tips and information:

- Owner-packed goods cannot usually be insured for damage. Check with your FIDI mover to establish the terms of the insurance cover.

- Make a list of everything you pack into every carton.

- Do not pack goods that are prohibited or restricted in your destination country. If in doubt, check with your FIDI mover.

- Do not pack anything that is flammable or corrosive.

- Do not pack heavy boxes: they are difficult to handle and can be damaged more easily than lighter packages.

- Never use cartons that have previously carried foodstuffs.

- Keep keys for trunks and suitcases with you and have them available at destination for customs officials, if they need to inspect them.

- Do not close the boxes yourself; the packers will have a quick look and properly close them during packing.

  • Do not move goods into one area

Leave everything as it is in your house (such as pictures on walls and glasses in cupboards), it is easier for the packers this way.

  • Be present when your goods are being packed

The packing crew will arrive at the date and time agreed with you and go through your home with you, so that you can indicate what needs to be packed, what stays behind and point out anything particularly fragile.

  • Keep your personal items that you need for your journey

Keep your passports, tickets, flight bags, etc. separate from the goods that are being packed for shipment. You don't want your personal items to be packed by accident!

  • Check every cupboard (and the garage) before the packers leave

... and make sure nothing is left behind.