Clothes: take some, leave most Go through your wardrobe and separate what you need from what you think you can probably do without. Donate or sell the things you almost never wear — consignment shops are a great option to raise a little extra money for your move, or for the new wardrobe you’ll buy when you arrive. Think about the climate in your new home country and leave behind the clothes that just won’t be practical. Packing for an international move shouldn’t include ten suitcases full of clothes you’re not going to wear. Electronics, furniture, and other miscellanies: leave… [Read more...]

Moving supplies Boxes. You can purchase boxes from a moving company, of course. But in many cases, you can get them for free. A good place to start – Alcoholic Beverage Control stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. All routinely have leftover boxes. Padding. This includes bubble wrap and similar items to cushion fragile items. Here, consider using socks, towels, and T-shirts if you want to save some money. Blankets. You’ll want to protect table and other furniture edges from scratches and the like. Again, simple house blankets – which you’ll want to transport anyway – can save you from spending for rentals.… [Read more...]

Use the right size boxes. Put heavy items, like books, in small boxes; light items, like linens and pillows, in bigger ones. (Large boxes packed with heavy items are a common complaint of professional movers. They not only make the job harder but also have a better chance of breaking.) Put heavier items on the bottoms of boxes, lighter items on top. And if you’re loading the truck yourself, pack heavier boxes first, toward the front of the truck, for balance. Don’t leave empty spaces in the boxes. Fill in gaps with clothing, towels, or packing paper. Movers often won’t… [Read more...]