Packing for an international move is very different from preparing for a local removal, and the way your items are packed can make a huge difference to how they arrive at your new home. At John Mason International, we always recommend leaving the packing to our professional export packing teams, who are fully trained in preparing goods for long-distance sea and air shipment.
Export packing is a specialist craft that uses specific techniques and high‑quality materials designed to withstand lifting, stacking, humidity and changes in temperature during international transit.
Why Choose Professional Export Packing?
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All John Mason packers are trained Export Packers, experienced in handling furniture, fragile items, artwork and personal effects for overseas moves.
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Specialist export-grade cartons, wrapping materials and crates are used to provide additional protection compared with standard domestic packing.
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Professionally packed consignments are usually easier to insure and can reduce the risk of damage claims at the destination.
Even if you intend to do a small amount of packing yourself, using a professional team for the bulk of the work will help your move run more smoothly and efficiently.
Pre‑Move Decisions: What To Take
Before moving day, decide what you will ship, store, sell or leave behind.
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During your pre‑move survey, your surveyor will discuss what you plan to take and advise on items that may be prohibited or restricted in your destination country.
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Decluttering ahead of time means you only pay to ship what you really need; use our guide on how to de‑clutter before an international move to structure this process room by room.
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For a more detailed overview of what to pack (and when), you can refer to The Ultimate Packing List for Moving Abroad, which includes a timeline from six months before moving through to the final days.
If you plan to pack some personal or sensitive items yourself, let your Move Manager or crew foreman know in advance so this can be built into the move plan.
How To Organise Your Home Before Packing
Good preparation at home helps the packing crew work quickly and label cartons accurately.
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Separate sea and air shipments:
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Place all airfreight items in a clearly marked room or a specific corner so they are not mixed with sea freight.
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Create a ‘not to ship’ area:
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Items that will stay in the property, go into storage or travel with you should be placed in a separate room with the door closed or clearly labelled.
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Leave items in situ:
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Keep pictures on walls, crockery in cupboards and books on shelves; this helps the packing team see where each item belongs and label boxes correctly for easy unpacking at the destination.
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These small steps reduce confusion on packing day and help ensure accurate inventories for customs and for your own records.
Practical Packing‑Day Tips
On packing day, a few simple actions can protect your belongings and avoid delays.
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Keep small parts together:
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Set aside keys, screws, bolts and fittings from furniture and appliances; these will be packed into an “odds box” so everything needed for re‑assembly is together.
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The odds box is normally loaded last so it can be unloaded first at your new home, making it easier to rebuild beds, wardrobes and other key items.
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Prepare appliances and white goods:
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Secure the drum on your washing machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Defrost and thoroughly dry your fridge and freezer well in advance so no moisture is left inside.
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Make fuel‑powered equipment safe:
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Petrol lawn mowers, strimmers and similar equipment must be completely drained of fuel before they can be shipped.
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Doing this ahead of time helps the crew focus entirely on specialist packing and loading when they arrive.
Keep Travel Essentials Separate
Certain items must stay with you and should never be packed in your shipment.
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Keep passports, visas, keys, important documents, medication and valuables together with your suitcases before the crew arrives.
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Clearly tell the packing team which bags or areas contain your travel items so they are not packed by mistake.
Helpful Guides
Different countries have strict rules about what can and cannot be imported, so it is important to check this well before you pack.
Use John Mason’s destination guides to understand restricted or prohibited items and how to prepare your goods:
These resources work alongside your Move Manager’s advice to ensure your consignment complies with customs regulations and is packed in the most suitable way for your chosen destination.