Assess the goods before choosing materials
Identify heavy pieces, delicate finishes, glass, removable parts and unusual shapes. Provide photographs and dimensions during the enquiry. Explain existing damage or loose components so the packing team can plan around the actual condition rather than a standard catalogue item.
Discuss the proposed journey and handling stages. An appliance carton, a wrapped table and a purpose-made crate serve different needs. More material does not automatically mean better protection if a heavy item remains unsupported or a fragile part carries pressure.
Plan dismantling and appliance preparation
Agree which furniture will be dismantled, who performs the work and whether reassembly at destination is included. Label parts and fasteners against the correct item. Do not assume a destination crew will identify an unlabelled bag of fittings.
Arrange competent disconnection or servicing for appliances where needed and follow manufacturer instructions. Clean and dry items appropriately before packing; do not seal wet equipment or undisclosed residues inside. Batteries, fluids and other acceptance concerns need qualified review rather than improvised removal instructions.
Protect surfaces, movement and fragile parts
Ask how corners, screens, glass and finished surfaces will be protected and how items will be supported within the package. Separate components that could strike one another. Agree treatment for mirrors, artwork or other fragile goods instead of assuming a standard carton is sufficient.
For specialised crating, explain access at origin and destination and ask how the item will be unpacked safely. Do not create a package that can be collected but cannot pass through the receiving doorway. Keep the final size available for the transport quotation.
Check wood-packaging requirements separately
The IPPC’s ISPM 15 standard addresses regulated wood packaging in international trade. Ask the competent packing provider which materials and compliance evidence apply to the proposed crate, pallet or dunnage and destination.
Do not assume the rule applies identically to every finished wooden possession, and do not add an unofficial mark yourself. Packaging-material compliance and the destination’s inspection of the goods are separate questions. Review the actual materials before accepting a crate proposal.
Make packing records useful for the next stage
| Record | What it should identify |
|---|---|
| Condition photographs | Item and relevant existing marks |
| Package label | Unique number and agreed shipment group |
| Contents list | Actual item and separately packed components |
| Final measurements | Outer size and gross weight where required |
| Special preparation | Relevant cleaning, treatment or acceptance record |
Read the inventory guide and keep the final count consistent. Packing photographs are useful evidence but do not replace declarations, collection acknowledgement or policy documents.
Prepare for destination unpacking
Give the receiving person the inventory and relevant condition record. Confirm whether unpacking, debris removal and any reassembly are included or separately arranged. Make space for safe inspection and record damage or missing components before accepting an unrestricted condition statement.
- Items and existing condition are reviewed.
- Dismantling and preparation responsibilities are clear.
- Protection suits the goods and handling.
- Regulated packaging questions are checked.
- Final inventory and measurements are retained.
Check restricted items before sealing and read insurance questions before relying on cover. Explore Packaging Services and International Shifting, then request a reviewed quotation.
Common questions
Does export packing guarantee no damage?
No. It is part of preparation and handling. Record condition and understand the service and any insurance terms.
Does every wooden object need an ISPM 15 mark?
Do not assume that. Ask about regulated packaging materials and destination requirements for the actual goods.
Is appliance disconnection included?
Confirm it explicitly and use competent help and manufacturer guidance where required.
Will furniture automatically be reassembled abroad?
Only rely on reassembly if it is part of the agreed destination scope.
Plan your next chapter across borders.
Share the origin, destination country and city, goods inventory and preferred timing. Let us review your international moving requirement.