Make a plan first

Before you start putting things in boxes, create a packing schedule. Go through your home room by room and decide what you will be taking, selling, donating and putting in storage. International moves often have strict weight limits and customs rules, so this is the perfect time to get rid of things you don’t need. A clear plan will save you from last-minute rushing and extra shipping costs.

Get the right packing supplies

The safety of your belongings depends on the quality of your materials. It’s smart to invest in:

• Strong, double-walled moving boxes
• Heavy-duty packing tape
• Bubble wrap and packing peanuts for fragile items
• Stretch wrap for furniture
• Zip-lock bags for small parts like screws
• Labels and markers to clearly mark each box with the room and a short description. This makes unpacking much easier.

Pack fragile items carefully

Things that can break easily, like dishes, glasses, and decorations, need special attention. Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Place them upright in strong boxes, and fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or soft cloths to keep them from shifting. Be sure to clearly mark these boxes so movers know to be extra careful.

Protect furniture and large items

Furniture can be tricky to move, especially overseas. Whenever possible, take apart big items like beds, tables, and bookshelves. Put all the screws, bolts, and small pieces into labeled zip-lock bags and tape them to the furniture so you don’t lose them. Use stretch wrap or moving blankets to protect surfaces from scratches. For appliances, clean them thoroughly and secure any moving parts before packing.

Smartly pack clothes and personal items

Packing clothes efficiently can save a lot of space. Use vacuum-sealed bags for out-of-season clothes to shrink them down. For your daily clothes, rolling them instead of folding can prevent wrinkles and save room in the box. Pack a separate suitcase with a few days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and all your important papers to carry with you on the plane.

Keep important documents and valuables with you

Never pack your passports, visas, birth certificates, medical records, or financial papers in a moving box. Keep these in a special folder or travel bag that stays with you at all times. It’s also best to carry valuable jewelry or family heirlooms with you instead of shipping them to avoid any risk of loss or damage.

Handle electronics and cords with care

If you still have the original boxes for your electronics like laptops or gaming consoles, use them. If not, wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap and put them in sturdy boxes with padding. Put all the cords and cables in small bags and tape them to their devices. This simple step will make setting up your electronics in your new home a breeze.

Label and track everything

International moves involve a lot of checkpoints, from shipping to customs. A detailed list of what’s in each box helps you keep track of your items and speeds up customs clearance. Number each box and keep a master list that describes the contents of each. This helps prevent anything from getting lost and makes unpacking less stressful.

Consider hiring professional packers

While you can pack on your own, hiring professional packers from Riyadh Warehouse Solutions offers extra security and efficiency. We specialize in getting household goods shipped easily and safely. As an IAM Trusted Mover certified company, we have the expertise and experience to handle the complexities of international moves. 

We offer comprehensive services, including home moving, international relocations, office and commercial moving, storage and warehousing, cargo logistics, and customs clearance for clients across Saudi Arabia and beyond. We have helped countless families and professionals navigate international relocations across Saudi Arabia and beyond, and our professionals are trained to pack items for long international trips, ensuring they comply with all customs rules and arrive safely.