Embarking on a journey across borders can be both an exhilarating and daunting task. The process of moving your life to a new country requires careful planning, especially when it comes to handling your belongings. That’s where the expertise of overseas removalists at Overseas Packers & Shippers comes into play. Our professional international moving company offers specialised overseas moving services designed to make your transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re relocating for work, education, or personal reasons, our international movers and packers possess the knowledge and skills to ensure your possessions reach their destination safely and efficiently.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide, providing invaluable tips and insights for those looking to navigate the complexities of moving abroad. From deciding what to take with you to understanding customs regulations, it covers everything you need to know about excess luggage. With the help of a reliable international moving company, you can minimise the stress associated with such a significant change. By choosing the right overseas moving services, you’re not just transporting your belongings; you’re taking the first step towards a new chapter in your life. Let’s dive into the essentials of preparing for your international move, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
1. Read the rules
Before you set off overseas, make sure you know the rules and restrictions of your flight. In particular, you should find out the exact dimensions of cabin baggage allowances as well as the maximum weight for both checked and carry-on baggage. Most airlines have similar rules, however these can vary depending on where you are going and what airline you are flying with. There are many guides to Australian airline baggage limits, but it always pays to check with your particular airline. It’s better to ask questions sooner rather than later.
2. Put items in vacuum bags
It might seem simple, but vacuum packing can save you a lot of room in your luggage. Keep in mind that you will need a vacuum to remove air and this might be a hassle to find if you are backpacking. There are many vacuum packs that can be sealed by rolling the pack up to remove excess air. Don’t forget when you’re vacuum sealing your belongings, that weight limits still apply- usually 25kg.
3. Weigh your bag before you leave
Many of us have been there. The last minute realisation that your bags are too heavy, the flustered reorganisation and the defeat when you realise you need to pay for extra baggage. Save yourself the stress by weighing your bags before you go to the airport. If you have been living overseas or travelling for an extended period, don’t leave this until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to establish whether you will need to ship your excess baggage or organise additional checked baggage on your flight.
4. Share the load
If you are travelling with someone else and don’t mind a slight personal space invasion, you might like to balance items across carry on and checked baggage. If one bag is too heavy, shuffle items around and swap with something lighter from your companion’s luggage. Of course, if you are both travelling heavy you’re going to need to try a different approach!
5. Pack smart
Putting some thought into what and how you are packing can make a huge difference on weight and size. Are you taking items that you can buy when you arrive? Have you considered wearing heavy clothing on the plane (e.g. boots, jacket, jeans)? Give yourself time to pack strategically and get advice from a friend or family member if you are having trouble deciding what to take.
6. Ship excess baggage
Shipping isn’t just for people who are moving a large amount of belongings – there are also suitable options for small shipments. If you’re moving overseas with a couple of boxes, or you’re returning home with more souvenirs than you expected, you can send them to your destination using excess baggage shipping.
If you only have a few bags or boxes to move overseas, it may be cheaper to move them via an international moving company, rather than pay excess (or additional) baggage fees. Moving overseas shipping options include shared containers, air freight, or less than a container load (LCL).
The most common excess baggage shipping options are shared containers and air freight. Shared container services operate by packing your belongings with other people’s items going to the same destination. If you need your belongings ready for you as soon as possible, an air freight will generally take 7-10 days to deliver your items (this depends on the company you choose).
Talk with the experts when moving overseas
Making the move overseas with a smaller amount of items doesn’t have to be an annoying and stressful ordeal. Take the anxiety out of your trip by being organised, knowing your excess luggage options and avoiding last minute fees. Even if you are only taking a small amount of items, get in touch with the Overseas Packers & Shippers team to discuss the options available to you for sending your belongings safely overseas.
