International Packing Standards

Export packing principles (why standards matter)

• Protection across interfaces: International journeys involve multiple handovers — origin home, loading, terminal, vessel/aircraft or via road hubs, destination terminal and delivery. Robust export packing standards reduce risk at every interface.
• Repeatable methods: Consistent materials, labelling and inventories speed customs and cut unloading time at destination.
• Insurer alignment: Professional export packing preserves cover that owner-packed cartons may not — especially for fragile/valuable goods.
• Access-aware plans: Methods must adapt to lifts, long carries and parking constraints without sacrificing protection.

Materials: cartons, wraps, pads and protection

• Double-walled cartons:
  • Small (books/records/heavy items)
  • Medium (kitchenware/ornaments)
  • Picture/mirror cartons (framed pieces and glass)
  • Wardrobe cartons (hanging garments)
• Export wrap & blankets: Multi-layer paper/foam wraps for abrasion resistance; thick transit blankets between furniture pieces.
• Edge/corner protectors: Essential for glass, mirrors, artworks and stone table tops to prevent point-loading damage.
• Mattress/sofa covers: Moisture and dust barriers during handling and stow.
• Void fill & bracing: Paper/bubble to stop movement; in-container tie-off to fixed points per the load plan.
• Specialist cartons: Rigid TV cartons; dish barrels; archive cartons for rare books/documents.

Great materials only work inside a disciplined process — our export packing standards specify how and when each item is used, so nothing is left to chance.

Method: room order, load plans and labelling

1. Survey & sequence: We confirm volume and access at survey, then set a packing order (attic/loft → seldom-used rooms → daily-use rooms).
2. Labelling system: Each carton gets a room code + running number + priority (“Open First / Soon / When Settled”). Fragiles carry bold FRAGILE and arrow orientation.
3. Furniture prep: Disassemble where appropriate; bag and tape fixings to the item; protect edges, legs and tops.
4. Load planning:
   • Heavy items to floor level, evenly distributed
   • High-risk items secured away from crush zones
   • Soft items as cushions only where suitable
   • Clear aisles to avoid mid-journey shifting
5. Moisture & ventilation: Avoid over-sealing where natural ventilation helps (consider destination climate).

When to crate: art, antiques, glass, instruments

Custom wooden crates (ISPM-15 compliant) are specified where size, weight or fragility demands more than standard cartons. Typical use-cases:

• Fine art & antiques: Oil paintings, sculptures, antique mirrors — see Moving Art & Antiques.
• Glass & stone: Table tops, display cabinets, marble surfaces with edge protectors and rigid shells.
• Pianos & instruments: Frames, legs and actions protected with specialist skids — see Guide to Safely Moving a Grand Piano.
• Large TVs/monitors: Rigid TV cartons or crates when original packaging is unavailable.

Crating isn’t about over-engineering; it’s a targeted tool within our export packing standards used only where risk justifies it.

TVs, audio & appliances: prep that avoids claims

• Data & cables: Photograph connections; bag and tape cables to the device.
• Original boxes if available: Best fit and foam profiles; otherwise, rigid cartons with internal protection.
• Defrost & dry: Freezers and fridges fully defrosted and dry before move day.
• Power-on delay: Allow acclimatisation at destination before switching on to avoid condensation damage.

For safe handling basics (reducing strain while lifting/packing), see HSE guidance: HSE — Manual handling.

More prep tips: Preparing Appliances & Electronics.

Inventories & paperwork: customs-friendly detail

• Numbered box list: Box number + room + plain-English contents (e.g., “B12 — Kitchen — pans/casseroles”).
• High-value declaration: Itemise where policies require declared values; keep serial numbers where relevant.
• Restricted items: No perishables, aerosols or dangerous goods; rules vary by destination (we’ll advise at survey).
• Mode notes: Whether you ship FCL/LCL or via road, consistent descriptions speed clearance and reduce inspections.

Strong paperwork paired with disciplined export packing standards keeps timelines predictable and reduces customs holds.

Sea, air & via road: mode-specific tweaks

Sea freight (FCL/LCL)

• FCL (full container): Best for larger volumes and fewer handlings; load plan balances weight, crush zones and access at destination.
• LCL (groupage): Cost-effective for smaller volumes; extra focus on external carton integrity and interior cushioning due to consolidation handling.
• Humidity: Consider moisture barriers and ventilation for sensitive items bound for humid climates.

Air freight

• Weight & dimensions drive cost: Use lighter wraps and optimised carton sizes; crate only where value/fragility demands it.
• Security screening: Clear labelling and accessible inventories speed screening and reduce re-handling.

European moves via road

• Dedicated vehicle: Direct routing and predictable delivery windows; excellent for tight timelines and custody control.
• Groupage road service: Lower cost with a scheduled delivery window; pack and label with multiple-handling in mind.
• Access advantages: Useful when positioning a 20ft/40ft container at the property isn’t practical.

Quality assurance on move day (Ark’s checks)

• Packing lead oversight: Confirms materials use, carton integrity and correct labelling.
• Crate verification: ISPM-15 marks, fastenings, internal cushioning and fit are checked and photographed.
• Load verification: Tie-off points, bracing and crush-risk areas photographed for audit trail.
• Handover: Inventory copy issued; you’re briefed on destination procedures and arrival etiquette.

This QA loop is part of Ark’s export packing standards and designed to satisfy insurers and destination partners.

What not to pack (restricted & dangerous goods)

• Flammables & aerosols: Paints, solvents, gas canisters, lighter fluids, and most aerosols.
• Perishables: Food and plants (varies by country; may risk pests/contamination).
• Cash & jewellery: Keep on your person; don’t place in shipment cartons.
• Batteries: Airline restrictions apply for certain types and watt-hours (air moves); we’ll advise per route.

When in doubt, ask your move coordinator — we’ll give you the destination-specific list at survey so your export packing standards remain compliant.

At destination: unpacking, acclimatisation & claims

• Acclimatisation: Let electronics and musical instruments reach room temperature before switching on or tuning.
• Unpack sequence: Beds → kitchen essentials → children’s rooms; follow the “Open First / Soon / When Settled” labels.
• Inventory check-off: Tick items against the list; note any discrepancies immediately.
• If something’s wrong: Photograph the item and packaging; contact your coordinator promptly so we can advise next steps under your policy.

FAQs

Do I need full packing, or can I self-pack?

You can self-pack low-risk items, but professional export packing for fragiles/high-value goods maintains cover and reduces claims. We can also offer fragile-only packing if you prefer a hybrid approach.

When is crating essential?

High-value art, large glass/stone, and instruments. We’ll specify crates during your survey with clear pricing and crate drawings if needed.

Will standards differ for sea, air or via road?

The core methods are consistent, but we tweak protection for vibration, stacking and turnaround times by mode, plus local climate considerations.

Next steps

Book a video or in-home survey and we’ll design a packing plan aligned to your route, mode and destination rules. Read next: 20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers, Choosing the Right International Removals Company, and our specialist guide to valuable collections.