Simone Says: 9 International Moving Tips You Won't Find on a Checklist

If you’re packing laptops, cameras, power tools or anything else with a rechargeable battery, don’t leave them fully charged. Around 50% charge is actually the safest level for a long sea journey. Fully charged batteries can degrade faster over time and present a slightly higher fire risk if something goes wrong. It’s also worth remembering that many shipping lines limit the number of lithium batteries they’ll carry, so always check before you pack.

Once your shipment arrives, resist the temptation to plug everything in straight away. If your belongings have travelled through very hot or very cold conditions, leave electronics for around 24 hours so they can reach room temperature. Check for any condensation first too. A little patience can save you from replacing something that would otherwise have been absolutely fine.

Most people remember the obvious ones. It’s the batteries in TV remotes, children’s toys, torches, smoke alarms and kitchen scales that are easily forgotten. They can leak during transit, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to remove them before everything is packed.

Moving a piano is one thing. Tuning it straight away is another. Pianos need time to acclimatise to their new surroundings, especially if they’ve travelled to a different climate. I’d always recommend waiting around six weeks before booking a tuner. Otherwise, you could find yourself paying for another visit not long afterwards. Unless you’re happy getting your Mozart mixed up with your Bach!

If you’re having rugs, carpets or curtains professionally cleaned before you move, have them done at least 10 days before packing. Even the smallest amount of trapped moisture can lead to mould or mildew during a long sea crossing. Once it starts, it can spread surprisingly quickly.

Before your packing team arrives, clean your fridge thoroughly and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. One little trick I’ve picked up over the years is to put a few new tea bags into a takeaway container with a few holes in the lid and leave it inside. The tea bags help absorb any remaining moisture and keep unpleasant smells away during the journey. Simple, but it works

If you’re moving antique wooden furniture to a much warmer climate, such as Australia, remember that natural wood expands and contracts as it adjusts to its new environment. Sometimes that can lead to cracks. It’s also worth carefully reviewing your insurance policy. Repairs are usually covered, but any reduction in the item’s value won’t be – it’s called consequential loss. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook until you need to know.

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself. After a long day of unpacking, the last thing you’ll want to do is search through dozens of boxes looking for your toothbrush or phone charger. Pack one clearly labelled box with everything you’ll need for your first night, including bedding, towels, toiletries, chargers, medication, tea, coffee, and a change of clothes. It’s one of the simplest things you can do, but one of the most useful.

If you’re moving to the Middle East during the summer, I’d seriously think about leaving candles behind. I’ve seen melted wax soak through cardboard boxes and wrapping paper, and then straight onto an expensive sofa. Unfortunately, once that happens, there’s very little anyone can do.