SEND STUFF PACKAGING GUIDES
How to Pack Moving Boxes for International Shipping
Moving overseas or sending personal belongings from New Zealand? Learn how to choose suitable cartons, protect household items, prepare packing lists and get your boxes ready for international transport.
VIEW PACKING STEPS →Whether you're relocating overseas, returning home after living in New Zealand or sending belongings to family, properly packed moving boxes are essential for international shipping.
Unlike a local house move, international freight may involve multiple sorting facilities, transport connections, customs inspections and delivery vehicles.
This guide explains how to prepare cartons and personal belongings for international transport with Send Stuff, including packaging selection, protection, customs documentation and shipment measurements.
Choosing the Right Moving Boxes
Choosing suitable cartons is one of the most important parts of preparing personal belongings for international shipping.
Boxes should be strong enough to support their contents and withstand normal freight handling, including stacking and movement through transport facilities.
Single-Wall vs Double-Wall Cartons
Single-wall cartons may be suitable for lighter, non-fragile items when the carton strength is appropriate.
Double-wall cartons generally provide greater rigidity and resistance to compression, making them worth considering for heavier or more vulnerable contents.
Use Strong, Undamaged Cartons
Avoid cartons with crushed corners, weakened seams, water damage or torn corrugated material. Reused boxes should only be considered if they remain structurally sound and meet the carrier's packaging requirements.
Choosing the Correct Box Size
Avoid selecting the largest available carton simply to fit more belongings. A large box filled with books can become excessively heavy, while a large box containing lightweight items may have a high volumetric weight.
Practical tip: Use smaller, appropriately rated cartons for dense items such as books and larger cartons for lighter belongings such as clothing and bedding. Always stay within the carton and carrier weight limits.
What Packing Materials Will You Need?
Suitable packing materials help prevent movement, protect fragile contents and keep cartons securely closed during transport.
| Material | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| Strong Corrugated Cartons | Provide the outer structure for protecting and containing belongings. |
| Packing Tape | Secures carton seams and helps prevent accidental opening. |
| Bubble Wrap or Foam | Provides cushioning for suitable fragile or delicate items. |
| Packing Paper | Wraps household items and helps protect surfaces from scratches. |
| Void Fill | Fills empty spaces to reduce movement inside cartons. |
| Protective Bags | May help protect suitable contents from dust or moisture. |
| Labels & Markers | Identify cartons and assist with inventory preparation. |
Packaging should be selected according to the contents. Fragile or unusually shaped items may require specialist protective materials or a more suitable outer package.
How to Pack Moving Boxes for International Shipping
Follow these general steps when preparing personal belongings for transport overseas from New Zealand.
Sort Your Belongings
Decide what you need to ship and separate items by category. Check for prohibited or restricted goods before packing.
Prepare the Carton
Assemble the box and securely seal the bottom seams with suitable packing tape.
Pack Heavy Items First
Position heavier, durable items towards the bottom. Distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading the carton.
Protect Fragile Items
Wrap delicate items individually and use cushioning to reduce impact and movement.
Fill Empty Spaces
Use suitable void-fill material to prevent contents shifting during handling and transport.
Seal & Record
Close the carton securely, number the package and record its contents on your packing list.
Do not overfill cartons. If the top flaps cannot close naturally or the carton sides are bulging, redistribute the contents into another suitable box. Overloaded cartons may split or become difficult to handle safely.
Packing Fragile & Household Items
Different household belongings require different levels of protection. Some items may not be suitable for ordinary moving cartons without additional packaging.
Clothing & Bedding
Ensure clothing and bedding are clean and dry before packing. Use suitable protective bags where necessary and avoid excessive compression that could damage the contents.
Books & Paperwork
Books can quickly make a carton very heavy. Use smaller, appropriately rated boxes and protect important documents against bending and moisture.
Glassware & Ceramics
Wrap each item individually, use adequate cushioning and prevent direct contact between fragile surfaces. Strong outer cartons and suitable internal separation are important.
Electronics
Electronic equipment may require fitted cushioning, rigid outer packaging and additional checks for batteries or restricted components. Original manufacturer packaging may be useful if it remains suitable for the intended transport.
Fragile Items Need More Than a Label
A fragile sticker does not replace suitable packaging. Cartons should be able to protect their contents during normal handling, stacking and movement through freight facilities. Consider specialist packing for particularly delicate or valuable items.
Sealing & Labelling Moving Boxes
Proper sealing helps prevent cartons from opening during transport, while clear identification supports shipment handling and customs documentation.
Sealing Your Cartons
Use strong packing tape suitable for corrugated cartons. A common approach is the H-taping method, which seals the central seam and both end seams on the top and bottom of the carton.
The H-Taping Method
Seal the centre seam and both edges of the carton opening. Repeat on the bottom. The tape must adhere securely to the carton and be suitable for the package weight and transport conditions.
Labelling Each Carton
- Remove or fully cover old shipping labels and barcodes.
- Number your cartons clearly, such as Box 1 of 4.
- Match each carton number to your packing list.
- Use the shipping label supplied for the arranged freight service.
- Keep labels flat, visible and securely attached.
- Include the recipient's accurate name and address in the shipment documents.
Helpful tip: Numbering your cartons makes it easier to match packages to their contents, especially when sending multiple boxes internationally.
Packing Lists & Customs Requirements
International shipments are subject to customs requirements in the destination country. A detailed packing list can help identify the goods being shipped.
Customs authorities may require information about the contents, quantities, condition and value of the belongings.
What Should a Packing List Include?
Recommended Packing List Information
- Sender and recipient details.
- Number assigned to each carton.
- Clear description of the items inside each box.
- Quantity of each item or category.
- Whether the goods are used or new.
- Reasonable declared values in the required currency.
- Any additional information required by the destination country.
Example Packing List
| Carton | Contents | Quantity | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box 1 | Men's shirts, trousers and jackets | 18 items | Used |
| Box 2 | Paperback books | 24 books | Used |
| Box 3 | Kitchen utensils and plastic storage containers | 12 items | Used |
The table above is an illustrative example. Your actual packing list should describe the goods accurately and include any required values and additional details.
Personal belongings are not automatically exempt from import duties or taxes. Some destinations offer concessions for qualifying used household goods, but eligibility and documentation requirements vary by country.
Read our Customs & Import Duties Guide for more information.
Restricted & Prohibited Items
Before packing your personal belongings, check the applicable international transport and destination import restrictions.
Certain items commonly found in homes may be restricted or prohibited in international freight.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries.
- Aerosol products and spray cans.
- Flammable liquids, solvents and certain adhesives.
- Paints, chemicals and cleaning products.
- Some electronic devices containing batteries.
- Food, plants, seeds and other biosecurity-sensitive goods.
- Other goods restricted by the carrier or destination country.
Shipping Batteries or Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods cannot simply be packed into moving cartons with ordinary household belongings. Lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids and other regulated goods may require specialist assessment, packaging and documentation. For these enquiries, contact our sister company, DG Solutions.
VISIT DG SOLUTIONS →Visit our Prohibited & Restricted Items page for further guidance.
Weighing & Measuring Your Moving Boxes
International freight charges may be calculated using actual weight or volumetric weight, depending on the carrier and service.
Always measure the final packed carton, including all packaging materials and any external protrusions.
Details to Record for Each Box
- Carton number or reference.
- Total packed weight.
- External length in centimetres.
- External width in centimetres.
- External height in centimetres.
- General description of the contents.
Why dimensions matter: A large carton filled with lightweight bedding may occupy more freight space than a smaller carton of heavier items. Carrier pricing may therefore be based on volumetric weight.
See our Shipping Costs Explained guide for more information.
International Moving Box Checklist
Before arranging collection or drop-off, review the following checklist.
Before You Send Your Boxes
- Cartons are strong, clean and structurally sound.
- Each carton is suitable for the weight of its contents.
- Fragile items have been individually protected.
- Empty spaces have been filled to reduce movement.
- Cartons close without bulging or excessive pressure.
- Top and bottom seams are securely taped.
- Old shipping labels and barcodes have been removed.
- Every carton has a unique identifying number.
- A detailed packing list has been prepared.
- Contents have been checked against shipping restrictions.
- Final packed weights and dimensions have been recorded.
- Destination customs requirements have been considered.
Consider taking photographs of your packed belongings and retaining copies of packing lists and supporting documents. These records may be useful if a shipment issue needs to be investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship moving boxes internationally from New Zealand?
Yes, suitable moving cartons containing permitted goods can be shipped internationally, subject to the carrier's weight, size, packaging and destination requirements. Send Stuff can review your shipment details.
What type of cardboard boxes should I use?
Use strong corrugated cartons suitable for the weight and nature of the contents. Double-wall cartons may be preferable for heavier or more vulnerable items.
Can I use second-hand moving boxes?
Reused cartons may be acceptable if they remain strong, clean and undamaged and meet the carrier's requirements. Remove all old shipping labels.
Can I ship books, clothing and household belongings together?
This may be possible, provided the contents are permitted and packed appropriately. Avoid mixing heavy items with fragile belongings where this could cause damage.
Do I need a packing list for international shipping?
Customs documentation requirements vary by destination and service. An accurate, itemised packing list is strongly recommended and may be required for customs clearance.
Are used personal belongings exempt from customs duties?
Not automatically. Some countries provide concessions for qualifying used personal effects or household goods, subject to specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
Can I pack electronic devices in moving boxes?
Some electronic devices may be permitted, but those containing batteries can be subject to dangerous goods restrictions. Confirm the requirements before packing.
How do I get a quote for shipping several boxes overseas?
Provide the collection location in New Zealand, destination country and postcode, number of cartons, packed weights, dimensions and general contents. Send Stuff will review the details and provide a personalised quotation.
Ready to Ship Your Moving Boxes Overseas?
Whether you're relocating, returning home or sending personal belongings abroad, tell us where your boxes are going and their approximate packed weights and dimensions. We'll review your requirements and provide a personalised international shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Disclaimer: This guide provides general packaging information only. Carrier acceptance, packaging requirements, customs procedures and shipping restrictions depend on the service, contents and destination. Customers must comply with the requirements applicable to their shipment.