Hi, I may need to move from Singapore to Dubai or UK/Europe later this year... not sure yet, so am moving all my furniture and home contents into storage for 3 months as a temporary measure. For this domestic move to the storage facility, I am packing the boxes/content myself.

In the event that I do have to move internationally after the 3 months, will it be ok if I have packed my boxes myself or will they have to be repacked by the international movers?

If I pack the boxes myself, will the movers' insurance cover me? If not, do you know any provider that covers international moves, or do I have to select the one that is provided by the movers?



Thanks!

They will likely want to at least open and check the contents to make sure nothing prohibited has been packed. You could write a detailed list of what is packed in each box and either tape it to the side or number boxes and keep an inventory to make this easier.

Typically insurance T&C will state something like "owner packed goods are covered for physical loss/damage excluding breakage, scratching, denting, chipping and tearing unless directly caused by fire or collision" - this is because movers/insurers cannot determine the condition of goods prior to the move. Basically owner packed goods are covered for total loss only - i.e., if your entire shipment is destroyed or lost, rather than if an individual item is broken. This may vary depending on the underwriter's terms and conditions. In most cases you shouldn't have to use the movers own insurers and can buy an independent policy if you prefer (although they will likely have the same exclusions on owner packed goods).

Hope that helps!

Sure you can pack boxes yourself..... the shipper is unlikely to offer comprehensive insurance to cover them though....

On the flip-side you might actually do a better job packing your own stuff than the movers packing crew would. .... Make sure, for example, that you use a heavyweight box designed for plates and other crockery, then put at least 50mm of packing material, such as polystyrene "peanuts" in the bottom before you put anything in the box.

Thank you, this really helps!

You make a good point thanks!