‘Will my clothes be enough to protect my electronics?’: Packing fragile electronics for an international move across the Pacific. Can you offer advice on how to ensure they arrive unscathed?

Hey Moving Diaries! This is a huge deal for me, moving all the way from Canada to Southeast Asia, and I need some serious advice.

I’m ditching most of my furniture but still want to bring a bunch of stuff. Here are some things bugging me:

Packing Electronics – Any Tips?
Cost Efficiency – Oversized Bags or Shipping?
What else should I leave behind? Plus, Random Questions

Let’s dive into it!

So, I’ve never had to pack big electronics before and I’m stressing about keeping them safe during the move. I want to take along stuff like:

A PS4 Pro with a handful of games
A full-on Gaming PC (I’ll break it down, especially the GPU)
A monitor (thinking of leaving)
Desktop speakers (maybe leaving)
PC Accessories (Mic, Mouse, Keyboard, etc.) (Maybe ditch the Mic, but I still have the box, so could work?)

I’ve also got some electronic boxes I’m on the fence about. Should I pack them with my clothes for extra cushioning, or is that a bad idea?

Alright, onto the next big issue: How do I even start shipping all this stuff?

My first thought was to just buy extra bags for my flight, but the price tag for each additional bag after the 2nd one is $225 CAD. It’s not too bad compared to what I’m bringing, but is it worth it? I figure I’d need at least 2 bags, so that’s $100 + $225, which is doable, but who knows if I’ll need more.

So, what do you think? Should I consider FedEx or UPS for international shipping? Will it be cheaper than bags on the flight? And which one is more reliable? Speed isn’t an issue, but getting my stuff within a month would be nice. Plus, shipping directly to my house sounds way easier than lugging it all from the airport!

Lastly, what else should I ditch? I mentioned the big stuff I want to bring, but here are a few more things I’m okay leaving behind, unless shipping allows for it:

Original packaging for gadgets
Some spare medicines
Decorations
Extra noodles (got way too many, might donate)

That’s a wrap! Thanks for reading through my novel and for any help you can offer. This is all totally new to me, so I really appreciate the support.

P/S: Can I bring my backpack as carry-on? I want to take my laptop and VR headset (shoutout to Vision Pro!) on the plane, but not sure if that’s allowed. The headset has its own case, too.

Response from THE MOVING DIARIES:

Hello There,

Congratulations on your first post and for taking on the task of moving from Canada to Southeast Asia! It sounds like quite the adventure ahead. Let’s tackle your concerns starting with packing your electronics. When it comes to fragile items like your PS4 Pro, Gaming PC, and accessories, it’s crucial to prioritize their safety during transit. I recommend wrapping each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper before securing them in sturdy boxes. Utilizing your clothes as extra cushioning is a smart idea, but for added protection, consider investing in foam padding or packing peanuts.

Moving on to the cost-effectiveness of shipping your belongings, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully. While oversized packages on your flight may seem convenient, exploring international carriers like FedEx or UPS could potentially offer you a more cost-effective solution. Reach out to these companies for quotes based on the size and weight of your items to compare prices. Additionally, consider shipping some non-essential items separately to lighten your load and reduce costs.

As for what else to leave behind, it’s a good idea to prioritize items with sentimental or practical value over those that can easily be replaced. While original packaging and decorations may hold sentimental value, consider prioritizing essential items like medicine and other personal belongings. Instant noodles can easily be donated to a food bank, making it a thoughtful gesture while lightening your load.

Regarding your backpack as carry-on, airlines typically allow one personal item (like a backpack) in addition to a carry-on bag. As long as your backpack fits within the airline’s size restrictions, you should be able to bring it on board with your laptop and VR headset.

In summary, take a practical approach by prioritizing the safety of your electronics, exploring cost-effective shipping options, and being selective about what you bring with you. Best of luck with your move, and remember to stay organized and focused on what truly matters as you embark on this exciting journey.

SIGN OFF: THE MOVING DIARIES