International house movers/packers any advice?

[appleandplum]

We are moving to the US with dh job on 6th Aug, the company pay for everything to be shipped out (we get air and sea shipments) with the movers coming in for 4 days to pack and load up the container (we're also putting things into storage). I'm obviously v busy sorting through stuff and getting rid of loads but i'm fast running out of time (4 children make it difficult), they told us they'll pack everything so i'm really just wondering if it's that simple or if there is anything i should be aware of and prepared for before the movers arrive.
I'd be grateful of any advice. Thank you

Keep out, and separate, the things you and the children will need urgently (pyjamas, teddies, shoes, coats, calpol). Enthusiastic packers sometimes just storm through like a whirlwind...I ended up with no shoes other than flip flops for weeks (our stuff was shipped).

Try and use it as an opportunity to clear things out so you aren't unpacking a load of old junk on the other side.

Don't let them pack the kettle.

Get rid of anything you don't want.

Move into one room everything that's going into storage.

Pile together anything that is air freight.

Make a list of what you are taking in suitcases/ hand luggage and pack before removal firm arrive.

Let removal company pack everything else.

Yes to keeping out anything that you might need for the first few weeks.
Will you need to sleep overnight before you travel? You might need to ask them to pack the beds only on the day that you leave - some companies come at least a day before to start packing.
And make sure that if you're taking things like bikes that you've washed them off - dirt on anything is a big no-no.

Yes to keeping out anything that you might need for the first few weeks.
Will you need to sleep overnight before you travel? You might need to ask them to pack the beds only on the day that you leave - some companies come at least a day before to start packing.
And make sure that if you're taking things like bikes that you've washed them off - dirt on anything is a big no-no.

Make sure they don't pack the bun complete with bag full of rubbish...

If you can keep some toys out for the kids (age dependent) that can be good.

Have a place where you put everything they're not to touch, don't leave them scattered throughout the house - so if they're not to pack the kettle, put it with the kids stuff they're not packing. Then make sure to tell them DO NOT PACK ANYTHING HERE. And pop a sign on saying the same!

Kids can find the packers both interesting and upsetting depending on their ages/characters.

they have planned in 4 days of packing (we must have a lot) so will need to sleep for several nights, they've said they pack beds on last day and leave essential cooking items.
Think i need to step up my sorting out!

Yep, seperate out your luggage that will go with you and your airfreight - make sure it's clearly labelled not to be packed.
Throw out or charity shop anything you don't want to come with you, some packers are sensible, others will pack bins full of rubbish and house plants. Once you get a sense of which yours are you'll know how much supervision they need. Make them tea and coffee!

Pack your suite cases and put them in your car. Also make sure you have passports and any other stuff you need put it somewhere safe

Empty one room/ big cupboard if at all possible. Put in it the stuff going with you. Lable door as not to be packed (I like the put it in the car solution).
Unlikely to be a big issue with USA, but any customs restrictions you need to be aware of?
How long til the airfreight reaches you? Think carefully about what you need in suitcases and airfreight.
Remember to not pack the suitcases to the max on rough guesstimating what can go with you, cause there WILL be stuff that has to go in you've forgotten about!
Chill. They are being paid a fortune for a reason.

Put your stuff that you are taking in the car so that they don't pack it. I would recommend, if possible, that you move out while they pack. My dh's employer pays for hotels stays once packing starts, so we have everything that we need out of the house when they arrive on day 1 and then they can just go for it. It makes it quicker and easier for them and you don't spend the entire time worrying that they've packed something that you need (which they will). We take 4 days to pack too - it's a fairly standard amount of time with the wrapping that they have to do.
best of luck - just been through it again for the 9th time!

Thanks everyone. I'm getting stressed thinking about it all and how to get organised enough to just leave it to the packers (also dh is already in US and flying back for a week just to pack and move out with family). putting cases in the car is good idea but we are also selling our car and arranging collection for the last day!