Packing and Moving Tips: Self Pack Shipping Container
Generally, a 20ft shipping container is large enough to hold a standard three to four bedroom
home.
There are some items that should not be loaded into your shipping container:
- Guns and weapons
- Flammable substances
- Hazardous substances
- Jewellery
- Spray cans
- Perishable food items
- Plants or seeds – these are likely to die and will cause problems at customs
- Important documents – family records, passports, financial records etc
- Live Pets or animals
It is important to maximise the use of the space inside and ensure that nothing moves during the travel to your new destination.
These helpful tips will get you started with your packing:
- Take a few extra minutes to write an inventory list as you pack
- Use some sturdy boxes, packing noodles, bubble wrap, old sheets, blankets and towels to minimise the chance of any breakage within your 20ft Shipping Container.
- Tape up the bottom of boxes to reinforce the strength. Fill up any extra space in the box with pillows, newspaper or other types of filler.
- Boxes fit in best when they are square therefore try not to overfill them.
- Mix small items with larger items to fill spaces, and don’t save all your boxes for the end.
- Place soft, light items such as pillows in a plastic bag and place them in small spaces where boxes can’t
- All heavy boxes and items should be placed about those that have breakable items in them to minimise any shifting during the move.
- Drain all fuel and oil from any equipment such as lawn mowers and chainsaws. Ensure all the batteries are disconnected.
- When Loading your container ensure you utilise the tie down points throughout the container. Use of ropes or ratchets strapping will help secure the load and minimise any shifting during the move.
- Make sure all your appliances such as dishwashers, fridges, freezers are clean and dry with the doors taped closed. Tape up any cords to the sides of the appliances.
