Hi , Need some advice about how to pack!!! We have had quote for a DIY 20 ft container from Bournemouth to Sydney for about £1400. Before this when speaking to John Mason and the like they said the would wrap everything Their brochures show beds, mattresses, sofas etc all wrapped!! When I move house I dont wrap the sofas, nor do I wrap every plate etc. just wondered what anyone who has packed a DIY container did?

Any help gratefully received

TobyMc

there are lots of reasons to pack everything.



don't forget it's a long way with a lot of rain and water on it's journey.

When you move *within the UK*, there is no need to wrap everything, especially not sofas and mattresses.

But putting your stuff into a container and moving it across to the other side of the world is a totally different matter!

For starters:

- Containers are NOT watwer-proof.
- And it will get very hot inside the container as it travels across the high seas.

If you don't wrap the sofas, mattresses, books etc, they will get mouldy.
If you don't wrap breakables such as plates, glasses etc, you will get quite a lot of breakages. (If you've ever been on any kind of boat, you'll know that the waves tend to move you up and down and from side to side quite a bit. Imagine what happens to your breakables in a box with that kind of movement ....)

Gina

On one of the moving companies websites they say that they would wrap everything leak proof in stretch foil (even the boxes) to avoid the contents to get in touch with the pesticides that some overseas countries apparently spray the whole lot with. Don't know if this is true or applies to Australia.

Lavinia

Mattresses go into plastic mattress protectors which are left open at one end for air to circulate buy them from removal co or one of those storage warehouses.

Sofa's leather + otherwise go into sofa-bags which you buy for about 7quid from local removal companie - like a massive jiffy bag , open at one end.

DO NOT wrap anything at all in air-tight plastic you will have a decomposing parcel at the other end.

Pack everything really tightly - think about it being picked up + dropped 5 stories ( big swell at sea) and what that does to the contents inside the metal container. Tie things down - containers have 'lashing' points inside the container for rope etc.

Search for a thread on packing / DIY container d.i.y container that me + 68mevy did - thats got lots of info.

Wouldnt wrory about wrapping like bikes or bedframes stuff like that - other than to protect it from damage by wrapping it in a blanket or old bedsheet.

PMFL , oh its not funny really, sorry , but cant help it!!

You also never know what may be in the next container. We had a shipment of taekwondo outfits come over from Korea to Canada and they all smelled like spices when they got here. If there are any bugs in any of the others, they will likely move into yours.

urrrghh, begger the thiought!

Thats a good point

When the container is ordered it should be ordered for personal effects. This means it should be airtight, and clean, and free of odors. If not then reject it and tell them to go get another one from the depot. or get curried sofa for the next 2 years.

To check if it is airtight you get inside and get them to shut the doors on you - it should be PITCH BLACK - not a single spec of light , it is bloody scary being in there because it is so totally dark like really worse than closing your eyes. If not then reject it - otherwise wet mouldy rotten stuff on arrival.

Remember this thing will go from UK Climate, to Asian Climate, to Australian Climate, all the time being sprayed outside with saltwater and rising/dropping from ship-to-ship on portside and in the sea. Think of it like that and you'll pack it fine.

DO NOT wrap anything at all in air-tight plastic you will have a decomposing parcel at the other end.



do you mean the space saver bags where you suction all the air out if so, i was going to buy loads, sure i've read that theyre ok!!
but would rather be safe than sorry!!!

You can't suck out ALL the air. Is space saving really a consideration for a container? If customs open a bag the will not repack it with suction. Is it worth the cost of these bags?

Which company gave you that quote please Toby?

Cheers

Buzzy

Did somebody mention my name?

Like Spalen says, we had a really good thread going at one point, I'll search for it later if I get the chance (only popped in quickly)

A few pointers if you're self shipping:

1. wrap everything that could perish/mould
2. do not use air tight plastic, this will send things mouldy
3. ensure everything is completely dry before packing
4. load tv's with mattresses infront of them (extra screen protection)
5. load heavy equipment arount the outsides of the container, softer and more fragile stuff in the centre (shipping company told me this)

It really is worth investing a little of extra money into having the proper covers for settees, mattresses etc
Save money on wrapping materials by wrapping breakables in towels/clothing/bedding
Invest in some of those little silica bags (the ones you normally get in a new pair of shoes) put these in all the boxes containing papers/electrical stuff etc....it's better to be safe than sorry
Utilise space well- fill your washing machine with whatever fits, fill drawers but remember to tape them shut cos accidents will happen
Get inside the container when it arrives and lock yourself in, if there's any light refuse it and get another

Oh bugger it, I'll have a quick look for the thread.....

haven't had time to read through them properly but it's probably this:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300499

or this

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335930

Anything else, ask away, be glad to help

Marie

hiya marie, hope youre well hun, we got our visas last week still grinning, now the fun begins eh!!!

thanks for the above, its a real help. did you use freightworld at hillsborough??

i need some numbers for insurance if anyone has one please.

anyway hope you and yours are all keeping well and happy

chat soon

debbie xx

just read the old thread and remember you did use them!