Originally Posted by JCSUPERMOTO (Post 7847260)

Ok,so if people try and self pack,do they literally just drop a 20ft container ouside your house for a set time?

And with buying all the packing materials,what costs are we looking at?

And what is the costs of set packing?
Do the shippers frown at self packing?
And when people do a inventory,is that when you say put say packed and boxed glasses together and give the box a number and write that number down on the inventory and just put "glasses"?

So they have a list of boxes with numbers on which relates to the list?

cheers

Originally Posted by seansuperhoop (Post 7849500)

Self packing.......It would want to be an awful lot cheaper... And remember you have lots of help the UK end but that may not be the case here? It is a really stressful time and do really need to add to that? I considered self packing but in the end I'm so glad I didn't...best of luck in whatever you decide.

Originally Posted by CDM (Post 7846399)

We are self-packing at the moment. I've emigrated 3 times so far already (this will be my 4th) and done several house moves besides so I have quite a bit of experience to draw on for this.

1) Packing the actual container is merely an excercise in logistics. It's the packing of your house-hold stuff into boxes that's the part where you'll spend most of your energy.
2) Lots. If you want it done quickly, hire the packers to do it. If you want it done correctly, do it yourself.
3) I'll find out in a few weeks when the container arrives and will post back but my inventory is exhaustive and accurate so I'm not expecting any problems - certainly nothing over and above what I would expect if I had hired packers.
4) NONE! I just spent the past couple of weeks packing and inventorying as I go. So far, I've broken nothing. On ALL my previous moves where professional packers were involved, there have been lots of breakages and lots of stupid packing techniques that left me with a nightmare on the other end trying to sort it all out.

If you have the time and wherewithall, you can save a ton of money by doing things yourself and there's no reason why you shouldn't but it's not for everyone.

- CDM

Originally Posted by JCSUPERMOTO (Post 7847348)

Cheers kingseat,all as expected then really!!
Easy peasy lemon squeezzzy!

I have emailed a few shipping companies asking a few question about pricing and what not for a self pack

http://www.atoshipping.com/

Originally Posted by CDM (Post 7848618)

You order the container and it's delivered on the specified date for a set time - usually 3 hours for a 20' container and 4 hours for a 40' container. You'll be charged by the hour if you go over the time.

I would imaging that the shippers might frown on self-packers as it means less income for them.

You number each box and then list everything that goes in it on a separate inventory. This is what is used for isnurance purposes as well as for customs purposes.

- CDM

Originally Posted by mr mover (Post 7851640)

This sounds a bit strange . Why would you get on extra hour ? to load a 40 ft container which is twice a large as a 20 ft ........Its as if they know they are going to make a lot of money in overtime , on any one who hires a 40 footer.............;)mm