Moving is a big deal. It’s up there with some of life’s more stressful events, whether you are moving interstate in Australia or even if it’s just a move across town. But no matter the distance, packing up all your stuff for shipping can be overwhelming—from deciding what goes and what stays, to figuring out the best way to pack it all in a limited space. And when you’re dealing with an unconventional move that involves using shipping containers as part of your strategy, packing everything in can quickly put you in panic mode.
Well, don’t fret! Read on and learn how simple strategies will help maximise efficiency and keep your possessions safe and secure during transport.
Get the Right Size Container
The first step to packing your shipping container like an expert is to make sure you get the right size container for your needs. There are high-quality shipping containers in Australia that are usually offered in different shipping container sizes. And if you’re unsure how much space you need, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get a larger container than you think you’ll need. You can always fill up unused space with smaller items.
Make a List of Everything You Need to Pack
Once you have your container, the next step is to list everything you need to pack. A list will help you track what goes where and ensure that nothing gets left behind. Be sure to include everything, from oversized furniture to small items like clothes and dishes. Make a plan for how you will pack the container, considering the size and weight of each item.
Empty the Shed and Keep Hazardous Materials Separate
It’s easy to leave behind things such as your lawn mower, gardening tools, cleaning tools, pots, accessories and much more. Always check the shed and empty it as part of the moving checklist. Segregate hazardous materials, such as chemicals, batteries, or gasoline, from other items in the shipping container. Make sure they are appropriately packed and labelled according to the shipping regulations.
Pack Strategically
Begin by packing the heaviest items at the bottom and working up to the lighter ones. This will help keep the container balanced and prevent smaller items from getting lost in the shuffle. Disassemble large furniture items before packing them to save space and make them easier to move. Label all parts and hardware to reassemble them at your new home easily.
Use Packing Materials
Packaging materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or blankets are essential to protect your belongings and prevent them from shifting during transit. Also, use boxes of the same size to make stacking and packing easier, and it will help you maximise space and avoid wasting room. Use straps and tie-downs to secure everything in the container and prevent items from moving during transport. You can find tie-off points on all the inside walls for this purpose.
Label Everything
Once everything is packed into your container, label everything so you know where it is and can find it quickly when needed. Doing this will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Hire a Professional Shipping Company
For a stress-free experience in container removals interstate, hiring a professional shipping company to handle your shipment is always the best option. Once you finish packing, the self-pack removals company will return, pick up the moving container, and bring it to your destination address. They will have the experience and expertise to ensure your belongings arrive safely at their destination.
Packing containers for moving is simpler than you’d imagine – it just takes some planning and knowledge about how to get the most out of the space in them. You can then ensure your items are safely transported as if an expert had done it. But should you feel overwhelmed, consider hiring shipping container removals to pack and transport everything for you.
No matter what, having an organised plan will help make light work of the whole affair so that you can enjoy a stress-free move.
1. Site Selection
If you are not mounting the container for the long term, choose a spot where the ground is even and the soil firm and compacted so that it will support the frame of the container. If your site is rough or slanted you can add a layer of gravel or small stones to keep the container stable and secure.
2. Surroundings
If your container is going to remain in place for a length of time, it can be valuable to pave the surrounding area prior to installation. This will provide a solid firm base for your structure and will enable you to utilise the outer area of the container more easily.
3. Vehicle Access
If your site is in a position behind other buildings then you may have trouble getting your container to your site. There are options to have your container dropped in situ’ by a crane but this is expensive. If your site is accessible by vehicle you will keep delivery costs down. Setting up storage containers in Sydney, where the topography varies, it is a great idea to prepare a level area prior to delivery.
4. Weather conditions
It is ideal to have your container delivered on a day free of rain, after a dry spell. Installing your container directly onto sodden earth may lead to sinkage and misalignment of your final structure. If you are in a particularly rough area you may need to secure your shipping container to the ground, but in most circumstances, the natural weight of the container will hold it firmly in place.
5. Ventilation
If you are concerned about water or drainage around the site of your container then it may be worthwhile setting the container down on concrete blocks. This will keep it raised from ground level, free of moisture and well ventilated.
Betta Storage are your local Sydney specialists in movable new and used storage containers. Contact us to discuss your requirements and let us help you choose the right container for your needs.