How to Pack Your Shipping Container Like a Pro: Budget Move Tips
Considering container transport for your next big move? Good choice! Check out Best Rated Transport's expert container packing tips to ensure your stuff is secure and safe on the journey.
If you're after a budget move, one of your best options is to consider a self-pack and transit only container transport. You may have your own container or you may be looking into container hire.
Either way, you can save a small fortune by packing it and unloading it yourself rather than going with the traditional house removalists option.
But how can you be sure that you are packing your container correctly and thats your goods will be safe on the road or rail?
Here are ten container packing tips to help you along your way.
1. The right size container matters
Step one when it comes to packing your container is to choose the right size container. Containers come in 20ft or 40ft options. For a medium-furnished three bedroom house or smaller, we would recommend a 20ft container. For a heavily-furnished three bedroom house or larger, go with a 40ft container.
2. Take inventory
There are bound to be some items that you won't be bringing with you, including things like broken toys, outdated furniture or leaky appliances. Consider donating (if they work) or throwing away these items rather than bringing them with you.
3. Draw your plan
This may sound silly but consider making a sketch of how you would like everything packed. It's a good idea to dismantle all furniture before packing it into the container and to use mattresses to seperate larger items. It's a bit like a game of Tetris so having a simple drawing, even if it looks like a child drew it, can help make the packing process easier, especially if you have people helping you.
4. Place the container on even ground
When your book a container hire and container transport, your container will be dropped off at your property. Check that you have a clear space for it, on even ground and close to the house. You also need to ensure there is enough space for the truck to safely unload and load the container. Moving containers can be placed on concrete, paved areas or grassed areas.
If you have a flat driveway, consider positioning the container with the doors opening in the direction of your garage. This makes it easy to load the items from your garage straight to the container.
5. Use manchester as padding
To prevent your furniture from being damaged, place your pillows, doona covers, blankets and cushions in plastic bags and use them as fillers when loading your container.
6. Use rope
Containers will come with tie-off points on the inside walls where you can ensure everything remains secure.
7. Start with the heavy items
The name of the game when packing your own container is to ensure the weight is distributed evenly. Start at the back with the heavy furniture items but leave some heavier items for the end to keep the weight even.
8. Leave essentials for last
Another helpful tip is to keep the boxes of your essential items for the very last. This most likely will include kitchen accessories, toiletrees and towels, clothing and bedding.
9. Keep hazardous materials seperate
You will need to empty out fuel for your mower and clean all dirty items kept in the garden shed such as tools, pots and lawn mower equipment. Make sure you keep all chemicals, batteries and other hazardous materials seperate and clearly labelled in a box.
10. Consider Best Rated Transport
If you are looking into transit-only budget container moves, then look no further than Best Rated Transport! We provide free quotes for container transport and container hire across Australia. Our network of container transporters are all competing for your business so you can expect the best rate.
Or, if you'd prefer to offload the packing, consider obtaining furniture removalists quote and leave the heavy lifting to us.
