CONTAINER
LOADING TIPS
Parking the Container
When loading a container on a public road please check with local Police
and your City if a permit is required. Also check for accessibility, the truck
is over 14ft high and a 40ft container become 50ft plus, therefore no narrow
roads, low trees and turning space for the driver is required.
Packing of The Goods
Proper packing and loading is your best insurance against damages. Here
are a few tips to help you pack and load
Pack as much as you can into boxes. This will provide greater protection
for your belongings and will make loading the container easier. Odd shaped
items take up more space and make loading more difficult. Spending on packing
supplies is are far cheaper than broken or damaged belongings
Blankets or sleeping bags you can buy from any thrift store used. These
are to wrap around furniture, chairs, refrigerator, bed frames etc to prevent
scratching
Moving Boxes you can buy from any U-haul Station or Moving Supplier, buy
more boxes than you think you need as you can be refunded for any you do not
use. You can get a variety of small, medium, and large, also dish packs,
wardrobe boxes and even mattress boxes
Plastic sheeting from any paint supplier or Home Depot, wrap around any
sofas, or large chairs etc
Pack several weeks before your moving date, taking it one room at a time.
Begin with things you use less frequently, such as books etc. Pack each room in
separate boxes
Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with plenty of tape. Fill each box to
its capacity, using paper or fillers to fill any empty spaces. The top and
sides of each box shouldn't bulge, they should not
cave in when closed
Pack heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. Keep the weight of
each box down to a manageable level, remember you will
be picking this box up when the container arrives.
Leave lightweight linens and clothing in their drawers. Pack extra
linens, pillows and stuffed animals in large garbage bags and tape closed. Plan
to use these bags as cushions or fillers in your container. Disassemble any
items you can. Be aware of items with sharp corners or projections and keep
them from puncturing or scratching other objects.
Furniture
Furniture wrap with blankets or sleeping bags. Secure padding to
furniture. Remove legs from furniture if possible. Place wing nuts or screws
back on the unit they came from. Place sofa cushions and pillows in bags to use
as pads or fillers in the container.
Move dressers with out drawers, remember the weight of the unit as you
must be able to lift the unit up into the container, replace the drawers when
your dresser is inside the container with contents, Secure
drawers from opening during transit.
If you are moving a piano or other heavy unit, consider hiring a
specialist to pack and load it
Electronics
Use original shipping boxes for computers, printers and other electronic
items. Double boxing if required. Immobilize moving parts and remove all
detachable cables and wires. Tape electrical cords to back of
appliance to prevent plug damage. CDs and software do not survive high
temperatures. If you are shipping your goods during the warmer seasons,
consider keeping these items with you
Major Appliances
Clean and dry all appliances one day before you move. Remove broiler pan
and racks from your oven. Tape burners or coil elements to the top of your
stove and tape down all knobs. Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses
and store them inside the machine. Immobilize the tub with a brace or by
placing towels between the tub and sidewall. Tape electrical cords to each
appliance and tape all doors and lids closed
Dishes and Glassware
Wrap breakables in tissue paper and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in
boxes. Pack plates on their edges. Consider using pot holders and dish towels
to cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes. For greater protection, consider
purchasing "dish packs" as previously mentioned
Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper
Lamps and Decor
Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps. Pack in sturdy cartons labeled
"fragile". Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap,
blankets, or towels. Pack flat items on their edges. For large mirrors or
pictures, cover both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape
Lawn and Garage Items
Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws and other
equipment. Disconnect all batteries. Disconnect propane gas bottles from
barbecue grill (you cannot ship the bottle). Strap long garden tools together
into a bundle. Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces
with newspaper
Loading The Goods into the Container
Have all your goods boxed, wrapped and ready for loading into the
container prior to containers arrival
The container stands 4ft above a chassis, so step ladders are a must.
Arrange plenty of help, 4 to 6 people loading a 20ft container would
average out at 4 to 5 hours loading time, The more people the better to spread
out the work, Remember to "squat" when handling heavier items and
lift them with your knees, not your back. Ask for help with anything that tests
your limits. Loading in a pre-planned order will greatly reduce loading time
and fatigue
Number your boxes and make a brief note on the box contents. Boxes should
have your name, address and tel #, (print labels from
your PC) Mark fragile boxes for top loading only
Don't forget to make your packing list of the contents you put into the
container
Materials and Equipment Check List :-
* 100ft to 200ft of Rope
* Knife
* Hammer
* Saw
* Wood 8 @ 4" x 2" x 8"
* Wood 2 @ 8" by 4" x 3/4' ply sheets
* Box of 3" Nails
* Blankets
* Large Garbage Bags
* Moving Boxes
* Plastic sheeting*
* Tape
* Writing Pad *
* Black Markers
* 2 Bags of Cat Litter
* 1 or 2 Dolly's
* 1 or 2 Step Ladders
* Padlock
* Preprinted Labels from a PC
Rope you would use every 4ft or in an X shape,(bottom left of container
to top right, bottom right to top left) to hold the goods in place and prevent
shifting
Plastic Sheeting is used over the top of the goods to catch any drips of
water from condensation building up inside the container during transit
Cat Litter, you would simply cut the bag and leave open by the container
door or on top of the plastic sheeting in order to help soak up any moisture
from condensation
Load heavy boxes below and fragile boxes on top, large items can go in
last which helps to shore up the smaller items. Load all items as tightly as
possible to reduce shifting, rubbing and puncturing during transit. Be generous
with blankets and padding, and place cardboard under anything that may be
scuffed or soiled by riding directly on the floor of the container. Load
mattresses and upholstered furniture up off of the floor. Remember to use
bagged pillows, stuffed animals and furniture cushions as well as additional
paper and cardboard to fill all gaps and spaces
Wood you would use to make a wooden bulkhead or wall after all goods are
loaded in. I.E. you may load 18ft of a 20ft container so this bulkhead would
hold the goods in place and stop any shifting
Last Steps
When the container is loaded do a walk though your home to double check
nothings left over then the following last steps are required
* Put Padlock on container
* Note container # (4 letters 7 numbers)
* Note Seal # (from driver)
What I cannot ship
in my Boxes