[CjChris]

The time is almost here for us to load the container (Sept 4!!). We have lots of last minute packing and scrambling to do, but basically, it's down to the nitty-gritty!

Mainly for those of you who did self-pack, do you have any advice for the order of things in the container? Should we situate the crated baby grand in the middle, for example, rather than on the side (due to heat)? Should all beds go in first....or last....or does it matter? :confused:

I think I've read somewhere to put MAF items on last so they are gotten out first and easily inspected. So that much we know. Anything else to keep in mind?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. OH and I are doing all loading along with two hired hands (who are experienced movers but not of a container!).

Trying not to get in panic mode here...geeze, how are we gonna get all this done!!? :eek: Will be a huge relief when this part is over.

Christine

[Familyofmonkeys]

Mattresses are best at sides...they act as a buffer to stop other items moving around....just make sure they are wrapped in proper acid free mould retardant thick paper covers, not plastic ones that can lead to mould when travelling through tropics. You can order the covers from some of the large chains of self storage companies in UK.

Make sure everything is very secure...obviously heavy stuff at bottom, but make sure all lighter boxes on top cannot move about either. Containers do get swung around a bit during moving.

[BkyMonster]

What company did you end up going with? I'll be interested to hear about your experiences as we will be doing the self pack thing as well (we are bringing very little so less stress for us :o ).

I've seen the poll on shipping companies from the UK to NZ but I'm interested in peoples experiences with US to NZ.

Good luck! :yes

[jess]

Have sturdy rope available - if your items don't end up taking up the entire container you can help to keep it all from shifting and tumbling during the journey.

Have a big padlock or two on hand to lock the container!! (You just keep the key, and they unlock when it arrives at your house).

Best of luck! :D

[Familyofmonkeys]

Have a big padlock or two on hand to lock the container!! (You just keep the key, and they unlock when it arrives at your house).
:D

Problem will be if customs want to look inside....then you will have to provide them with key as well as all your paperwork before it can even clear customs and move onto MAF inspection. Customs looked through all of our CD's and DVD's and booze....apparently they check for dodgy stuff randomly and make sure you are taking the mick with the amount of booze you are bringing.
Then MAF may well want to look at stuff...they don't always allow this to be done at your premises...there has been alot of recent change with this, but it depends on your destination location....definitely check before you go.

[jess]

Problem will be if customs want to look inside....then you will have to provide them with key as well as all your paperwork before it can even clear customs and move onto MAF inspection. Customs looked through all of our CD's and DVD's and booze....apparently they check for dodgy stuff randomly and make sure you are taking the mick with the amount of booze you are bringing.
Then MAF may well want to look at stuff...they don't always allow this to be done at your premises...there has been alot of recent change with this, but it depends on your destination location....definitely check before you go. We lucked out and didn't have that issue, but I would rather drive down and give them the key if necessary. I was told by the shipper that there were too many points on the voyage where containers change ships and sit on docks and that I'd be lucky to get all my things if I didn't secure them somehow. Maybe they were just being overly careful...

[Familyofmonkeys]

We lucked out and didn't have that issue, but I would rather drive down and give them the key if necessary. I was told by the shipper that there were too many points on the voyage where containers change ships and sit on docks and that I'd be lucky to get all my things if I didn't secure them somehow. Maybe they were just being overly careful...

Probably over cautious....but it's not nice thinking that the safety of your worldly possessions is in someone elses hands....was so glad when our stuff arrived!

[CjChris]

What company did you end up going with? I'll be interested to hear about your experiences as we will be doing the self pack thing as well (we are bringing very little so less stress for us :o ).

I've seen the poll on shipping companies from the UK to NZ but I'm interested in peoples experiences with US to NZ.

Good luck! :yes

We went with Global Ocean Freight (http://www.global-oc.com/). They offered us the best deal for self pack on this end with them unloading on NZ end.

We'll see how they do....fingers crossed!!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone...and yes, Jess, I will feel better locking the thing! :rolleyes:

[veronica]

as has been said, make sure there is as little movement as possible within the boxes/items in the container. also try and 'fill' things up so there are no vacuums. if something is full it is less likely to get crushed.

[Nathan]

We went with Global Ocean Freight (http://www.global-oc.com/). They offered us the best deal for self pack on this end with them unloading on NZ end.

We'll see how they do....fingers crossed!!


To be clear, we've seen nothing from GOF. A deal has been struck, but the container is not even due at this end yet. So this shouldn't be taken as an endorsement. They just gave the low price in our situation.