[Andy T]

We're making the move to ChCh in a few months and are currently gearing up on quotes from Brittania, Murphy, Fox et all.

In addition to the routine household stuff, there's a lot of expensive and "delicate" gear to be moved, i.e. electric guitars + amps, keyboards, high-end hi fi, digital audio workstation PCs etc.

The removal companies don't seem overly concerned - but perhaps they rely on the insurance safety net. My preference is to pre-empt problems as far as possible with sensible precautions.

Does anyone have experience of the survival rate of this sort of thing whilst in transit and tips on how to best protect against the ravages of heat and humidity.

Any help and advice would be much appreciated!

[Moorf]

I'd be interested to find this out too - Woz has lots of electronic / computer gadgets which, if they arrive in non-working order, will make my life a misery!!! :wah

[wilson182]

I shipped over TV, Computers, Playstation, Electric Guitar, Amp, video and dvd players. I packed them myself. I used plenty of bubble wrap, and used clothes and blankets etc to pack out the boxes. The Amp was just bubble wrapped and sent as an item on its own, and Parhams (a removal firm in Pompey) gave me some blankets to wrap around the TV.
I fashioned boxes around the TV and Guitar as they wouldnt fit into a normal box. Everything arrived in perfect working order, no problems with any of them.

[Timbo]

It may be worth sourcing some of that silica jel stuff that manufactures use when packing to absorb any moisture.

[markkellaway]

I asked the same questions of the shippers who have quoted us so far. Both said there were no concerns about shipping electronic/electrical equipment.

I would suggest taking the usual precautions when it gets to the "other end" though, like letting the equipment "breathe" in a warm room for a couple of days before switching on. The other suggestion I've seen is to not wrap too tightly in plastic, traps moisture in rather than keeping it out. :no

Mark. :P

[Moorf]

It may be worth sourcing some of that silica jel stuff that manufactures use when packing to absorb any moisture.

Would the removal co. have put this in for us??? :? Has anyone had their stuff turn up, having been packed by shippers, with the silica jel in it?

Moorf

[markkellaway]

G B Liners told us, regarding silica gel: "You can put it in if you want to but it won't be needed.". Haven't decided yet if I believe him! Implies that they don't put it in though.

Anyone know the best place to source silica gel?

Mark. :P

[Moorf]

One of my UK clients was a wholesale florist who used silica for drying flowers... you could try and get some from http://www.silicasec.co.uk/ they sell packs of 20 sachets for about £4 :P

[markkellaway]

Thanks Helen, you're a mine of information.

Mark. :P

[spodie]

Potential stupid question: Do we have to worry about clothing getting damp if its just in a cardboard box? Can someone maybe tell me how they shipped clothing?
Also, I'm thinking of taking a motorcycle. Has anyone done this? Is it easy or not worth the trouble?

[jonSE]

Clothing in a cardboard box or ten. didn't get damp.

The container your stuf goes i should be reasonably well sealed - ie you should be able to stand inside with the doors closed and not see ANY daylight.

If you pack someting that is damp this will cause mould to grow because the moisture can't escape.

Motorbike shouldn't be a problem

Check out

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/publications/infosheets/infosheet-2-13-europe.html#lc

looks a lot simpler than improting a car. If you search the same site youll find the Warrant of fitness inspection manual which will give you an idea what they will look at when you get the m/c certified for the first time. Beware if you hae SS braided brake hoses - get ready to prove they comply with either TUV,DOT or SAE J1401 standards.

Jon

[spodie]

Excellent link..it answered all my questions.
thanks Jon.

[Robert Dazzler]

We shipped over all sorts, computers, clothing, crystal glass, pottery, books, etc etc and all of it arrived in just as good a condition as it left.

Bobby.