[janemclaren]

Several months down the line we finally have the residency permits, the jobs lined up and the container booked, so it's all go.

I'm now having a few last minute panics about shipping our stuff: we've decided to bring everything but as we're travelling for 3 1/2 months it's
a) going to get there before us, and
b) everything, including laptops, is having to go in the container as we're going to be climbing mountains and living out of a rucksack each.

I've filled in all the customs firms and the removers (Careline, from Dublin) are putting the stuff into storage in Auckland (as cheaper than storing in Dublin)until we get there. Worried about how customs clearance will work if we're not there to meet it, and also about how we can protect the stuff.

Trying to source silica gel with limited success (less than 2 weeks before packing) and wandering if I'm just panicking uneccessarily?

Any advice/reassurance/other things to worry about much appreciated!

[diforsyth]

I'm in pretty much the same situation except my container has already gone (without silica gel) and will arrive a month before we do. As far as I'm concerned, Customs will have to either get on with it without us or it stays in some kind on quarantine before we get there. I'll ask the shipping company what happens and let you know.

David.

[Trigirl]

I asked about this when John Masons came to quote. If its going into storage then MAF will go to the warehouse and inspect the container being opened there and look at any boxes they want to before it goes into storage to wait for you.

[Jerry]

Hi Trigirl,
I already read the letters MAF in other comments, but I have no idea, what it is. Could you please explain it to me?

Cheers,
Jerry

[Oregonkiwi]

Jerry,
MAF = Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
http://www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/index.htm

[Milliemoo]

Silica Gel:

http://www.magichem.co.uk/sachets.htm

& there's loads on Ebay... haven't had a chance to compare prices yet :nice1

Milliemoo

[janemclaren]

Thanks for the advice - ordered some of the big hanging bags and some sachets for the sensitive stuff. Think it's more psychological than anything, as if the container leaks I don't think a few gel packs will do much, but it makes me feel better!

[Angelonthemove]

Hi

We shipped our stuff here NC and it was put into 2 x 20ft I told the guy it would not fit in one. When the first container arrived 6 weeks later, I called to find they had not even shipped the 2nd one. All our stuff was in storage for well over 2 months and it was in perfect condition, including 2 brand new PC. I did not know about silicon. So I think your stuff should be ok.

All we were ever told re customs here is make sure any new goods are out of their packaging. All they looked at were the boxes of new stuff I had reused and packed with gardening stuff.

Wish you all the best of luck :cheers