Packing For Export

Whether you are undertaking a full relocation, or simply sending a few boxes overseas, you can save yourself a tidy sum by packing yourself... As long as your property is adequately prepared.

First, take some time to imagine the journey that your goods will be sent on.

If you are sending the entire contents of a house or apartment, you may find a sea container delivered to your property which will be loaded up, sealed and transported directly to your new address overseas. This route is the one requiring the minimum of handling. Even then, the container has to be rolled up onto a truck, loaded onto a ship, tossed on the high seas, unloaded, and rolled off a truck at the destination. Often there is more handling required. Your possessions may require delivery to, or collection, from a freight forwarder. They may be palletised for fork lift truck handling, taken off pallets for loose loading onto a small truck. You have to assume they will be closely inspected by customs.

Now that you have a picture of the demands which will be made on your packaging: You can understand why a 'belt and braces' approach to packing is necessary.

Shippers may often offer 'free' cartons for shipping. These will be strong enough for the job, but are often quite large... Packed Boxes should be light enough for one man to lift, and not so crammed that the sides are in danger of splitting. Imagine a customs officer opening a box, rummaging inside and which subsequently has to be resealed.

Consider mixing clothes and breakables; pack them in smaller (double walled) boxes and then 'double box' them: Put these boxes into larger ones ...Perhaps those supplied by the shipper. You should be confident that if a box is roughly handled or dropped, the contents will survive.

Generous amounts of bubble wrap and tissue should be used.

Box absolutely everything including items like Bikes and golf clubs. Removing the wheels from bikes can facilitate boxing, as can taking the legs of tables.

When packing for export, all items require individual marking with the destination address and country. Include a contact telephone number,
and number the boxes (for example: 1 of 50 through to 50 of 50). every individual item in the consignment must be numbered.

All the Furniture needs 'defensive' packaging and to be included in the numbering process. Buy professional heavy duty furniture covers. Think about flapping wardrobe doors and sliding drawers (which should be tied shut). Even items like sofas are commonly palletised for warehouse handling.

Consider what items are really practical to export, and how much cheaper it may be to buy new at your destination. Carefully check to avoid sending hazardous or prohibited goods: Check the shipper’s regulations and the laws of the destination country.

Even if professionals do your packing, you will know what to look for and discuss with them.

More packing for export tips

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