MOVING TIPS
+ FAQs
On Receipt of the Container
Before the truck leaves, ensure that you can open and close the container doors. If the container is not sitting level, it can rack and make the doors misalign, making them hard to open and close.
Have some short pieces of timber handy to place under each corner to help level the container, as sometimes the ground surface is uneven.
Check the container is watertight by running a hose over it and/or get inside the container and close the doors to look for light leaks. All containers supplied from the depot should be watertight, however, damage can occur in transit, or be missed during inspection.
Packing Your Container for Travel
Label and number boxes so you can find items later.
​Store only clean, dry items. No damp timber, etc.
Remove or disconnect batteries and drain fuel from machinery.
Wrap furniture in blankets/plastic.
Load heavy items first, spreading weight evenly in the container, and load lighter items on top.
Secure moveable items using the steel loops at top & bottom of container with straps and rachet tiedowns.
Pack essential items for day to day life in boxes and add them to your container last, so they are easily accessible when unpacking.
It’s a good idea to place mattresses along the side of the container, but remember to keep one to place against the doors. Try to pack all the items as tight as possible, so nothing moves.
It is a good idea to keep items like pillows, blankets and even soft toys loose from boxes to fill spaces that may appear.
Purchase a suitable padlock to secure your container once packed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost?Costs vary depending on: - the size of the container required, - the distance to transport, - access to each address for loading and unloading, - and if its travelling by truck, rail, coastal vessel, or a combination of all three. Please contact us by phone or email to request a quote and our team will work out the best option for you and be in touch.
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What size shipping containers are available for my move?Our standard 20-foot container is the most frequently used container for moving. It has 33m3 of internal volume and would be sufficient for most 3-bedroom house moves. External dimensions are 6m (L) x 2.4m (W) x 2.6M (H). Also available are 40-foot containers, if your site access allows, these can only be delivered by a swinglift truck which can be up to 19m long. Internal volume is 76m3 and external dimensions 12.2m (L) X 2.4m (W) X 2.9m (H).
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What is the maximum weight I can load inside the container?All our 20-foot container quotes are based on an all-up weight (container and contents) of 6,000 kg. Anything over this weight may incur additional costs. Typically, household effects weigh between 4,000- 6,000kgs all up. 40-foot containers can have an all-up weight of 24,000kgs.
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Do you offer a packing service?No, we do not offer a packing service. For packing services, we recommend contacting international house removal companies who can supply labour to pack, load and unpack your container.
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Do you offer insurance?We do not offer insurance for your personal effects. We suggest that you contact your current home and contents insurer to discuss options for your peace of mind.
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How long can I keep the container?We allow you to keep the container for up to one month, which is included in your relocation fee. Beyond that period, a daily rate applies. The cost will vary depending on the container size; however, this will be advised on the quote that we provide you.
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Are any items prohibited from being carried or stored in the container?Yes, there are a list of items prohibited (not permitted) from being placed into our containers or containers we are moving. Those items include: - Fireworks - Explosives, - Flammable gases, liquids or solids, - Poisons and toxins, corrosives, radioactive materials, - Ammunition or firearms - Scuba tanks, gas cylinders, aerosol cans, butane lighters and other pressurised vessels.
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Can I put a car or motorbike inside the container?Any motorised vehicle can be loaded but they must have the fuel tank drained and the battery isolated before loading. The client will need to confirm that fact to the transporter. Please note, we are unable to transport electric vehicles at this stage.
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Can Container Shift provide storage for full containers?Depending on your location, we have a network of storage facilities that we work with. If you are outside of our range, we can certainly point you in the right direction, please enquire.