Our friendly staff have many years of experience with shipping containers and we are available to offer self packing advice at any time. Just email or call us at Australian Container Removals with your questions or concerns, and we'd only be too happy to help. We are experts at self-packing shipping containers. 

When moving home its a great opportunity to re-assess what items you need to keep and which items you may wish to sell, recycle, donate or give away. You could choose to sell on popular sites such as ebay www.ebay.com.au or gumtree www.gumtree.com.au to get some cash for your goods. Alternately, you could hold a garage sale at your home, or sell your goods at a local market. You could recycle and donate your items by taking them into a Salvation Army store, or local charity Op Shop. Or, you could give away your items to friends or family members in need. Baby or children's toys and clothes are always fantastic items to pass on. For other tips on reducing your household goods, please click here to find out more: Moving Home.

Generally speaking if you can't remember the last time to used an item, its probably a good idea to re-assess whether it is worth keeping!

Items that we tend to keep at the back of kitchen or laundry cupboards that seldom get used such as electrical appliances might be better off in a home where they will be used. Popular items like these are : Bread makers, electric juicers, slow cookers, grillers, electric frypans, foot spas etc.

Once you have cleared out any unwanted items its time to pack!

Once your shipping container is delivered, it's important to ensure that you maximise the use of the space inside, and ensure that nothing moves during the transit to your new destination. Here are a few helpful tips to get you started with your self pack...

  • As you are loading, take a few extra minutes to write an inventory list.
  • Personal items should be wrapped and loaded into strong cardboard moving boxes. Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with plenty of tape. Fill each box to its capacity, using fillers to fill any empty spaces. Use original shipping boxes for computers, printers and other electronic items where possible.
  • Don't over load. Be sure box tops and sides don't bulge or cave in.
  • When loading a shipping container ensure you tie everything off as you go. Use the tie down points in the shipping container. 
  • Mix small items with larger items to fill spaces, and don't save all your boxes for the end.
  • Place soft, light items such as pillows in a plastic bag and place them in small spaces where boxes can't fit.
  • Larger personal items such as furniture, etc., should be blanket wrapped and/or protected in plastic or with bed sheets.
  • All appliances should be clean and dry. Immobilise moving parts and remove all detachable cords and wires. Tape electrical cords to the appliance and tape all doors and lids closed. 
  • Drain all fuel and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws and other equipment. Disconnect all batteries. 
  • Strap long garden tools together. 
  • Number or label your boxes. 
  • Your personal possessions should not include anything that is poisonous, flammable, corrosive, perishable, fuels, cleaning chemicals, insecticides or any original documents (such as birth certificates, wills, original videos, wedding, etc.).  Portable gas bottles cannot be loaded.
  • Please note that if you are moving to Western Australia you will need to complete quarantine forms and some items are restricted from entry into the state. For more information click here to go to WA Quarantines website for the most up to date information.