One of the benefits of having a shipping container is that you can move your goods from location to location rather easily. 

Plan Your Route

If you are moving your container yourself, you need to plan your route to avoid problems such as low bridges or overhead roads. The last thing you want to do is be only minutes from your destination and find yourself stuck under a bridge blocking traffic. 

You should also consider the weather conditions that may be occurring or may occur if you are moving long distances. In the week or two leading up before your move, keep an eye on the weather forecasts, particularly if it is due to rain or if it is extremely dry. A flood or fire can mean you need to delay or change your route. 

Talking about changing your route, if possible, have a backup option available, particularly if you need to have your container to your destination at a certain time. Traffic hold-ups, accidents and weather conditions may force you to take a different route. 

Within this planning, you also need to consider whether you need to stop for a few hours or the night, particularly if you are traveling long distances. Know where your rest stops and truck stops are, and if you need to stay somewhere overnight, be aware of which motels or accommodation providers have enough room for you to park. 

Get The Right Permits

Before you move your shipping container anywhere, it’s essential to get the right permits, otherwise you may face a fairly hefty fine. Now these permits may vary from council to council, state to state so it is important to do your research well in advance. Generally you will need to have insurance and depending on where you are moving to, or the types of roads you are driving along, you may also need to have a guide car. 

If you need assistance in finding out about permits required, our friendly team may be able to answer your questions or set you in the right direction. 

Pack Your Belongings Properly

If you want to arrive at your new location with nothing broken and everything in its place, packing everything properly is key. Depending on the items you are moving, you may want to take a few weeks to wrap and pack everything into boxes, named with the room or location on the new property they need to go (this will make unpacking easier, and if moving home or office, you won’t find the kettle in with your tools).

First though, the packing essentials. If you want to arrive with nothing broken, make sure you take the time to get good quality boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape and other packaging materials.  

Here are our tips for packing to make unpacking on the other side easier (of course, this depends on what you are moving, but it works for most things). 

  • Start with items that you won’t need for the few days leading up to moving and the few days when you arrive. This means you won’t be searching for essential items at the bottom of boxes. 
  • Pack similar items together whether that  be due to the room they live in or their use, kitchen with kitchen, office with office for example. 
  • Pack your essentials separately – new keys, first aid, torches, essential paperwork etc. This makes it easier to find when and if you need it. 
  • Label each box. Doing this with the room and contents will make it easier when unpacking. 
  • Load furniture, appliances and larger items first, allowing room for the smaller items towards the front and to fill in the gaps. Cover these items with moving blankets to prevent scratches and the like. This allows for much easier unloading. 
  • Pack a bag or a box with items you will need for your first few days – paperwork, clothing, essentials items. Pack this in your car or in the cab of the truck and not in the shipping container for easy access. 

Shipping containers are a great way to move your belongings from one place to another. However, there are a few things that you need to do before you move your shipping container. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your move goes smoothly.