These sea containers were recently offloaded from an ocean carrier.
If you plan on relocating abroad, you will need to use a sea container, which is commonly known as a shipping container. A sea container is made of steel and comes in two standard sizes: 20 or 40 feet. It is necessary to properly pack your sea container, as your personal belongings will be loaded onto a barge and be at sea for several weeks. Shipping containers are sturdy, but because of excessive movement, failure to pack securely can lead to damaged goods.
Instructions
1. Prepare your household goods to be shipped. Wrap each large item, such as furniture, with padded foam, making sure that no corners are exposed. Cover the exterior of the foam with plastic wrap to keep items dry and clean. Use heavy duty tape to secure the plastic wrap. For smaller general items, such as books and clothes, divide and pack into boxes or crates. Tape the boxes shut and label each box appropriately in order to identify items inside.
2. Design a plan to maximize the space inside the container. Measure your large items with measuring tape and write down the dimensions. Make a rough sketch of how items will be fitted based on the dimensions. Organize items by placing them next to the sea container in the order that they will be loaded. Large items should be closest to the container, followed by labeled boxes.
3. Open the doors to the shipping container. Sweep inside the shipping container to keep it clean. Line the floor of the container with plastic wrap to prevent your items from scraping against the metal surface. Lay flat pieces of foam flat on the ground where furniture will be placed.
4. Load items into the sea container, placing the largest and heaviest items in first. Follow your sketch with the placement of the large items as closely as possible, improvising as needed. Load labeled boxes into the container only after all the large items have been loaded. Lighter boxes can be stacked directly on top of the large items.
5. Place any remaining items into the container. Fit them into any open space left in the sea container. Secure any loose or wobbly items by stuffing padded foam in between the object and the container inner walls. Close the doors to the shipping container and secure the lock.
