Shipping Container Packaging

Once your storage container is delivered you will want to maximize the use of your space and ensure nothing moves during transit.

Here are a few helpful tips when preparing to pack your household/personal possessions. ICL is always available to offer advice where we can. Just email us or call us with your questions or concerns.

Shipping Container Packing Tips

• As you are packing, take a few extra minutes to write an inventory list.

• Personal items should be wrapped and packed 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 when possible.

• Don’t over pack. Be sure box tops and sides don’t bulge or cave in.

• To optimize space, you can fill the refrigerator, washer, dryer and other hollow items that take up space.

• Pack pictures, mirrors and other similarly shaped items in the spaces between beams. This will help protect them by creating a tighter fit

• 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 a soft wrap padding.

• All appliances should be clean and dry. Immobilize moving parts and remove all detachable cords and wires. Tape electrical cords to the appliance and tape all doors and lids closed.

• Drain all gasoline 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, drugs, firearms or ammunition animals, original documents (birth certificates, will, etc.) original videos (wedding, etc.). Please see our Personal Storage page for more details.

• Take care to evenly distribute the weight of your contents throughout the container and use all available space. Strap anything down that may move by using the lugs located throughout the container.