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Self Packing & Self Loading Guide

Complete step-by-step instructions for safely packing and loading your container for an international move.

This guide will help you properly pack and load your shipment to avoid damage, delays, and costly mistakes. Self-loading can save money — but it must be done correctly.

If you are unsure, we strongly recommend hiring experienced movers for loading — improper loading is the #1 cause of damage in self-load shipments.

20ft vs 40ft Container Guide

20ft Container
~1,000–1,200 CFT
1–2 bedroom home
Smaller moves / partial loads
40ft Container
~1,900–2,000 CFT
3–4 bedroom home
Full household + vehicles

Always allow extra space. Overpacking increases risk of damage.

Packing Materials & Where to Buy

  • Boxes – U-Haul / Home Depot
  • Bubble wrap & packing paper – Home Depot / Amazon
  • Furniture blankets – U-Haul
  • Stretch wrap – Home Depot
  • Ratchet straps – Home Depot / Harbor Freight
  • Moisture absorbers (DampRid) – Amazon / Home Depot
  • Tape (heavy duty) – Home Depot

Detailed Self Packing Instructions

  • Use small boxes for heavy items, large boxes for light items
  • Fill all empty space — boxes must be tight
  • Wrap fragile items individually
  • Double tape heavy boxes
  • Label boxes clearly with number + contents
  • Disassemble furniture when possible
  • Protect furniture with blankets + wrap
  • Keep hardware in labeled bags
  • Use moisture protection for long transit
  • Create a full inventory list

Do Not Pack These Items

  • Lithium batteries (unless installed properly)
  • Paint, chemicals, flammable liquids
  • Aerosols and pressurized containers
  • Food or perishables
  • Cash, jewelry, documents
  • Weapons or restricted items
  • Liquids that can leak

See official customs guidance:
IAM Moving Guidelines

Detailed Step-by-Step Container Loading Instructions

Proper loading is critical. Your shipment will experience movement during trucking, port handling, and ocean transit. If not loaded correctly, items will shift and damage can occur.

 

Step 1: Inspect the container before loading
Check thoroughly before placing anything inside:
  • Look for holes, cracks, or light coming through walls
  • Check for moisture, damp flooring, or water stains
  • Ensure there are no strong odors (chemicals, mold)
  • Confirm floor is solid and not soft or damaged
Take photos before loading — this protects you if issues arise later.
Step 2: Stage and organize your shipment
Before loading begins:
  • Group items by weight and size
  • Keep heavy items and dense cartons closest to the container
  • Have all materials ready (straps, pads, wrap)
Do NOT start loading randomly — planning improves safety and space.
Step 3: Load heavy items first (front of container)
Start at the front wall (furthest from doors):
  • Place appliances, solid furniture, and heavy boxes first
  • Keep weight low and tight to the floor
  • This creates a stable base for the entire load
Step 4: Build tight, solid rows
Load in rows moving toward the doors:
  • No gaps between items (side-to-side or front-to-back)
  • Use boxes and soft items to fill voids
  • Think “brick stacking” — everything locked together
Empty space = movement = damage.
Step 5: Distribute weight evenly
Balance is critical:
  • Do not load all heavy items on one side
  • Keep weight even left-to-right
  • Prevent leaning or shifting during transit
Step 6: Stack correctly (vertical loading)
  • Heavy items on bottom
  • Medium items in middle
  • Light / fragile items on top
Never stack heavy cartons on fragile boxes.
Step 7: Fill all gaps and voids
Use:
  • Pillows, cushions, soft bags
  • Extra cartons or packing material
This prevents movement during ocean waves and handling.
Step 8: Secure each section as you go
Do not wait until the end:
  • Use ratchet straps or rope at intervals
  • Attach to container anchor points
  • Lock sections in place as you build
Step 9: Build a final “bulkhead” at the doors
The last row is critical:
  • Pack tightly from floor to ceiling
  • Secure with straps or blocking
  • This prevents items from falling when doors open
Step 10: Final inspection before sealing
Before closing:
  • Check for loose items
  • Confirm straps are tight
  • Ensure load is compact and stable
After closing:
  • Record container number
  • Record seal number
  • Take photos for records

If you are unsure, we strongly recommend hiring experienced movers — improper loading is the #1 cause of damage in self-load shipments.

Simple Loading Layout

Front → Back: Heavy → Medium → Light → Fragile

How to Load a Car in a Container

  • Less than 1/4 tank of fuel
  • Disable alarm
  • Use wheel blocks
  • Secure all 4 wheels with ratchet straps
  • Attach straps to frame (not suspension)
  • Vehicle in park + parking brake
  • Leave keys inside

Estimated Cost for Hiring Movers

  • 20ft Container: $950-$1500.00 
  • 40ft Container: $1500-$2200.00
  • 40ft High Cube -$2000-$2800.00 

Hiring movers helps maximize space and secure your shipment properly.

Self Loading Checklist

  • Inventory completed
  • Boxes labeled
  • Container inspected
  • Load balanced
  • Straps secured
  • Seal number recorded

Need Help Planning Your Move?

We can review your inventory, container size, and loading plan before your move.

Self Loading guidance pictures 

Overseas Moving self loading pictures 

For self-packing customers, it's essential to provide a clear list of items that require special attention or are restricted, such as lithium batteries. Here are some items to include in the warning for customers packing their own boxes:
 

1. Lithium Batteries

  • Devices containing lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, power tools, and electric scooters, need to be declared. Many countries have strict regulations for transporting these items due to the risk of fire.

2. Hazardous Materials

  • Items classified as hazardous, including but not limited to:
    • Paints, varnishes, and stains
    • Cleaning chemicals and bleach
    • Aerosols (e.g., spray paint, deodorants)
    • Pesticides and herbicides
    • Pool chemicals
    • Fire extinguishers Customers should be informed that these items are often prohibited in shipments or need to be packed and declared properly.

3. Flammable Items

  • Examples include matches, lighters, propane tanks, and gasoline-powered tools. Flammable liquids like kerosene, lighter fluid, and alcohol-based products should also be mentioned.

4. Pressurized Containers

  • Items like aerosol cans, CO2 cartridges, and spray cans can be dangerous when transported due to pressure buildup during transit.

5. Perishable Items

  • Food items, particularly perishables, should not be packed. In some countries, even non-perishable foodstuffs may require special documentation for customs.

6. Sharp Objects

  • Any sharp items such as knives, scissors, or tools should be securely packed and labeled to prevent injury during handling.

7. Valuables

  • Customers should avoid packing valuables like cash, jewelry, or important documents. They should be transported personally or using secure courier services.

8. Firearms, Ammunition, and Weapons

  • Firearms and ammunition are often restricted and should be declared. Any type of weapon, including pepper spray and knives, may also be subject to regulation depending on the destination country.

9. Liquids

  • Customers should avoid packing liquids that could leak and cause damage to other items. Any liquids packed should be sealed in waterproof containers and declared. Keep in mind if anything leaks inside the container it can cause mold to your items during the journey. 

10. Items Requiring Permits

  • Plants, seeds, and certain animal products may require permits for international transport. It's important that customers declare these items in advance.

11. Restricted or Prohibited Items by Destination

  • Each country may have specific regulations, check your countries regulations to make sure you are not shipping any items that may be restricted or prohibitedCountry Guide for customs regulations  
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Local 954-736-4706

Fax 954 241 3456

 

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 Coast Shipping

5181 NW 109th 

Sunrise, FL, 33351

 

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