Millo Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 Hello, we have had several quotes this week from movers but told by one that we shouldn't even consider packing our own boxes for the to move as it will be more costly when AQIS check them over as it was not a reputable company packing them. The quotes were much cheaper with us packing our own boxes from other companies however some point blank refused to allow this option. Does anyone have experience from packing your own and all ok with AQIS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srg73 Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 The packers are correct, first thing customs will head for is scruffy used boxes etc. Also your packers keep a itinerary of what has been packed and signed off to confirm there are not illegal or threatening items contained. If you pack the they can not sign this off and customs will want to inspect which will attract a charge which may cost more than the boxes. We came to the closest compromise in returning everything back to its own unsealed packaging, packers inspected, sealed and boxed. The only exception was our record collection (6000+) which I packed into plastic crates, left open so Bournes our packers inspected, signed and zip tied closed. S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickyplum Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 We purchased and packed our own boxes, logged the contents of the boxes using the forms the shipper gave us (Seven Seas - using a medium Move Cube). From what we can tell, none of our boxes were opened or inspected in any way. Everything turned up intact and only one box was slightly damaged upon delivery to our destination address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 (edited) We have had 3 international moves, and 4 interstate moves and have always packed our own boxes, only twice have any boxes been opened, both times the bike box and another two or 3 random boxes. You can get the shippers to drop off boxes or you can buy them from any of the shipping companies. For the inventories we just listed box by box, eg kitchen equipment, toys, clothes etc. Just leave the big furniture for the shippers to wrap. Edited September 8, 2016 by AJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 (edited) Easy - just don't choose a shipper who won't let you pack your own stuff! It's just a revenue-raiser. I do think it's a good idea to get proper removalist boxes from the company, rather than using any old box. Their boxes are usually much stronger so they won't collapse if stacked high - also they'll stack more neatly so you'll get more in. And if Customs do want to inspect, they are more likely to choose the scruffy boxes because they might harbour spiders etc. Some removalists will ask you to leave the boxes open so they can have a quick inspection when they arrive before packing. Edited September 8, 2016 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirstyLP Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 one additional thing to consider in deciding whether to pack your own boxes or not is insurance. Some insurers don't cover owner packed boxes, only those packed by a professional removal company. That might not be a problem for you but worth just checking to make sure you're comfortable with the level of protection you have for your move. It is also worth making sure you're familiar with restricted/prohibited items if you're packing yourselves to avoid fees for treating or destroying any items you're not allowed to take in, for example untreated wood. hope that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 If you're taking a lot - then let the packers do it, ours worked like Trojans and I really didn't think that everything would fit into the container (but it did), they even made custom made packing for my daughters large dolls house Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wan2go Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 (edited) My carefully packed/marked box of wooden items was bundled into a big box marked "china & glass" by the shippers. Some boxes were checked by Customs but it seemed pretty random...... I had packed a lot of things into plastic crates, these were then boxes in cardboard as apparently that are likely to crack if stacked too high. No one said it would make a difference in cost though...... Edited September 9, 2016 by Wan2go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Hi Millo i know when we have moved interstate we have been advised we would not be covered on the insurance unless a professional removalist had packed the box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flatpack Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 My Mrs packed a load of clothes in boxes and the packers unpacked the all and repacked them. They said it was them as a company that were importing them so they had to be sure what was in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Packed everything ourselves and then packed the boxes in a move cube. No problems with AQIS. Don't believe the movers who say they have to do the packing. They're just trying to earn a little extra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Hi Milloi know when we have moved interstate we have been advised we would not be covered on the insurance unless a professional removalist had packed the box. Well of course they won't cover you for breakages, because for all they know, you might not have used enough padding to protect fragile things. They will cover you for loss of entire boxes though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 My Mrs packed a load of clothes in boxes and the packers unpacked the all and repacked them. They said it was them as a company that were importing them so they had to be sure what was in them. Load of rubbish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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