Your Guide to Shipping Container Transport in Ballina
January 27, 2021
On average, about 14% of us relocate every year to pursue a new job opportunity.
Moving across town is one thing, but relocating from Ballina to as far as say, Melbourne, is quite another! To that end, you’re going to want to make sure you take everything with you in one shot; as multiple trips really isn’t an option. One way to do that is by using a shipping container.
But how exactly does this work? How much do they cost? And how do you find the best possible shipping container company for removals in Ballina?
In this guide, we’re going to answer these three pressing questions, helping you find the best possible solution for your relocating needs.
1. How Does Shipping Container Transport Work?
The Basics
Shipping containers are large, metal containers that come in a variety of sizes - the most common sizes being 10 ft, 20 ft, and 40 ft. They can be used for storage, transporting belongings, or even a small living or office space – fancy that!
First, before you relocate, you need to work out what size container you’ll need.
If you’ve got a 2 - 3 bedroom house, a 20 ft container is your best bet. If you’ve got a bigger place, say 4 bedrooms or bigger, you’ll be better off with a 40 ft container.
Consider that you’ll want space for all of your belongings to fit without having fragile items stacked on top of each other. You also don’t want so much room that your belongings end up sliding around during transit.
Once you’ve decided what size container you need, time to locate a vendor that will provide you with one to rent or buy. You can either rent or purchase a new or secondhand container. Both have their pros and cons.
New containers usually carry a higher price tag. However, you have the satisfaction of knowing they’re in mint condition, and are air and water-tight.
Pre-owned containers usually cost less, but may have minor damage. However, if you won’t be storing items for long periods of time (say months), they will work just as well.
Once you’ve decided on the size and condition of your container, you’ll need to locate a vendor in Ballina that handles removals and will provide you with one for rent or purchase, and organize the delivery of it to your current home. Next is the ‘fun’ part.
Prepping For The Move
When it comes to packing things up, remember that your belongings will be on a long journey, and will inevitably be jostled around a bit.
Be sure to wrap large items like sofas, beds, and other furniture, as this will ensure they’re adequately padded and secure.
When packing up for your move:
Use plenty of packing materials. You want your belongings to reach their destination safely. This is of particular concern when it comes to relocating, as this requires longer travel times and distances.
Use sturdy containers. Now is not the time to use boxes or bins that are on their last leg! You’ll need to use materials that are strong and can handle a bit of moving and bumping around.
Learn about restrictions. Review local laws to find out about any restrictions, such as what can and cannot be transported in a shipping container. Knowing this ahead of time will prevent hassles and potentially heavy fines.
Consider carrying smaller items with you. If you have small breakables like fine china or porcelain figurines, consider carrying these items with you. If you’re traveling via airplane, however, this may not be feasible. In that case, make sure your items are well-padded so that they stay safe during transit.
Hire professionals. Hiring professionals to help you pack and move your shipping container can make your moving experience stress-free and highly efficient. Professionals that handle removals in Ballina can take care of these arrangements so that you’re free to take care of other things – like how you’re going to keep the kids from driving you crazy on your trip...
Using a Home Removalist Company
When you’re relocating, a home removalist company in Ballina can be extremely helpful. A good, experienced removalist will help you avoid a lot of the hassle, as they help guide you through the entire process.
They help with such things as:
- Advising which shipping container size is best for you
- Providing the container
- Helping you wrap and pack your items
- Transporting the shipping container.
They’re also very knowledgeable when it comes to local laws and restrictions regarding what you can and cannot carry in the shipping containers, so you have even less to worry about.
2. How Much Does It Cost For Shipping Container Transport & Removals In Ballina?
Cost Factors
There are several factors that affect the cost, depending on what your specific situation calls for.
Cost hinges on such factors as:
Size of the container. It goes without saying; the bigger the container, the higher the cost. Make sure you choose one that’s just right for your needs to avoid overpaying.
Condition of the container. You have the option of either purchasing a brand new container or a secondhand one; it all depends on your preference and concerns.
Distance. How far are you traveling? The longer the distance, the more it will cost.
Mode of transportation. Shipping containers can be transported via a few methods, depending on how far or where you’re going. The most popular options are truck or train.
Time of year. The most popular moving seasons are Spring and Summer. Because of the high demand during these times, prices will be a little higher. Winter is a cheaper time to move, but it can also present some challenges because of the weather.
Pricing
If you’re relocating to a city in another state, for example, to Melbourne, you’re most likely looking at spending between $3,000 and $4,000 if you’re using a 20 ft container, and up to $6,000 for a 40 ft container. Prices will fluctuate when you factor in the mode of travel and distance.
The right home removalist company can walk you through the decision-making process and, with your specific needs in mind, help you choose the best shipping container, as well as mode of transporting your container. ### Buyer Beware As with all industries, when choosing a company for removals in Ballina, you have to be careful to avoid companies that display these red flags:
Lack of professionalism. This is more than just having a bad attitude. That demeanor will also be reflected in how they handle your precious cargo.
Very cheap. Steep discounts in price can also mean below-standard service.
Very expensive. While good service does cost more than shotty service, it shouldn’t be ridiculously high. If the removalist is charging exorbitant prices; steer clear.
Poor reviews. They have a bad standing in the community. If you don’t want to end up as another disgruntled customer (and potentially damaged belongings!), just leave them be.
3. How To Find The Best Shipping Container Transport Company For Removals In Ballina?
Here are a few ways you can find a good, experienced shipping container transport company.
Reviews. Take a look at the reviews left by past customers. What is their rating? Steer clear of any company with a rating below 4 stars. Google and Facebook are two very popular arenas for finding well-rounded (most anyway) reviews from a variety of people.
Experience. For an undertaking as complex and important as relocating, it’s best to go with someone who has the necessary experience. Companies that specialize in removals in Ballina that have been in business for 10 years or more have seen it all and done it all. They’ll be in the best position to help you with every aspect of your move; from packing up, to helping you unload your container.
Comprehensive Quote. A good removalist company will make sure to cover all of their bases in the quote. This includes the container, packing materials, method of shipping, even insurance (something you’ll definitely need).
Conclusion
From buying a new home, to all the arrangements that have to be made; relocating has its own set of difficulties.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone handle it for you?
At Frontline Removals, Ballina residents benefit from our 20+ years of experience helping people like yourself get to where they need to go, the right way. Our team is dedicated to making your move smooth and hassle-free. Contact us today to help you get started on the right foot!