Container Loading

Loading Day!

This has been long awaited since our decision in February 2022 to repatriate! It hasn't been without its problems. Loading was supposed to be Wednesday but they briefly lost our shipping container 😂🤪💩😱🤷 so loading was deferred until today. 

At times during the move preparation phase a shipping container can seem like heaps of space for your life's belongings... at other times you stress it all won't fit inside. 

Today we find out one way or another...

We've culled heaps of furniture and excess belongings. Most of what's left is precious to us for one reason or another mostly because the items are irreplaceable (antiques, one of a kinds etc). 

We aren't taking most appliances because Australia uses 240 volt power. However we've made a few exceptions:

• Sewing machines
• KitchenAid mixer and blender
• Matt's computer monitors
• Compressor
• Power tools; drill, chainsaw, circular saw etc

For these appliances we've bought power transformers. 

We also aren't taking beds because Australian mattresses/bedding are slightly different sizes. 

So straight away you'd think 🤔 40' must be enough. Right?!?

But remember:

- I collect antique kitchenware & sewing machines. 

- I'm also a quilter with lots of collected sewing fabrics, notions and equipment. 

- We also have three grown children and a lifetime of keepsakes such as photos, Legos, toys etc.

So it's been a long wait to see what fits in 40'.

First they load the boxes.

They loaded some shelving with boxes on the shelves too to maximize use of space.

Every clunk of the dolly down the three front steps made me anxious for my treasured belongings and made me glad I had personally packed those (with hubby's amazing help) very carefully.

But in the end it fitted all our treasured belongings! The only things that didn't fit were IKEA Billy Bookcases that are easily replaceable:

The four men that United sent worked their asses off in 95*heat from 9am to 4pm! The guy in the container placing things like a jigsaw puzzle did an amazing job! We really appreciated the diligence in difficult circumstances!

But at the end of the day it was awesome to watch that container driving away knowing that all our treasures fitted inside!