PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

Cargo Container Packing Suggestions

I am currently packaging my things to ship to Cartagena later this month (August), and would like to get some pointers or suggestions from some of the veteran PBHers who have relocated to Colombia and shipped their belonging. This would range from best ways to pack items, packing list tips, box markings, and options for packing things like furniture etc. I know that expatriate, dwmte, and a few others have alot of experience in this regards, and was interested in hearing from them and others. Of course, if we ever meet up in Colombia, the first several rounds will be on me!!!!

Thanks!!!

Miguel Clavo

By Miguel_Clavo on Jul 31, 2006, 19:31 in Friendly Talkzone.

expatriate says on Aug 1, 2006, 05:27:

How we did it. If I was to do it over again, moving to Cali from Cali-fornia, I would bring nearly everything. You're charged by volume, not weight, so a couch is probably not a good idea to bring.

After you pack your first box, you should have a list of its contents, an approximate used value for each item, and the number 1 marked on the box. If you or your wife are Colombian, and are thus moving back to Colombia, you can also mark the box "baggage" so as to avoid import taxes. Repeat for the next box you pack, except mark it 2, and also "baggage" if your circumstances apply. You should be able to tell anyone what is in any box, to hopefully avoid having to open the box at some point.

If you are bringing paintings, mirrors, and other flat breakable things, have a custom made wooden box made for you by the shipping company. Ask your shipper how to pack your particular furniture. Beds are voluminous, but if you have a fairly new, comfortable, quality mattress, bring it, and all of your sheets. Good mattresses are expensive here.

Consider shopping at Ikea for tables, chairs and ceiling fans. Their stuff is usually a good buy and packs flat. Good luck!

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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 1, 2006, 18:22:

Do i need to provide a detailed inventory to anyone other than the shippers? how detailed does it need to be? (make, models, serial numbers, etc, if applicable?)

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...Listo!! Libertad!!!...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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