Mastodawn

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things

I have a question about our 'moving house' plans, and I would welcome some thoughts about it.

We have a lot of stuff to get rid of, but also a lot of stuff, (furniture, workshop machines, steel and timber stock, heavy equipment, etc.) that will need to move with us.

My thoughts were to somehow find a local place that has shipping container storage, move it all there while clearing the house, and then move the shipping container when we know where we have moved to.

I don't know if there is such an option locally, at both ends.

I'd appreciate any ideas as to how to do this, or if you have companies that you are aware of that would work like this.

We are in the Greater Manchester are of the UK and moving to rural Wales.

Thank you.

#Advice #MakersHelp #MovingHouse

Dave Ames 🟨🟥Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things if the shipping container idea isn't feasible, maybe you could move stuff into a local self storage unit. Then once you've cleared as much as you need to this end, move the contents to another self storage unit at the other end then gradually decant it into the new house.

@DavidAmes @Maker_of_Things I have all my stuff in storage in manchester at the moment, with the company that did the move, but I think also the best option would be to move them where you are at the moment to a storage unit where you can have access and sell them from there. If you need company name etc let me know I can send a DM

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@sang_froid
DM sent. 👍

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@DavidAmes
That was one of my thoughts, thank you. That may have to be the option if there isn't anything else.

I struggled with two things. One was the cost of storage, or rather the lack of openness by the storage companies about how much they charge before I register and start a dialogue with them.
The other was the need to move it all twice, maybe with many car/van trips with a 4 hour drive each way, hence pondering the 'just move the storage (container) unit in one go' option.

I am tying myself in knots working it out.

@Maker_of_Things @DavidAmes

To be honest, I'd be surprised if an individual can rent a mobile shipping container. And if you do, you need an HGV to move it.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@regordane @DavidAmes
I'd buy the container, about £2500+VAT, and then keep it when we move to a small holding.
We bought two to build the community workshop.

I could hire a transport company to move the container, but would need to know what weight they could load/unload with the truck mounted crane. But it is possible, if I packed it securely for moving.

@Maker_of_Things @DavidAmes

Ah, if you want to BUY a shipping container then I can see why it makes sense to use it for your own removal first

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@regordane @DavidAmes
Yes, it has been an idea to have two, one for workshop stuff, and one for domestic stuff.

Two containers would make a nice workshop, just like the one we built for the community workshop we were at this morning.

@Maker_of_Things

There are loads of self-storage facilities around, where you can rent containers of various sizes. I'm sure there'll be at least one in the Manchester area. They'll probably also sell boxes/crates for packing up smaller items.

But the usual method is to use a van or truck to move stuff into and out of self-storage. I've never heard of a shipping container being moved as part of a household removal.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@regordane
Yes, that's one of the things I was finding a lack of.

Having loaded and unloaded containers for a job once, I don't fancy doing that too many times, hence pondering only loading and unloading once.

It is also a 4+ hour drive to where we want to move to and that could be a lot of car/van journeys to move that much stuff.

Workshopshed Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things when we moved up to Scotland we ended up with the house in storage for a few weeks. They had massive "crates" about the size of a 3rd of a shipping container.
That service was provided by the removal company but was quite expensive and you'd not want to do that for any period of time.
You could try the national storage companies?

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@Workshopshed
Who did you use?
It would be interesting to see what they would charge. Thank you.

I could move stuff to a local storage here, then get them to move it to local storage in Wales. It would be easier for them to be moving from storage than moving from the house in one go. 🤔

concretedog Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things outside the box... but DM me where you are planning to move to... I might have local knowledge. My fil has rented a barn to people for this for example. There's often outbuildings available for cheaper than lockup rent.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@concretedog
I will do that, thank you.
Currently, the search area is between Aberystwyth and Abertifi in a 15-20 miles from the coast band.

concretedog Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things I'm less familiar with stuff down there... but I'd deffo ask around when you find a place. Its a common thing to rent an outbuilding. I know people who have stored a kitchen etc whilst refurbing.

Y⃒̸̷̝̜̙ͥͥͥngmar Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things That's the sort of job you will have to individually negotiate with a company, or more likely, multiple companies.

Usually one for the container rent, one for hauling (and loading/unloading) the container and one for parking it somewhere.

Seeing you want to go homesteading, I'd consider the option of buying a shipping container instead of renting. They are extremely useful later on as tool storage shed, temporary workshop or accomodation for guests, workers or yourself while you work on the main house.

Parking a container can be done for a very low cost at a friendly farmers or even free at friends with space. Just make sure there is sufficient road for a heavy truck.

Then you just hire a special truck to pick up/deliver and that's it.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@yngmar
Yes, if we go the shipping container route, I'd buy one (or two) to keep as a future workshop/storage option.

The logistics are tying me in knots, so it is good to see other options too.

Also, there is the issue of not knowing if a container could be delivered on site at some of the places I've seen.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@yngmar
Based on replies, there are all in one services who will pack, store, and move. It'll cost a fair bit, but it is probably safest and more efficient overall.

@Maker_of_Things I'd suggest looking at international moving firms. They are more likely to use the shipping container method, but may be willing to move domestically too.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@fak
I hadn't thought of international moving, but that makes sense.
Thank you.

NormanDunbar Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things We moved Leeds-->Scotland. Rented for a while. We were advised by many Local (Leeds) movers to get a Destination company to come down, pick up and store for us.

Why? Cost. Our locals would have to ship up north, and unload then a local would have to repack and reload for storage.

The quotes we got made it clear, it was cheaper to come down, pack up, drive north and unload into storage than getting a Leeds co. To shop us north.

HTH.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@NormanDunbar
That's a good point. Thank you.

Jo the Neenish Tart Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things How about mobile self storage, not sure if you have it in the UK but here's an example of what I mean https://www.taxibox.com.au/

Australia's Most Trusted Mobile Storage Company - TAXIBOX

It's storage delivered, simple. More 5-star reviews than all our competitors combined. Get your instant quote or book online now.

TAXIBOX

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@neenish_tart
Ahhh, yeah, I saw one company doing that.

I couldn't see prices and the boxes looked small.
But still worth adding to the 'consider' list.

Thank you.

Theolodian Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things there is a pod storage place around here, but it sounds like you’re way past that.

Declutterring is important! We got one storage unit to declutter before we put the house on the market, and a second after we signed contracts to reduce the burden on moving day.

Container based storage yards are always getting robbed around here for motorbikes, etc. May or may not concern you.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@theolodian
Yeah, we are decluttering like mad at the moment.

Still getting through Dad's 'collections' of stuff, and all the stock from his electrical wholesale shop when he moved up from London.
Two 7.5 ton lorry loads came into my house because he wouldn't have a stock sale.
Now, nearly 30 years later, we can't even give it away.

Storage security would be an issue. The stuff I want to move I don't want to lose.
The stuff I could stand losing we'll get rid of here and replace later if we still need it.

Theolodian Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things if you have room for shipping containers, then I agree that is probably your best plan. Buy one or two, fill them up, and move them later. Maybe make something out of them at the new place?

No idea what prices are these days. Used to be quite reasonable. 🤷‍♂️

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@theolodian
We got two 20' containers for the Community Workshop, £2500+VAT+delivery.

I like the idea of using them and keeping to make a new workshop, but I think the issue is this end.

We could get an empty one delivered on the drive, but I suspect that it will need too big a crane lorry to pick up when loaded.
The road is weak and narrow, and it would be an awkward reach at that weight.

Pods have been suggested, and I think many smaller pods might be better than two containers, as we could fill one, and have it stored, before we fill another.

@Maker_of_Things Just to check, do you have space where you are to host a container while you fill it?

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@jarkman
We do, kinda.
The difficulty is that the size of crane truck that can drop off an empty container might not be able to reach and pick up a full one.

That would be a big problem if it happened.

@Maker_of_Things For sure.

If it's helpful, I had a quick poke at shipping container websites and it looks like they can pick up full ones but would have to send a different truck. For example:
https://www.budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk/shipping-container-delivery-options/

I wonder what the delivery/transport fees are, that would be interesting to know.

Shipping Container Delivery | Budget Shipping Containers

Shipping container delivery options including hiab crane equipped delivery, side-lifter delivery and other special ptions. Shipping container delivery UK.

Budget Shipping Containers

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@jarkman
We had the containers for the community workshop delivered that way. The crane still needed to be close to the site to off load empty ones.

I can't remember the cost, but I am sure there was a benefit to it being for a community project.

@Maker_of_Things I wonder if it might be worth calling a couple of the container companies, that could get you a quick answer.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@jarkman
Yes. It would be worth doing that.

It was one of those times when I had the idea it must be possible, but no experience or other options, so I think this question has been worth asking.

I am putting together a list of options and recommended/suggested companies to contact.

I think sooner is better so we can pan ahead, even if it is a year ahead.

WhistlingStella 🇨🇦Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things Do you require humidity or temperature control? Shipping containers are not ideal.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@WhistlingStella
Not really, not for the duration we'd need stuff in there.

I can protect the machines from corrosion, to a certain extent, and the furniture will be, hopefully, back out and in use fairly quickly.

RealGene ☣️Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things
Does Pods fit the bill?
They provide you with a nominally sized container at your location, you fill it, then they warehouse it until you want it, when it is delivered to the new location.

https://ukpods.co.uk/

PODS Moving & Storage UK

PODS offers the easiest way to move and store your belongings. With pay-as-you-go pricing and flexible solutions, we make moving hassle-free.

PODS Moving and Storage

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@RealGene
Maybe, thank you. I'll add it to the list to look into.

I do wonder how much weight they can hold for my workshop machines, but I suppose I can distribute the weight around a few pod containers.

Man aging with madness Mar 5

The last time we moved, we used PODS and it was great. They dropped the container in our drive and we spent about two weeks packing up our stuff and loading it into the pod. No tripping over boxes. Moving day, they picked up the container and delivered it to the new location. We took about a week to unpack, pulling a box out and unpacking it. Again, no tripping over boxes.

Highly recommended.

https://ukpods.co.uk/moving-and-storage/

@Maker_of_Things

Moving And Storage

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PODS Moving and Storage

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@praxiscode
That's good to know, from real experience.

Was securing items from movement much of an issue in a pod?

I have heavy machinery that is a bit more difficult compared to domestic furniture.

Maybe I need to look at palletising some of it first.

Man aging with madness Mar 5

Ours was mostly household stuff. We bought sturdy shelving and a load of those stackable containers with the folding tops. There were eyehooks dividing the container into four equal sections; we used tiedown straps to secure each quarter before loading in the next quarter. If your items are top-heavy and/or prone to tipping, then palletising is a good idea.

Having done it once, I wouldn't move any other way now.

@Maker_of_Things

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@praxiscode
That's good to know.
Thank you.

Man aging with madness Mar 5

As an added bonus, we had plenty of sturdy shelving after the move, which we still use to this day in the garage and basement.

@Maker_of_Things

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@praxiscode
We had a load of sturdy shelving to put Dad's shop stock onto, but a few years ago we gave most of it away to a friend who was opening up a shop in Wales.

It would be mean to ask for it back. 😄

Man aging with madness Mar 5

The truck they used was pretty nifty; it was essentially the claw part of a crane, with wheels attached. They just "drove over" the container, hosted it straight up, and drove off.

@Maker_of_Things

Michael ᚋᚔᚉᚆᚓᚐᚂ Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things Sorry, can't answer the materials storage question but I just popped along to say: you will have FAR MORE stuff than you can possibly imagine.

We moved out for renovations. Put everything into storage and took essentials with us in a small rental van. Of course the work took much longer than anticipated and when we finally moved back in, a long time later, we hadn’t missed any of the stuff in storage. I would have been very happy had it been stolen.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@baoigheallain
Yeah, it really is going to be that 'You have no idea!' thing as we get to that stage.

We are being brutal in getting rid in advance.
Even my workshop is going to get reduced, when we come to it. One room at a time right now.

I reckon there is so much stuff, still, that we will want to take that we wouldn't miss if it was lost in storage.

Michael ᚋᚔᚉᚆᚓᚐᚂ Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things We took bags and bags of stuff to charity. Then put stuff in storage.

Because we hadn't missed any of the stored stuff, we did a ruthless cull before moving it back. That involved even more bags and bags going to charity.

Books, LPs and CDs take enormous numbers of boxes.

Good luck.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@baoigheallain
Thank you.

The local charity shops are getting inundated by us so we have to slow down a bit.
The tip is also 52 trips a year, so we need to be careful there too.

There are 300+ VHS films that we are tipping at the moment, and also putting stuff aside for car boot season.

No end of tools and trade stuff have gone to Tools With A Mission, and we still have a dozens of power tools.

I probably have the best part of half a ton of copper cables to strip before weighing in as scrap!

@Maker_of_Things how about a used box trailer from eBay? Sell it on after the move.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@Rob_l
I already have two trailers, a 1600kg and an 1800kg.
Neither are box trailers, but I can only tow 2000kg with my car. I'd still need 5 or 10 trips!

If I bought a box trailer I'd end up keeping it.

I was wondering about buying a 7.5 ton box truck, though.

Had I not 'sacked*' my HGV examiner when I was taking my test, I'd go hire an artic lorry.
______

*He asked me to take a junction to the motorway, and that was illegal. I refused, he insisted, I refused absolutely, and he failed me.

DVLA upheld my refusal and cancelled my fail. They then sent the examiner for retraining, and a few years later changed the law to make HGV examinations on the motorway legal.

My instructor told me I should have taken the motorway, passed the test, and then reported the examiner. 🤦‍♀️

@Maker_of_Things ouch, fair enough not sure I'd ever be a good enough driver for an hgv license.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@Rob_l
I wouldn't do it now, everything is so much harder than it was back in the 90s.

Dave bauer Mar 5

@Maker_of_Things I am in the US but we did this. Moved out stuff to container. Went on vacation to California, came back and out stuff was in the driveway of the new house. (we also had our attorney do the closing for us!)

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 5

@davebauerart
This sort of move does seem a bit more common in the US than in the UK, probably because we are unconventional in having more workshop that home in our house.

Also, it seems, in the US shipping containers can be moved with a tilt deck trailer and a pick up truck, whereas here we need a crane on an 18 ton truck as a minimum.

Dave bauer Mar 6

@Maker_of_Things I was going to reply with all the cool ways we can deliver boxes to your driveway in the US, but I suspect it while maybe fun for a curious person, doesn't solve your problem! Best of luck.

Alfred Chow - Maker of Things Mar 6

@davebauerart
Thank you.

I have watched a lot of videos on moving shipping containers around in the US, to get a feel for how I might need to do that when setting up the community workshop.
It resulted a few extra lifting and shifting tool in my itinerary. 😄