How to pack correctly for shipping to Somalia

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Shipping goods by sea to Somalia often involves large volumes, long distances, and multiple transfers. That’s why proper packing is crucial – both to protect your items during the journey and to meet the requirements of shipping companies, ports, and customs authorities. In this post, we walk you through exactly how to pack properly – step by step – whether you’re sending a box of clothes or an entire household.

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Why is packing so important for sea freight?

Sea freight differs from, for example, air mail or standard domestic parcel shipping in several ways. First, the journeys are long – often four to six weeks at sea – where your cargo is exposed to movement, vibrations, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

Second, your cargo is handled by multiple parties: during pickup, at the terminal, when loading onto the ship, at transfer points in ports, and finally during delivery in Somalia. At every stage there is a risk of items falling, being bumped, crushed, or mixed up if the packing is not well thought out.

Good packing:

Reduces the risk of extra charges

Protects the contents from damage

Prevents loss or confusion

Makes it easier for customs and the recipient
Step 1: Choose the right boxes and packing materials

The first mistake many people make is using old, weak, or mixed boxes. We recommend sturdy moving boxes, plastic containers with lids, or wooden crates for larger or fragile items.

Tips:

• Use double-walled cardboard boxes (not thin postal boxes)
• Avoid mixing many different types and sizes – it makes loading harder
• Consider plastic bins with lids for electronics, kitchenware, and books
• For very heavy items (appliances, machines): use wooden crates or pallet frames

Packing materials:

Plastic bags inside boxes to protect against moisture

Bubble wrap

Thick paper or old sheets

Foam boards or Styrofoam

Step 2: Pack items by weight and fragility

Start by organizing your items into three categories:

1. Fragile (porcelain, glass, electronics)
2. Heavy (books, kitchen appliances, metal)
3. Soft (clothing, textiles, plastic toys)

Tips for each type:

• Fragile: Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap, use multiple layers. Fill empty space with paper. Mark the box as “FRAGILE”.
• Heavy: Distribute weight evenly. Place heavy items at the bottom, but do not mix with fragile items in the same box.
• Soft: Clothing and textiles work as padding – use them smartly around edges or to stabilize other items.

Avoid:

• Packing large boxes too heavily (max 25 kg per box if possible)
• Leaving empty spaces (can collapse when stacked)
• Mixing food and clothes in the same box

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Step 3: Label everything clearly

All cargo must be clearly labeled with the recipient’s details:

• Full name
• Phone number (preferably two)
• City and area in Somalia
• If possible, also a reference or customer number

Label each box on at least two sides – ideally all four. Use a waterproof marker or printed labels. If sending multiple packages, number them: e.g., “1 of 5,” “2 of 5,” etc.

Tips:

• Place a copy of the address information inside each box
• Optionally label the contents broadly: “CLOTHES – CHILDREN,” “ELECTRONICS – TV”
• For shipments to companies/organizations: write the organization name clearly

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