A step-by-step guide to packing your barrel like a pro — maximize space, protect your items through the 3–5 week ocean voyage, and clear Jamaican customs without headaches.
Follow these steps in order. Good packing means more fits in your barrel, nothing breaks, and customs moves faster.
You supply your own barrel — standard 55 or 77-gallon shipping barrels are available at hardware stores, moving-supply shops, and online across the GTA. Make sure your barrel is completely dry inside. Any moisture over a 3–5 week sea voyage can cause mould and ruin clothing and food. Line the inside with a large heavy-duty garbage bag — this adds a second layer of waterproofing and keeps everything together.
Build your foundation with the heaviest, sturdiest items — canned goods, tinned food, cooking oil (sealed), and heavy household items. This keeps the barrel stable and stops lighter items from getting crushed.
Clothing, bedding, and towels take up huge space. Vacuum-seal bags shrink them dramatically — you can easily double what fits. This is the single biggest space-saver and saves you money by fitting more in one barrel.
Wrap anything fragile individually in clothing, towels, or bubble wrap. Place these in the middle of the barrel, cushioned on all sides by soft items. Never put breakables against the barrel wall.
Tape bottle necks shut, then place each liquid inside its own sealed plastic bag. Keep all liquids away from food and clothing. Remember: aerosols, flammable liquids, and perfume in any quantity are prohibited — check the full list before packing.
Empty space means items shift and break at sea. Stuff socks, small towels, and soft items into every gap. A tightly packed barrel is a safe barrel.
Write down everything you pack. You'll need this contents list for customs documentation — it speeds up clearance in Jamaica and helps if there's ever a question about your shipment.
Secure the lid with the locking ring. When you drop off or we pick up, we'll affix the shipping seal and record the seal number on your paperwork.
Line the barrel with a garbage bag, pack heavy items at the bottom, use vacuum bags for clothing to save space, wrap breakables individually, seal all liquids in plastic bags, fill gaps with soft items, and keep a packing list for customs.
The heaviest, sturdiest items — canned goods, tinned food, and heavy household items. This gives the barrel stability and prevents lighter items from being crushed.
Wrap breakables individually in clothing, towels, or bubble wrap, place them in the middle surrounded by soft items, and fill all empty gaps so nothing shifts during the 3–5 week ocean voyage.
Yes — non-perishable food like canned goods, rice, flour, and seasonings is allowed. Keep food sealed and separate from cleaning products and detergents. Note that food may attract customs duty in Jamaica.
Flat rate — $85 for 55 gal, $95 for 77 gal. Free Mississauga drop-off or GTA pickup.
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